; 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. 556. Personnel matters (a) Compensation of employees (1) Appointment Upon a majority vote of the Board, the Board may appoint and fix the compensation of such professional, nonpartisan staff (including staff with relevant experience in investigations and law enforcement) of the Office as the Board considers necessary to perform its duties. (2) Qualifications Each employee of the Office shall be professional and demonstrably qualified for the position for which the employee is hired. (3) Staffing requirements (A) In general The employees of the Office shall be assembled and retained as a professional, nonpartisan staff, and the Office as a whole, and each