[Federal Register: March 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 55)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 14360-14363]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22mr06-2]
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EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES
12 CFR Part 404
Production of Records and Testimony of Personnel of the Export-
Import Bank of the United States in Legal Proceedings
AGENCY: Export-Import Bank of the United States (``Ex-Im Bank'').
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: Ex-Im Bank is adopting a regulation that establishes policy
and prescribes procedures with respect to the testimony of Ex-Im Bank
personnel, both current and former, and the production of agency
records, in legal proceedings. The regulation is designed to balance
concerns such as preserving the time of Ex-Im Bank personnel for the
conduct of official business against concerns such as whether the
disclosure of information requested is necessary to prevent fraud or
injustice. A proposed rule on this subject was published in the Federal
Register on October 24, 2005 (70 FR 61395). Ex-Im Bank did not receive
any comments on the proposed rule. Ex-Im Bank is accordingly
[[Page 14361]]
adopting the proposed provisions as a final rule without further
change.
DATES: Effective March 22, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Office of the General Counsel, Export-Import Bank of the
United States, 811 Vermont Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20571.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian J. Sonfield, Assistant General
Counsel for Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States,
Phone: (202) 565-3439/Fax: (202) 565-3586.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 301 of title 5, United States Code, provides that the head
of an Executive department may prescribe regulations for the custody,
use and preservation of its records. The Supreme Court has interpreted
this statute as allowing Federal agencies to promulgate regulations
under the authority of section 301 establishing procedures governing
the production of records and testimony by federal agency personnel in
legal proceedings in which the agency is not a party. United States ex
rel. Touhy v. Ragen, 340 U.S. 462 (1951).
Ex-Im Bank frequently receives demands for: (1) Testimony of its
employees or (2) the production of agency records--in legal proceedings
to which Ex-Im Bank is not a party. Ex-Im Bank currently does not have
any regulations or procedures to address this situation.
II. Analysis of Final Rule
The final rule is designed to establish centralized Ex-Im Bank
policies and procedures to govern the production of agency records and
testimony regarding information acquired in the course of the
performance of official duties by current and former Ex-Im Bank
personnel in legal proceedings before Federal, state, and local
entities (as specified in the regulation) in which Ex-Im Bank: (i) Is
not a party; (ii) is not represented; (iii) does not have a direct and
substantial interest; and (iv) is not providing representation to an
individual or entity that is a party. The rule does not cover requests
for information that are not part of legal proceedings, such as
requests for records under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C.
552.
The regulation is intended to address Ex-Im Bank's need to conserve
official personnel resources for the performance of the agency's
statutory duties while at the same time accommodating legitimate
requests or demands for official records or testimony to the extent
possible. The procedures established will also provide necessary
internal controls for management of Ex-Im Bank personnel on official
duty and for release of Ex-Im Bank records and information.
This regulation will not authorize any Ex-Im Bank personnel to
refuse to comply with the law. Rather, the regulation will permit Ex-Im
Bank personnel, under certain circumstances, to refuse to comply with a
party to litigation's demand or a court order due to: (1) Incomplete
compliance with this rule; or (2) a determination by the General
Counsel that a challenge to, or immediate review of, the demand or
order is legally appropriate.
These procedures will not infringe upon the judiciary or create new
privileges not previously recognized by law but will simply make
uniform a process of responding to each request or demand for the
production of records or testimony by Ex-Im Bank personnel in private
controversies. Further, these procedures will not impede Ex-Im Bank
personnel's access to the courts in relation to legal matters unrelated
to their official duties or not involving the official records of Ex-Im
Bank.
III. Matters of Regulatory Procedure
Administrative Procedure Act
In compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553),
Ex-Im Bank Published a proposed rule on this subject in the Federal
Register. This final rule will become effective as noted above.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
This rule is not a ``major rule,'' as defined by the Small Business
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This rule will not result in an
annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more; a major increase
in cost or prices; or significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of
United States-based companies to compete with foreign-based companies
in domestic and export markets.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
For purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
chapter 25, subchapter II), this rule will not significantly or
uniquely affect small governments and will not result in increased
expenditures by State, local, and tribal governments, or by the private
sector, of $100 million or more (as adjusted for inflation).
List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 404
Administrative practice and procedure, Government employees,
Information, Records.
0
Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Export-
Import Bank of the United States amends 12 CFR part 404 as follows:
PART 404--INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
0
1. The authority citation for part 404 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a.
Section 404.7 also issued under E.O. 12600, 52 FR 23781, 3 CFR,
1987 Comp., p. 235.
Section 404.21 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a note.
Subpart C also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301, 12 U.S.C. 635.
0
2. Subpart C is added to read as follows:
Subpart C--Demands for Testimony of Current and Former Ex-Im Bank
Personnel and for Production of Ex-Im Bank Records
Sec.
404.24 General provisions.
404.25 Applicability.
404.26 Definitions.
404.27 Demand requirements.
404.28 Notification of General Counsel required.
404.29 Restrictions on testimony and production of records.
404.30 Factors General Counsel may consider in determining whether
to authorize testimony and/or the production of records.
404.31 Procedure for declining to testify and/or produce records.
404.32 Procedure in the event a decision concerning a demand is not
made prior to the time a response to the demand is required.
404.33 Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling.
404.34 Procedure for demands for testimony or production of
documents regarding confidential information.
404.35 Procedure for requests for Ex-Im Bank employees to provide
expert or opinion testimony.
404.36 No private right of action.
Subpart C--Demands for Testimony of Current and Former Ex-Im Bank
Personnel and for Production of Ex-Im Bank Records
Sec. 404.24 General provisions.
(a) Purpose. This subpart establishes policy, assigns
responsibilities and prescribes procedures with respect to:
(1) The production or disclosure of official information or records
of Ex-Im Bank in all legal proceedings to which Ex-Im Bank is not a
party;
[[Page 14362]]
(2) Demands for testimony of Ex-Im Bank personnel related to
information acquired as a result of performance of their official
duties, or by virtue of their official status, in all legal proceedings
where Ex-Im Bank is not a party; and
(3) The offer of expert or opinion testimony by Ex-Im Bank
personnel regarding matters related to the performance of their
official duties.
(b) Policy. Ex-Im Bank seeks to further the following goals in
enacting this subpart:
(1) Conservation of agency resources for official business;
(2) Minimization of agency involvement in controversial issues
unrelated to its mission;
(3) Maintenance of the agency's impartiality amongst private
litigants;
(4) Protection of confidential and/or sensitive information; and
(5) Maintenance of the integrity of the agency's deliberative
processes.
Sec. 404.25 Applicability.
This subpart applies exclusively to demands for testimony and/or
production of records issued to Ex-Im Bank personnel, in connection
with legal proceedings to which Ex-Im Bank is not a party, regarding
information acquired in the course of the performance of official
duties or due to their official status. Nothing in this subpart shall
be construed to waive the sovereign immunity of the United States. This
subpart shall not apply to the following:
(a) Demands for testimony and/or production of records pursuant to
a legal proceeding to which Ex-Im Bank is a party:
(b) Demands for testimony and/or production of records in those
instances in which Ex-Im Bank personnel are asked to disclose
information wholly unrelated to their official duties; and
(c) Congressional demands and requests for testimony or records.
Sec. 404.26 Definitions.
For purposes of this subpart, the following definitions shall
apply--
Demand--includes an order, subpoena, or other compulsory process
issued by a party in litigation or a court of competent jurisdiction,
requiring the production or release of Ex-Im Bank information or
records, or requiring the testimony of Ex-Im Bank personnel.
Ex-Im Bank personnel--includes any current or former officer or
employee of Ex-Im Bank, including all individuals who have been
appointed by, or subject to, the official supervision, jurisdiction, or
control of any Ex-Im Bank employees. This definition encompasses all
individuals hired through contractual agreements with Ex-Im Bank, such
as: consultants, contractors, sub-contractors, and their employees.
Legal proceeding--a case or controversy pending before any federal,
state, or local court, including a grand jury proceeding; a proceeding
before a federal, state, or local administrative judge, board, or other
similar body with adjudicative powers; or a legislative proceeding
before a state or local legislative body.
Records--all documentary materials that Ex-Im Bank creates or
receives in connection with the transaction of official business,
including any materials classified as ``Federal records'' under 44
U.S.C. 3301 and its implementing regulations.
Testimony--written or oral statements, including, but not limited
to, depositions, answers to interrogatories, affidavits, declarations,
and any other statements made in a legal proceeding, including any
expert or opinion testimony.
Sec. 404.27 Demand requirements.
A party's demand for testimony and/or production of records by Ex-
Im Bank personnel regarding information acquired in the course of their
performance of official duties or due to their official status shall be
set forth in, or accompanied by, a signed affidavit or other written
statement. Such affidavit or written statement must be submitted at
least 30 days prior to the date such testimony and/or production of
records is requested to be taken and/or produced. A copy of the
affidavit or written statement shall be served on the other parties to
the legal proceeding. The affidavit or written statement must:
(a) Be addressed to the Export-Import Bank of the United States,
Office of the General Counsel, 811 Vermont Ave., NW., Washington, DC
20571;
(b) State the nature of the legal proceeding, including any docket
number, title of the case, and the name of the administrative or
adjudicative body before which the proceedings are to be heard;
(c) State the nature of the testimony or records sought;
(d) State the relevance of the information sought to the legal
proceedings;
(e) State why such information can only be obtained through
testimony or production of records by Ex-Im Bank personnel; and
(f) Comply with all procedures governing valid service of process.
Sec. 404.28 Notification of General Counsel required.
Ex-Im Bank personnel receiving a demand for testimony and/or
production of records regarding information acquired in the course of
their performance of official duties, or due to their official status,
shall immediately notify the General Counsel of Ex-Im Bank (``General
Counsel'') upon receipt of such demand. The General Counsel maintains
the exclusive authority to waive the requirements of any or all
sections of this subpart and reserves the right to delegate his or her
authority under this subpart to other appropriate Ex-Im Bank personnel.
Sec. 404.29 Restrictions on testimony and production of records.
Ex-Im Bank personnel may not provide testimony and/or produce
records regarding information acquired in the course of their
performance of official duties, or due to their official status, in
connection with any legal proceeding to which this subpart applies,
without authorization by the General Counsel. Such authorization must
be in writing, unless the General Counsel determines that circumstances
warrant an oral authorization, and such oral authorization is
subsequently documented.
Sec. 404.30 Factors General Counsel may consider in determining
whether to authorize testimony and/or the production of records.
In determining whether to authorize Ex-Im Bank personnel to provide
testimony and/or produce records regarding information acquired in the
course of their performance of official duties, or due to their
official status, the General Counsel may consider factors including,
but not limited to, the following:
(a) Efficiency--the conservation of the time and resources of Ex-Im
Bank personnel for the conduct of official business;
(b) Undue burden--whether the demand creates an undue burden upon
Ex-Im Bank or is otherwise inappropriate under any applicable
administrative or court rules;
(c) Appearance of bias--whether the testimony and/or production of
records could result in the public perception that Ex-Im Bank is
favoring one party over another, or advocating the position of a party
to the proceeding;
(d) Furtherance of agency policy--whether the testimony and/or
production of records is consistent with the policy and mission of the
Ex-Im Bank;
(e) Prevention of fraud or injustice--whether the disclosure of the
information requested is necessary to prevent the perpetration of fraud
or injustice;
[[Page 14363]]
(f) Relevance to litigation--whether the testimony and/or
production of records sought is relevant to the subject litigation;
(g) Necessity--whether the testimony and/or production of records,
including a release of such in camera, is appropriate or necessary as
determined by either the procedural rules governing the legal
proceeding, or according to the relevant laws concerning privilege;
(h) Availability from another source--whether the information
sought through testimony or production of records is available from
another source;
(i) Violations of laws or regulations--whether the testimony and/or
production of records would violate a statute, regulation, executive
order, or other official directive;
(j) Classified information--whether the testimony and/or production
of records would improperly reveal information classified pursuant to
applicable statute or Executive Order; and
(k) Compromise of rights and interests--whether the testimony and/
or production of records would compromise any of the following: law
enforcement interests, constitutional rights, national security
interests, foreign policy interests, or the confidentiality of
commercial and/or financial information.
Sec. 404.31 Procedure for declining to testify and/or produce
records.
Ex-Im Bank personnel receiving a demand to provide testimony and/or
produce records regarding information acquired in the course of their
performance of official duties, or due to their official status, and
who have not received written authorization from the General Counsel to
provide such information, shall:
(a) Respectfully decline to answer or appear for examination on the
grounds that such testimony is forbidden by this subpart;
(b) Request the opportunity to consult with the General Counsel;
(c) Explain that only upon consultation may they be granted
approval to provide such testimony;
(d) Explain that providing such testimony or records absent
approval may subject the individual to criminal liability under 18
U.S.C. 641, as well as other applicable laws, and other disciplinary
action; and
(e) Request a stay of the request or demand pending a determination
by the General Counsel.
Sec. 404.32 Procedure in the event a decision concerning a demand is
not made prior to the time a response to the demand is required.
If response to a demand is required before a determination has been
rendered by the General Counsel, the U.S. Attorney or such other
attorney as may be designated for the purpose will appear with the Ex-
Im Bank personnel upon whom the demand has been made, and will furnish
the court or other authority with a copy of the regulations contained
in this subpart and inform the court or other authority that the demand
has been or is being, as the case may be, referred for prompt
consideration of the General Counsel. The court or other authority
shall be requested respectfully to stay the demand pending
determination by the General Counsel.
Sec. 404.33 Procedure in the event of an adverse ruling.
If the court or other authority declines to stay the effect of the
demand in response to a request made in accordance with Sec. 404.32
pending a determination by the General Counsel, or if the court or
other authority rules that the demand must be complied with
irrespective of the instructions from the General Counsel not to
produce the material or disclose the information sought, the Ex-Im Bank
personnel upon whom the demand has been made shall respectfully decline
to comply with the demand (United States ex rel. Touhy v. Ragen, 340
U.S. 462).
Sec. 404.34 Procedure for demands for testimony or production of
documents regarding confidential information.
In addition to compliance with the requirements of this subpart,
demands to provide testimony and/or produce records that concern
information protected by the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, or any other
authority mandating confidentiality of certain classes of records or
information, must also satisfy the requirements for disclosure imposed
by such authority before records may be produced or testimony given.
Sec. 404.35 Procedures for requests for Ex-Im Bank employees to
provide expert or opinion testimony.
No Ex-Im Bank personnel may, unless specifically authorized by the
General Counsel, testify in any legal proceeding as an expert or
opinion witness as to any matter related to his or her duties or the
functions of the Ex-Im Bank, including the meaning of Ex-Im Bank
documents. Any demand for expert or opinion testimony shall comply with
the policies and procedures outlined in this subpart.
Sec. 404.36 No private right of action.
Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as creating any right,
substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party
against Ex-Im Bank or the United States.
Dated: March 15, 2006.
Howard A. Schweitzer,
General Counsel (Acting), Export-Import Bank of the United States.
[FR Doc. 06-2749 Filed 3-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6690-01-M