; and (2) the President shall carry out the actions required under subsection (c). 6. Powers of Commission (a) Information from Federal agencies (1) In general The Commission may secure directly from a Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. (2) Furnishing information On request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the department or agency shall furnish the information to the Commission. (b) Postal services The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (c) Gifts The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. 7. Commission personnel matters (a) Compensation and travel expenses A member of the Commission shall not be compensated, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. (b) Administrative and operational support The Comptroller General of the United States is authorized to enter into a contract with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to provide administrative and operational support, including assistance in procuring meeting space, for the Commission. (c) Staff The Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), appoint such personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties. The annual rate of basic pay for an individual appointed under this subsection shall be comparable to the annual rate of basic pay for an employee who occupies a position within the General Schedule under subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, and has a similar level of experience as that individual. (d) Detail of government employees A Federal