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Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-110

§2606 Subpena Authority

Title 33 › CHAPTER 39 — SHORE PROTECTION FROM MUNICIPAL OR COMMERCIAL WASTE › SUBCHAPTER I — SHORE PROTECTION › § 2606

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Investigators can force people to come, speak under oath, and turn over evidence by issuing subpoenas. Their power to do this is the same as a U.S. district court in civil cases for the district where the investigation is happening. Officials picked by the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator may issue these subpoenas. If someone won’t obey, a U.S. district court can order them to comply and punish contempt. Witnesses who follow a subpoena can be paid travel and attendance at the usual district court rate.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §2606

Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)General authority
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)Subpena authority
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)Failure to comply
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)Witness fees
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

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110