Agriculture 

U.S. Code > Title 7 > Chapter 92 > § 6308 - Investigations and power to subpoena

(a) Investigations
  The Secretary may make such investigations as the Secretary
considers necessary - 
    (1) for the effective administration of this chapter; and
    (2) to determine whether any person has engaged or is engaging
  in any act that constitutes a violation of this chapter, or any
  order, rule, or regulation issued under this chapter.
(b) Subpoenas, oaths, and affirmations
  (1) In general
    For the purpose of an investigation under subsection (a) of
  this section, the Secretary may administer oaths and
  affirmations, and issue a subpoena to require the production of
  any records that are relevant to the inquiry. The production of
  any such records may be required from any place in the United
  States.
  (2) Administrative hearings
    For the purpose of an administrative hearing held under section
  6306 or 6307 of this title, the presiding officer is authorized
  to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel
  their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of
  any records that are relevant to the inquiry. Such attendance of
  witnesses and the production of any such records may be required
  from any place in the United States.
(c) Aid of courts
  In the case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpoena issued
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 order to enforce a subpoena
issued by the Secretary under subsection (b) of this section. The
court may issue an order requiring such person to comply with such
a subpoena.
(d) Contempt
  Any failure to obey an order of the court under this section may
be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.
(e) Process
  Process in any such case may be served in the judicial district
in which such person resides or conducts business or wherever such
person may be found.
(f) Hearing site
  The site of any hearings held under section 6306 or 6307 of this
title shall be within the judicial district where such person
resides or has a principal place of business.

Legislative History

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