§555.5. Investigations. — Inbound Citations

(b) The Commission may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of records or other evidence as it deems necessary and appropriate in conducting an investigation under § 555.5 of this part.

Upon publication of a petition in the Federal Register, or on its own motion should it determine to initiate an investigation pursuant to § 555.5, the Commission will notify the Secretary of State of same, and may request action to seek resolution of the matter through diplomatic channels. The Commission may request the Secretary to report the results of such efforts at a specified time.

(c) The Commission may, in its discretion, determine that any information submitted to it in response to a request (including a subpoena) under this section, or accompanying a petition under § 555.4, or voluntarily submitted by any person pursuant to § 555.5(c), shall not be disclosed to the public. To this end, persons submitting information for consideration in a proceeding or investigation under this part may indicate in writing any factors they wish the Commission to consider relevant to a decision on confidentiality under this section; however, such information will be advisory only, and the actual determination will be made by the Commission. In the event that a request for confidentiality is not accommodated, the person making the request will be so advised before any disclosure occurs.