; and (D) conduct general audits of filings under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 ( 2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). (2) Witnesses (A) Witnesses Any witness interviewed as part of a review under this section shall sign a statement acknowledging that the witness understands that section 1001 of title 18, United States Code (popularly known as the False Statements Act ) applies to the testimony of the witness and to any documents the witness provides. (B) Payment Witnesses appearing before the Office may be paid in the same manner as prescribed by clause 5 of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act. (3) Prohibition of ex parte communications There shall be no ex parte communications between any member of the Board or employee of the Office and any individual who is the subject of any review by the Board or between any member of the Board and any interested party, and no Member or employee of the Congress may communicate with any member of the Board or employee of the Office regarding any matter under review by the Board except as authorized by the Board. (4) Contempt of Congress If a person disobeys or refuses to comply with a subpoena, or if a witness refuses to testify to a matter, the Board may recommend to the applicable ethics committee that such person be held in contempt of Congress. (e) Protection from frivolous charges (1) Civil penalty for initial complaint (A) False complaint It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly file with the Office a false complaint of misconduct by any Member or employee of Congress. (B) Encouragement to file false complaint It shall be unlawful for any person to encourage another person to file a false complaint of misconduct by any Member or employee of Congress. (C) Action by Office of Public Integrity The Director of the Office of Public Integrity, after providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing, may impose a civil penalty on any person who violates subparagraph (A) or (B) in the amount of