§ 12140. Investigations by Secretary

• (a) The Secretary may conduct investigations and inspections regarding compliance with this chapter and regulations prescribed under this chapter.
• (b)
  • (1) For the purposes of any investigation conducted under this section, the Secretary may issue a subpoena to require the attendance of a witness or the production of documents or other evidence relevant to the matter under investigation if—
    • (A) before the issuance of the subpoena, the Secretary requests a determination by the Attorney General as to whether the subpoena—
      • (i) is reasonable; and
      • (ii) will interfere with a criminal investigation; and
    • (B) the Attorney General—
      • (i) determines that the subpoena is reasonable and will not interfere with a criminal investigation; or
      • (ii) fails to make a determination with respect to the subpoena before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Secretary makes a request under subparagraph (A) with respect to the subpoena.
  • (2) In the case of a refusal to obey a subpoena issued to any person under this section, the Secretary may invoke the aid of the appropriate district court of the United States to compel compliance.