Title 7, AgricultureRelease 119-102
§1603 Procedural Powers; Witness Fees and Mileage
Title 7 › CHAPTER 37 — SEEDS › SUBCHAPTER IV — GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 1603
Summary
The Secretary of Agriculture, or someone the Secretary picks, can hold hearings, give oaths, issue subpoenas, question witnesses, take depositions, and require books, records, and access to offices or warehouses. If someone refuses to appear, answer, provide documents, or allow access, a U.S. district court can order them to comply. People called to testify and those who take depositions must get the same witness fees and travel pay that are paid in U.S. federal courts.
Full Legal Text
Title 7, §1603
Agriculture, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)In carrying on the work herein authorized, the Secretary of Agriculture, or any officer or employee designated by him for such purpose, shall have power to hold hearings, administer oaths, sign and issue subpenas, examine witnesses, take depositions, and require the production of books, records, accounts, memoranda, and papers, and have access to office and warehouse premises. Upon refusal by any person to appear, testify, or produce pertinent books, records, accounts, memoranda, and papers in response to a subpena, or to permit access to premises, the proper United States district court shall have power to compel obedience thereto.
(b)Witnesses summoned before the Secretary or any officer or employee designated by him shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States, and witnesses whose depositions are taken and the persons taking the same shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like service in the courts of the United States.
Legislative History
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Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
7 U.S.C. § 1603
Title 7, Agriculture
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102