PUBLIC LAW 106-277—OCT. 21, 1998 112 STAT. 2681-212 (A) The commission shall hold its first meeting on a date designated by the Speaker of the House which is not later than 30 days after the date on which all members have been appointed. (B) After the first meeting, the commission shall meet upon the call of the chair. (C) A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings. (2) AUTHORITY OF INDIVIDUALS TO ACT FOR COMMISSION. — Any member or agent of the commission may, if authorized by the commission, take any action which the commission is authorized to take under this section. (3) POWERS.— (A) The commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the commission considers advisable to carry out its duties. (B) The commission may secure directly from any agency of the Federal Government such information as the commission considers necessary to carry out its duties. Upon the request of the chair of the commission, the head of a department or agency shall furnish the requested information expeditiously to the commission. (C) The commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as otiier departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (4) PAY AND EXPENSES OF COMMISSION MEMBERS. — (A) Subject to appropriations, each member of the commission who is not an employee of the government shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the dedly equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in performing the duties of the commission. (B) Members and personnel for the commission may travel on aircraft, vehicles, or other conveyances of the Armed Forces of the United States when travel is necessary in the performance of a duty of the commission except when the cost of commercial transportation is less expensive. (C) The members of the commission may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the commission. (Dxi) A member of the commission who is an annuitant otherwise covered by section 8344 of 8468 of title 5, United States Code, by reason of membership on the commission shall not be subject to the provisions of such section with respect to membership on the commission. (ii) A member of the commission who is a member or former member of a uniformed service shall not be subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of section
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