,i  #aaf? ,,congress  #a/ ,session  ,h4 
,r4 #bahh  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(           
,,repres5tatives  ,april #i1 #bjai,mr4  
,rooney ( ,florida 7= himself & ,mr4    
,smuck]7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 
ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,education &  
,labor1 & 9 addition to ! ,committee on 
,ov]sight & ,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$  ,a ,,bill  ,to provide         
acc\ntability & protect :i/lebl[]s 9 !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,education4  #a4 ,%ort title
 ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,dep>tm5t (  
,education ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[]  
,protection ,act4  #b4 ,def9itions ,9   
?is ,act3  7#a7 ,! t]m ,dep>tm5t means !
 ,dep>tm5t ( ,education4  7#b7 ,! t]m   
,deputy ,secret>y means ! ,deputy       
,secret>y ( ,education4  7#c7 ,! t]m    
,(fice means ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t ( !  
,dep>tm5t ( ,education4  7#d7 ,! t]m    
,secret>y means ! ,secret>y (           
,education4  7#e7 ,! t]m s5ior executive

 position at ! ,dep>tm5t means an       
individual appo9t$ "u section #dja7;d7 (
 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,education ,organization 
,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #cdfa74  7#f7 ,! t]m
 sup]visory employee means an employee (
 ! ,dep>tm5t :o is a sup]visor z def9$ 9
 section #gajc7;a77#aj7 ( title #e1     
,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#g7 ,! t]m       
:i/lebl[] means "o :o makes a :i/lebl[] 
disclosure4  7#h7 ,! t]m :i/lebl[]      
disclosure means any disclosure (       
in=mation by an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t  
or individual apply+ to become an       
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t :i* ! employee or
 individual reasonably believes         
evid5ces--  7,a7 a violation ( a law1   
rule1 or regulation2 or  7,b7 gross     
mismanagem5t1 a gross wa/e ( funds1 an  
abuse ( au?ority1 or a sub/antial &     
specific dang] to public heal? or       
safety4  #c4 ,(fice ( ,managem5t  7a7   
,functions  7#a7 ,9 addition to any o!r 
functions1 ! functions ( ! ,(fice are z 
foll[s3 7,a7 ,advis+ ! ,secret>y on all 
matt]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t relat+ to          

acc\ntability1 includ+ acc\ntability (  
employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 retaliation    
aga9/ :i/lebl[]s1 & su* matt]s z !      
,secret>y consid]s simil> & affect      
public tru/ at ! ,dep>tm5t4  7,b7 ,issu+
 reports & provid+ recomm5dations relat$
 to ! duties describ$ 9 subp>agraph     
7,a74  7,c7 ,receiv+ :i/lebl[]          
disclosures4  7,d7 ,ref]r+ :i/lebl[]    
disclosures receiv$ "u subp>agraph 7,c7 
= inve/igation to ! ,(fice ( ,inspector 
,g5]al1 or o!r inve/igative entity1 z   
appropriate1 if ! ,deputy ,secret>y has 
reason to believe ! :i/lebl[] disclosure
 is evid5ce ( a violation ( a provision 
( law1 mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1
 or an abuse ( au?ority4  7,e7 ,receiv+ 
& ref]r+ disclosures f ! ,special       
,c\nsel = ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( !       
,dep>tm5t1 or su* o!r p]son )           
inve/igatory au?ority1 z ! ,deputy      
,secret>y consid]s appropriate4  7,f7   
,record+1 track+1 review+1 & confirm+   
implem5tation ( recomm5dations f audits 
& inve/igations c>ri$ out by !          

,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 !      
,special ,c\nsel1 & ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al
 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 includ+ ! imposition
 ( discipl9>y actions & o!r corrective  
actions conta9$ 9 su* recomm5dations4   
7,g7 ,analyz+ data f ! ,(fice & ! ,(fice
 ( ,inspector ,g5]al telephone hotl9es1 
o!r :i/lebl[] disclosures1 disaggregat$ 
by facility & area ( heal? c>e if       
appropriate1 & relevant audits &        
inve/igations to id5tify tr5ds & issue  
reports to ! ,secret>y bas$ on analysis 
conduct$ "u ?is subp>agraph4  7,h7      
,receiv+1 review+1 & inve/igat+         
allegations ( misconduct1 retaliation1  
or poor p]=mance involv+--  7i7 an      
individual 9 a s5ior executive position 
at ! ,dep>tm5t2  7ii7 an individual     
employ$ 9 a confid5tial1 policy-mak+1   
policy-det]m9+1 or policy-advocat+      
position at ! ,dep>tm5t2 or  7iii7 a    
sup]visory employee1 if ! allegation    
involves retaliation aga9/ an employee =
 mak+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure4  7,i7     
,mak+ su* recomm5dations to ! ,secret>y 

= discipl9>y action z ! ,deputy         
,secret>y consid]s appropriate aft]     
sub/antiat+ any allegation ( misconduct 
or poor p]=mance pursuant to an         
inve/igation c>ri$ out z describ$ 9     
subp>agraph 7,f7 or 7,h74  7#b7 ,9 c>ry+
 out ! functions ( ! ,(fice1 ! ,deputy  
,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,(fice ma9ta9s
 a toll-free telephone numb] & ,int]net 
website to receive anonym\s :i/lebl[]   
disclosures4  7#c7 ,9 any case 9 :i* !  
,deputy ,secret>y receives a :i/lebl[]  
disclosure f an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t  
"u p>agraph 7#a77;,c71 ! ,deputy        
,secret>y may n disclose ! id5tity ( !  
employee )\t ! cons5t ( ! employee1     
except 9 accordance ) ! provisions (    
section #eeb;a ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates
 ,code1 or z requir$ by any o!r         
applicable provision ( ,f$]al law4  7b7 
,/aff & res\rces ,! ,secret>y %all      
ensure t ! ,deputy ,secret>y has su*    
/aff1 res\rces1 & access to in=mation z 
may be necess>y to c>ry out ! functions 
( ! ,(fice4  7c7 ,relation to ,(fice (  

,g5]al ,c\nsel ,! ,(fice %all n be an   
elem5t ( ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel & !
 ,deputy ,secret>y may n report to !    
,g5]al ,c\nsel4  7d7 ,reports  7#a7     
7,a7 ,n lat] ?an ,june #cj ( ea* cal5d> 
ye>1 beg9n+ ) ,june #cj1 #bjbj1 !       
,deputy ,secret>y %all submit to !      
,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1       
,labor1 & ,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate & !       
,committee on ,education & ,labor ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on !   
activities ( ! ,(fice dur+ ! cal5d> ye> 
9 :i* ! report is submitt$4  7,b7 ,ea*  
report submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all
 include1 = ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report1 !
 foll[+3  7i7 ,a full & sub/antive      
analysis ( ! activities ( ! ,(fice1     
includ+ su* /ati/ical in=mation z !     
,deputy ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 
7ii7 ,id5tification ( any issues report$
 to ! ,secret>y "u subsection           
7b77#a77;,g71 includ+ su* data z !      
,deputy ,secret>y consid]s relevant to  
su* issues & any tr5ds ! ,deputy        
,secret>y may h id5tifi$ ) respect to   

su* issues4  7iii7 ,id5tification ( su* 
conc]ns z ! ,deputy ,secret>y may h     
reg>d+ ! size1 /aff+1 & res\rces ( !    
,(fice & su* recomm5dations z ! ,deputy 
,secret>y may h = legislative or        
adm9i/rative action to address su*      
conc]ns4  7iv7 ,su* recomm5dations z !  
,deputy ,secret>y may h = legislative or
 adm9i/rative action to improve--  7,i7 
! process by :i* conc]ns are report$ to 
! ,(fice2 &  7,,ii7 ! protection (      
:i/lebl[]s )9 ! ,dep>tm5t4  7v7 ,su* o!r
 matt]s z ! ,deputy ,secret>y consid]s  
appropriate reg>d+ ! functions ( !      
,(fice or o!r matt]s relat+ to ! ,(fice4
  7#b7 ,if ! ,secret>y receives a       
recomm5dation = discipl9>y action "u    
subsection 7b77#a77;,i7 & does n take or
 initiate ! recomm5d$ discipl9>y action 
be=e ! date t is #fj days aft] ! date on
 :i* ! ,secret>y receiv$ !              
recomm5dation1 ! ,secret>y %all submit  
to ! ,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1  
,labor1 & ,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate & !       
,committee on ,education & ,labor ( !   

,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a detail$       
ju/ification = n tak+ or initiat+ su*   
discipl9>y action4  #d4 ,protection (   
:i/lebl[]s z crit]ia 9 evaluation (     
sup]visors  7a7 ,developm5t & use (     
crit]ia requir$ ,! ,secret>y1 9         
consultation ) ! ,(fice ( ! ,pr9cipal   
,deputy ,secret>y1 %all develop crit]ia 
t--  7#a7 ! ,secret>y %all use z a      
critical elem5t 9 any evaluation ( !    
p]=mance ( a sup]visory employee2 &     
7#b7 promotes ! protection ( :i/lebl[]s4
  7b7 ,pr9ciples = protection (         
:i/lebl[]s ,! crit]ia requir$ by        
subsection 7a7 %all include pr9ciples = 
! protection ( :i/lebl[]s1 su* z !      
degree to :i* sup]visory employees      
respond con/ructively :5 employees ( !  
,dep>tm5t report conc]ns1 take          
responsible action to resolve su*       
conc]ns1 & fo/] an environm5t 9 :i*     
employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t feel com=table  
report+ conc]ns to sup]visory employees 
or to ! appropriate au?orities4  #e4    
,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] disclosures  7a7

 ,tra9+ ,n less frequ5tly ?an once e two
 ye>s1 ! ,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 provide to ea*   
employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t tra9+ reg>d+     
:i/lebl[] disclosures1 includ+--  7#a7  
an explanation ( ea* me?od e/abli%$ by  
law 9 :i* an employee may file a        
:i/lebl[] disclosure2  7#b7 ! "r ( !    
employee to petition ,congress reg>d+ a 
:i/lebl[] disclosure 9 accordance )     
section #gbaa ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code2  7#c7 an explanation t ! employee
 may n be prosecut$ or repris$ aga9/ =  
disclos+ in=mation to ,congress1 !      
,inspector ,g5]al1 or ano!r inve/igatory
 ag5cy 9 in/ances :]e su* disclosure is 
p]mitt$ by law1 includ+ "u section      
#eeb;a ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code  
7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,privacy ,act72 
7#d7 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#e7 ! "r ( contractors to be protect$ f
 reprisal = ! disclosure ( c]ta9        
in=mation "u section #dgje or #dgab (   
title #da1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7b7    
,mann] tra9+ is provid$ ,! ,secret>y    
%all ensure1 to ! maximum ext5t         
practicable1 t tra9+ provid$ "u         
subsection 7a7 is provid$ 9 p]son4  7c7 
,c]tification ,n less frequ5tly ?an once
 e two ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all provide   
tra9+ on m]it sy/em protection 9 a mann]
 t ! ,special ,c\nsel c]tifies z be+    
satisfactory4  7d7 ,publication ,!      
,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net     
website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & display        
prom95tly at ea* facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1
 ! rights ( an employee to make a       
:i/lebl[] disclosure1 includ+ !         
in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7     
?r\gh 7#e7 ( subsection 7a74  #f4 ,s5ior
 executives3 removal1 demotion1 or      
susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct

  7a7 ,au?ority  7#a7 ,! ,secret>y (    
,education1 9 consultation ) ! ,(fice ( 
,managem5t1 may1 z provid$ 9 ?is        
section1 reprim& or susp5d1 involunt>ily
 reassign1 demote1 or remove a cov]$    
individual f a s5ior executive position 
at ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t
 ! misconduct or p]=mance ( ! cov]$     
individual w>rants su* action4  7#b7 ,if
 ! ,secret>y s removes su* an           
individual1 ! ,secret>y may remove !    
individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9  
section #baja7a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$     
,/ates ,code74  7b7 ,rights & proc$ures 
7#a7 ,a cov]$ individual :o is ! subject
 ( an action "u subsection 7a7 is       
entitl$ to-- 7,a7 advance notice ( !    
action & a file conta9+ all evid5ce 9   
support ( ! propos$ action2  7,b7 be    
repres5t$ by an attorney or o!r         
repres5tative ( ! cov]$ individual's    
*oice2 &  7,c7 grieve ! action 9        
accordance ) an int]nal grievance       
process t ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) 
! ,(fice ( ,managem5t1 %all e/abli% =   

purposes ( ?is subsection4  7#b7  7,a7  
,! aggregate p]iod = notice1 response1 &
 decision on an action "u subsection 7a7
 may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4  7,b7 ,! 
p]iod = ! response ( a cov]$ individual 
to a notice "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 ( an  
action "u subsection 7a7 %all be #g     
bus9ess days4  7,c7 ,a decision "u ?is  
p>agraph on an action "u subsection 7a7 
%all be issu$ n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess    
days aft] notice ( ! action is provid$  
to ! cov]$ individual "u p>agraph       
7#a77;,a74 ,! decision %all be 9 writ+1 
& %all include ! specific reasons !re=4 
7#c7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t !       
grievance process e/abli%$ "u p>agraph  
7#a77;,c7 takes few] ?an #ba days4  7#d7
 ,a decision "u p>agraph 7#b7 t is n    
griev$1 & a grievance decision "u       
p>agraph 7#c71 %all be f9al &           
conclusive4  7#e7 ,a cov]$ individual   
adv]sely affect$ by a decision "u       
p>agraph 7#b7 t is n griev$1 or by a    
grievance decision "u p>agraph 7#c71 may
 obta9 judicial review ( su* decision4  

7#f7 ,9 any case 9 :i* judicial review  
is s\ght "u p>agraph 7#e71 ! c\rt %all  
review ! record & may set aside any     
,dep>tm5t action f\nd to be--  7,a7     
arbitr>y1 caprici\s1 an abuse (         
discretion1 or o!rwise n 9 accordance ) 
a provision ( law2  7,b7 obta9$ )\t     
proc$ures requir$ by a provision ( law  
hav+ be5 foll[$2 or  7,c7 unsupport$ by 
sub/antial evid5ce4  7c7 ,relation to   
o!r provisions ( law ,section           
#ceib7;b77#a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code1 & ! proc$ures "u section         
#gedc7;b7 ( su* title d n apply to an   
action "u subsection 7a74  7d7          
,def9itions ,9 ?is section-- 7#a7 ! t]m 
cov]$ individual means--  7,a7 a c>e]   
appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section    
#cacb7;a77#d7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code72 or  7,b7 any individual :o      
occupies an adm9i/rative or executive   
position & :o 0 appo9t$ "u title ,,ii ( 
! ,dep>tm5t ( ,education ,organization  
,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #cdaa et seq472 &   
7#b7 ! t]m misconduct includes neglect (

 duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept
 a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a
 position 9 a transf] ( function4  #g4  
,employees3 removal1 demotion1 or       
susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct
  7a7 ,9 g5]al  7#a7 ,! ,secret>y1 9    
consultation ) ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t1   
may remove1 demote1 or susp5d a cov]$   
individual :o is an employee ( !        
,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es !     
p]=mance or misconduct ( ! cov]$        
individual w>rants su* removal1         
demotion1 or susp5sion4  7#b7 ,if !     
,secret>y s removes1 demotes1 or susp5ds
 su* a cov]$ individual1 ! ,secret>y    
may-- 7,a7 remove ! cov]$ individual f !
 civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section        
#baja7a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates      
,code72  7,b7 demote ! cov]$ individual 
by means ( a r$uction 9 grade = :i* !   
cov]$ individual is qualifi$1 t !       
,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate1 & t  
r$uces ! annual rate ( pay ( ! cov]$    
individual2 or  7,c7 susp5d ! cov]$     
individual4  7b7 ,pay ( c]ta9 demot$    

individuals  7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r      
provision ( law1 any cov]$ individual   
subject to a demotion "u subsection     
7a77#b7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date ( su*    
demotion1 receive ! annual rate ( pay   
applicable to su* grade4  7#b7  7,a7 ,a 
cov]$ individual s demot$ may n be plac$
 on adm9i/rative leave dur+ ! p]iod dur+
 :i* an appeal 7if any7 "u ?is section  
is ongo+1 & may only receive pay if !   
cov]$ individual reports = duty or is   
approv$ to use accru$ unus$ annual1     
sick1 family m$ical1 milit>y1 or c\rt   
leave4  7,b7 ,if a cov]$ individual s   
demot$ does n report = duty or receive  
approval to use accru$ unus$ leave1 su* 
cov]$ individual %all n receive pay or  
o!r b5efits pursuant to subsection      
7d77#e74  7c7 ,proc$ure  7#a7  7,a7 ,!  
aggregate p]iod = notice1 response1 &   
f9al decision 9 a removal1 demotion1 or 
susp5sion "u ?is section may n exce$ #ae
 bus9ess days4  7,b7 ,! p]iod = !       
response ( a cov]$ individual to a      
notice ( a propos$ removal1 demotion1 or

 susp5sion "u ?is section %all be #g    
bus9ess days4  7,c7 ,p>agraph 7#c7 (    
subsection 7b7 ( section #geac ( title  
#e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 %all apply )   
respect to a removal1 demotion1 or      
susp5sion "u ?is section4  7,d7 ,!      
proc$ures 9 ?is subsection %all sup]s$e 
any collective b>ga9+ agreem5t to !     
ext5t t su* agreem5t is inconsi/5t ) su*
 proc$ures4  7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all     
issue a f9al decision ) respect to a    
removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is  
section n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft]
 ! ,secret>y provides notice1 includ+ a 
file conta9+ all ! evid5ce 9 support ( !
 propos$ action1 to ! cov]$ individual (
 ! removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion4 ,!  
decision %all be 9 writ+ & %all include 
! specific reasons !re=4  7#c7 ,!       
proc$ures "u *apt] #dc ( title #e1      
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 %all n apply to a  
removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is  
section4  7#d7  7,a7 ,subject to        
subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7d71 any  
removal or demotion "u ?is section1 &   

any susp5sion ( m ?an #ad days "u ?is   
section1 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it      
,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 :i* %all ref]
 su* appeal to an adm9i/rative judge    
pursuant to section #ggja7;b77#a7 (     
title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7,b7 ,an
 appeal "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal1
 demotion1 or susp5sion may only be made
 if su* appeal is made n lat] ?an #aj   
bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* removal1 
demotion1 or susp5sion4  7d7 ,exp$it$   
review  7#a7 ,^u receipt ( an appeal "u 
subsection 7c77#d77;,a71 ! adm9i/rative 
judge %all exp$ite any su* appeal "u    
section #ggja7;b77#a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 &1 9 any su* case1 %all  
issue a f9al & complete decision n lat] 
?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4   
7#b7  7,a7 ,not)/&+ section             
#ggja7;c77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$   
,/ates ,code1 ! adm9i/rative judge %all 
uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y to      
remove1 demote1 or susp5d an employee "u
 subsection 7a7 if ! decision is        
support$ by sub/antial evid5ce4  7,b7   

,not)/&+ title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 
or any o!r provision ( law1 if !        
decision ( ! ,secret>y is support$ by   
sub/antial evid5ce1 ! adm9i/rative judge
 %all n mitigate ! p5alty prescrib$ by !
 ,secret>y4  7#c7  7,a7 ,! decision ( ! 
adm9i/rative judge "u p>agraph 7#a7 may 
be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems           
,protection ,bo>d4  7,b7 ,not)/&+       
section #ggja7;c77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1  
,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems    
,protection ,bo>d %all uphold ! decision
 ( ! ,secret>y to remove1 demote1 or    
susp5d an employee "u subsection 7a7 if 
! decision is support$ by sub/antial    
evid5ce4  7,c7 ,not)/&+ title #e1 ,unit$
 ,/ates ,code1 or any o!r provision (   
law1 if ! decision ( ! ,secret>y is     
support$ by sub/antial evid5ce1 ! ,m]it 
,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all n        
mitigate ! p5alty prescrib$ by !        
,secret>y4  7#d7 ,9 any case 9 :i* !    
adm9i/rative judge _c issue a decision 9
 accordance ) ! #ahj-;day requirem5t "u 
p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems          

,protection ,bo>d %all1 n lat] ?an #ad  
bus9ess days aft] ! expiration ( !      
#ahj-;day p]iod1 submit to ! ,committee 
on ,heal?1 ,education1 ,labor1 &        
,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on   
,education & ,labor ( ! ,h\se (         
,repres5tatives a report t expla9s !    
reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ 9       
accordance ) su* requirem5t4  7#e7 ,a   
decision ( ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection  
,bo>d "u p>agraph 7#c7 may be appeal$ to
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = !   
,f$]al ,circuit pursuant to section     
#ggjc ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1  
or to any c\rt ( appeals ( compet5t     
jurisdiction pursuant to subsection     
7b77#a77;,b7 ( su* section4  7#f7 ,!    
,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d may n   
/ay any removal or demotion "u ?is      
section1 except z provid$ 9 section     
#abad7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code4  7#g7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on !  
date on :i* a cov]$ individual appeals a
 removal f ! civil s]vice "u subsection 
7c7 & end+ on ! date t ! ,unit$ ,/ates  

,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit    
issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1   
su* cov]$ individual may n receive any  
pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1         
all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan      
repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits  
relat$ to ! employm5t ( ! individual by 
! ,dep>tm5t4  7#h7 ,to ! maximum ext5t  
practicable1 ! ,secret>y %all provide to
 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d su*  
in=mation & assi/ance z may be necess>y 
to ensure an appeal "u ?is subsection is
 exp$it$4  7#i7 ,if an employee prevails
 on appeal "u ?is section1 ! employee   
%all be entitl$ to backpay 7z provid$ 9 
section #eeif ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code74  7#aj7 ,if an employee :o is    
subject to a collective b>ga9+ agreem5t 
*ooses to grieve an action tak5 "u ?is  
section ?r\gh a grievance proc$ure      
provid$ "u ! collective b>ga9+ agreem5t1
 ! timel9es & proc$ures set =? 9        
subsection 7c7 & ?is subsection %all    
apply4  7e7 ,:i/lebl[] protection  7#a7 
,9 ! case ( a cov]$ 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 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code1 ! ,secret>y may n remove1 
demote1 or susp5d su* cov]$ individual  
"u subsection 7a7 )\t ! approval ( !    
,special ,c\nsel "u section #abad7;f7 ( 
su* title4  7#b7 ,9 ! case ( a cov]$    
individual :o has made a :i/lebl[]      
disclosure to ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t ( ! 
,dep>tm5t ( ,education1 ! ,secret>y may 
n remove1 demote1 or susp5d su* cov]$   
individual "u subsection 7a7 until--    
7,a7 9 ! case 9 :i* ! ,deputy ,secret>y 
det]m9es to ref] ! :i/lebl[] disclosure 
"u section #c7;a77#a77;,d7 to an (fice  
or o!r inve/igative entity1 a f9al      
decision ) respect to ! :i/lebl[]       
disclosure has be5 made by su* (fice or 
o!r inve/igative entity2 or  7,b7 9 !   
case 9 :i* ! ,deputy ,secret>y det]m9es 
n to ! ref] ! :i/lebl[] disclosure "u   
su* section1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y makes

 su* det]m9ation4  7f7 ,t]m9ation (     
inve/igations by ,(fice ( ,special      
,c\nsel  7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision
 ( law1 ! ,special ,c\nsel 7e/abli%$ by 
section #abaa ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code7 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  7#b7 ,su* /atem5t may n  
be admissible z evid5ce 9 any judicial  
or adm9i/rative proce$+ )\t ! cons5t (  
su* employee or =m] employee4  7g7      
,vacancies ,9 ! case ( a cov]$          
individual :o is remov$ or demot$ "u    
subsection 7a71 to ! maximum ext5t      
feasible1 ! ,secret>y %all fill !       
vacancy aris+ z a result ( su* removal  
or demotion4  7h7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is    
section-- 7#a7 ! t]m cov]$ individual   
means an individual occupy+ a position  
at ! ,dep>tm5t1 b does n include--  7,a7
 an individual occupy+ a s5ior executive

 position at ! ,dep>tm5t2  7,b7 an      
individual appo9t$ "u title ,,ii ( !    
,dep>tm5t ( ,education ,organization    
,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #cdaa et seq472     
7,c7 an individual :o has n complet$ a  
probation>y or trial p]iod2 or  7,d7 a  
political appo9tee2  7#b7 ! t]m susp5d  
means ! plac+ ( an employee1 =          
discipl9>y reasons1 9 a tempor>y /atus  
)\t duties & pay = a p]iod 9 excess (   
#ad days2  7#c7 ! t]m grade has ! mean+ 
giv5 su* t]m 9 section #geaa7;a7 ( title
 #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2  7#d7 ! t]m   
misconduct includes neglect ( duty1     
malfeasance1 or failure to accept a     
direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a   
position 9 a transf] ( function2 &  7#e7
 ! t]m political appo9tee means an      
individual :o is-- 7,a7 employ$ 9 a     
position describ$ "u sections #ecab     
?r\gh #ecaf ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates   
,code 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 #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 or  7,c7 
employ$ 9 a position ( a confid5tial or 
policy-det]m9+ "* "u s*$ule ,c ( subp>t 
,c ( "p #bac ( title #e1 ,code ( ,f$]al 
,regulations1 or successor regulation4  
#h4 ,r$uction ( b5efits ( employees     
convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes  7a7 ,r$uction (
 annuity = remov$ employee  7#a7 ,!     
,secret>y %all ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice (  
an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t remov$ f a    
position = p]=mance or misconduct "u any
 provision ( law %all n be tak5 into    
acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity
 ) respect to su* individual "u *apt]   
#hc or *apt] #hd ( title #e1 ,unit$     
,/ates ,code1 if--  7,a7 ! ,secret>y    
det]m9es t ! individual is convict$ ( a 
felony 7& ! conviction is f9al7 t       
influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile   
employ$ 9 ! position2  7,b7 be=e su*    
ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$--   
7i7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 &  7ii7 an 
opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord]

 by n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days foll[+   
receipt ( su* notice2 &  7,c7 !         
,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7i7 9 ! case (
 a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual    
responds "u subp>agraph 7,b77ii71 n lat]
 ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ !   
response ( ! individual2 or  7ii7 9 !   
case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an         
individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an   
#ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y       
provides notice to ! individual "u      
subp>agraph 7,b77i74  7#b7 ,any         
individual ) respect to :om an annuity  
is r$uc$ "u ?is subsection may appeal ! 
r$uction to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice (    
,p]sonnel ,managem5t pursuant to su*    
regulations z ! ,director may prescribe 
= purposes ( ?is subsection4  7b7       
,r$uction ( annuity = retir$ employee   
7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may ord] t ! cov]$    
s]vice ( an individual :o ! ,secret>y   
proposes to remove = p]=mance or        
misconduct "u any provision ( law 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 ,unit$ ,/ates  
,code1 if--  7,a7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t
 individual is convict$ ( a felony 7& ! 
conviction is f9al7 t influ5c$ !        
individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 !  
position2  7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 !
 individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( !   
propos$ ord]2 &  7ii7 an opportunity to 
respond to ! propos$ ord] by n lat] ?an 
t5 bus9ess days foll[+ receipt ( su*    
notice2 &  7,c7 ! ,secret>y issues !    
ord]-- 7i7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to 
:i* an individual responds "u           
subp>agraph 7,b77ii71 n lat] ?an five   
bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( !
 individual2 or  7ii7 9 ! case ( a      
propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n
 respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days   
aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to !   
individual "u subp>agraph 7,b77i74  7#b7
 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y
 "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! individual %all h  

an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to !    
,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel        
,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess
 days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4  7#c7 
,! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel     
,managem5t %all make a f9al decision )  
respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#b7 )9
 #cj bus9ess days ( receiv+ ! appeal4   
7c7 ,adm9i/rative requirem5ts ,n lat]   
?an #cg bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y   
issues a f9al ord] "u subsection 7a7 or 
7b7 ) respect to an individual1 !       
,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel        
,managem5t %all recalculate ! annuity ( 
! individual4  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 ,sp\se or *ildr5 exception  7#a7 ,! 
,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,director 
( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t1 %all 
prescribe regulations t may provide = ! 
paym5t to ! sp\se or *ildr5 ( any       

individual ref]r$ to 9 subsection 7a7 or
 7b7 ( any am\nts :i* 7b = ?is          
subsection7 w\ld o!rwise h be5          
nonpayable by reason ( su* subsections4 
7#b7 ,regulations prescrib$ "u p>agraph 
7#a7 %all be consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( 
sections #hccb7o77#e7 & #hdaa7l77#e7 (  
title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z ! case 
may be4  7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is         
section-- 7#a7 ! t]m cov]$ s]vice means1
 ) respect to an individual subject to a
 removal = p]=mance or misconduct "u    
section #d or any o!r provision ( law1 !
 p]iod ( s]vice beg9n+ on ! date t !    
,secret>y det]m9es "u su* applicable    
provision t ! individual engag$ 9       
activity t gave rise to su* action &    
end+ on ! date t ! individual is remov$ 
f or leaves a position ( employm5t at ! 
,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al  
decision ) respect to su* action2  7#b7 
! t]m lump-sum cr$it has ! mean+ giv5   
su* t]m 9 section #hcca7h7 or section   
#hdja7ai7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates     
,code1 z ! case may be2 &  7#c7 ! t]m   

s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9       
section #hcca7ab7 or section #hdja7bf7 (
 title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z ! case
 may be4  #i4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or    
aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t  7a7
 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ any o!r provision (  
law1 ! ,secret>y may issue an ord]      
direct+ an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to    
repay ! am\nt1 or a portion ( ! am\nt1 (
 any aw>d or bonus paid to ! employee "u
 title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 includ+ 
"u *apt] #de or #ec ( su* title1 section
 #ada7;d77#e77;,b7 ( ! ,high] ,education
 ,act ( #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4            
#ajah7;d77#e77;,b771 or ano!r provision 
( ,f$]al law1 if--  7#a7 ! ,secret>y    
det]m9es t ! individual engag$ 9        
misconduct or poor p]=mance prior to    
paym5t ( ! aw>d or bonus1 & t su* aw>d  
or bonus w\ld n h be5 paid1 9 :ole or 9 
"p1 _h ! misconduct or poor p]=mance be5
 kn[n prior to paym5t2  7#b7 be=e su*   
repaym5t1 ! employee is af=d$-- 7,a7    
notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 &  7,b7 an     
opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord]

 by n lat] ?an #aj bus9ess days aft] !  
receipt ( su* notice2 &  7#c7 !         
,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7,a7 9 ! case 
( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual   
responds "u p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 n lat]  
?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ !    
response ( ! individual2 or  7,b7 9 !   
case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an         
individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an   
#ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y       
provides notice to ! individual "u      
p>agraph 7#b77;,a74  7b7 ,appeal ( ord] 
( ,secret>y  7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an   
ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 ) 
respect to an individual1 ! individual  
%all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord]  
to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel   
,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess
 days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4  7#b7 
,! ,director %all make a f9al decision )
 respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#a7  
)9 #cj bus9ess days aft] receiv+ su*    
appeal4  7c7 ,effective date ,?is       
section %all apply ) respect to an aw>d 
or bonus paid by ! ,secret>y to an      

employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t on or aft] ! date
 ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  #aj4 ,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 7z   
def9$ 9 section #gajc7;a7 ( title #e1   
,unit$ ,/ates ,code7 :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 #ab-;day       
susp5sion & n m ?an removal4  7,b7 ,)   
respect to ! second (f5se1 removal4     
7#b7 7,a7 ,an employee aga9/ :om an     
adv]se action "u p>agraph 7#a7 is       
propos$ is entitl$ to writt5 notice4    
7,b7  7i7 ,an employee :o is notifi$ "u 

subp>agraph 7,a7 ( be+ ! subject ( a    
propos$ adv]se action "u p>agraph 7#a7  
is entitl$ to #aj days foll[+ su*       
notification to answ] & furni% evid5ce 9
 support ( ! answ]4  7ii7 ,if ! employee
 does n furni% any su* evid5ce z        
describ$ 9 clause 7i7 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* #aj-;day    
p]iod4  7,c7 ,p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b7 (   
subsection 7b7 ( section #geac ( title  
#e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 subsection 7c7 
( su* section1 p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b7 (  
subsection 7b7 ( section #gedc ( su*    
title1 & subsection 7c7 ( su* section   
%all n apply ) respect to an adv]se     
action c>ri$ out "u p>agraph 7#a74  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 #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 aga9/ an 
employee relat+ to ! employee--  7,a7   
mak+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure to !        
,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability &  
,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 ! ,inspector    
,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special        
,c\nsel1 or ,congress2  7,b7 provid+    
in=mation or p>ticipat+ z a witness 9 an
 inve/igation ( a :i/lebl[] disclosure  
made to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y =         
,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1
 ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 !   
,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2  7,c7   
p>ticipat+ 9 an audit or inve/igation by
 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2
  7,d7 refus+ to p]=m an action t is    

unlawful or prohibit$ by ! ,dep>tm5t2 or
  7,e7 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,e7 ( p>agraph 7#a74  7#c7 ,conduct+ a
 negative pe] review or op5+ a          
retaliatory inve/igation because ( an   
activity ( an employee t is protect$ by 
section #bcjb ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates 
,code4  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  #aa4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses
 paid on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t 
7a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ any o!r provision 
( law1 ! ,secret>y may issue an ord]    
direct+ an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to    
repay ! am\nt1 or a portion ( ! am\nt1  
paid to or on behalf ( ! employee "u    
title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 =        
relocation exp5ses1 includ+ any exp5ses 
"u section #egbd or #egbd;a ( su* title1

 if--  7#a7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t      
relocation exp5ses 7 paid foll[+ an act 
( fraud or malfeasance t influ5c$ !     
au?orization ( ! relocation exp5ses2    
7#b7 be=e su* repaym5t1 ! employee is   
af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 & 
7,b7 an opportunity to respond to !     
propos$ ord] n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days 
foll[+ ! receipt ( su* notice2 &  7#c7 !
 ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7,a7 9 ! case
 ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual  
responds "u p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 n lat]  
?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ !    
response ( ! individual2 or  7,b7 9 !   
case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an         
individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an   
#ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y       
provides notice to ! individual "u      
p>agraph 7#b77;,a74  7b7 ,appeal ( ord] 
( ,secret>y  7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an   
ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 ) 
respect to an individual1 ! individual  
%all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord]  
to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel   
,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess

 days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4  7#b7 
,! ,director %all make a f9al decision )
 respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#a7  
)9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal4    
7c7 ,effective date ,?is section %all   
apply ) respect to an am\nt paid by !   
,secret>y to or on behalf ( an employee 
( ! ,dep>tm5t = relocation exp5ses on or
 aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4   
7d7 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is ,act or !  
am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act may be con/ru$
 to modify ! c]tification issu$ by !    
,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t & ! ,(fice
 ( ,managem5t & ,budget reg>d+ !        
p]=mance appraisal sy/em ( ! ,s5ior     
,executive ,s]vice ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  #ab4 
,improvem5t ( tra9+ = sup]visors  7a7 ,9
 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,education %all   
provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( 
,education :o is employ$ z a sup]visor  
p]iodic tra9+ on ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,!     
rights ( :i/lebl[]s & h[ to address a   
report by an employee ( a ho/ile "w     
environm5t1 reprisal1 or h>assm5t4  7#b7
 ,h[ to effectively motivate1 manage1 & 

rew>d ! employees :o report to !        
sup]visor4  7#c7 ,h[ to effectively     
manage employees :o are p]=m+ at an     
unacceptable level & access assi/ance f 
! human res\rces (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t & !
 ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 ) respect to ^? employees4  7b7        
,def9itions ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m       
sup]visor has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9    
section #gajc7;a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$    
,/ates ,code4  #ac4 ,assessm5t & report 
on effect on s5ior executives at        
,dep>tm5t ( ,education  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n 
lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( !       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y (      
,education1 9 consultation ) ! ,(fice ( 
,managem5t1 %all--  7#a7 measure &      
assess ! effect ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act 
on ! morale1 engagem5t1 hir+1 promotion1
 ret5tion1 discipl9e1 & productivity (  
individuals 9 s5ior executive positions 
at ! ,dep>tm5t2 &  7#b7 submit to !     
,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1       
,labor1 & ,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate & !       
,committee on ,education & ,labor ( !   

,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on !   
f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to !      
measurem5t & assessm5t c>ri$ out "u     
p>agraph 7#a74  7b7 ,elem5ts ,!         
assessm5t requir$ by subsection 7a77#a7 
%all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,) respect  
to engagem5t1 tr5ds 9 morale (          
individuals 9 s5ior executive positions 
at ! ,dep>tm5t & individuals aspir+ to  
s5ior executive positions4  7#b7 ,)     
respect to promotions-- 7,a7 :e!r !     
,dep>tm5t is exp]i5c+ an increase or    
decrease 9 ! numb] ( employees          
p>ticipat+ 9 lead]%ip developm5t &      
c&idate developm5t programs ) ! int5tion
 ( becom+ c&idates = s5ior executive    
positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2 &  7,b7 tr5ds 
9 applications to s5ior executive       
positions at ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#c7 ,)      
respect to ret5tion--  7,a7 tr5ds 9     
retirem5t rates ( individuals 9 s5ior   
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2     
7,b7 tr5ds 9 quit rates ( individuals 9 
s5ior executive positions at !          
,dep>tm5t2  7,c7 rates ( transf] (-- 7i7

 individuals f o!r ,f$]al ag5cies into  
s5ior executive positions at !          
,dep>tm5t2 &  7ii7 individuals f s5ior  
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t to   
o!r ,f$]al ag5cies2 &  7,d7 tr5ds 9     
total loss rates by job function4  7#d7 
,) respect to discipl9>y processes--    
7,a7 reg>d+ individuals 9 s5ior         
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t :o   
are ! subject ( discipl9>y action--  7i7
 ! l5g? ( ! discipl9>y process 9 days = 
su* individuals bo? be=e ! date ( !     
enactm5t ( ?is ,act & "u ! provisions ( 
?is ,act describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a72 
&  7ii7 ! ext5t to :i* appeals by su*   
individuals are upheld "u su* provisions
 z comp>$ to be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( 
?is ,act2  7,b7 ! compon5ts or (fices ( 
! ,dep>tm5t :i* exp]i5ce ! greate/ numb]
 ( propos$ adv]se actions aga9/         
individuals 9 s5ior executive positions 
at ! ,dep>tm5t & compon5ts & (fices :i* 
exp]i5ce ! lea/ relative to ! size ( !  
compon5ts or (fices' total numb] ( s5ior
 executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2    

7,c7 ! t5ure ( individuals 9 s5ior      
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t :o   
are ! subject ( discipl9>y action2  7,d7
 :e!r ! individuals 9 s5ior executive   
positions at ! ,dep>tm5t :o are !       
subject ( discipl9>y action h previ\sly 
be5 discipl9$2 &  7,e7 ! numb] (        
in/ances ( discipl9>y action tak5 by !  
,secret>y aga9/ individuals 9 s5ior     
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t z    
comp>$ to gov]nm5twide discipl9e aga9/  
individuals 9 ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice 
positions 7z def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 (
 title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code7 z a     
p]c5tage ( ! total numb] ( individuals 9
 s5ior executive positions at !         
,dep>tm5t & ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice   
positions 7z s def9$74  7#e7 ,) respect 
to hir+-- 7,a7 ! degree to :i* ! skills 
( newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior        
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t are  
appropriate ) respect to ! ne$s ( !     
,dep>tm5t2  7,b7 ! types ( s5ior        
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t mo/  
commonly fill$ "u ! au?orities 9 !      

provisions describ$ 9 subsection        
7a77#a72  7,c7 ! numb] ( s5ior executive
 positions at ! ,dep>tm5t fill$ by hires
 outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t comp>$ to hires f
 )9 ! ,dep>tm5t2  7,d7 ! l5g? ( "t to   
fill a s5ior executive position at !    
,dep>tm5t & = a new hire to beg9 work+ 9
 a new s5ior executive position2  7,e7 !
 mission-critical defici5cies fill$ by  
newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior executive
 positions at ! ,dep>tm5t & ! connection
 betwe5 mission-critical defici5cies    
fill$ "u ! provisions describ$ 9        
subsection 7a7 & annual p]=mance ( !    
,dep>tm5t2  7,f7 ! satisfaction (       
applicants = s5ior executive positions  
at ! ,dep>tm5t ) ! hir+ process1 includ+
 ! cl>ity ( job ann\ncem5ts1 reasons =  
)drawal ( applications1 communication   
reg>d+ /atus ( applications1 & timel9ess
 ( hir+ decision2 &  7,g7 ! satisfaction
 ( newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior       
executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t ) !  
hir+ process & ! process ( jo9+ & becom+
 ori5t$ ) ! ,dep>tm5t4  #ad4 ,measurem5t

 ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,education discipl9>y    
process outcomes & effectiv5ess  7a7    
,measur+ & collect+  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!   
,secret>y ( ,education1 9 consultation )
 ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t1 %all measure &  
collect in=mation on ! outcomes (       
discipl9>y actions c>ri$ out by !       
,dep>tm5t ( ,education dur+ ! ?ree-ye>  
p]iod end+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is 
,act & ! effectiv5ess ( su* actions4    
7#b7 ,elem5ts ,9 measur+ & collect+     
pursuant to p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y  
%all measure & collect in=mation reg>d+ 
! foll[+3  7,a7 ,! av]age "t f !        
initiation ( an adv]se action aga9/ an  
employee at ! ,dep>tm5t to ! f9al       
resolution ( t action4  7,b7 ,! numb] ( 
di/9ct /eps & levels ( review )9 !      
,dep>tm5t involv$ 9 ! discipl9>y process
 & ! av]age l5g? ( "t requir$ to        
complete ^! /eps4  7,c7 ,! rate ( use ( 
alt]nate discipl9>y proc$ures comp>$ to 
traditional discipl9>y proc$ures & !    
frequ5cy ) :i* employees :o are subject 
to alt]native discipl9>y proc$ures      

commit additional (f5ses4  7,d7 ,! numb]
 ( appeals f adv]se actions fil$ aga9/  
employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! numb] (      
appeals upheld1 & ! reasons = :i* !     
appeals 7 upheld4  7,e7 ,! use ( paid   
adm9i/rative leave dur+ ! discipl9>y    
process & ! l5g? ( su* leave4  7b7      
,report  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an      
,decemb] #ca1 #bjai1 ! ,secret>y %all   
submit to ! appropriate committees (    
,congress a report on ! discipl9>y      
proc$ures & actions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4  7#b7
 ,cont5ts ,! report submitt$ "u p>agraph
 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,!    
in=mation collect$ "u subsection 7a74   
7,b7 ,! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to
 ! measurem5t & collection c>ri$ out "u 
subsection 7a74  7,c7 ,an analysis ( !  
discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( !      
,dep>tm5t4  7,d7 ,sugge/ions = improv+ !
 discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( !     
,dep>tm5t4  7,e7 ,su* o!r matt]s z !    
,secret>y consid]s appropriate4  7#c7   
,appropriate committees ( ,congress ,9  
?is subsection1 ! t]m appropriate       

committees ( ,congress means--  7,a7 !  
,committee on ,appropriations & !       
,committee on ,heal?1 ,education1       
,labor1 & ,p5sions ( ! ,s5ate2 &  7,b7 !
 ,committee on ,appropriations & !      
,committee on ,education & ,labor ( !   
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4