Pete Visclosky, the Indiana Democrat who chairs the House appropriations subcommittee responsible for the Energy Department budget, is stepping down because of an ongoing grand jury investigation.

Visclosky confirmed Friday that he was subpoenaed for information and documents related to the PMA Group, a firm that has been the subject of much scrutiny since its Virginia offices were raided last November by the FBI. In a statement today, Visclosky said that he has "always abided by the law and adhered to the rules and code of ethics of the House."

"However, as a firm believer in the institution of the House of Representatives, I intend to ask Congressman Ed Pastor to temporarily handle the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations bill during committee and House consideration," he said.

Visclosky has been a strong force for reductions in the nuclear weapons program budget.