Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 96 Part 1.djvu/1070

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PUBLIC LAW 97-000—MMMM. DD, 1982

96 STAT. 1028

PUBLIC LAW 97-258—SEPT. 13, 1982 (3) an appropriate order to ensure enjoyment of rights under section 6716(a) or (b) of this title, including an order suspending, terminating, or requiring repayment of, payments under this chapter or placing additional payments under this chapter in escrow pending the outcome of the action.

§ 6721. Civil action by a person adversely affected (a) When a State government, a unit of general local government, or an officer or employee of a State government or unit of general local government acting in an official capacity, engages in a practice prohibited by this chapter, a person adversely affected by the practice may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States or a State court of general jurisdiction. Before bringing an action under this section, the person must exhaust administrative remedies under subsection (b) of this section. (b) A person adversely affected must file an administrative complaint with the Secretary of the Treasury or the head of another agency of the United States Government or the State agency with which the Secretary has an agreement under section 6716(d) of this title. Administrative remedies are deemed to be exhausted after the 90th day after the complaint was filed if the Secretary, the head of the Government agency, or the State agency— (1) issues a decision that the government has not failed to comply with this chapter; or (2) does not issue a decision on the complaint. (c) In an action under this section, the court— (1) may grant— (A) a temporary restraining order; (B) an injunction; or (C) another order, including suspension, termination, or repayment of, payments under this chapter or placement of additional payments under this chapter in escrow pending the outcome of the action; and (2) to enforce compliance with section 6716(a) or (b) of this title, may allow a prevailing party (except the United States Government) a reasonable attorney s fee. (d) In an action under this section to enforce compliance with section 6716(a) or (b) of this title, the Attorney General may intervene in the action when the Attorney General certifies that the action is of general public importance. The United States Government is entitled to the same relief as if the Government had brought the action and is liable for the same fees and costs as a private person. § 6722. Judicial review (a) A State government or unit of general local government receiving notice from the Secretary of the Treasury about withholding payments under section 6704(c) of this title, suspending payments under section 6718(a)(1)(B) of this title, or terminating payments under section 6717(d)(2)(A) of this title, may apply for review of the action of the Secretary by filing a petition for review with the court of appeals of the United States for the circuit in which the government is located. The petition must be filed by the 60th day after the notice is received. The clerk of the court immediately shall send a copy of the petition to the Secretary and the Attorney General.