The House Ethics Committee is reportedly conducting an investigation into possible leaks of confidential information connected to a previous ethics case involving Representative Jim Costa (D-CA).

According to a report by NOTUS, the committee has sent letters to former members who participated in deliberations regarding allegations made against Costa in 2023.Those allegations accused the congressman of making inappropriate advances toward staff members.The case was ultimately dismissed, but details from the committee's internal discussions were later disclosed to the media.

The report states that individuals who were present during the committee's deliberations are now being asked whether they shared confidential information outside the committee.Responses are reportedly required to be submitted under oath, indicating the seriousness of the inquiry.Sources cited by NOTUS said that some committee members had previously expressed concerns about Costa's behavior during those discussions.

The investigation comes amid broader criticism of the House Ethics Committee and its handling of misconduct allegations involving members of Congress.Recent scrutiny has focused on investigations involving Representatives Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, both of whom later left Congress.Critics from both political parties have argued that the committee often moves too slowly when examining allegations of wrongdoing.

In response to concerns about the current ethics system, the Republican Women's Caucus and the Democratic Women's Caucus have formed a bipartisan task force.

The group is expected to develop recommendations by the summer recess on potential reforms to the House ethics process, including how allegations are reported, reviewed, and investigated.