WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Justice Department will not be asked to pursue a case against former slugger Sammy Sosa for possibly lying to Congress.

A spokeswoman for the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said Wednesday the panel has decided not to have Sosa investigated for his remarks at a March 2005 hearing, when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Sosa is reported to be on a list of baseball players who allegedly failed drug tests in 2003.

The committee asked for a similar investigation of Roger Clemens after he denied using steroids or human growth hormone at a 2008 hearing. A grand jury is hearing evidence in that case.

The committee’s decision on Sosa could have been influenced by a five-year statue of limitations.