,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bieb ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #bd1 #bjah ,ms4 ,klobuchar 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,blunt1 ,mr4 ,mc,connell1 ,mr4 ,schumer1 ,mr4 ,grassley1 ,mrs4 ,gillibrand1 ,mrs4 ,capito1 ,mrs4 ,mc,caskill1 ,mr4 ,roberts1 ,mrs4 ,feinstein1 ,mrs4 ,fischer1 ,ms4 ,heitkamp1 ,mr4 ,enzi1 ,ms4 ,baldwin1 ,mrs4 ,ernst1 ,ms4 ,hirono1 ,mr4 ,cruz1 ,mrs4 ,shaheen1 ,mr4 ,isakson1 ,mr4 ,brown1 ,mr4 ,barrasso1 ,mr4 ,markey1 ,mr4 ,sullivan1 ,mr4 ,carper1 ,mr4 ,heller1 ,ms4 ,smith1 ,mr4 ,tillis1 ,mr4 ,casey1 ,mr4 ,kennedy1 ,mr4 ,nelson1 ,ms4 ,murkowski1 ,mr4 ,donnelly1 ,mr4 ,cornyn1 ,ms4 ,duckworth1 ,mr4 ,tester1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 ,mr4 ,merkley1 ,mr4 ,coons1 ,mr4 ,booker1 ,mr4 ,warner1 ,mr4 ,wyden1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,reed1 and ,mr4 ,manchin7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice1 considered1 read the third time1 and passed ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie to establish protections against congressional sexual harassment and discrimination1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 references in ,act2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act4 7b7 ,references in ,act ,except as otherwise expressly provided in this ,act1 wherever an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to or repeal of a section or other provision1 the reference shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja et seq474 7c7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 references in ,act2 table of contents4 ,,title ,i--,reform of ,dispute ,resolution ,procedures ,subtitle ,a--,reform of ,procedures for ,initiation and ,resolution of ,claims ,sec4 #aja4 ,description of procedures available for consideration of alleged violations4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,reform of process for initiation of procedures4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,availability of mediation during process4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,hearings4 ,subtitle ,b--,other ,reforms ,sec4 #aaa4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse treasury for damages paid as settlements and awards for certain violations4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,automatic referral to congressional ethics committees of disposition of certain claims alleging violations of ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie involving ,members of ,congress and senior staff4 ,sec4 #aac4 ,availability of option to request remote work assignment or paid leave of absence during pendency of procedures4 ,sec4 #aad4 ,modification of rules on confidentiality of proceedings4 ,sec4 #aae4 ,reimbursement by other employing offices of legislative branch of payments of certain awards and settlements4 ,,title ,,ii--,improving ,operations of ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights ,sec4 #bja4 ,reports on awards and settlements4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,workplace climate surveys of employing offices4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,record retention4,sec4 #bjd4 ,confidential ,advisor4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,,gao study of management practices4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,,gao audit of cybersecurity4 ,,title ,,iii--,miscellaneous ,reforms ,sec4 #cja4 ,application of ,genetic ,information ,nondiscrimination ,act of #bjjh4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,extension to unpaid staff of rights and protections against employment discrimination4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,provisions relating to instrumentalities4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,notices4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,clarification of coverage of employees of ,stennis ,center and ,helsinki and ,china ,commissions4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,training and education programs of other employing offices4 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,support for out-of-area covered employees4 ,sec4 #cjh4 ,renaming ,office of ,compliance as ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 ,,title ,,iv--,effective ,date ,sec4 #dja4 ,effective date4 ,i ,reform of ,dispute ,resolution ,procedures ,a ,reform of ,procedures for ,initiation and ,resolution of ,claims #aja4 ,description of procedures available for consideration of alleged violations 7a7 ,procedures described ,section #dja 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adja7 is amended to read as follows3 #dja4 ,procedure for consideration of alleged violations 7a7 ,filing of claims ,except as otherwise provided in this ,act1 the procedure for consideration of an alleged violation of part ,a of title ,,ii consists of-- 7#a7 notification of intent to file1 and filing of1 a claim by the covered employee alleging the violation1 as provided in section #djb1 which may be followed1 as described in section #djc7;a71 with mediation under section #djc2 and 7#b7 an election of proceeding1 as provided in this section1 of-- 7,a7 a formal hearing as provided in section #dje1 subject to ,board review as provided in section #djf1 and judicial review in the ,united ,states ,court of ,appeals for the ,federal ,circuit as provided in section #djg2 7,b7 a civil action in a district court of the ,united ,states as provided in section #djh2 or 7,c7 in the case of a ,library claimant 7as defined in subsection 7d77#a771 a proceeding described in subsection 7d77#b7 that relates to the violation at issue4 7b7 ,election of formal hearing or civil action 7#a7 ,in general ,a covered employee who seeks to make-- 7,a7 the election described in subsection 7a77#b77;,a7 shall file the request for the formal hearing as provided in section #dje7;a77#a71 by the deadline described in paragraph 7#b72 or 7,b7 the election described in subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 shall file the civil action as provided in section #djh1 by the deadline described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,deadline for election ,the deadline described in this paragraph shall be #ij days after the later of-- 7,a7 the date on which either party opts out of mediation under section #djb7;c72 or 7,b7 the end of the period of mediation under section #djc7;c74 7#c7 ,effect of election ,if the covered employee-- 7,a7 elects to file a request for a formal hearing as provided in section #dje7;a71 the procedure for consideration of the claim shall not include a civil action or other proceeding described in subparagraph 7,b7 or 7,c7 of subsection 7a77#b72 or 7,b7 elects to file a civil action as provided in section #djh7;a71 the procedure for consideration of the claim shall not include any formal hearing1 review1 or other proceeding described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,c7 of subsection 7a77#b74 7c7 ,special rule for ,architect of the ,capitol and ,capitol ,police ,in the case of an employee of the ,office of the ,architect of the ,capitol or of the ,capitol ,police1 the ,office1 after receiving a claim filed under section #djb1 may recommend that the employee use1 for a specific period of time1 the grievance procedures of the ,architect of the ,capitol or the ,capitol ,police for resolution of the employee's grievance4 ,if the grievance procedures do not resolve the grievance1 the employee may resume the procedure described in subsection 7a71 starting with section #djc1 except that the deadline for opting out of mediation under that section shall be #aj business days after the last day of the grievance procedures4 7d7 ,election of remedies for ,library of ,congress 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,direct ,act ,the term direct ,act means an ,act 7other than this ,act71 or provision of the ,revised ,statutes1 that is specified in section #bja1 #bjb1 or #bjc4 7,b7 ,direct provision ,the term direct provision means a provision 7including a definitional provision7 of a direct ,act that applies the rights or protections of a direct ,act 7including rights and protections relating to nonretaliation or noncoercion7 to a ,library claimant4 7,c7 ,library claimant ,the term ,library claimant means1 with respect to a direct provision1 an employee of the ,library of ,congress who is covered by that direct provision4 7#b7 ,election after proceedings initially brought under this ,act ,a ,library claimant who initially files a claim for an alleged violation as provided in section #djb may1 instead of proceeding with the claim in accordance with sections #djc 7if applicable7 and #dje or filing a civil action in accordance with section #djh1 during the period described in subsection 7b77#b7 but before the ,office commences a formal hearing under section #dje1 elect to bring the claim for a proceeding before the corresponding ,federal agency1 under the corresponding direct provision4 7#c7 ,election after proceedings initially brought under other civil rights or labor law ,a ,library claimant who initially brings a claim1 complaint1 or charge under a direct provision for a proceeding before a ,federal agency may1 prior to requesting a hearing under the agency's procedures1 elect to-- 7,a7 continue with the agency's procedures and preserve the option 7if any7 to bring any civil action relating to the claim1 complaint1 or charge1 that is available to the ,library claimant2 or 7,b7 file a claim with the ,office under section #djb1 make an election under subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of section #dja7;a77#b71 and continue with the corresponding procedures of this subtitle4 7#d7 ,application ,this subsection shall take effect and shall apply as described in section #aec7;c7 of the ,legislative ,branch ,appropriations ,act1 #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ada7 7except to the extent such section applies to any violation of section #baj or a provision of an ,act specified in section #baj74 7e7 ,rights of individuals ,to retain private counsel ,nothing in this ,act may be construed to limit the authority of any particular individual1 including a covered employee1 the head of an employing office1 or an individual who has a right to intervene under section #dae7;d77#f71 to retain private counsel to protect the interests of the particular individual at any point during any of the procedures provided under this ,act for the consideration of an alleged violation of part ,a of title ,,ii1 including procedures described in section #dae7;d77#f74 7f7 ,standards for designated representatives or unrepresented parties 7#a7 ,standards ,each designated representative of a party1 and unrepresented party1 participating in any of the procedures 7including proceedings7 provided under this ,act shall have an obligation to ensure that1 to the best of that designated representative or unrepresented party's knowledge1 information1 and belief1 as formed after an inquiry which is reasonable under the circumstances1 each of the following is correct3 7,a7 ,no pleading1 written motion1 or other paper is presented for any improper purpose1 such as to harass1 cause unnecessary delay1 or needlessly increase the cost of resolution of the matter4 7,b7 ,the claims1 defenses1 and other legal contentions the designated representative or unrepresented party advocates are warranted by existing law or by a nonfrivolous argument for extending1 modifying1 or reversing existing law or for establishing new law4 7,c7 ,the factual contentions have evidentiary support or1 if specifically so identified1 will likely have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery4 7,d7 ,the denials of factual contentions are warranted on the evidence or1 if specifically so identified1 are reasonably based on belief or a lack of information4 7#b7 ,sanctions 7,a7 ,in general ,if a decisionmaker described in subparagraph 7,b7 determines that a designated representative of a party1 or unrepresented party1 has failed to comply with the standards specified in paragraph 7#a71 then that decisionmaker may impose appropriate sanctions4 7,b7 ,decisionmaker ,a decisionmaker described in subparagraph 7,a7 is-- 7i7 a hearing officer or mediator chosen from the list specified in section #dje7;c77#b71 who is not serving as a hearing officer or mediator to resolve any claim filed under section #djb that is associated with-- 7,i7 the designated representative or unrepresented party2 or 7,,ii7 an individual identified in claim4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment relating to civil action ,section #djh7;a7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjh7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking section #djd and inserting section #dja2 7#b7 by striking who has completed counseling under section #djb and mediation under section #djc and inserting who filed a timely claim under section #djb1 elected to file a civil action under section #dja7;a77#b77;,b71 and made a timely filing under this section as described in section #dja7;b72 and 7#c7 by striking the second sentence4 7c7 ,other conforming amendments ,title ,,iv is amended by striking section #djd 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjd74 7d7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents is amended by striking the item relating to section #djd4 #ajb4 ,reform of process for initiation of procedures 7a7 ,initiation of procedures ,section #djb 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjb7 is amended to read as follows3 #djb4 ,initiation of procedures 7a7 ,intake of claim by ,office 7#a7 ,notification of intent to file ,to commence a proceeding under this title1 a covered employee alleging a violation of law made applicable under part ,a of title ,,ii shall notify the ,office of intent to file a claim with the ,office4 7#b7 ,information ,on receiving a notification under paragraph 7#a71 the ,office shall provide to the covered employee all relevant information with respect to the employee's and the employing office's rights under this ,act1 the process for filing the claim1 and the option for the employee to elect1 if the employee so chooses1 to file a civil action regarding the alleged violation4 ,the ,office shall discuss the information and covered employee's claim with the covered employee4 ,the ,office shall initiate the procedures described in this paragraph on the date of the notification4 7#c7 ,filing ,upon providing the notification described in paragraph 7#a71 and not later than the expiration of the #ahj-;day period in subsection 7e71 the covered employee may file the claim4 ,the claim shall be made in writing under oath or affirmation1 shall describe the facts that form the basis of the claim and the violation that is being alleged1 shall identify the employing office alleged to have committed the violation or in which the violation is alleged to have occurred1 and shall be in such form as the ,office requires4 7b7 ,initial processing of claim ,upon the filing of a claim by a covered employee under subsection 7a71 the ,office shall take such steps as may be necessary for the initial intake and recording of the claim and shall transmit a copy of the claim to the head of the employing office not later than #c business days after the date on which the claim is filed4 7c7 ,mediation 7#a7 ,notification of right to opt out of mediation 7,a7 ,covered employee ,upon receipt of a claim1 the ,office shall notify the covered employee about the process for mediation under section #djc1 the right to opt out of the mediation1 and the deadline for opting out of the mediation4 7,b7 ,employing office ,upon transmission to the employing office of the claim pursuant to subsection 7b71 the ,office shall notify the employing office about the process for mediation under section #djc1 the right to opt out of the mediation1 and the deadline for opting out of the mediation4 7#b7 ,deadline to opt out of mediation ,either party may opt out of the mediation4 ,the deadline for opting out shall be #aj business days after the date on which the claim that would be the subject of the mediation is filed4 7d7 ,use of electronic reporting and tracking system 7#a7 ,establishment and operation of system ,the ,office shall establish and operate an electronic reporting and tracking system through which a covered employee may initiate a proceeding under this title1 and which will keep an electronic record of the date and time at which the proceeding is initiated and will track all subsequent actions or proceedings occurring with respect to the proceeding under this title4 7#b7 ,accessibility to all parties ,the system shall be accessible to all parties to such actions or proceedings1 but only until the completion of such actions or proceedings4 7#c7 ,assessment of effectiveness of procedures ,the ,office shall use the information contained in the system to make regular assessments of the effectiveness of the procedures under this title in providing for the timely resolution of claims1 and shall submit semiannual reports on such assessments each year to the ,committee on ,house ,administration and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate4 7e7 ,deadline ,a covered employee may not file a claim under this section with respect to an allegation of a violation of law after the expiration of the #ahj-;day period which begins on the date of the alleged violation4 ,the ,office shall not accept a claim that does not meet the requirements of this subsection4 7f7 ,no effect on ability of covered employee ,to seek information from ,office or pursue relief ,nothing in this section may be construed to limit the ability of a covered employee-- 7#a7 to contact the ,office or any other appropriate office prior to filing a claim under this title to seek information regarding the employee's rights under this ,act and the procedures available under this ,act2 or 7#b7 in the case of a covered employee of an employing office described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c7 of section #aja7i71 to refer information regarding an alleged violation of part ,a of title ,,ii to the ,committee on ,ethics of the ,house of ,representatives or the ,select ,committee on ,ethics of the ,senate 7as the case may be74 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents is amended by amending the item relating to section #djb to read as follows3 ,sec4 #djb4 ,initiation of procedures4 4 #ajc4 ,availability of mediation during process 7a7 ,availability of mediation ,section #djc7;a7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjc7;a77 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,availability of mediation 7#a7 ,in general ,unless the covered employee who filed a claim under section #djb or the employing office named in the claim opts out of mediation by the deadline described in section #djb7;c77#b71 the ,office shall promptly assign a mediator to the claim1 and conduct such mediation under this section4 7#b7 ,impact of decision ,a decision by a party to engage in or opt out of mediation as provided in this ,act shall not be used for or against the party in any proceeding under this ,act4 4 7b7 ,requiring parties ,to ,be separated during mediation at request of employee ,section #djc7;b77#b7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjc7;b77#b77 is amended by striking meetings with the parties separately or jointly and inserting meetings with the parties during which1 at the request of the covered employee1 the parties shall be separated14 7c7 ,period of mediation ,section #djc7;c7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adjc7;c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the first sentence1 by striking beginning on the date the request for mediation is received and inserting beginning on the first day after the deadline described in section #djb7;c77#b72 and 7#b7 by striking the second sentence and inserting ,the mediation period may be extended for one additional period of #cj days at the joint request of the covered employee and employing office44 #ajd4 ,hearings 7a7 ,hearings commenced by ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights ,section #dje 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adje7 is amended as follows3 7#a7 ,in the heading1 by striking ,complaint and4 7#b7 ,by amending subsection 7a7 to read as follows3 7a7 ,requirement for hearings ,to commence in ,office 7#a7 ,hearing required upon request ,if a covered employee elects to file a request for a hearing under this section by the deadline described in paragraph 7#b71 the ,executive ,director shall appoint an independent hearing officer pursuant to subsection 7c7 to consider the claim and render a decision1 and a hearing shall be commenced in the ,office4 7#b7 ,deadline for requesting hearing ,the deadline described in this paragraph shall be #ij days after the later of-- 7,a7 the date on which either party opts out of mediation under section #djb7;c72 or 7,b7 the end of the period of mediation under section #djc7;c74 7#c7 ,effect of filing civil action ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 if the covered employee files a civil action as provided in section #djh with respect to a complaint1 the provisions of section #dja7;b77#c77;,b7 shall apply with regard to a hearing under this section4 4 7#c7 ,in subsection 7b71 by striking dismiss any claim and inserting dismiss any cause of action within a claim4 7#d7 ,in subsection 7c77#a71 by striking ,upon the filing of a complaint and inserting ,upon receipt of a request for a hearing in accordance with subsection 7a74 7#e7 ,in subsection 7d71 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking complaint and inserting claim4 7#f7 ,in subsection 7g71 by striking complaint and inserting claim4 7b7 ,additional time to commence a hearing before a hearing officer ,section #dje7;d7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adje7;d771 as amended by subsection 7a71 is further amended by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 commenced no later than #ij days after the ,executive ,director receives a request filed under subsection 7a71 except that1 upon mutual agreement of the parties or for good cause1 the ,office shall extend the time for commencing a hearing for not more than an additional #cj days2 and 4 7c7 ,other conforming amendment ,the heading of section #dad 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adad7 is amended by striking of complaints4 7d7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents1 as amended by section #aja7;d71 is further amended as follows3 7#a7 ,by amending the item relating to section #dje to read as follows3 ,sec4 #dje4 ,hearing4 4 7#b7 ,by amending the item relating to section #dad to read as follows3 ,sec4 #dad4 ,settlement4 4 ,b ,other ,reforms #aaa4 ,requiring ,members of ,congress to reimburse treasury for damages paid as settlements and awards for certain violations 7a7 ,mandating reimbursement of amounts paid ,section #dae 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adae7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,reimbursement by ,members of ,congress for damages paid as settlements and awards 7#a7 ,reimbursement required for certain violations 7,a7 ,in general ,if a payment is made from the account described in subsection 7a7 for an award or settlement in connection with a claim alleging a violation described in subparagraph 7,d7 perpetrated directly against a covered employee by an individual who1 at the time of committing the violation1 was a ,member of the ,house of ,representatives 7including a ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress7 or a ,senator1 that individual who committed the violation shall reimburse the account for the amount of compensatory damages included in the award or settlement attributable to that violation4 7,b7 ,separate finding required in case of award or settlement ,personal liability or a reimbursement requirement may not be imposed on an individual under this subsection unless the hearing officer1 the court1 or the corresponding committee described in section #daf7;e77#a7 7as the case may be7 makes a finding1 separate from the finding on the underlying claim1 that the individual perpetrated a violation requiring reimbursement under this subsection4 7,c7 ,multiple claims ,if an award or settlement is made for multiple claims1 some of which do not require reimbursement under this subsection1 the ,member or ,senator shall only be required to reimburse for the amount of compensatory damages included in the portion of the award or settlement attributable to a claim requiring reimbursement4 7,d7 ,violation described ,a violation described in this subparagraph is-- 7i7 unwelcome harassment by an individual described in subparagraph 7,a7 on any basis protected by section #bja7;a7 or #bjf7;a7 that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering1 and is sufficiently severe or pervasive to unreasonably interfere1 with a covered employee's work performance or create an intimidating1 hostile1 or offensive working environment2 or 7ii7 in the case of a violation of section #bja7;a7 on the basis of sex1 conduct by an individual described in subparagraph 7,a7 that is an unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favors1 when-- 7,i7 submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the covered employee's employment2 or 7,,ii7 submission to or rejection of such conduct by the employee is used as the basis for an employment decision affecting such employee4 7#b7 ,withholding amounts from compensation 7,a7 ,establishment of timetable and procedures by ,committees ,for purposes of carrying out subparagraph 7,b71 the applicable ,committee shall establish a timetable and procedures for the withholding of amounts from the compensation of an individual who is a ,member of the ,house of ,representatives or a ,senator4 7,b7 ,deadline ,the payroll administrator shall withhold from an individual's compensation and transfer to the account described in subsection 7a7 7after transferring to the account of the individual in the ,thrift ,savings ,fund any amount that the individual had requested to be so transferred7 such amounts as may be necessary to reimburse the account described in subsection 7a7 for the reimbursable portion of the award or settlement described in paragraph 7#a7 if the individual has not reimbursed the account as required under paragraph 7#a7 prior to the expiration of the #ij-;day period which begins on the date a payment is made from the account for such an award or settlement4 7,c7 ,applicable committee defined ,in this paragraph1 the applicable ,committee means-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives1 in the case of an individual who1 at the time of the withholding1 is a ,member of the ,house2 or 7ii7 the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate1 in the case of an individual who1 at the time of the withholding1 is a ,senator4 7#c7 ,administrative wage garnishment or other collection of wages from a subsequent position 7,a7 ,individual subject to garnishment or other collection ,subparagraph 7,b7 shall apply to an individual who is subject to the reimbursement requirement of this subsection if1 by the expiration of the #ahj-;day period that begins on the date a payment is made from the account described in subsection 7a7 relating to an award or settlement described in paragraph 7#a71 the individual-- 7i7 has not reimbursed the account for the entire reimbursable portion as required under paragraph 7#a72 and 7ii7 is not employed as a ,member of the ,house of ,representatives or a ,senator but is employed in a subsequent non-,federal position4 7,b7 ,garnishment or other collection of wages ,on the expiration of that #ahj-;day period1 the amount of the reimbursable portion of an award or settlement described in paragraph 7#a7 7reduced by any amount the individual has reimbursed1 taking into account any amounts withheld under paragraph 7#b77 shall be treated as a delinquent nontax debt and transferred to the ,secretary of the ,treasury for collection4 ,upon that transfer1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall collect the debt1 in accordance with section #cgaa of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 including by administrative wage garnishment of the wages of the individual described in subparagraph 7,a7 from the position described in subparagraph 7,a77ii74 ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall transfer the collected amount to the account described in subsection 7a74 7#d7 ,notification to ,office of ,personnel ,management and ,secretary of the ,treasury ,if the individual does not obtain employment in a subsequent position referred to in paragraph 7#c77;,a77ii71 not later than #ij days after the individual is first no longer receiving compensation as a ,member or a ,senator1 the amounts withheld or collected under this subsection have not been sufficient to reimburse the account described in subsection 7a7 for the reimbursable portion of the award or settlement described in paragraph 7#a71 the payroll administrator-- 7,a7 shall notify the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management1 who shall take such actions as the ,director considers appropriate to withhold from any annuity payable to the individual under chapter #hc or chapter #hd of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 and transfer to the account described in subsection 7a71 such amounts as may be necessary to reimburse the account for the reimbursable portion of an award or settlement described in paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 shall notify the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 who 7if necessary71 notwithstanding section #bjg of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djg71 shall take such actions as the ,secretary of the ,treasury considers appropriate to withhold from any payment to the individual under title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq47 and transfer to the account described in subsection 7a71 such amounts as may be necessary to reimburse the account for the reimbursable portion of an award or settlement described in paragraph 7#a74 7#e7 ,coordination between ,,opm and ,treasury ,the ,director of the ,office of ,personnel ,management and the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall carry out paragraph 7#d7 in a manner that ensures the coordination of the withholding and transferring of amounts under such paragraph1 in accordance with regulations promulgated by the ,director and the ,secretary4 7#f7 ,right to intervene ,an individual who is subject to the reimbursement requirement of this subsection shall have the unconditional right to intervene in any mediation1 hearing1 or civil action under this title to protect the interests of the individual in the determination of whether an award or settlement described in paragraph 7#a7 should be made1 and the amount of any such award or settlement1 except that nothing in this paragraph may be construed to require the covered employee who filed the claim to be deposed by counsel for the individual in a deposition that is separate from any other deposition taken from the employee in connection with the hearing or civil action4 7#g7 ,definitions ,in this subsection1 the term payroll administrator means-- 7,a7 in the case of an individual who is a ,member of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,chief ,administrative ,officer of the ,house of ,representatives1 or an employee of the ,office of the ,chief ,administrative ,officer who is designated by the ,chief ,administrative ,officer to carry out this subsection2 or 7,b7 in the case of an individual who is a ,senator1 the ,secretary of the ,senate1 or an employee of the ,office of the ,secretary of the ,senate who is designated by the ,secretary to carry out this subsection4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to claims made on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #aab4 ,automatic referral to congressional ethics committees of disposition of certain claims alleging violations of ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie involving ,members of ,congress and senior staff ,section #daf7;e7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adaf7;e77 is amended to read as follows3 7e7 ,automatic referrals to ,congressional ,ethics ,committees of dispositions of claims involving ,members of ,congress and senior staff 7#a7 ,referral ,upon the final disposition under this title 7as described in paragraph 7#f77 of a claim alleging a violation of section #bja7;a7 or #bjf7;a7 that is perpetrated directly against a covered employee by a ,member of the ,house of ,representatives 7including a ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress7 or a ,senator1 or by a senior staffer of an employing office described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of section #aja7i71 the ,executive ,director shall refer the claim to-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,ethics of the ,house of ,representatives1 in the case of a ,member or senior staffer of the ,house 7including a ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress72 or 7,b7 the ,select ,committee on ,ethics of the ,senate1 in the case of a ,senator or senior staffer of the ,senate4 7#b7 ,access to records and information ,if the ,executive ,director refers a claim to a ,committee under paragraph 7#a71 the ,executive ,director shall provide the ,committee with access to the settlement documents in the case of a settlement and findings by the hearing officer involved in the case of an award under this title4 7#c7 ,review by congressional ethics committees of settlements of certain claims ,after the receipt of a settlement agreement for a claim that includes an allegation of a violation of section #bja7;a7 or #bjf7;a7 that is perpetrated directly against a covered employee as described in section #dae7;d77#a77;,d7 by a ,member of the ,house of ,representatives 7including a ,delegate or a ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress7 or a ,senator1 the corresponding committee described in paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 not later than #ij days after that receipt1 review the settlement agreement2 7,b7 determine whether an investigation of the claim is warranted2 and 7,c7 if the committee determines1 after the investigation1 that the claim that resulted in the settlement involved an actual violation of section #bja7;a7 or #bjf7;a7 perpetrated directly against a covered employee as described in section #dae7;d77#a77;,d7 by the ,member or ,senator1 then the committee shall notify the ,executive ,director to request the reimbursement described in section #dae7;d7 and include the settlement in the report required by section #cja7l74 7#d7 ,protection of personally identifiable information ,if a ,committee to which a claim is referred under paragraph 7#a7 issues a report with respect to the claim1 the ,committee shall ensure that the report does not directly disclose the identity or position of the individual who filed the claim4 7#e7 ,authority to protect identity of a claimant 7,a7 ,redactions ,if a ,committee issues a report as described in paragraph 7#d71 the ,committee may1 in accordance with subparagraph 7,b71 make an appropriate redaction to the information or data included in the report if the ,committee and the appropriate decisionmakers described in subparagraph 7,b7 determine that including the information or data considered for redaction may lead to the unintentional disclosure of the identity or position of a claimant4 ,the report including any such redaction shall note each redaction and include a statement that the redaction was made solely for the purpose of avoiding such an unintentional disclosure of the identity or position of a claimant4 7,b7 ,agreement on redactions ,the ,committee shall make a redaction under subparagraph 7,a7 only if agreement is reached on the precise information or data to be redacted by-- 7i7 the ,chairman and ,ranking ,member of the ,committee on ,ethics of the ,house of ,representatives1 in the case of a report concerning a ,member of the ,house of ,representatives 7including a ,delegate or ,resident ,commissioner to the ,congress7 or a senior staffer who is an employee of the ,house of ,representatives2 or 7ii7 the ,chairman and ,vice ,chairman of the ,select ,committee on ,ethics of the ,senate1 in the case of a report concerning a ,senator or senior staffer who is an employee of the ,senate4 7,c7 ,retention of unredacted reports ,each committee described in subparagraph 7,b7 shall retain a copy of the report1 without redactions4 7#f7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,final disposition ,the final disposition of a claim means the following3 7i7 ,an agreement to pay a settlement1 including an agreement reached pursuant to mediation under section #djc4 7ii7 ,an order to pay an award that is final and not subject to appeal4 7,b7 ,senior staffer ,the term senior staffer means any individual who1 at the time a violation occurred1 was required to file a report under title ,i of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app474 4 #aac4 ,availability of option to request remote work assignment or paid leave of absence during pendency of procedures 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,iv 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #dag4 ,option to request remote work assignment or paid leave of absence during pendency of procedures 7a7 ,options for employees 7#a7 ,remote work assignment ,at the request of a covered employee who files a claim alleging a violation of part ,a of title ,,ii by the covered employee's employing office1 during the pendency of any of the procedures available under this title for consideration of the claim1 the employing office may permit the covered employee to carry out the employee's responsibilities from a remote location 7referred to in this section as permitting a remote work assignment7 where such relocation would have the effect of materially reducing interactions between the covered employee and any person alleged to have committed the violation1 instead of from a location of the employing office4 7#b7 ,exception for work assignments required to be carried out onsite ,if1 in the determination of the covered employee's employing office1 a covered employee who makes a request under this subsection cannot carry out the employee's responsibilities from a remote location or such relocation would not have the effect described in paragraph 7#a71 the employing office may during the pendency of the procedures described in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 grant a paid leave of absence to the covered employee2 7,b7 permit a remote work assignment and grant a paid leave of absence to the covered employee2 or 7,c7 make another workplace adjustment1 or permit a remote work assignment1 that would have the effect of reducing interactions between the covered employee and any person alleged to have committed the violation described in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,ensuring no retaliation ,an employing office may not grant a covered employee's request under this subsection in a manner which would constitute a violation of section #bjg4 7#d7 ,no impact on vacation or personal leave ,in granting leave for a paid leave of absence under this section1 an employing office shall not require the covered employee to substitute1 for that leave1 any of the accrued paid vacation or personal leave of the covered employee4 7b7 ,exception for arrangements subject to collective bargaining agreements ,subsection 7a7 does not apply to the extent that it is inconsistent with the terms and conditions of any collective bargaining agreement which is in effect with respect to an employing office4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to tile ,,iv the following new item3 ,sec4 #dag4 ,option to request remote work assignment or paid leave of absence during pendency of procedures4 4 #aad4 ,modification of rules on confidentiality of proceedings 7a7 ,mediation ,section #daf7;b7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adaf7;b77 is amended by striking ,all mediation and inserting ,all information discussed or disclosed in the course of any mediation4 7b7 ,claims ,section #daf 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adaf71 as amended by section #aab1 is further amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7a72 7#b7 by redesignating subsections 7b7 through 7f7 as subsections 7a7 through 7e71 respectively2 7#c7 in subsection 7b71 as redesignated by paragraph 7#b7 of this subsection1 by striking subsections 7d71 7e71 and 7f7 and inserting subsections 7c71 7d71 and 7e72 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,claims ,nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a covered employee from disclosing the factual allegations supporting the covered employee's claim1 or to prohibit an employing office from disclosing the factual allegations supporting the employing office's defense to the claim1 in the course of any proceeding under this title4 4 #aae4 ,reimbursement by other employing offices of legislative branch of payments of certain awards and settlements 7a7 ,requiring reimbursement ,section #dae 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adae71 as amended by section #aaa1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,reimbursement by employing offices 7#a7 ,notification of payments made from account ,as soon as practicable after the ,executive ,director is made aware that a payment of an award or settlement under this ,act has been made from the account described in subsection 7a7 in connection with a claim alleging a violation described in section #bja7;a7 or #bjf7;a7 by an employing office 7other than an employing office described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c7 of section #aja7i771 the ,executive ,director shall notify the head of the employing office associated with the claim that the payment has been made1 and shall include in the notification a statement of the amount of the payment4 7#b7 ,reimbursement by office ,not later than #ahj days after receiving a notification from the ,executive ,director under paragraph 7#a71 the head of the employing office involved shall transfer to the account described in subsection 7a71 out of any funds available for operating expenses of the office1 a payment equal to the amount specified in the notification4 7#c7 ,timetable and procedures for reimbursement ,the head of an employing office shall transfer a payment under paragraph 7#b7 in accordance with such timetable and procedures as may be established under regulations promulgated by the ,office4 4 7b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply with respect to payments made under section #dae of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adae7 for an award or settlement for a claim that is filed on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,,ii ,improving ,operations of ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights #bja4 ,reports on awards and settlements 7a7 ,annual reports on awards and settlements 7#a7 ,requiring submission and publication of reports ,section #cja 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acha7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7h77#c71 by striking complaint each place it appears and inserting claim2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7l7 ,annual reports on awards and settlements 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #de days after the beginning of each calendar year1 the ,office shall submit to ,congress and publish on the ,office's public website a report listing each award that is the result of a violation of part ,a of title ,,ii or settlement that is attributable to a finding described in section #dae7;d77#a77;,b7 and that was paid during the previous calendar year from the account described in section #dae7;a74 ,the report shall include information on the employing office involved1 the amount of the award or settlement1 the provision that was the subject of the claim1 and 7in the case of an award or settlement resulting from a finding described in section #dae7;d77#a77;,b771 whether the ,member or former ,member is in compliance with the requirement of section #dae7;d7 to reimburse the account for the reimbursable portion of the award or settlement4 7#b7 ,protection of identity of individuals receiving awards and settlements ,in preparing and submitting the reports required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,office shall ensure that the identity or position of any claimant is not disclosed4 7#c7 ,authority to protect the identity of a claimant 7,a7 ,in general ,in carrying out paragraph 7#b71 the ,executive ,director may make an appropriate redaction to the data included in the report described in paragraph 7#a7 if the ,executive ,director determines that including the data considered for redaction may lead to the identity or position of a claimant unintentionally being disclosed4 ,the report shall note each redaction and include a statement that the redaction was made solely for the purpose of avoiding such an unintentional disclosure of the identity or position of a claimant4 7,b7 ,recordkeeping ,the ,executive ,director shall retain a copy of the report described in subparagraph 7,a71 without redactions4 7#d7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term claimant means an individual who received an award or settlement1 or who made an allegation of a violation against an employing office4 4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by paragraph 7#a7 shall apply with respect to #bjah and each succeeding year4 7b7 ,report on amounts previously paid 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights shall submit to ,congress and make available to the public on the ,office's public website a report on all payments made with public funds prior to the date of the enactment of this ,act for awards and settlements in connection with violations of section #bja7;a7 of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa7;a771 or section #bjg of such ,act 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acag7 and shall include in the report the following information3 7,a7 ,the amount paid for each such award or settlement4 7,b7 ,the source of the public funds used for the award or settlement1 without regard to whether the funds were paid from the account described in section #dae7;a7 of such ,act 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adae7;a771 an account of the ,house of ,representatives or ,senate1 or any other account of the ,federal ,government4 7#b7 ,rule of construction regarding identification of ,house and ,senate accounts ,nothing in paragraph 7#a77;,b7 may be construed to require or permit the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights to report the account of any specific office of the ,house of ,representatives or ,senate as the source of funds used for an award or settlement4 #bjb4 ,workplace climate surveys of employing offices 7a7 ,requiring surveys ,title ,,iii 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acha et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #cjg4 ,workplace climate surveys of employing offices 7a7 ,requirement ,to conduct surveys ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this section1 and every #b years thereafter1 the ,office shall conduct a survey of employees of employing offices described in subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 7,c71 and 7,e7 of section #aja7i71 regarding the workplace environment of such office4 ,the ,office shall make the survey available 7which may include making the survey available electronically7 to all such employees4 ,employee responses to the survey shall be voluntary4 7b7 ,special inclusion of information on sexual harassment and discrimination ,in each survey conducted under this section1 the ,office shall survey respondents on attitudes regarding sexual harassment and discrimination4 7c7 ,methodology 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall conduct each survey under this section in accordance with methodologies established by the ,office4 7#b7 ,confidentiality ,under the methodologies established under paragraph 7#a71 all responses to all portions of the survey shall be anonymous and confidential1 and each respondent shall be told throughout the survey that all responses shall be anonymous and confidential4 7#c7 ,survey form ,the ,office shall not include any code or information on the survey form that makes a respondent to the survey1 or the respondent's employing office1 individually identifiable4 7d7 ,use of results of surveys ,the ,office shall furnish the information obtained from the surveys conducted under this section to the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 and the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration1 of the ,senate4 7e7 ,consultation with ,committees ,the ,office shall carry out this section1 including establishment of methodologies and procedures under subsection 7c71 in consultation with the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,homeland ,security and ,governmental ,affairs1 and the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration1 of the ,senate4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to title ,,iii the following new item3 ,sec4 #cjg4 ,workplace climate surveys of employing offices4 4 #bjc4 ,record retention ,section #cja 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acha71 as amended by section #bja7;a71 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7m7 ,record retention ,not later than #ahj days following the date of enactment of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act1 the ,office1 in consultation with the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate1 shall create a program to be enforced by the ,office for the proper and timely disposition of confidential documents and data created or obtained by mediators or hearing officers in connection with their service in confidential proceedings under this ,act4 4 #bjd4 ,confidential ,advisor ,section #cjb 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #achb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7d7 through 7f7 as subsections 7e7 through 7g71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7c7 the following3 7d7 ,confidential advisor 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,executive ,director shall-- 7,a7 appoint1 and fix the compensation of1 and may remove1 a ,confidential ,advisor2 or 7,b7 designate an employee of the ,office to serve as a ,confidential ,advisor4 7#b7 ,duties 7,a7 ,voluntary services ,the ,confidential ,advisor shall offer to provide to covered employees described in paragraph 7#d7 the services described in subparagraph 7,b71 which a covered employee may accept or decline4 7,b7 ,services ,the services referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 are-- 7i7 informing1 on a privileged and confidential basis1 a covered employee who has experienced a practice that may be a violation of part ,a of title ,,ii about the employee's rights under this ,act2 7ii7 consulting1 on a privileged and confidential basis1 with a covered employee who has experienced a practice that may be a violation of part ,a of title ,,ii regarding-- 7,i7 the roles1 responsibilities1 and authority of the ,office2 and 7,,ii7 the relative merits of securing private counsel1 designating a non-attorney representative1 or proceeding without representation during proceedings before the ,office2 7iii7 assisting1 on a privileged and confidential basis1 a covered employee who seeks consideration under title ,,iv of an allegation of a violation of part ,a of title ,,ii in understanding the procedures1 and the significance of the procedures1 described in that title ,,iv2 and 7iv7 informing1 on a privileged and confidential basis1 a covered employee who has experienced a practice that may be a violation of part ,a of title ,,ii about the option of pursuing1 in appropriate circumstances1 a complaint with the ,committee on ,ethics of the ,house of ,representatives or the ,select ,committee on ,ethics of the ,senate4 7#c7 ,qualifications ,the ,confidential ,advisor shall be a lawyer who-- 7,a7 is admitted to practice before1 and is in good standing with1 the bar of a ,state of the ,united ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 or a territory of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 has experience representing clients in cases involving the workplace laws incorporated by part ,a of title ,,ii4 7#d7 ,individuals covered ,the services described in paragraph 7#b7 are available to any covered employee 7which1 for purposes of this subsection1 shall include any staff member described in section #bja7;d7 and any former covered employee 7including any former staff member described in that section771 except that-- 7,a7 a former covered employee may only request such services if the practice that may be a violation of part ,a of title ,,ii occurred during the employment or service of the employee2 and 7,b7 a covered employee described in this paragraph may only request such services before the expiration of the #ahj-;day period described in section #djb7;e74 7#e7 ,restrictions ,the ,confidential ,advisor-- 7,a7 shall not provide legal advice to1 or act as the designated representative for1 any covered employee in connection with the covered employee's participation in any proceeding1 including any proceeding under this ,act1 any judicial proceeding1 or any proceeding before any committee of ,congress2 and 7,b7 shall not serve as a mediator in any mediation conducted pursuant to section #djc4 4 #bje4 ,,gao study of management practices 7a7 ,study ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study of the management practices of the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to ,congress a report on the study conducted under subsection 7a71 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,comptroller ,general considers appropriate for improvements to the management practices of the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 #bjf4 ,,gao audit of cybersecurity 7a7 ,audit ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct an audit of the cybersecurity systems and practices of the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7b7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to ,congress a report on the audit conducted under subsection 7a71 and shall include in the report such recommendations as the ,comptroller ,general considers appropriate for improvements to the cybersecurity systems and practices of the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 ,,iii ,miscellaneous ,reforms #cja4 ,application of ,genetic ,information ,nondiscrimination ,act of #bjjh ,section #ajb 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acjb7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,genetic ,information ,nondiscrimination ,act of #bjjh ,the provisions of this ,act that apply to a violation of section #bja7;a77#a7 shall be considered to apply to a violation of title ,,ii of the ,genetic ,information ,nondiscrimination ,act of #bjjh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;ff et seq471 consistent with section #bjg7;c7 of that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;ff-#f7;c774 4 #cjb4 ,extension to unpaid staff of rights and protections against employment discrimination 7a7 ,extension ,section #bja7;d7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acaa7;d77 is amended to read as follows3 7d7 ,application to unpaid staff 7#a7 ,in general ,subsections 7a7 and 7b7 and section #bjg shall apply with respect to any staff member of an employing office who carries out official duties of the employing office but who is not paid by the employing office for carrying out such duties1 including an intern1 an individual detailed to an employing office1 and an individual participating in a fellowship program1 in the same manner and to the same extent as such subsections and section apply with respect to a covered employee4 7#b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in paragraph 7#a7 may be construed to extend liability for a violation of subsection 7a7 or section #bjg to an employing office on the basis of an action taken by any person who is not under the supervision or control of the employing office4 7#c7 ,intern defined ,for purposes of this section1 the term intern means an individual who performs service for an employing office which is uncompensated by the ,united ,states1 who obtains an educational benefit1 such as by earning credit awarded by an educational institution or learning a trade or occupation1 and who is appointed on a temporary basis4 4 7b7 ,technical correction relating to office responsible for disbursement of pay to ,house employees ,section #aja7g7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7g77 is amended by striking disbursed by the ,clerk of the ,house of ,representatives and inserting disbursed by the ,chief ,administrative ,officer of the ,house of ,representatives4 #cjc4 ,provisions relating to instrumentalities 7a7 ,references to former ,office of ,technology ,assessment 7#a7 ,public services and accommodations provisions ,section #baj7;a7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acca7;a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#i71 by adding and at the end2 7,b7 by striking paragraph 7#aj72 and 7,c7 by redesignating paragraph 7#aa7 as paragraph 7#aj74 7#b7 ,occupational safety and health provisions ,section #bae7;e77#a7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acda7;e77#a77 is amended by striking the ,office of ,technology ,assessment14 7#c7 ,labor-,management provisions ,section #bbj7;e77#b77;,g7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acea7;e77#b77;,g77 is amended by striking 1 the ,office of ,technology ,assessment14 7b7 ,amendments relating to ,lo,c coverage of ,library visitors 7#a7 ,in general ,section #baj 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acca7 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsection 7h7 as subsection 7i72 and 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7g7 the following3 7h7 ,election of remedies relating to rights to public services and accommodations for ,library visitors 7#a7 ,definition of ,library visitor ,in this subsection1 the term ,library visitor means an individual who is eligible to bring a claim for a violation under title ,,ii or ,,iii of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7other than a violation for which the exclusive remedy is under section #bja7 against the ,library of ,congress4 7#b7 ,election of remedies 7,a7 ,in general ,a ,library visitor who alleges a violation of subsection 7b7 by the ,library of ,congress may1 subject to subparagraph 7,b7-- 7i7 file a charge against the ,library of ,congress under subsection 7d72 or 7ii7 use the remedies and procedures set forth in section #gag of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;e-#af71 as provided under section #eaj 7other than paragraph 7#e77 of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abbji74 7,b7 ,timing ,a ,library visitor that has initiated proceedings under clause 7i7 or 7ii7 of subparagraph 7,a7 may elect to change and initiate a proceeding under the other clause-- 7i7 in the case of a ,library visitor who first filed a charge pursuant to subparagraph 7,a77i71 before the ,general ,counsel files a complaint under subsection 7d77#c72 or 7ii7 in the case of a ,library visitor who first initiated a proceeding under subparagraph 7,a77ii71 before the ,library visitor requests a hearing under the procedures of the ,library of ,congress described in such subparagraph4 4 7#b7 ,effective date and applicability ,the amendments made by this subsection shall take effect as if such amendments were included in section #aec of the ,legislative ,branch ,appropriations ,act1 #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ada71 and shall apply as specified in section #aec7;c7 of such ,act4 #cjd4 ,notices ,part ,e of title ,,ii 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acfa7 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bbe 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acfa7-- 7,a7 by striking subsection 7e72 and 7,b7 by redesignating subsection 7f7 as subsection 7e74 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 #bbf4 ,notices 7a7 ,in general ,every employing office shall post and keep posted 7in conspicuous places upon its premises where notices to covered employees are customarily posted7 a notice provided by the ,office that-- 7#a7 describes the rights1 protections1 and procedures applicable to covered employees of the employing office under this ,act1 concerning violations described in subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 includes contact information for the ,office4 7b7 ,violations ,a violation described in this subsection is-- 7#a7 discrimination prohibited by section #bja7;a7 7including1 in accordance with section #ajb7;c71 discrimination prohibited by title ,,ii of the ,genetic ,information ,nondiscrimination ,act of #bjjh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;ff et seq477 or #bjf7;a72 and 7#b7 a violation of section #bjg1 or a violation of section #dcaa7;b7 of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code1 that is related to discrimination described in paragraph 7#a74 4 #cje4 ,clarification of coverage of employees of ,stennis ,center and ,helsinki and ,china ,commissions 7a7 ,coverage of ,stennis ,center1 ,china ,review ,commission1 ,congressional-,executive ,china ,commission1 and ,helsinki ,commission 7#a7 ,treatment of employees as covered employees ,section #aja7c7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7c77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking subparagraph 7,i72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,j7 and inserting a semicolon2 7,c7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,j7 as subparagraph 7,i72 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,j7 the ,john ,c4 ,stennis ,center for ,public ,service ,training and ,development2 7,k7 the ,china ,review ,commission2 7,l7 the ,congressional-,executive ,china ,commission2 or 7,m7 the ,helsinki ,commission4 4 7#b7 ,treatment of ,center and ,commissions as employing office ,section #aja7i77;,d7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7i77;,d77 is amended by striking and the ,office of ,technology ,assessment and inserting the following3 the ,john ,c4 ,stennis ,center for ,public ,service ,training and ,development1 the ,china ,review ,commission1 the ,congressional-,executive ,china ,commission1 and the ,helsinki ,commission4 7#c7 ,definitions of commissions ,section #aja 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#ac7 ,china ,review ,commission ,the term ,china ,review ,commission means the ,united ,states-,china ,economic and ,security ,review ,commission established under section #abch of the ,floyd ,d4 ,spence ,national ,defense ,authorization ,act for ,fiscal ,year #bjja 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #gjjb71 as enacted into law by section #a of ,public ,law #ajf-cih4 7#ad7 ,congressional-,executive ,china ,commission ,the term ,congressional-,executive ,china ,commission means the ,congressional-,executive ,commission on the ,people's ,republic of ,china established under title ,,iii of the ,u4,s4-,china ,relations ,act of #bjjj 7,public ,law #ajf-bhf2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #fiaa et seq474 7#ae7 ,helsinki ,commission ,the term ,helsinki ,commission means the ,commission on ,security and ,cooperation in ,europe established under the ,act entitled ,an ,act to establish a ,commission on ,security and ,cooperation in ,europe1 approved ,june #c1 #aigf 7,public ,law #id-cjd2 #bb ,u4,s4,c4 #cjja et seq474 4 7b7 ,legal assistance and representation 7#a7 ,in general ,title ,v 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq47 is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating section #eji as section #eab2 and 7,b7 by inserting after section #ejh the following3 #eji4 ,legal assistance and representation ,legal assistance and representation under this ,act1 including assistance and representation with respect to the proposal or acceptance of the disposition of a claim under this ,act1 shall be provided to the ,china ,review ,commission1 the ,congressional-,executive ,china ,commission1 and the ,helsinki ,commission-- 7#a7 by the ,office of the ,house ,employment ,counsel of the ,house of ,representatives1 in the case of assistance and representation in connection with a claim filed under title ,,iv 7including all subsequent proceedings under such title in connection with the claim7 at a time when the chair of the ,commission is a ,member of the ,house1 and in the case of assistance and representation in connection with any subsequent claim related to the initial claim where the subsequent claim involves the same parties2 or 7#b7 by the ,office of the ,senate ,chief ,counsel for ,employment of the ,senate1 in the case of assistance and representation in connection with a claim filed under title ,,iv 7including all subsequent proceedings under such title in connection with the claim7 at a time when the chair of the ,commission is a ,senator1 and in the case of assistance and representation in connection with any subsequent claim related to the initial claim where the subsequent claim involves the same parties4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents is amended-- 7,a7 by redesignating the item relating to section #eji as relating to section #eab2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #ejh the following new item3 ,sec4 #eji4 ,legal assistance and representation4 4 7c7 ,conforming ,amendments ,section #aja 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7 is amended1 in paragraphs 7#g7 and 7#h71 by striking through 7,i7 and inserting through 7,m74 7d7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsections 7a7 through 7c7 shall apply with respect to claims alleging violations of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja et seq47 which are first made on or after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #cjf4 ,training and education programs of other employing offices 7a7 ,requiring offices ,to develop and implement programs ,title ,v 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq471 as amended by section #cje7;b71 is further amended by inserting after section #eji the following3 #eaj4 ,training and education programs of employing offices 7a7 ,requiring offices ,to develop and implement programs ,each employing office shall develop and implement a program to train and educate covered employees of the office in the rights and protections provided under this ,act1 including the procedures available under this ,act to consider alleged violations of this ,act4 7b7 ,report to committees 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #de days after the beginning of each ,congress 7beginning with the ,one ,hundred ,sixteenth ,congress71 each employing office shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,house ,administration of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,rules and ,administration of the ,senate on the implementation of the program required under subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,special rule for first report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,reform ,act1 each employing office shall submit the report described in paragraph 7#a7 to the ,committees described in such paragraph4 7c7 ,exception for offices of ,congress ,this section does not apply to an employing office described in subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c7 of section #aja7i74 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #eji1 as inserted by section #cje7;b71 the following new item3 ,sec4 #eaj4 ,training and education programs of employing offices4 4 #cjg4 ,support for out-of-area covered employees 7a7 ,in general ,title ,v 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq471 as amended by section #cjf7;a71 is further amended by inserting after section #eaj the following3 #eaa4 ,support for out-of-area covered employees 7a7 ,in general ,all covered employees whose location of employment is outside of the ,washington1 ,,dc area 7referred to in this section as out-of-area covered employees1 shall have equitable access to the resources and services provided by the ,office and under this ,act as is provided to covered employees who work in the ,washington1 ,,dc area4 7b7 ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights ,the ,office shall-- 7#a7 establish a method by which out-of-area covered employees may communicate securely with the ,office1 which shall include an option for real-time audiovisual communication2 and 7#b7 provide guidance to employing offices regarding how each office can facilitate equitable access to the resources and services provided under this ,act for its out-of-area covered employees1 including information regarding the communication methods described in paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,employing offices ,it is the sense of ,congress that each employing office with out-of-area covered employees should use its best efforts to facilitate equitable access to the resources and services provided under this ,act for those employees4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #eaj1 as inserted by section #cjf7;b71 the following new item3 ,sec4 #eaa4 ,support for out-of-area employees4 4 #cjh4 ,renaming ,office of ,compliance as ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights 7a7 ,renaming ,section #cja 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acha7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the heading1 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7b7 ,conforming amendments to ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie ,the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie is amended as follows3 7#a7 ,in section #aja7a7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7a771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#b7 ,in section #aja7b7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7b771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#c7 ,in section #aja7c77;,h7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7c77;,h771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#d7 ,in section #aja7i77;,d7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7i77;,d771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#e7 ,in section #aja7aj7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7aj771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#f7 ,in section #aja7aa7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7aa771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#g7 ,in section #aja7ab7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acja7ab771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#h7 ,in section #baj7;a77#i7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acca7;a77#i771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#i7 ,in section #bae7;e77#a7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acda7;e77#a771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#aj7 ,in section #bbj7;e77#b77;,g7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #acea7;e77#b77;,g771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#aa7 ,in the heading of title ,,iii1 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#ab7 ,in section #cjd7;c77#d7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #achd7;c77#d771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7#ac7 ,in section #cjd7;c77#e7 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #achd7;c77#e771 by striking ,office of ,compliance and inserting ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 7c7 ,clerical amendments ,the table of contents is amended-- 7#a7 by amending the item relating to the title heading of title ,,iii to read as follows3 ,title ,,iii--,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights 2 and 7#b7 by amending the item relating to section #cja to read as follows3 ,sec4 #cja4 ,establishment of the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 4 7d7 ,references in other laws1 rules1 and regulations ,any reference to the ,office of ,compliance in any law1 rule1 regulation1 or other official paper in effect as of the effective date specified in section #dja7;a7 shall be considered to refer and apply to the ,office of ,congressional ,workplace ,rights4 ,,iv ,effective ,date #dja4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,except as otherwise provided in this ,act1 this ,act and the amendments made by this ,act shall take effect upon the expiration of the #ahj-;day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7b7 ,no effect on pending proceedings ,nothing in this ,act or the amendments made by this ,act may be construed to affect any proceeding or payment of an award or settlement relating to a claim under title ,,iv of the ,congressional ,accountability ,act of #aiie 7#b ,u4,s4,c4 #adja et seq47 which is pending as of the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,if1 as of that date1 an employee has begun any of the proceedings under that title that were available to the employee prior to that date1 the employee may complete1 or initiate and complete1 all such proceedings1 and such proceedings shall remain in effect with respect to1 and provide the exclusive proceedings for1 the claim involved until the completion of all such proceedings4