By Susan Crabtree, The Hill, May 21, 2008

21 May 2008 // The House ethics committee on Wednesday launched an initial review of the circumstances surrounding embattled Rep. Vito Fossella’s (R-N.Y.) drunk-driving arrest early this month.

The panel voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to conduct an inquiry into the Staten Island Republican’s arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol on May 1 in Alexandria, Va. However, the ethics committee also immediately recommended that the subcommittee defer action on its investigation until the criminal proceedings involving Fossella are concluded.

The arrest led to Fossella admitting to having an affair and fathering a child out of wedlock. Fossella announced late Monday night that he would not seek reelection.

The lawmaker faces trial in an Alexandria courthouse June 27. Legal experts said the trial and possible appeals could take months to resolve.

A Democratic rule passed after Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) was indicted last year requires the ethics committee to empanel an investigative subcommittee or review the allegations against a member who is charged with a crime or explain why it decided not to launch a probe. The ethics committee must act “not later than 30 days after the date of such indictment or charges,” according to the rule.