
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 49USC703]

 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                SUBTITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
                 CHAPTER 7--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD
 
                       SUBCHAPTER I--ESTABLISHMENT
 
Sec. 703. Administrative provisions

    (a) Executive Reorganization.--Chapter 9 of title 5, United States 
Code, shall apply to the Board in the same manner as it does to an 
independent regulatory agency, and the Board shall be an establishment 
of the United States Government.
    (b) Open Meetings.--For purposes of section 552b of title 5, United 
States Code, the Board shall be deemed to be an agency.
    (c) Independence.--In the performance of their functions, the 
members, employees, and other personnel of the Board shall not be 
responsible to or subject to the supervision or direction of any 
officer, employee, or agent of any other part of the Department of 
Transportation.
    (d) Representation by Attorneys.--Attorneys designated by the 
Chairman of the Board may appear for, and represent the Board in, any 
civil action brought in connection with any function carried out by the 
Board pursuant to this chapter or subtitle IV or as otherwise authorized 
by law.
    (e) Admission To Practice.--Subject to section 500 of title 5, the 
Board may regulate the admission of individuals to practice before it 
and may impose a reasonable admission fee.
    (f) Budget Requests.--In each annual request for appropriations by 
the President, the Secretary of Transportation shall identify the 
portion thereof intended for the support of the Board and include a 
statement by the Board--
        (1) showing the amount requested by the Board in its budgetary 
    presentation to the Secretary and the Office of Management and 
    Budget; and
        (2) an assessment of the budgetary needs of the Board.

    (g) Direct Transmittal to Congress.--The Board shall transmit to 
Congress copies of budget estimates, requests, and information 
(including personnel needs), legislative recommendations, prepared 
testimony for congressional hearings, and comments on legislation at the 
same time they are sent to the Secretary of Transportation. An officer 
of an agency may not impose conditions on or impair communications by 
the Board with Congress, or a committee or Member of Congress, about the 
information.

(Added Pub. L. 104-88, title II, Sec. 201(a), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 
934.)
