Assignment. No judge who has any pecuniary interest in the outcome of a proceeding shall serve as judge in such proceeding.

Powers of judges. Subject to review by the Secretary, as provided elsewhere in this subpart, the judge, in any proceeding, shall have power to:

Rule upon motions and requests;

Change the time and place of hearing, and adjourn the hearing from time to time or from place to place;

Administer oaths and affirmations and take affidavits;

Examine and cross-examine witnesses and receive evidence;

Admit or exclude evidence;

Hear oral argument on facts or law;

Do all acts and take all measures necessary for the maintenance of order at the hearing and the efficient conduct of the proceeding.

Who may act in absence of judge. In case of the absence of the judge or his inability to act, the powers and duties to be performed by him under this part in connection with a proceeding may, without abatement of the proceeding unless otherwise ordered by the Secretary, be assigned to any other judge.

Disqualification of judge. The judge may at any time withdraw as judge in a proceeding if he deems himself to be disqualified. Upon the filing by an interested person in good faith of a timely and sufficient affidavit of personal bias or disqualification of a judge, the Secretary shall determine the matter as a part of the record and decision in the proceeding, after making such investigation or holding such hearings, or both, as he may deem appropriate in the circumstances.