The ethics committee will examine whether Waters violated House rules through alleged conversations with the National Bankers Association or OneUnited Bank. Her husband owns stock in OneUnited and previously sat on its board of directors.

In Richarson's case, the committee will look at whether she broke House rules by failing to disclose "real estate, income and liabilities" on her financial disclosure forms. Also at issue is whether Richardson received an impermissible gift or received preferential treatment regarding loans on her property in Sacramento, Calif.