(a) Upon receipt of exceptions, the Under Secretary may afford both parties an opportunity to submit briefs or other appropriate statements in support of their respective positions.

(b) The Under Secretary shall issue a decision based solely on the record of the proceedings or those portions thereof cited by the parties to limit the issues.

(c) If the Under Secretary modifies or reverses the initial hearing decision of the Examiner, he or she shall specify such findings of fact and conclusions of law as are different from those of the Examiner.