,,ib ,union ,cal5d> ,no4 #agj #aad? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,h4 ,r4 #aiid ,report ,no4 #aad-bbe1 ,"p ,i ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,( ,,repres5tatives ,april #bc1 #bjae ,mr4 ,mill] ( ,florida 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,co/ello ( ,p5nsylvania1 ,mr4 ,huelskamp1 ,mr4 ,abraham1 ,mr4 ,b5i%ek1 & ,mr4 ,murphy ( ,p5nsylvania7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs1 & 9 addition to ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m1 = a p]iod to be subsequ5tly det]m9$ by ! ,speak]1 9 ea* case = consid]ation ( su* provisions z fall )9 ! jurisdiction ( ! committee conc]n$ ,july #bc1 #bjae ,additional sponsors3 ,mr4 ,bab91 ,mr4 ,latta1 ,mr4 ,r\z]1 ,mrs4 ,radewag51 ,ms4 ,s9ema1 ,mr4 ,f>5?old1 ,mr4 ,bilirakis1 ,mr4 ,we/morel&1 ,mr4 ,/ew>t1 ,mr4 ,jones1 ,mr4 ,ro?fus1 ,mr4 ,c>t] ( ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,h5s>l+1 ,mr4 ,smi? ( ,texas1 ,mr4 ,joyce1 ,mr4 ,d5t1 ,mr4 ,pet]s1 ,mr4 ,tom ,price ( ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,kl9e1 ,mr4 ,b\/any1 ,mr4 ,cram]1 ,ms4 ,mc,sally1 ,mrs4 ,mc,morris ,rodg]s1 ,mr4 ,emm] ( ,m9nesota1 ,mr4 ,lamborn1 ,mr4 ,bi%op ( ,mi*igan1 ,mr4 ,bu*anan1 ,mr4 ,zeld91 ,mr4 ,de,santis1 ,mr4 ,hill1 ,mr4 ,yoho1 ,mr4 ,s5s5br5n]1 ,mr4 ,gibbs1 ,mr4 ,?ornb]ry1 ,mr4 ,salmon1 ,mr4 ,mc,caul1 ,mr4 ,jody ,b4 ,hice ( ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,pe>ce1 ,mr4 ,la,malfa1 ,mr4 ,knight1 ,mr4 ,simpson1 ,mr4 ,amodei1 ,mrs4 ,roby1 ,mr4 ,c(fman1 ,mr4 ,mess]1 ,mr4 ,hunt]1 ,mr4 ,l\d]milk1 ,mr4 ,graves ( ,georgia1 ,mr4 ,johnson ( ,ohio1 ,mr4 ,c>t] ( ,texas1 ,mr4 ,web] ( ,texas1 ,mr4 ,culb]son1 ,mr4 ,williams1 ,mrs4 ,walorski1 ,mr4 ,hurd ( ,texas1 ,mr4 ,gos>1 ,mr4 ,wittman1 ,mr4 ,curbelo ( ,florida1 ,mr4 ,z9ke1 ,mr4 ,tipton1 ,mr4 ,p]ry1 ,mr4 ,olson1 ,mr4 ,rooney ( ,florida1 ,mr4 ,gu9ta1 ,mr4 ,pitt5g]1 ,mr4 ,hudson1 ,mr4 ,goodlatte1 ,mr4 ,mica1 ,mr4 ,b>r1 ,mr4 ,g>rett1 ,mr4 ,walb]g1 ,mrs4 ,lummis1 ,mr4 ,web/] ( ,florida1 ,mr4 ,bo/1 ,mr4 ,rigell1 ,mrs4 ,ellm]s ( ,nor? ,c>ol9a1 ,mr4 ,gibson1 ,mr4 ,m>9o1 ,mr4 ,brat1 ,ms4 ,h]r]a ,beutl]1 ,mrs4 ,mimi ,walt]s ( ,cali=nia1 ,mr4 ,ne:\se1 ,mrs4 ,love1 ,mr4 ,palazzo1 ,mr4 ,frel+huys51 ,mr4 ,flores1 ,ms4 ,grang]1 ,mr4 ,poe ( ,texas1 ,mr4 ,cook1 ,mr4 ,all51 ,mr4 ,"y ( ,i[a1 ,mr4 ,katko1 & ,mr4 ,?ompson ( ,p5nsylvania ,july #bc1 #bjae ,delet$ sponsor3 ,mrs4 ,lawr5ce 7add$ ,may #ab1 #bjae2 delet$ ,june #b1 #bjae7 ,july #bc1 #bjae ,report$ f ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ) an am5dm5t ,/rike out all aft] ! enact+ clause & ins]t ! "p pr9t$ 9 italic ,july #bc1 #bjae ,! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m dis*>g$2 committ$ to ! ,committee ( ! ,:ole ,h\se on ! ,/ate ( ! ,union & ord]$ to be pr9t$ ,= text ( introduc$ bill1 see copy ( bill z introduc$ on ,april #bc1 #bjae ,a ,,bill ,to am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to provide = ! removal or demotion ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,,va ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjae4 #b4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gae4 ,employees3 removal or demotion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y may remove or demote an individual :o is an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es ! p]=mance or misconduct ( ! individual w>rants su* removal or demotion4 ,if ! ,secret>y s removes or demotes su* an individual1 ! ,secret>y may-- 7#a7 remove ! individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section #baja ( title #e72 or 7#b7 demote ! individual by means (-- 7,a7 a r$uction 9 grade = :i* ! individual is qualifi$ & t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate2 or 7,b7 a r$uction 9 annual rate ( pay t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate4 7b7 ,pay ( c]ta9 demot$ individuals 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 any individual subject to a demotion "u subsection 7a77#b77;,a7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date ( su* demotion1 receive ! annual rate ( pay applicable to su* grade4 7#b7 ,an individual s demot$ may n be plac$ on adm9i/rative leave or any o!r category ( paid leave dur+ ! p]iod dur+ :i* an appeal 7if any7 "u ?is section is ongo+1 & may only receive pay if ! individual reports = duty4 ,if an individual s demot$ does n report = duty1 su* individual %all n receive pay or o!r b5efits pursuant to subsection 7e77#e74 7c7 ,notice to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] remov+ or demot+ an individual "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives notice 9 writ+ ( su* removal or demotion & ! reason = su* removal or demotion4 7d7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 ,! proc$ures "u section #geac7;b7 ( title #e & *apt] #dc ( su* title %all n apply to a removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#b7 7,a7 ,subject to subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7e71 any removal or demotion "u subsection 7a7 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja ( title #e4 7,b7 ,an appeal "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal or demotion may only be made if su* appeal is made n lat] ?an sev5 days aft] ! date ( su* removal or demotion4 7e7 ,exp$it$ ,review by ,adm9i/rative ,judge 7#a7 ,^u receipt ( an appeal "u subsection 7d77#b77;,a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all ref] su* appeal to an adm9i/rative judge pursuant to section #ggja7;b77#a7 ( title #e4 ,! adm9i/rative judge %all exp$ite any su* appeal "u su* section &1 9 any su* case1 %all issue a decision n lat] ?an #de days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7#b7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 includ+ section #ggjc ( title #e1 ! decision ( an adm9i/rative judge "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be f9al & %all n be subject to any fur!r appeal4 7#c7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! adm9i/rative judge _c issue a decision 9 accordance ) ! #de-;day requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! removal or demotion is f9al4 ,9 su* a case1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all1 )9 #ad days aft] ! date t su* removal or demotion is f9al1 submit to ,congress & ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t expla9s ! reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ 9 accordance ) su* requirem5t4 7#d7 ,! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d or adm9i/rative judge may n /ay any removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#e7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* an individual appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u subsection 7d7 & end+ on ! date t ! adm9i/rative judge issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1 su* individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits4 7#f7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 ! ,secret>y %all provide to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 & to any adm9i/rative judge to :om an appeal "u ?is section is ref]r$1 su* in=mation & assi/ance z may be necess>y to ensure an appeal "u ?is subsection is exp$it$4 7f7 ,:i/lebl[] protection 7#a7 ,9 ! case ( an individual seek+ corrective action 7or on behalf ( :om corrective action is s\ght7 f ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel bas$ on an alleg$ prohibit$ p]sonnel practice describ$ 9 section #bcjb7;b7 ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y may n remove or demote su* individual "u subsection 7a7 )\t ! approval ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u section #abad7;f7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,9 ! case ( an individual :o has fil$ a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #gca ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y may n remove or demote su* individual "u subsection 7a7 until ! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice "u section #gcb7;h7 ( ?is title has made a f9al decision ) respect to ! :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7g7 ,t]m9ation ( inve/igations by ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,special ,c\nsel 7e/abli%$ by section #abaa ( title #e7 may t]m9ate an inve/igation ( a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice alleg$ by an employee or =m] employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t aft] ! ,special ,c\nsel provides to ! employee or =m] employee a writt5 /atem5t ( ! reasons = ! t]m9ation ( ! inve/igation4 ,su* /atem5t may n be admissible z evid5ce 9 any judicial or adm9i/rative proce$+ )\t ! cons5t ( su* employee or =m] employee4 7h7 ,relation to ,title #e ,! au?ority provid$ by ?is section is 9 addition to ! au?ority provid$ by sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #ge ( title #e & *apt] #dc ( su* title4 7i7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m individual means an individual occupy+ a position at ! ,dep>tm5t b does n include-- 7,a7 an individual1 z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #gac7;g77#a72 or 7,b7 a political appo9tee4 7#b7 ,! t]m grade has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #geaa7;a7 ( title #e4 7#c7 ,! t]m misconduct includes neglect ( duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a position 9 a transf] ( function4 7#d7 ,! t]m political appo9tee means an individual :o is-- 7,a7 employ$ 9 a position describ$ "u sections #ecab ?r\gh #ecaf ( title #e 7relat+ to ! ,executive ,s*$ule72 7,b7 a limit$ t]m appo9tee1 limit$ em]g5cy appo9tee1 or nonc>e] appo9tee 9 ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice1 z def9$ "u p>agraphs 7#e71 7#f71 & 7#g71 respectively1 ( section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e2 or 7,c7 employ$ 9 a position ( a confid5tial or policy-det]m9+ "* "u s*$ule ,c ( subp>t ,c ( "p #bac ( title #e ( ! ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,cl]ical ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new item3 #gae4 ,employees3 removal or demotion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ ,section #dcjc7;f7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ or at ! end ( p>agraph 7#b72 7,b7 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end ( p>agraph 7#c7 & ins]t+ 1 or2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 any removal or demotion "u section #gae ( title #ch4 4 #c4 ,requir$ probation>y p]iod = new employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,probation>y p]iod 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #b1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gag4 ,probation>y p]iod = employees 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ sections #ccba & #ccic7;d7 ( title #e1 ! appo9tm5t ( a cov]$ employee %all become f9al only aft] su* employee has s]v$ a probation>y p]iod ( #ah mon?s4 ,! ,secret>y may ext5d a probation>y p]iod "u ?is subsection at ! discretion ( ! ,secret>y4 7b7 ,cov]$ employee ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m cov]$ employee-- 7#a7 means any individual-- 7,a7 appo9t$ to a p]man5t position )9 ! competitive s]vice at ! ,dep>tm5t2 or 7,b7 appo9t$ z a c>e] appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a77#d7 ( title #e7 )9 ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice at ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7#b7 does n include any individual ) a probation>y p]iod prescrib$ by section #gdjc ( ?is title4 7c7 ,p]man5t hires ,^u ! expiration ( a cov]$ employee's probation>y p]iod "u subsection 7a71 ! sup]visor ( ! employee %all det]m9e :e!r ! appo9tm5t becomes f9al bas$ on regulations prescrib$ = su* purpose by ! ,secret>y4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7,a7 ,cl]ical ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]1 z am5d$ by section #b1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new item3 #gag4 ,probation>y p]iod = employees4 4 7,b7 ,con=m+ ,title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7i7 9 section #ccba7;c7-- 7,i7 by /rik+ ,s]vice or & ins]t+ ,s]vice12 & 7,,ii7 by ins]t+ at ! end be=e ! p]iod ! foll[+3 1 or any individual cov]$ by section #gag ( title #ch2 & 7ii7 9 section #ccic7;d71 by add+ at ! end aft] ! p]iod ! foll[+3 ,! prec$+ s5t5ce %all n apply to any individual cov]$ by section #gag ( title #ch44 7b7 ,application ,section #gag ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply to any cov]$ employee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 subsection 7b7 ( su* section #gag1 z s add$7 appo9t$ aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #d4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new sub*apt]3 ,,ii ,:i/lebl[] compla9ts #gca4 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$ ,9 ?is sub*apt]1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] compla9t means a compla9t by an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t disclos+1 or assi/+ ano!r employee to disclose1 a pot5tial violation ( any law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 #gcb4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,fil+ 7#a7 ,9 addition to any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 ) a sup]visor ( ! employee4 7#b7 ,except z provid$ by subsection 7d77#a71 9 mak+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t "u p>agraph 7#a71 an employee %all file ! initial compla9t ) ! imm$iate sup]visor ( ! employee4 7b7 ,notification 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an f\r bus9ess days aft] ! date on :i* a sup]visor receives a :i/lebl[] compla9t by an employee "u ?is section1 ! sup]visor %all notify1 9 writ+1 ! employee ( :e!r ! sup]visor det]m9es t !re is a reasonable likelihood t ! compla9t discloses a violation ( any law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 ,! sup]visor %all reta9 writt5 docum5tation reg>d+ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t & %all submit to ! next-level sup]visor & ! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice describ$ 9 subsection 7h7 a writt5 report on ! compla9t4 7#b7 ,on a mon?ly basis1 ! sup]visor %all submit to ! appropriate director or o!r (ficial :o is sup]ior to ! sup]visor a writt5 report t includes ! numb] ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts receiv$ by ! sup]visor "u ?is section dur+ ! mon? cov]$ by ! report1 ! disposition ( su* compla9ts1 & any actions tak5 because ( su* compla9ts pursuant to subsection 7c74 ,9 ! case 9 :i* su* a director or (ficial c>ries out ?is p>agraph1 ! director or (ficial %all submit su* mon?ly report to ! sup]visor ( ! director or (ficial & to ! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice describ$ 9 subsection 7h74 7c7 ,positive det]m9ation ,if a sup]visor makes a positive det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t ( an employee1 ! sup]visor %all include 9 ! notification to ! employee "u su* subsection ! specific actions t ! sup]visor w take to address ! compla9t4 7d7 ,fil+ compla9t ) next-level sup]visors 7#a7 ,if any circum/ance describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 is met1 an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 ) ! next-level sup]visor :o %all treat su* compla9t 9 accordance ) ?is section4 7#b7 ,an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t ) ! ,secret>y if ! employee has fil$ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t to ea* level ( sup]visors betwe5 ! employee & ! ,secret>y 9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,a circum/ance describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are any ( ! foll[+ circum/ances3 7,a7 ,a sup]visor does n make a timely det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7,b7 ,! employee :o made a :i/lebl[] compla9t det]m9es t ! sup]visor did n adequately address ! compla9t pursuant to subsection 7c74 7,c7 ,! imm$iate sup]visor ( ! employee is ! basis ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7e7 ,transf] ( employee :o files :i/lebl[] compla9t ,if a sup]visor makes a positive det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an employee1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 in=m ! employee ( ! ability to volunte] = a transf] 9 accordance ) section #cceb ( title #e2 & 7#b7 give pref]5ce to ! employee = su* a transf] 9 accordance ) su* section4 7f7 ,prohibition on exemption ,! ,secret>y may n exempt any employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t f be+ cov]$ by ?is section4 7g7 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t =m 7#a7 ,a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an employee "u subsection 7a7 or 7d7 %all consi/ ( ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 & any support+ mat]ials or docum5tation ! employee det]m9es necess>y4 7#b7 ,! =m describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph is a =m develop$ by ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel1 t includes ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an explanation ( ! purpose ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m4 7,b7 ,in/ructions = fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t z describ$ 9 ?is section4 7,c7 ,an explanation t fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t "u ?is section does n preclude ! employee f any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7,d7 ,a /atem5t direct+ ! employee to in=mation accessible on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t z describ$ 9 section #gce7;c74 7,e7 ,fields = ! employee to provide-- 7i7 ! date t ! =m is submitt$2 7ii7 ! "n ( ! employee2 7iii7 ! contact in=mation ( ! employee2 7iv7 a summ>y ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t 7includ+ ! option to app5d support+ docum5ts pursuant to p>agraph 7#a772 & 7v7 propos$ solutions to compla9t4 7,f7 ,any o!r in=mation or fields t ! ,secret>y det]m9es appropriate4 7#c7 ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel1 %all develop ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 by n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is section4 7h7 ,c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice-- 7,a7 is n an elem5t ( ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel2 7,b7 is n head$ by an (ficial :o reports to ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel2 7,c7 does n provide1 or receive f1 ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel any in=mation reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t except pursuant to an action reg>d+ ! compla9t be=e an adm9i/rative body or c\rt2 & 7,d7 does n provide advice to ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel4 7#b7 ,! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice %all be responsible = inve/igat+ all :i/lebl[] compla9ts ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 reg>dless ( :e!r su* compla9ts are made by or aga9/ an employee :o is n a memb] ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice4 7#c7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice ma9ta9s a toll-free hotl9e to anonym\sly receive :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 7#d7 ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m c5tral :i/lebl[] (fice means ! ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability ,review or a successor (fice t is e/abli%$ or designat$ by ! ,secret>y to inve/igate :i/lebl[] compla9ts fil$ "u ?is section or any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by law4 #gcc4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,9 g5]al 7#a7 ,9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! foll[+ adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :om ! ,secret>y1 an adm9i/rative judge1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+ body provid$ "u a union contract1 a ,f$]al judge1 or ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t det]m9es committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 subsection 7c73 7,a7 ,) respect to ! fir/ (f5se1 an adv]se action t is n less ?an a #ad-;day susp5sion & n m ?an removal4 7,b7 ,) respect to ! second (f5se1 removal4 7#b7 7,a7 ,except z provid$ by subp>agraph 7,b71 & not)/&+ subsections 7b7 & 7c7 ( section #geac & section #gedc ( title #e1 ! provisions ( subsections 7d7 & 7e7 ( section #gac ( ?is title %all apply ) respect to an adv]se action c>ri$ out "u p>agraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,an employee :o is notifi$ ( be+ ! subject ( a propos$ adv]se action "u p>agraph 7#a7 may n be giv5 m ?an five days foll[+ su* notification to provide evid5ce to dispute su* propos$ adv]se action4 ,if ! employee does n provide any su* evid5ce1 or if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t su* evid5ce is n suffici5t to rev]se ! det]m9ation to propose ! adv]se action1 ! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! adv]se action foll[+ su* five-day p]iod4 7b7 ,limitation on o!r adv]se actions ,) respect to a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 subsection 7c71 if ! ,secret>y c>ries out an adv]se action aga9/ a sup]visory employee1 ! ,secret>y may c>ry out an additional adv]se action "u ?is section bas$ on ! same prohibit$ p]sonnel action if ! total sev]ity ( ! adv]se actions d n exce$ ! level specifi$ 9 subsection 7a74 7c7 ,prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ ,a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 ?is subsection is any ( ! foll[+ actions3 7#a7 ,tak+ or fail+ to take a p]sonnel action 9 violation ( section #bcjb ( title #e aga9/ an employee relat+ to ! employee-- 7,a7 fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gcb ( ?is title2 7,b7 fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 7,c7 provid+ in=mation or p>ticipat+ z a witness 9 an inve/igation ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gcb or ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 7,d7 p>ticipat+ 9 an audit or inve/igation by ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 7,e7 refus+ to p]=m an action t is unlawful or prohibit$ by ! ,dep>tm5t2 or 7,f7 engag+ 9 communications t are relat$ to ! duties ( ! position or are o!rwise protect$4 7#b7 ,prev5t+ or re/rict+ an employee f mak+ an action describ$ 9 any ( subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,f7 ( p>agraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,conduct+ a pe] review or op5+ a retaliatory inve/igation relat+ to an activity ( an employee t is protect$ by section #bcjb ( title #e4 7#d7 ,reque/+ a contractor to c>ry out an action t is prohibit$ by section #dgje7;b7 or section #dgab7;a77#a7 ( title #da1 z ! case may be4 #gcd4 ,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors & treatm5t ( bonuses 7a7 ,evaluation crit]ia 7#a7 ,9 evaluat+ ! p]=mance ( sup]visors ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y %all include ! crit]ia describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,! crit]ia describ$ 9 ?is subsection are ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,:e!r ! sup]visor treats :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 accordance ) section #gcb4 7,b7 ,:e!r ! appropriate decid+ (ficial1 p]=mance review bo>d1 or p]=mance review committee det]m9es t ! sup]visor 0 f\nd to h committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 section #gcc7;b7 by an adm9i/rative judge1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+ body provid$ "u a union contract1 a ,f$]al judge1 or1 9 ! case ( a settlem5t ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 7reg>dless ( :e!r any fault 0 assign$ "u su* settlem5t71 ! ,secret>y4 7b7 ,bonuses 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may n pay to a sup]visor describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 an aw>d or bonus "u ?is title or title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de or #ec ( su* title1 dur+ ! "o-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! det]m9ation 0 made "u su* subsection4 7#b7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y %all issue an ord] direct+ a sup]visor describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 to repay ! am\nt ( any aw>d or bonus paid "u ?is title or title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de or #ec ( su* title1 if-- 7,a7 su* aw>d or bonus 0 paid = p]=mance dur+ a p]iod 9 :i* ! sup]visor committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action z det]m9$ pursuant to su* subsection 7a77#b77;,b72 7,b7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es su* repaym5t appropriate pursuant to regulations prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y to c>ry out ?is section2 & 7,c7 ! sup]visor is af=d$ notice & an opportunity = a he>+ be=e mak+ su* repaym5t4 #gce4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,tra9+ ,! ,secret>y1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,ombudsman designat$ "u section #c7;d77#a77;,c7 ( ! ,inspector ,g5]al ,act ( #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app471 %all annually provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts1 includ+-- 7#a7 an explanation ( ea* me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t2 7#b7 an explanation ( prohibit$ p]sonnel actions describ$ by section #gcc7;c7 ( ?is title2 7#c7 ) respect to sup]visors1 h[ to treat :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 accordance ) section #gcb ( ?is title2 7#d7 ! "r ( ! employee to petition ,congress reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gbaa ( title #e2 7#e7 an explanation t ! employee may n be prosecut$ or repris$ aga9/ = disclos+ in=mation to ,congress 9 in/ances :]e su* disclosure is p]mitt$ by law1 includ+ "u sections #egja1 #egje1 & #ggcb ( ?is title1 "u section #eeb;a ( title #e 7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,privacy ,act71 "u *apt] #ic ( title #ah1 & pursuant to regulations promulgat$ "u section #bfd7;c7 ( ! ,heal? ,insurance ,portability & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #aiif 7,public ,law #ajd-aia72 7#f7 an explanation ( ! language t is requir$ to be includ$ 9 all nondisclosure policies1 =ms1 & agreem5ts pursuant to section #aae7;a77#a7 ( ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,enhancem5t ,act ( #bjab 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb note72 & 7#g7 ! "r ( contractors to be protect$ f reprisal = ! disclosure ( c]ta9 in=mation "u section #dgje or #dgab ( title #da4 7b7 ,c]tification ,! ,secret>y %all annually provide tra9+ on m]it sy/em protection 9 a mann] t ! ,special ,c\nsel c]tifies z be+ satisfactory4 7c7 ,publication 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & display prom95tly at ea* facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! rights ( an employee to file a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 includ+ ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#g7 ( subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m describ$ 9 section #gcb7;g77#b74 #gcf4 ,reports to ,congress 7a7 ,annual reports ,! ,secret>y %all annually submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate1 ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 & ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate a report t includes-- 7#a7 ) respect to :i/lebl[] compla9ts fil$ "u section #gcb dur+ ! ye> cov]$ by ! report-- 7,a7 ! numb] ( su* compla9ts fil$2 7,b7 ! disposition ( su* compla9ts2 & 7,c7 ! ways 9 :i* ! ,secret>y address$ su* compla9ts 9 :i* a positive det]m9ation 0 made by a sup]visor "u subsection 7b77#a7 ( su* section2 7#b7 ! numb] ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts fil$ dur+ ! ye> cov]$ by ! report t are n includ$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 includ+-- 7,a7 ! me?od 9 :i* su* compla9ts 7 fil$2 7,b7 ! disposition ( su* compla9ts2 & 7,c7 ! ways 9 :i* ! ,secret>y address$ su* compla9ts2 & 7#c7 ) respect to disclosures made by a contractor "u section #dgje or #dgab ( title #da-- 7,a7 ! numb] ( compla9ts relat+ to su* disclosures t 7 inve/igat$ by ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ ! ye> cov]$ by ! report2 7,b7 ! disposition ( su* compla9ts2 & 7,c7 ! ways 9 :i* ! ,secret>y address$ su* compla9ts4 7b7 ,notice ( ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel det]m9ations ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y receives f ! ,special ,c\nsel in=mation relat+ to a :i/lebl[] compla9t pursuant to section #abac ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y %all notify ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate1 ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 & ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate ( su* in=mation1 includ+ ! det]m9ation made by ! ,special ,c\nsel4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ & cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,su* *apt] is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ be=e section #gja ! foll[+3 ,i ,g5]al employee matt]s 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ be=e ! item relat+ to section #gja ! foll[+ new item3 ,sub*apt] ,i--,g5]al employee matt]s 2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new items3 ,sub*apt] ,,ii--,:i/lebl[] compla9ts #gca4 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$4 #gcb4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gcc4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gcd4 ,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors & treatm5t ( bonuses4 #gce4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gcf4 ,reports to ,congress4 4 #e4 ,re=m ( p]=mance appraisal sy/em = ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,p]=mance appraisal sy/em 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gag1 z add$ by section #c1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gai4 ,s5ior executives3 p]=mance appraisal 7a7 ,p]=mance appraisal sy/em 7#a7 ,! p]=mance appraisal sy/em = individuals employ$ 9 s5ior executive positions 9 ! ,dep>tm5t requir$ by section #dcab ( title #e %all provide1 9 addition to ! requirem5ts ( su* section1 = five annual summ>y rat+s ( levels ( p]=mance z foll[s3 7,a7 ,"o out/&+ level4 7,b7 ,"o exce$s fully successful level4 7,c7 ,"o fully successful level4 7,d7 ,"o m9imally satisfactory level4 7,e7 ,"o unsatisfactory level4 7#b7 ,! foll[+ limitations apply to ! rat+ ( ! p]=mance ( su* individuals3 7,a7 ,= any ye>1 n m ?an #aj p]c5t ( su* individuals :o receive a p]=mance rat+ dur+ t ye> may receive ! out/&+ level "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a74 7,b7 ,= any ye>1 n m ?an #bj p]c5t ( su* individuals :o receive a p]=mance rat+ dur+ t ye> may receive ! exce$s fully successful level "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b74 7#c7 ,9 evaluat+ ! p]=mance ( an individual "u ! p]=mance appraisal sy/em1 ! ,secret>y %all take into consid]ation-- 7,a7 any compla9t or report 7includ+ any p5d+ or publi%$ report7 submitt$ by ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! ,equal ,employm5t ,opportunity ,commission1 or any o!r appropriate p]son or entity1 relat$ to any facility or program manag$ by ! individual1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y2 7,b7 ef=ts made by ! individual to ma9ta9 high levels ( satisfaction & commitm5t among ! employees sup]vis$ by ! individual2 & 7,c7 ! crit]ia describ$ 9 section #gcd7;a77#b7 ( ?is title4 7b7 ,*ange ( position 7#a7 ,at lea/ once e five ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all reassign ea* individual employ$ 9 a s5ior executive position to a position at a diff]5t location t does n include ! sup]vision ( ! same p]sonnel or programs4 ,! ,secret>y %all make su* reassignm5ts on a roll+ basis bas$ on ! date on :i* an individual 0 orig9ally assign$ to a position4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y may waive ! requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a7 = any su* individual1 if ! ,secret>y submits to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives notice ( ! waiv] & an explanation ( ! reasons = ! waiv]4 7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an ,m>* #a ( ea* ye>1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! p]=mance appraisal sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t "u subsection 7a74 ,ea* su* report %all include1 = ! ye> prec$+ ! ye> dur+ :i* ! report is submitt$1 ea* ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,all docum5tation conc]n+ ea* ( ! foll[+ = ea* individual employ$ 9 a s5ior executive position 9 ! ,dep>tm5t3 7,a7 ,! initial p]=mance appraisal4 7,b7 ,! high] level review1 if reque/$4 7,c7 ,! recomm5dations ( ! p]=mance review bo>d4 7,d7 ,! f9al summ>y review4 7,e7 ,! numb] ( initial p]=mance rat+s rais$ z a result ( ! recomm5dations ( ! p]=mance review bo>d4 7,f7 ,! numb] ( initial p]=mance rat+s l[]$ z a result ( ! recomm5dations ( ! p]=mance review bo>d4 7,g7 ,any adv]se action tak5 aga9/ any su* individual :o receives a p]=mance rat+ ( less ?an fully successful4 7#b7 ,! review ( ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ! in=mation describ$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,d7 ( p>agraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,a summ>y ( ! docum5tation provid$ "u p>agraph 7#a74 7d7 ,def9ition ( s5ior executive position ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m s5ior executive position has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #gac7;g77#c7 ( ?is title4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]1 z am5d$ by section #c1 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gag ! foll[+ new item3 #gai4 ,s5ior executives3 p]=mance appraisal4 4 7#c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #dcab7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ & at ! end2 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 2 &2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 t1 9 ! case ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! p]=mance appraisal sy/em meets ! requirem5ts ( section #gai ( title #ch4 4 7b7 ,review ( ,,ses managem5t tra9+ 7#a7 ,review ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ent] into a contract ) a nongov]nm5tal entity to review ! managem5t tra9+ program = individuals employ$ 9 s5ior executive positions 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #gac7;g77#c7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code7 ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs t is be+ provid$ z ( ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,su* review %all include a comp>ison ( ! tra9+ provid$ by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to ! managem5t tra9+ provid$ = s5ior executives ( o!r ,f$]al dep>tm5ts & ag5cies & to ! managem5t tra9+ provid$ to s5ior executives 9 ! private sector4 ,! contract %all provide t ! nongov]nm5tal entity mu/ complete & submit to ! ,secret>y a report conta9+ ! f9d+s & conclusions ( ! review by n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y & ! nongov]nm5tal entity ent] into ! contract4 7#b7 ,report to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y receives ! report "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ! report toge!r ) a plan = c>ry+ out ! recomm5dations conta9$ 9 ! report4 #f4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = memb]s ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( b5efits 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gai1 z add$ by section #e1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gba4 ,s5ior executives3 r$uction ( b5efits ( individuals convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( annuity = remov$ employee ,! ,secret>y %all ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual remov$ f a s5ior executive position "u section #gac ( ?is title %all n be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity ) respect to su* individual "u *apt] #hc or *apt] #hd ( title #e1 if-- 7#a7 ! individual is convict$ ( a felony t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! s5ior executive position2 & 7#b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$ notice & an opportunity = a he>+ conduct$ by ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7b7 ,r$uction ( annuity = retir$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual :o is subject to a removal or transf] action "u section #gac ( ?is title b :o leaves employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action %all n be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity ) respect to su* individual "u *apt] #hc or *apt] #hd ( title #e1 if-- 7,a7 ! individual is convict$ ( a felony t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! s5ior executive position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$ notice & an opportunity = a he>+ conduct$ by ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all make su* an ord] n lat] ?an sev5 days aft] ! date ( ! conclusion ( a he>+ ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 t det]m9es t su* ord] is lawful4 7c7 ,adm9i/rative requirem5ts 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! ,secret>y issues an ord] "u subsection 7a7 or 7b71 ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all recalculate ! annuity ( ! individual4 7#b7 ,a decision reg>d+ :e!r ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual %all be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 is f9al & may n be review$ by any dep>tm5t or ag5cy or any c\rt4 7d7 ,lump-,sum ,annuity ,cr$it ,any individual ) respect to :om an annuity is r$uc$ "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 %all be entitl$ to be paid s mu* ( su* individual's lump-sum cr$it z is attributable to ! p]iod ( cov]$ s]vice4 7e7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ s]vice means1 ) respect to an individual subject to a removal or transf] action "u section #gac ( ?is title1 ! p]iod ( s]vice beg9n+ on ! date t ! ,secret>y det]m9es "u su* section t su* individual engag$ 9 activity t gave rise to su* action & end+ on ! date t su* individual is remov$ f ! civil s]vice or leaves employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action1 z ! case may be4 7#b7 ,! t]m lump-sum cr$it has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7h7 or section #hdja7ai7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 7#c7 ,! t]m s5ior executive position has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #gac7;g77#c7 ( ?is title4 7#d7 ,! t]m s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7ab7 or section #hdja7bf7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gai1 z add$ by section #e1 ! foll[+ new item3 #gba4 ,s5ior executives3 r$uction ( b5efits ( individuals convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4 4 7b7 ,application ,section #gba ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply to any action ( removal or transf] "u section #gac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 comm5c+ on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #g4 ,limitation on adm9i/rative leave = employees ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,limitation 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gba1 z add$ by section #f1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gbc4 ,limitation on adm9i/rative leave 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,except z provid$ 9 subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y may n place any cov]$ individual on adm9i/rative leave1 or any o!r type ( paid non-duty /atus )\t *>ge to leave1 = m ?an a total ( #ad days dur+ any #cfe-;day p]iod4 7b7 ,waiv] ,! ,secret>y may waive ! limitation "u subsection 7a7 & ext5d ! adm9i/rative leave or o!r paid non-duty /atus )\t *>ge to leave ( a cov]$ individual plac$ on su* leave or /atus "u subsection 7a7 if ! ,secret>y submits to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a detail$ explanation ( ! reasons ! individual 0 plac$ on adm9i/rative leave or o!r paid non-duty /atus )\t *>ge to leave & ! reasons = ! ext5sion ( su* leave or /atus4 ,su* explanation %all include ! "n ( ! cov]$ individual1 ! location :]e ! individual is employ$1 & ! individual's job title4 7c7 ,cov]$ individual ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m cov]$ individual means an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t-- 7#a7 :o is subject to an inve/igation = purposes ( det]m9+ :e!r su* individual %\ld be subject to any discipl9>y action "u ?is title or title #e2 or 7#b7 aga9/ :om any discipl9>y action is propos$ or initiat$ "u ?is title or title #e4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]1 z am5d$ by section #f1 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gba ! foll[+ new item3 #gbc4 ,limitation on adm9i/rative leave4 4 7b7 ,application ,section #gbc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply ) respect to any #cfe-;day p]iod beg9n+ on or aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #h4 ,treatm5t ( congressional te/imony by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees z (ficial duty 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gbc1 z add$ by section #g1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gbe4 ,congressional te/imony by employees3 treatm5t z (ficial duty 7a7 ,congressional te/imony ,an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t is p]=m+ (ficial duty dur+ ! p]iod ) respect to :i* ! employee is te/ify+ 9 an (ficial capacity 9 front ( ei!r ,h\se ( ,congress1 a committee ( ei!r ,h\se ( ,congress1 or a jo9t or select committee ( ,congress4 7b7 ,travel ,exp5ses ,! ,secret>y %all provide travel exp5ses1 includ+ p] diem 9 lieu ( subsi/5ce1 9 accordance ) applicable provisions "u sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #eg ( title #e1 to any employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs p]=m+ (ficial duty describ$ "u subsection 7a74 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gbc1 z add$ by section #g1 ! foll[+ new item3 #gbe4 ,congressional te/imony by employees3 treatm5t z (ficial duty4 4 #i4 ,limitation on aw>ds & bonuses paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,section #gje ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gjc note7 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #gje4 ,limitation on aw>ds & bonuses paid to employees ( dep>tm5t ( vet]ans affairs ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ensure t ! aggregate am\nt ( aw>ds & bonuses paid by ! ,secret>y 9 a fiscal ye> "u *apt] #de or #ec ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 or any o!r aw>ds or bonuses au?oriz$ "u su* title or title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 does n exce$ ! foll[+ am\nts3 7#a7 ,) respect to ea* ( fiscal ye>s #bjae ?r\gh #bjah1 #cjj1jjj1jjj4 7#b7 ,) respect to ea* ( fiscal ye>s #bjai ?r\gh #bjbd1 #cfj1jjj1jjj4 4 #aj4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al /udy ( ,dep>tm5t "t & space us$ = labor organization activity 7a7 ,/udy requir$ ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all conduct a /udy on ! am\nt ( "t sp5t by ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees c>ry+ out organiz+ activities relat+ to labor organizations & ! am\nt ( space 9 ,dep>tm5t facilities us$ = su* activities4 ,! /udy %all include a co/-b5efit analysis ( ! use ( su* "t & space = su* activities4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] ! completion ( ! /udy requir$ "u subsection 7a71 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al %all submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! results ( ! /udy4 ,july #bc1 #bjae ,report$ f ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ) an am5dm5t ,july #bc1 #bjae ,! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m dis*>g$2 committ$ to ! ,committee ( ! ,:ole ,h\se on ! ,/ate ( ! ,union & ord]$ to be pr9t$