But the government is still separately seeking the judge's order to compel release of the data.

WSJ: FBI Secretive 'National Security Letter' Demand for Phone Records Faces Rare Challenge

The sequester was put into place as part of the Budget Control Act in order to compel Congress to do its job.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

You need to find some leverage in order to compel them.

BBC

In order for it to compel companies to take a license, to prove its offensive capabilities were robust and not just a bluff, Myhrvold actually had to sue.

FORBES: Even Nathan Myhrvold Needs To Realize A Return

And the judge didn't even tell the lawyers that she was going to issue an order on their motion to compel these various depositions until the very end of the call, around 7:45 Eastern Standard time and that the clerk would actually fax them a copy at that point.

CNN: Transcript: White House Counsel Ruff's opening statement

But because the order does not amount to a new law it does not compel the private sector to take any action.

BBC: President Obama

If Thompson wants to compel Huang's appearance, all he needs to do is issue a committee order and, if necessary, get a judge to dispatch U.S. Marshal escorts to Huang's California home.

CNN: Campaign Finance: The Show Begins