; (B) the term employer means an employer described in clauses (i)(I) and (ii) of section 111(2)(A) or clauses (i)(II) and (ii) of such section; and (C) the term other individual affected does not include an individual covered under subsection (b), (c), or (d). (2) Investigative authority (A) In general To ensure compliance with the provisions of this subtitle, or any regulation or order issued under this subtitle, the Secretary shall have the investigative authority provided under section 11(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 211(a) ), with respect to employers, employees, and other individuals affected. (B) Subpoena authority For the purposes of any investigation provided for in this paragraph, the Secretary shall have the subpoena authority provided for under section 9 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 209 ). (3) Civil action by employees or other individuals affected (A) Right of action An action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in subparagraph (B) may be maintained against any employer in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by one or more employees or other individuals affected or their representative for and on behalf of— (i) the employees or individuals; or (ii) the employees or individuals and others similarly situated. (B) Liability Any employer who violates section 112 shall be liable to any employee or other individual affected— (i) for damages equal to— (I) the amount of— (aa) any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost by reason of the violation; or (bb) in a case in which wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation have not been denied or lost, any actual monetary losses sustained as a direct result of the violation up to a sum equal to 56 hours of wages or salary for the employee or individual; (II) the interest on the amount described in subclause (I) calculated at the prevailing rate; and (III) an additional amount as liquidated damages