U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) is the subject of a congressional ethics investigation, the House Ethics Committee announced Friday.
The committee's announcement did not offer details on the investigation but, according to the Chicago Tribune, the probe involves super PAC money, Schock spokesman Steve Dutton told the paper. The committee has not yet indicated that any violation has occurred.
Schock, 31, told the Associated Press late Friday that "it’s not a new complaint, it’s not a new report" and dismissed the announcement as simply the next phase of an investigation that remains ongoing. He claims it pertains to his seeking a $25,000 donation to a super PAC from House Majority Leader Eric Cantor that would benefit U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger's 2012 primary campaign.
A previous complaint against Schock claims the congressman was only legally allowed to ask for a maximum $5,000 donation, as Roll Call reported in April.
"We feel confident that I didn’t do anything wrong," Schock told the AP.
Schock is among the names being touted as early Republican front-runners in the 2014 gubernatorial race in Illinois. He has attracted national recognition for his physique -- as previously showcased on the cover of Men's Health magazine -- and was named Congress' hottest freshman in 2009.
The House Ethics Committee will not say more on the matter until Jan. 28.