Section 12140 - Investigations by Secretary(a) IN GENERAL.-The Secretary may conduct investigations and inspections regarding compliance with this chapter and regulations prescribed under this chapter.(b) AUTHORITY TO OBTAIN EVIDENCE.-(1) IN GENERAL.-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-(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) ENFORCEMENT.-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.Added Pub. L. 112-213, title III, §308(a), Dec. 20, 2012, 126 Stat. 1566.