Washington ? The Justice Department has begun an internal inquiry into the conduct of its lawyers who examined the Bush administration’s domestic eavesdropping program, the department disclosed Wednesday.

The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility, or OPR, which reviews allegations of misconduct within the law enforcement agency.

Marshall Jarrett, the office’s counsel, acknowledged the investigation in a letter to Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y. Jarrett’s letter did not specify which of the agency’s actions or employees are being examined.

Hinchey is one of a few dozen Democratic lawmakers who have been highly critical of the eavesdropping program first revealed in December.

“We’re very happy that the OPR is doing it, because it seems on the surface certain illegal actions may have taken place,” said Hinchey, one of Congress’ most outspoken critics of President Bush.

Justice Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said the office routinely looks into issues of this kind.