Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/2569

 117 STAT. 2550

Deadline.

Establishment.

VerDate 11-MAY-2000

13:59 Aug 30, 2004

PUBLIC LAW 108–176—DEC. 12, 2003

(4) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (5) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Members shall serve without pay but shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (c) CHAIRPERSON.—The Secretary shall designate, from among the individuals appointed under subsection (b)(1), an individual to serve as chairperson of the Commission. (d) DUTIES.— (1) STUDY.—The Commission shall undertake a study of— (A) the challenges faced by small communities in the United States with respect to retaining and enhancing their scheduled commercial air service; and (B) whether the existing Federal programs charged with helping small communities are adequate for them to retain and enhance their existing air service. (2) ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE COMMUNITIES.—In conducting the study, the Commission shall pay particular attention to the state of scheduled commercial air service in communities currently served by the essential air service program. (e) RECOMMENDATIONS.—Based on the results of the study under subsection (d), the Commission shall make such recommendations as it considers necessary to— (1) improve the state of scheduled commercial air service at small communities in the United States, especially communities described in subsection (d)(2); and (2) improve the ability of small communities to retain and enhance their existing air service. (f) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after the date on which initial appointments of members to the Commission are completed, the Commission shall transmit to the President and Congress a report on the activities of the Commission, including recommendations made by the Commission under subsection (e). (g) COMMISSION PANELS.—The chairperson of the Commission shall establish such panels consisting of members of the Commission as the chairperson determines appropriate to carry out the functions of the Commission. (h) COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.— (1) STAFF.—The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of such personnel as it considers appropriate. (2) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Upon request of the chairperson of the Commission, the head of any department or agency of the United States may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this section. (3) OTHER STAFF AND SUPPORT.—Upon the request of the Commission, or a panel of the Commission, the Secretary shall provide the Commission or panel with professional and administrative staff and other support, on a reimbursable basis, to assist the Commission or panel in carrying out its responsibilities. (i) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA.—The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information (other than information required by any statute of

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