What is the meaning of the statute requiring a federal counsel to represent a defendant in a federal habeas case?

The statute's plain meaning concerning the payment of fees without reference to the forum is made clear by the congressional directive that federally appointed counsel represent the defendant in competency and clemency matters, see 21 U.S.C. 848(q)(8). Those proceedings ordinarily occur in state forums after the conclusion of the federal habeas case. See Hill v. Lockhart, 992 F.2d 801, 803 (8th Cir.1993) (the statute requires provision of attorneys for competency and clemency proceedings even though they are "frequently not commenced until state and federal post conviction relief have been denied").