The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it has opened an investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, over allegations involving his conduct with a staff member.

The bipartisan committee said in a joint statement that an investigative panel will examine whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee in his office and whether he discriminated by providing special favors or privileges. The committee's top Republican and Democratic members issued the statement together.

The investigation centers on allegations that Gonzales had an affair with an aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died after setting herself on fire. The specific timeline and circumstances surrounding these events have not been detailed by the committee.

Following the announcement of the ethics investigation, Gonzales acknowledged what he described as a "lapse in judgement" regarding the affair. The married Republican congressman made this admission after the House panel launched its formal inquiry.

The House Ethics Committee typically conducts its investigations privately and can recommend disciplinary actions if it finds violations of House rules or standards of conduct. The committee has not indicated a timeline for completing its investigation into Gonzales.