§2635 Powers

Summary

The Commission must meet within 30 days after all members are appointed. After that, it meets when the chairperson or a majority of members calls a meeting. The Commission can hold hearings, hear witnesses, accept evidence, and swear in witnesses. It can ask federal agencies directly for information it needs, but only if that information can be released under section 552 of title 5. If the chair or vice chair asks, an agency head must provide the information allowed. Federal agencies can give the Commission use of their facilities and services. Agencies can also temporarily assign staff to be the Commission’s Executive Director or to help the Commission. Those temporary assignments do not change the employees’ civil service status or benefits. The chairperson may accept voluntary services from a Commission member despite section 1342 of title 31.