Subpena authority — Us Code Code § 2606

Us Code Code § 2606 — Subpena authority. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 2606. Subpena authority

(a) General authority

In an investigation under this chapter, the attendance and testimony of witnesses, including parties in interest, and the production of any evidence may be compelled by subpena. The subpena authority granted by this section is coextensive with that of a district court of the United States, in civil matters, for the district in which the investigation is conducted.

(b) Subpena authority

An official designated by the Secretary of Transportation or Administrator to conduct an investigation under this chapter may issue subpenas as provided in this section and administer oaths to witnesses.

(c) Failure to comply

When a person fails to obey a subpena issued under this section, the district court of the United States for the district in which the investigation is conducted or in which the person failing to obey is found, shall on proper application issue an order directing that person to comply with the subpena. The court may punish as contempt any disobedience of its order.

(d) Witness fees

A witness complying with a subpena issued under this section may be paid for actual travel and attendance at the rate provided for witnesses in the district courts of the United States.

(Pub. L. 100–688, title IV, §4106, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4157.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this part" and was translated as reading "this title" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

About This Section

33 U.S.C. § 2606 is part of Title 33 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 33 U.S.C. § 2606. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

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Common questions

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What subject does United States Code § 2606 address?

It addresses "Subpena authority". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

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