FBI recordings of a phone conversation between Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) and the brother of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich may be handed over to the Senate Ethics Committee, a federal judge determined Tuesday.

    The conversation dates back to before Blagojevich (D) was ousted from office and before he named Burris to fill President Obama's Senate seat.

    U.S. District Chief Judge James Holderman on Tuesday unsealed a government request for the release to the Senate Ethics Committee the discussion captured on an FBI wiretap, according to a report by The Associated Press.

    Burris's Senate appointment has stirred intense scrutiny because Blagojevich insisted on making the selection even though he had been indicted on charges that he had been trying to sell the vacant seat in exchange for contributions to his campaign fund, among other compensation. Burris also changed his story several times about whether he promised anything to Blagojevich.

    The Senate Ethics Committee has launched a preliminary investigation, and the Sangamon County, Ill., state's attorney is weighing perjury charges against Burris.