WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- Federal officials appear ready to be part of the headline-grabbing , state-controlled investigation into the disturbing sexual-abuse allegations at Penn State University . U.S. Attorney Peter Smith of the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued a statement Tuesday suggesting he was ready to join the ongoing state probe if asked . `` We will support and assist the Department of Education which has announced that it is conducting an investigation , '' he said in a written statement released to the public . The U.S. Department of Education has been looking into possible violations of a law that requires universities to report annually campus-related crime statistics . Sandusky says he is innocent | Penn State : Wo n't decline bowl bid . Regarding the ongoing state investigation , Smith said , `` We are in contact with the State Attorney General 's office ... We have agreed to provide any assistance to that office in connection with its investigation and prosecution that may be needed , and we will coordinate the work of both offices in this important matter as much as possible . '' Meanwhile , Congress also sought to find an entry point into the Penn State drama Tuesday . Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pennsylvania , urged a subcommittee on children and families to hold a hearing on federal laws designed to protect children from sexual abuse . `` We must strengthen our laws to ensure that any suspected abuse is immediately reported to law enforcement and child protective service , '' Casey said in a letter to Senate panel members .
A U.S. attorney in Pennsylvania says federal authorities are ready to get involved . The Justice Department has been investigating the company for months over allegations of bribery and corruption involving a former executive at its China unit.