House committee drops investigation into Blake Farenthold, urges him to repay $84K used in settlemen

The House Ethics Committee has dropped its investigation into harassment claims brought against former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold after he resigned abruptly from Congress on Friday.

The committee said in a statement it “no longer has jurisdiction” over Farenthold, since he decided to step down from office effective immediately only days before the panel was scheduled to take up its investigation.

Specifically, the panel had planned to look into harassment and discrimination claims brought against the former congressman, who had represented parts of Bastrop and Caldwell counties.

It also would have looked at whether Farenthold required his staff to work on his campaigns or had made false statements before the committee.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/news/local/house-committee-drops-investigation-into-blake-farenthold-urges-him-repay-84k-used-settlement/TYBarG1nZcbT1X5qL5SXZK/

Cross-posted in LBN.