Woman Told Ethics Panel Gomez Sexually Assaulted Her, Lawyers Say

A woman told the House Ethics Committee that Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., sexually assaulted her, according to attorneys representing her, as the panel investigates sexual misconduct allegations against the congressman.

The bipartisan committee announced Monday that it is looking into allegations against Gomez, including that he engaged in "inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer."

Gomez acknowledged in a statement Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and said his "actions were consensual in nature." Attorneys for the unnamed woman pushed back on that characterization.

"We represent one of the women who was interviewed by the House Committee on Ethics about her experience of sexual harassment and assault by Representative Jimmy Gomez. Contrary to Representative Gomez's assertion in his statement, his actions were not 'consensual in nature' with respect to our client. We fully expect that the House Committee on Ethics will come to the same conclusion in its investigation," said her attorneys, Lisa J. Banks and Sarah E. Nesbitt.

CBS News has reached out to Gomez's office for comment. Banks and Nesbitt did not identify their client, and CBS News has not verified her claims.

Gomez said he was "ready to cooperate with the Ethics Committee inquiry and provide it with whatever information it might need," adding, "Out of respect for my family and the ongoing process, I will have no further comment."

House Democratic leaders called the allegations "serious and disturbing." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said in a statement Wednesday, "We encourage the Committee to conduct a thorough and swift investigation."

Leaders of the Democratic Women's Caucus also urged the committee to move quickly and release the status of its investigation before the 60-day blackout period ahead of Election Day, saying the allegations, if substantiated, must be met with "clear and meaningful consequences."

The Ethics Committee said no other public comment would be made on the matter except in accordance with committee rules. The investigation comes as the House is poised to consider legislation overhauling its ethics rules, including a proposal to ban lawmakers from sexual relationships with any congressional staffer, not just those under their direct supervision.