(a) The Secretary shall appoint local advisory councils.
(b) Each local advisory council shall consist of:
(1) an equal number of members who represent employees and who represent employers; and
(2) the number of members who represent the general public that the Secretary sets.
(c) Each member of a local advisory council who represents employees or who represents employers shall be regarded as a representative of employees or employers because of affiliation, employment, or vocation.
(d) A member of a local advisory council:
(1) may not receive compensation; but
(2) is entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses.
(e) The local advisory councils shall help the Secretary to:
(1) develop policies and discuss problems related to the administration of this title; and
(2) ensure impartiality and freedom from political influence in the solution of those problems.