In an interview, Mr. Smaltz, who was appointed three months ago, confirmed that his inquiry had broadened and said it includes scrutiny of the Clinton Administration's relationship with Tyson Foods.

But as the inquiry broadened, the more sensational allegations came to involve Gulf Power, which accounts for 7 percent of Southern's $7.2 billion in annual income.

Mr. Kennedy's inquiry is focused on Student Loan Xpress, a Sallie Mae competitor, but may broaden to encompass other companies as well.

The postal inquiry has now broadened into larger investigation in which prosecutors are examining Mr. Rostenkowski's official expenditures.

The inquiry broadened into the Bissells' personal finances and operation of the gasoline station.

Since then, the inquiry has broadened, producing a flood of subpoenas.

The Judiciary Committee chairman, Henry J. Hyde, said he would subpoena four new witnesses amid signs that the panel's inquiry was broadening.

But federal law enforcement officials say that inquiry has broadened, with prosecutors examining other issues, including Mr. Abramoff's relationship with GrassRoots and other small consulting firms and charities he controlled.

The inquiry has, however, broadened its investigation to include the involvement of British companies in building the so-called Iraqi supergun and in other Iraqi weapons programs.

As inquiries into political favoritism at H.U.D. during the Reagan years have broadened, the New York office has come under intense scrutiny.