(a) Appearance by counselThe Commission is authorized to appear in and defend against any action filed under section 9011, either by attorneys employed in its office or by counsel whom it may appoint without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and whose compensation it may fix without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title.
(b) Recovery of certain paymentsThe Commission is authorized through attorneys and counsel described in subsection (a) to appear in the district courts of the United States to seek recovery of any amounts determined to be payable to the Secretary of the Treasury as a result of examination and audit made pursuant to section 9007.
(c) Declaratory and injunctive reliefThe Commission is authorized through attorneys and counsel described in subsection (a) to petition the courts of the United States for declaratory or injunctive relief concerning any civil matter covered by the provisions of this subtitle or section 6096. Upon application of the Commission an action brought pursuant to this subsection shall be heard and determined by a court of three judges in accordance with the provisions of section 2284 of title 28, United States Code, and any appeal shall lie to the Supreme Court.
(d) AppealThe Commission is authorized on behalf of the United States to appeal from, and to petition the Supreme Court for certiorari to review, judgments or decrees entered with respect to actions in which it appears pursuant to the authority provided in this section.
(Added Pub. L. 92–178, title VIII, § 801, Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 569; amended Pub. L. 93–443, title IV, § 404(c)(14)–(18), Oct. 15, 1974, 88 Stat. 1293; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(C), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, § 402(28)(E), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3359.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments1984—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–620 struck out provision requiring the judges designated to hear the case to assign the case for hearing at the earliest practicable date, to participate in the hearing and determination thereof, and to cause the case to be in every way expedited.
1976—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455 substituted “to the Secretary of the Treasury” for “to the Secretary”.
1974—Pub. L. 93–443, § 404(c)(14), substituted “Commission” for “Comptroller General” in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–443, § 404(c)(15), substituted “Commission” for “Comptroller General”, “its” for “his”, and “it” for “he” wherever appearing.
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 93–443, § 404(c)(16), (17), substituted “Commission” for “Comptroller General” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–443, § 404(c)(18), substituted “Commission” and “it” for “Comptroller General” and “he”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1984 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 98–620 not applicable to cases pending on Nov. 8, 1984, see section 403 of Pub. L. 98–620, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1657 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
Effective Date of 1974 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 93–443 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1974, see section 410(c)(1) of Pub. L. 93–443, set out as a note under section 30101 of Title 52, Voting and Elections.