House Ethics investigating Florida Democratic Rep. Grayson

WASHINGTON (AP) - The House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Alan Grayson, the Florida Democrat who is running for Senate.

In a statement on Monday, the committee leadership said it is reviewing a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics and will decide its next step by April 5.

Grayson's business activities have come under scrutiny for the past several months, and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has called for the congressman to drop his Senate bid.

The New York Times reported earlier this month that Grayson promoted his international travels, some with congressional delegations, to solicit business for a hedge fund he controlled.

The brief committee statement did not mention the allegations.

Grayson is seeking the Senate seat currently held by Republican Marco Rubio, who is pursuing the GOP presidential nomination.