that a public health emergency exists as a result of COVID-19, as issued by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on January 31, 2020, is not in effect as of August 31, 2020, all members of the Commission shall be appointed on or between September 1, 2020, and October 1, 2020. (d) Term of members Members of the Commission shall serve for the life of the Commission. (e) Initial meeting The Commission shall hold its initial meeting and begin the operations of the Commission as soon as practicable, but in no event later than March 15, 2021, if appointed pursuant to subsection (c)(1), or October 31, 2020, if appointed pursuant to subsection (c)(2). (f) Quorum, vacancies After its initial meeting, the Commission shall meet upon the call of the chairperson or a majority of its members. Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. (g) Compensation Each member of the Commission may be compensated at not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day during which that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the Commission. (h) Travel expenses While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code. 5. Powers of Commission (a) In general (1) Hearings and evidence The Commission or, on the authority of the Commission, any subcommittee or member thereof, may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act— (A) hold such hearings and sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony,