Ethics panel investigating Rep. Honda

WASHINGTON – Rep. Mike Honda is under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee for allegations that he had congressional staff aides perform campaign work when they were supposed to be working on congressional business.

The panel is investigating the California Democrat after the independent Office of Congressional Ethics looked into charges that Honda's staff prepared campaign materials and may have used an office-sponsored roundtable event with a State Department official to boost Honda's political support and perhaps raise campaign cash.

The independent panel interviewed Honda and some of his staff aides. It said there is "substantial reason to believe" that he used taxpayer resources, including staff time, to help his campaign and improperly tied official events to political or campaign support.

It's an initial review by the official ethics panel.