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Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73not60

§2606 Subpena Authority

Title 33 › Chapter 39— SHORE PROTECTION FROM MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE › Subchapter I— SHORE PROTECTION › § 2606

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

Investigators can require people to show up, answer questions, and bring documents or other evidence by issuing a subpoena (a legal order to appear and give evidence). They have the same power to do that as a U.S. district court does in civil cases for the district where the investigation is happening. An official chosen by the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator can sign those subpoenas and swear in witnesses. If someone refuses, a U.S. district court for the district where the probe is happening or where the person is found can order them to obey and can punish them for not following the order. Witnesses who comply can be paid their travel and attendance costs at the same rate that district court witnesses get.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §2606

Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In an investigation under this chapter, the attendance and testimony of witnesses, including parties in interest, and the production of any evidence may be compelled by subpena. The subpena authority granted by this section is coextensive with that of a district court of the United States, in civil matters, for the district in which the investigation is conducted.
(b)An official designated by the Secretary of Transportation or Administrator to conduct an investigation under this chapter may issue subpenas as provided in this section and administer oaths to witnesses.
(c)When a person fails to obey a subpena issued under this section, the district court of the United States for the district in which the investigation is conducted or in which the person failing to obey is found, shall on proper application issue an order directing that person to comply with the subpena. The court may punish as contempt any disobedience of its order.
(d)A witness complying with a subpena issued under this section may be paid for actual travel and attendance at the rate provided for witnesses in the district courts of the United States.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this part” and was translated as reading “this title” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 2606

Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60