((a)) ** Hearings; oaths and affirmations** The Commission or, on the authorization of the Commission, any subcommittee or members thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, hold such hearings, take such testimony, and sit and act at such times and places as the Commission deems advisable. Any member authorized by the Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before the Commission or any subcommittee or members thereof.

((b)) ** Cooperation by Federal agencies** Each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of the Government, including independent agencies, is authorized and directed to furnish to the Commission, upon request made by the Chairman or Vice Chairman, such information as the Commission deems necessary to carry out its functions under this chapter.

((c)) ** Executive director** The Commission shall have power to appoint, fix the compensation of, and remove an executive director without regard to the civil service laws and chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5. Such appointment shall be made solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the position and without regard to political affiliation.

((d)) ** Appointment and compensation of other personnel; temporary and intermittent services** Subject to such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Commission, the Chairman, without regard to the civil service laws and chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, and without reference to political affiliation, shall have the power—

((1)) to appoint, fix the compensation of, and remove such other personnel as he deems necessary,

((2)) to procure temporary and intermittent services to the same extent as is authorized by but at rates not to exceed $50 a day for individuals.

((e)) ** Applicability of other laws to employees** Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, persons in the employ of the Commission under subsections (c) and (d)(1) of this section shall be considered to be Federal employees for all purposes, including—

((1)) subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5,

((2)) chapter 87 of title 5,

((3)) annual and sick leave, and

((4)) subchapter I of chapter 57 of this title 5.

((f)) ** Maximum compensation of employees** No individual employed in the service of the Commission shall be paid compensation for such employment at a rate in excess of the highest rate provided for grade 18 under the General Schedule, except that the executive director of the Commission may be paid compensation at any rate not exceeding the rate prescribed for level V in the Executive Schedule of subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5.