The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct voted today to establish an investigative subcommittee to conduct a formal inquiry regarding certain allegations related to voting on the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. This action was taken in accordance with clause 3 of House Rule XI and Committee Rules l(c), 14(a)(3) and 18(a), which authorize the Committee to establish an investigative subcommittee on its own initiative.
The investigative subcommittee will have jurisdiction to conduct a full and complete inquiry into alleged communications received by Representative Nick Smith linking support for the congressional candidacy of his son with Representative Smith’s vote on that legislation. At the conclusion of its inquiry, the investigative subcommittee is to report its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the full Committee. Anyone having first-hand knowledge of this matter is encouraged to contact the Committee office.
In accordance with Committee Rule !9(a), the members of the subcommittee will be designated by the Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee. Those designations will be announced when they are made. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules