§ 2909. — Investigations by Secretary; oaths and affirmations; subpenas; judicial enforcement; contempt proceedings; service of process.
[Laws in effect as of January 7, 2003]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 7, 2003 and December 19, 2003]
[CITE: 7USC2909]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 62--BEEF RESEARCH AND INFORMATION
Sec. 2909. Investigations by Secretary; oaths and affirmations;
subpenas; judicial enforcement; contempt proceedings; service of
process
The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary deems
necessary for the effective administration of this chapter or to
determine whether any person subject to this chapter has engaged or is
about to engage in any act that constitutes or will constitute a
violation of this chapter, the order, or any rule or regulation issued
under this chapter. For the purpose of such investigation, the Secretary
may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their
attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any records
that are relevant to the inquiry. The attendance of witnesses and the
production of records may be required from any place in the United
States. In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena to, any
person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of any court of the United
States within the jurisdiction of which such investigation or proceeding
is carried on, or where such person resides or carries on business, in
requiring the attendance and testimony of the person and the production
of records. The court may issue an order requiring such person to appear
before the Secretary to produce records or to give testimony regarding
the matter under investigation. Any failure to obey such order of the
court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof. Process in
any such case may be served in the judicial district in which such
person is an inhabitant or wherever such person may be found.
(Pub. L. 94-294, Sec. 10, May 28, 1976, 90 Stat. 535; Pub. L. 99-198,
title XVI, Sec. 1601(b), Dec. 23, 1985, 99 Stat. 1606.)
Amendments
1985--Pub. L. 99-198 amended section generally, substituting
provisions relating to investigations, power to subpoena and take oaths
and affirmations, and aid of courts, for provisions relating to
termination or suspension of orders.
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 99-198 effective Jan. 1, 1986, see section
1601(c) of Pub. L. 99-198, set out as a note under section 2901 of this
title.
