Washington, D.C. (Rightcommentary.com): The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington asked the House Ethics Committee on Monday to investigate whether embattled Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) broke House rules while pursuing a romance on a taxpayer funded trip to Europe.

Rep. Fossella was thrust into the spotlight after he was arrested for drunken driving on May 1. In the aftermath, he’s admitted to having an extramarital affair with then-Lt. Col. Laura Fay and that the two have a 3-year-old daughter together.

The New York media reported several stories alleging that the relationship began during a 2002 congressional trip to Europe. Fay was serving as an Air Force liaison officer at the time, often traveling on congressional delegations.

“In the summer of 2003, Rep. Fossella took part in another congressional trip to Europe, during which the affair became obvious to other attendees,” CREW said in a statement.

According to House rules, “A member’s travel must be in connection with the individual’s duties as an officeholder and…not create the appearance that the individual is using public office for private gain.”

The Ethics Committee is not required to follow up on outside requests for investigations.

Fossella has yet to announce whether he will resign, retire or run for reelection in November.