§4911 Investigation and power to subpoena

Summary

The Secretary can investigate when needed to do the job or to check if someone broke the rules under this law or its plans or regulations. The Secretary can make people swear to tell the truth, issue subpoenas (formal orders) to make people come and give evidence, and require books, papers, and documents that matter to the inquiry anywhere in the United States. If someone refuses, the Secretary can ask a federal court where the investigation is happening or where the person lives or does business to force attendance and records. The court can order the person to appear, produce records, and punish refusal as contempt. Hearings and service of process happen in the federal district where the person lives or has their main business. No one can refuse to testify or hand over documents to the Secretary or obey a subpoena just because the answers might incriminate them. If a person first claims their right against self-incrimination but is then forced to testify or produce evidence, that compelled testimony or evidence cannot be used to prosecute them for those matters. The only exception is that a person can still be charged for lying under oath.