The subcommittee has already sent subpoenas and has appointed Louis Freeh as a special advisor.

That's when the lawyers take over, filing federal cases against Does and seeking the court's permission to send subpoenas to the ISPs.

The Treasury sent subpoenas to airlines that received or applied for loan guarantee packages and to those that did not, officials of the companies said yesterday.

"If they don't get it, they will send subpoenas right away."

The committee was also sending subpoenas to two banks in which Denise Rich held accounts.

The commission has already sent subpoenas to the Defense Department and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Questions about donations to these groups led to the Federal Election Commission sending subpoenas to donors requesting further information.

The Justice Department began its antitrust investigation in 1997, sending subpoenas to Christie's.

But the judge said he might reconsider if Mr. Spitzer sends subpoenas to the banks.

Mr. Schneiderman's office has sent subpoenas to 10 different food sellers as part of the inquiry.