WASHINGTON (AP) - People familiar with the talks say representatives of New York Democrat Charles Rangel and lawyers for the House ethics committee have reached a plea deal in his ethics case. However, committee members have not agreed to the settlement.

It was not immediately clear how many of the 13 charges of ethical violations Rangel agreed to accept.

The ethics panel that will judge Rangel's conduct held its first meeting Thursday.

Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the top Republican on the panel, said that Rangel had been given the opportunity to negotiate a settlement during the investigation phase.

However, he said, that phase is now over and "we are now in the trial phase."