Rep. Hastings Faces Charges of Sexual Harassment

The Office of Congressional Ethics is looking into allegations that Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., sexually harassed a female staff member, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.

The investigation began at least a month ago after Judicial Watch, a conservative group, filed a lawsuit as the legal counsel for Winsome Packer, who worked for the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which Hastings headed. She claims he sexually harassed her and retaliated when she tried to report it.

Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, said House investigators have contacted the group.

"We can confirm that Ms. Packer is cooperating with the Office of Congressional Ethics," he said.