Powers of commission

(a) Hearings The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this Act. (b) Information from agencies (1) In general The Commission may secure directly from a Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. (2) Furnishing information On request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the department or agency shall furnish the information to the Commission. (c) Data collection In order to carry out its duties and functions, the Commission shall— (1) utilize existing information, both published and unpublished, where possible, collected and assessed either by its own staff or under other arrangements made in accordance with this Act; (2) carry out, or award grants or contracts for, original research, where existing information is inadequate; and (3) adopt procedures allowing any interested party to submit information for use by the Commission in making reports and recommendations. (d) Access of GAO to information The Comptroller General shall have unrestricted access to all deliberations, records, and nonproprietary data of the Commission, upon request. (e) Periodic audit The Commission shall be subject to periodic audit by the Comptroller General. (f) Amicus curiae (1) In general The Children’s Commissioner may appear as amicus curiae in any action brought in a court of the United States to review an agency rule or guidance to present the views of the Commission on the effect of the rule or guidance on children. (2) Granting appearance A court of the United States shall grant the application of the Children’s Commissioner to appear in any such action for the purpose described in paragraph (1). (g) Postal services The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (h) Gifts The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property.