7 U.S.C. § 4816 — Investigations

(a) Purposes The Secretary^* may make the investigations as the Secretary considers necessary— (1) for the effective administration of this chapter; or (2) to determine whether a person^* subject to this chapter has engaged, or is about to engage, in an act that constitutes, or will constitute, a violation of this chapter or an order^*, rule, or regulation issued under this chapter. (b) Oaths and affirmations; subpenas (1) For the purpose of the 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. (2) The attendance of witnesses and the production of the records can be required from any place in the United States. (c) Judicial enforcement; contempt proceedings; service of process (1) In the case of contumacy, or refusal to obey a subpoena, by a person, the Secretary may invoke the aid of a court of the United States with jurisdiction over the investigation or proceeding, or where the person resides or does business, in requiring the attendance and testimony of the person and the production of the records. (2) The court may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the Secretary to produce records or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation. (3) A failure to obey an order issued under this section by the court can be punished by the court as a contempt of it. (4) Process in the case can be served in the judicial district in which the person is an inhabitant or wherever the person can be found.