Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 91.djvu/1592

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PUBLIC LAW 95-000—MMMM. DD, 1977

91 STAT. 1558

Report to President and Congress.

Reports to President and Congress; recommendations.

Executive Director, appointment and compensation. 5 USC 5316.

5 USC 5101 et seq., 5331. Hearings.

Support services.

Appropriation authorization. Notice of meetings. 42 USC 1395dd.

PUBLIC LAW 95-216—DEC. 20, 1977 this section, the Commission, in conducting such study, investigation, and review, shall hold public hearings in as many different geographical areas of the country as possible. The residents of each area where such a hearing is to be held shall be given reasonable advance notice of the hearing and an adequate opportunity to appear and express their views on the matters under consideration. (c)(1) No later than four months after the date on which a majority of the authorized membership of the Commission is initially appointed,, the Commission shall submit to the President and the Congress a special report describing the Commission's plans for conducting the study, investigation, and review under subsection (b), with particular reference to the scope of such study, investigation, and review and the methods proposed to be used in conducting it. (2) At or before the close of each of the first two years after the date on which a majority of the authorized membership of the Commission is initially appointed, the Commission shall submit to the President and the Congress an annual report on the study, investigation, and review under subsection (b), together with its recommendations with respect to the programs involved. The second such report shall constitute the final report of the Commission on such study, investigation, and review, and shall include its final recommendations; and upon the submission of such final report the Commission shall cease to exist. (d)(1) The Commission shall appoint an Executive Director of the Commission who shall be compensated at a rate fixed by the Commission, but which shall not exceed the rate established for level V of the Executive Schedule by title 5, United States Code. (2) In addition to the Executive Director, the Commission shall have the power to appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as it deems advisable, in accordance with the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments to the competitive service, and the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. (e) In carrying out its duties under this section, the Commission, or any duly authorized committee thereof, is authorized to hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, and take such testimony, with respect to matters with respect to which it has a responsibility under this section, as the Commission or such committee may deem advisable. The Chairman of the Commission or any member authorized by him may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before the Commission or before any committee thereof. (f) The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States such data and information as may be necessary to enable it to carry out its duties under this section. Upon request of the Chairman of the Commission, any such department or agency shall furnish any such data or information to the Commission. (g) The General Services Administration shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis such administrative support services as the Commission may request. (h) There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. (i) It shall be the duty of the Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council (established by section 1867 of the Social Security Act) to provide timely notice to the Commission of any meeting, and the Chairman of the Commission (or his delegate) shall be entitled to attend any such meeting.