; and (2) the recommendations and guidelines described in subsection (c). 6. Powers of Council (a) Hearings The Council may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Council considers advisable to carry out this Act. (b) Information from Federal agencies (1) In general The Council may secure directly from a Federal department or agency such information as the Council considers necessary to carry out this Act. (2) Furnishing information On request of the chairperson of the Council, the head of the department or agency shall furnish the information to the Council. (c) Postal services The Council may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. 7. Council personnel matters (a) Compensation of members Only members of the Council representing categories described in subparagraphs (G) through (K) of section 4(b)(2) shall be compensated for their work for the Council. Such members may receive compensation at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the members are engaged in the performance of the duties of the Council. (b) Travel expenses A member of the Council 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 Council. (c) Staff (1) In general The chairperson of the Council may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Council to perform its duties, except that the employment of an executive director shall be