In the performance of his functions and duties under the provisions of sections
18 to
18d of this title, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized—
(a)To prescribe, amend, and repeal such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary, and to accept contributions for carrying out the purposes of said sections; and
(b)To employ, subject to chapter
51 and subchapter
III of chapter
53 of title
5, one special assistant and not to exceed five artists and illustrators.