On December 8, 2003, we initiated informal fact-finding concerning the statements made by Representative Nick Smith on communications that he received linking his support for the Medicare Prescription Drug Act with support for the congressional candidacy of his son. We initiated this action pursuant to our authority under Committee Rule I8(a). Under Committee rules our fact-finding activities are conducted on a confidential basis, and no further public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with the Committee rules.