Powers of Council

The Council may, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as the Council considers appropriate. The Council may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before the Council. No later than 120 days after the initial members are appointed to the Council, the Council shall submit a report to the President, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, and the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate, that proposes the type and scope of activities the Council shall undertake, including the extent to which the Council will coordinate activities with other advisory committees relating to trade and competitiveness in order to maximize the effectiveness of the Council. The Council may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. The Council may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal agencies. The Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Council, on a reimbursable basis, such administrative and support services as the Council may request. Any such subcouncil shall assess the actual or potential competitiveness problems facing the industry or the specific policy issues with which the subcouncil is concerned and shall formulate specific recommendations for responses by business, government, and labor— The provisions of subsections (e) and (f) of section 1009 of title 5 shall not apply to the Council.