A Democratic staffer was suspended by the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee last week under suspicion of leaking classified information.

Chairman Pete Hoekstra, a Representative from Holland, said Friday that the staff's suspension was a precaution until the committee investigates.

Concern centers around a leak to The New York Times last month regarding a National Intelligence Estimate on global terror trends. Analysts from 16 spy agencies concluded the Iraq War has deepened resentment amongst Islamic extremists toward the United States.

Democrats in the committee say there is no basis for the suspension.

The investigation could include an interview with the staffer and collecting phone records and other correspondences.

There was no comment Friday as to when the investigation will take place.