Source: https://www.ocwr.gov/resources-training/resources/congressional-accountability-act
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 13:52:10+00:00

Document:
§1432. Political affiliation and place of residence.
The Congressional Accountability Act (CAA), enacted in 1995, was one of the first pieces of legislation passed by the 104th Congress. The Act requires Congress and legislative branch entities to follow many of the same employment and workplace safety laws applied to private business and the rest of the Federal Government. The CAA also established a dispute resolution procedure for legislative branch entities that emphasizes counseling and mediation for the early resolution of disputes.
The thirteen civil rights, labor, and workplace safety laws applied by the CAA include the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; the Federal Labor Relations Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act; the Employee Polygraph Protection Act; and veterans’ employment and reemployment rights under Chapter 43 of Title 38 of the U.S. Code. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, passed in 1998, applied the rights and protections to covered employees as defined in section 101 of the CAA. In 2010, Congress approved regulations that implemented the VEOA. Passed in 2008, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act also includes covered employees and employing offices as defined in section 101 of the CAA.
The CAA protects over 30,000 employees of the legislative branch, including employees of the House of Representatives and the Senate (both Washington, D.C. and state district office staff); the Office of the Architect of the Capitol; the U.S. Capitol Police; the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services; the Congressional Budget Office; the Office of the Attending Physician; and the Office of Compliance. Certain provisions of the CAA also apply to the Government Accountability Office (GAO, formerly the General Accounting Office) and to the Library of Congress. The CAA established the Office of Compliance as an independent office to administer and enforce the Act. The Office operates an administrative dispute resolution system to resolve disputes and complaints arising under the Act; carries out an education and training program for the regulated community on the rights and responsibilities under the Act; and advises Congress on needed changes and amendments to the Act. The General Counsel of the Office of Compliance conducts independent investigations and enforces certain provisions of the Act.
This subchapter is referred to in section 1434 of this title.
The term “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance.
The term “Chair” means the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance.
(I) the Office of Technology Assessment.
The term “employee” includes an applicant for employment and a former employee.
The term “employee of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol” includes any employee of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol or the Botanic Garden.
The term “employee of the Capitol Police” includes any member or officer of the Capitol Police.
The term “employee of the House of Representatives” includes an individual occupying a position the pay for which is disbursed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, or another official designated by the House of Representatives, or any employment position in an entity that is paid with funds derived from the clerk-hire allowance of the House of Representatives but not any such individual employed by any entity listed in subparagraphs (C) through (I) of paragraph (3).
The term “employee of the Senate” includes any employee whose pay is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate, but not any such individual employed by any entity listed in subparagraphs (C) through (I) of paragraph (3).
(D) the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, the United States Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Office of the Attending Physician, the Office of Compliance, and the Office of Technology Assessment.
The term “Executive Director” means the Executive Director of the Office of Compliance.
The term “General Counsel” means the General Counsel of the Office of Compliance.
The term “Office” means the Office of Compliance.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, as amended, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note below and Tables.
2010—Par. (9)(D). Pub. L. 111-145 substituted “the United States Capitol Police,” for “the Capitol Police Board,”.
2008—Par. (3)(C). Pub. L. 110-437, §422(b)(1), substituted “the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services;” for “the Capitol Guide Service;”.
Par. (5). Pub. L. 110-279, which directed substitution of “or the Botanic Garden” for “, the Botanic Garden, or the Senate Restaurant”, was executed by making the substitution for “, the Botanic Garden, or the Senate Restaurants” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Par. (9)(D). Pub. L. 110-437, §422(b)(2), substituted “the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services,” for “the Capitol Guide Board,”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 110-279 effective July 17, 2008, and applicable to remainder of fiscal year in which enacted and each fiscal year thereafter, see section 2051(i) of this title.
This section is referred to in sections 1316a of this title.
(1) The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.).
(2) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.).
(3) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
(4) The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.).
(5) The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2611 et seq.).
(6) The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.).
(7) Chapter 71 (relating to Federal service labor-management relations) of title 5.
(8) The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.).
(9) The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (29 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.).
(10) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.).
(11) Chapter 43 (relating to veterans’ employment and reemployment) of title 38.
The Board shall review provisions of Federal law (including regulations) relating to (A) the terms and conditions of employment (including hiring, promotion, demotion, termination, salary, wages, overtime compensation, benefits, work assignments or reassignments, grievance and disciplinary procedures, protection from discrimination in personnel actions, occupational health and safety, and family and medical and other leave) of employees, and (B) access to public services and accommodations.
Beginning on December 31, 1996, and every 2 years thereafter, the Board shall report on (A) whether or to what degree the provisions described in paragraph (1) are applicable or inapplicable to the legislative branch, and (B) with respect to provisions inapplicable to the legislative branch, whether such provisions should be made applicable to the legislative branch. The presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate shall cause each such report to be printed in the Congressional Record and each such report shall be referred to the committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate with jurisdiction.
(A) describe the manner in which the provisions of the bill or joint resolution apply to the legislative branch; or (B) in the case of a provision not applicable to the legislative branch, include a statement of the reasons the provision does not apply.
On the objection of any Member, it shall not be in order for the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any such bill or joint resolution if the report of the committee on such bill or joint resolution does not comply with the provisions of this paragraph. This paragraph may be waived in either House by majority vote of that House.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original ‘‘this Act’’, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 88-352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 252, as amended. Title VII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VI (§2000e et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is Pub. L. 101-336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is Pub. L. 90-202, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 602, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 14 (§621 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 621 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (a)(5), is Pub. L. 103-3, Feb. 5, 1993, 107 Stat. 6, as amended, which enacted sections 60m and 60n of this title, sections 6381 to 6387 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and chapter 28 (§2601 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor, amended section 2105 of Title 5, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 2601 of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a)(6), is Pub. L. 91-596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 15 (§651 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 651 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988, referred to in subsec. (a)(8), is Pub. L. 100-347, June 27, 1988, 102 Stat. 646, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 22 (§2001 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2001 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(9), is Pub. L. 100-379, Aug. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§2101 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2101 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (a)(10), is Pub. L. 93-112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 29 and Tables.
This subchapter is referred to in sections 1384, 1405, 1434 of this title.
This part is referred to in sections 1316a, 1361, 1401, 1402, 1407 of this title.
(3) disability, within the meaning of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791) and sections 102 through 104 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12112-12114).
(B) such compensatory damages as would be appropriate if awarded under section 1981 of title 42, or as would be appropriate if awarded under sections 1981a(a)(l), 1981a(b)(2), and, irrespective of the size of the employing office, 1981a(b)(3)(D) of title 42.
(B) such liquidated damages as would be appropriate if awarded under section 7(b) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 626(b)).
In addition, the waiver provisions of section 7(f) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 626(f)) shall apply to covered employees.
Section is comprised of section 201 of Pub. L. 104-1. Subsec. (c) of section 201 of Pub. L. 104-1 amended section 633a of Title 29, Labor, and sections 2000e-16 and 12209 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
“(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any provision of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) or of other law, the purposes of such title shall, subject to paragraph (2), apply in their entirety to the House of Representatives.
“(A) Application. The rights and protections under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) shall, subject to subparagraph (B), apply with respect to any employee in an employment position in the House of Representatives and any employing authority of the House of Representatives.
“(i) In general.—In the administration of this paragraph, the remedies and procedures made applicable pursuant to the resolution described in clause (ii) shall apply exclusively.
“(ii) Resolution.—The resolution referred to in clause (i) is the Fair Employment Practices Resolution (House Resolution 558 of the One Hundredth Congress, as agreed to October 4, 1988), as incorporated into the Rules of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Second Congress as Rule LI, or any other provision that continues in effect the provisions of such resolution.
“(C) Exercise of rulemaking power.—The provisions of subparagraph (B) are enacted by the House of Representatives as an exercise of the rule-making power of the House of Representatives, with full recognition of the right of the House to change its rules, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of the House.
“(1) In general.—The rights and protections under this title [see Tables for classification] and title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) shall, subject to paragraph (2), apply with respect to the conduct of each instrumentality of the Congress.
The chief official of each instrumentality of the Congress shall establish remedies and procedures to be utilized with respect to the rights and protections provided pursuant to paragraph (1). Such remedies and procedures shall apply exclusively, except for the employees who are defined as Senate employees, in [former] section 301(c)(1) [former 42 U.S.C. 2000e–16a(c)(1)].
“(3) Report to congress.—The chief official of each instrumentality of the Congress shall, after establishing remedies and procedures for purposes of paragraph (2), submit to the Congress a report describing the remedies and procedures.
“(4) Definition of instrumentalities.—For purposes of this section, instrumentalities of the Congress include the following: the Architect of the Capitol, the Congressional Budget Office, the Government Accountability Office, the Government Publishing Office, the Office of Technology Assessment, and the United States Botanic Garden.
The rights and protections established by sections 101 through 105 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2611 through 2615) shall apply to covered employees.
(B) the term “eligible employee” as used in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 means a covered employee who has been employed in any employing office for 12 months and for at least 1,250 hours of employment during the previous 12 months.
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy, including liquidated damages, as would be appropriate if awarded under paragraph (1) of section 107(a) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2617(a)(1)).
The Board shall, pursuant to section 1384 of this title, issue regulations to implement the rights and protections under this section.
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
Subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23, 1995.
Subsection (c) shall be effective 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under section 1371 of this title.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 103-3, Feb. 5, 1993, 107 Stat. 6, as amended, which enacted sections 60m and 60n of this title, sections 6381 to 6387 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and chapter 28 (§2601 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor, amended section 2105 of Title 5, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 2601 of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 29 and Tables.
Subsection (c), referred to in subsec. (e)(2), amended section 6381 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and sections 2611 and 2617 of Title 29, Labor.
Section is comprised of section 202 of Pub. L. 104-1. Subsec. (c) of section 202 of Pub. L. 104-1 amended section 6381 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and sections 2611 and 2617 of Title 29, Labor.
2004—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 108-271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in heading.
This section is referred to in section 1435 of this title.
The rights and protections established by subsections (a)(1) and (d) of section 6, section 7, and section 12(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206 (a)(1) and (d), 207, 212(c)) shall apply to covered employees.
For the purposes of this section, the term “covered employee” does not include an intern as defined in regulations under subsection (c).
Except as provided in regulations under subsection (c)(3) and in subsection (c)(4), covered employees may not receive compensatory time in lieu of overtime compensation.
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy, including liquidated damages, as would be appropriate if awarded under section 16(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 216(b)).
Except as provided in paragraph (3), the regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
The Board shall issue regulations for covered employees whose work schedules directly depend on the schedule of the House of Representatives or the Senate that shall be comparable to the provisions in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.] that apply to employees who have irregular work schedules.
Law enforcement personnel of the Capitol Police who are subject to the exemption under section 7(k) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207(k)) may elect to receive compensatory time off in lieu of overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of the maximum for their work period.
Subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23,1995.
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of Title 29 and Tables.
Section is comprised of section 203 of Pub. L. 104-1. Subsec. (d) of section 203 of Pub. L. 104-1 amended section 203 of Title 29, Labor.
1996—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104-197, §312(a), inserted “and in subsection (c)(4) of this section” after “subsection (c)(3) of this section”. Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 104-197, §312(b), added par. (4).
“(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date the minimum wage rate prescribed by section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) is increased pursuant to the amendment made by section 2, the rights and protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) shall apply with respect to any employee in an employment position in the House of Representatives and to any employing authority of the House of Representatives.
“(2) Administration.—In the administration of this subsection, the remedies and procedures under the Fair Employment Practices Resolution shall be applied. As used in this paragraph, the term “Fair Employment Practices Resolution” means House Resolution 558, One Hundredth Congress, agreed to October 4, 1988, as continued in effect by House Resolution 15, One Hundred First Congress, agreed to January 3, 1989.
No employing office, irrespective of whether a covered employee works in that employing office, may require a covered employee to take a lie detector test where such a test would be prohibited if required by an employer under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 3 of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2002(1), (2), or (3)). In addition, the waiver provisions of section 6(d) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2005(d)) shall apply to covered employees.
For purposes of this section, the term “covered employee” shall include employees of the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress and the term “employing office” shall include the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress.
Nothing in this section shall preclude the Capitol Police from using lie detector tests in accordance with regulations under subsection (c).
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 6(c)(1) of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2005(c)(1)).
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsections (a) and (b) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23,1995.
This section shall be effective with respect to the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under section 1371 of this title.
2004—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108-271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in two places.
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 108-271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in heading and text.
No employing office shall be closed or a mass layoff ordered within the meaning of section 3 of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (29 U.S.C. 2102) until the end of a 60-day period after the employing office serves written notice of such prospective closing or layoff to representatives of covered employees or, if there are no representatives, to covered employees.
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of section 5(a) of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (29 U.S.C. 2104(a)(1), (2), and (4)).
(C) deny to an eligible employee benefits within the meaning of sections 4316, 4317, and 4318 of title 38.
(C) the term “employing office” includes the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress.
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 4323(d) of title 38.
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) of this section except to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be effective 1 year after January 23,1995.
2010—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–275 substituted ‘‘under section 4323(d) of title 38’’ for ‘‘under paragraphs (1), (2)(A), and (3) of section 4323(c) of title 38’’.
2004—Subsec. (a)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted ‘‘Government Accountability Office’’ for ‘‘General Accounting Office’’. Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted ‘‘Government Accountability Office’’ for ‘‘General Accounting Office’’ in heading and text.
This section is referred to in section 1361 of this title.
For the purposes of this section, the terms “covered employee” and “Board” shall each have the meaning given such term by section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301).
The rights and protections established under section 2108, sections 3309 through 3312, and subchapter I of chapter 35, of title 5, shall apply to covered employees.
The remedy for a violation of paragraph (2) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under applicable provisions of title 5 in the case of a violation of the relevant corresponding provision (referred to in paragraph (2)) of such title.
The procedure for consideration of alleged violations of paragraph (2) shall be the same as apply under section 401 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 [2 U.S.C. 1401] (and the provisions of law referred to therein) in the case of an alleged violation of part A of title II of such Act [2 U.S.C. 1311 et seq.].
The Board shall, pursuant to section 304 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1384), issue regulations to implement this section.
The regulations issued under subparagraph (A) shall be the same as the most relevant substantive regulations (applicable with respect to the executive branch) promulgated to implement the statutory provisions referred to in paragraph (2) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
The regulations issued under subparagraph (A) shall be consistent with section 225 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1361).
(C) who is appointed to a position, the duties of which are equivalent to those of a Senior Executive Service position (within the meaning of section 3132(a)(2) of title 5).
The Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, referred to in par. (3)(B), is Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3. Part A (§§201–207) of title II of the Act is classified principally to this part. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
Section was enacted as part of the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, and not as part of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 which comprises this chapter.
It shall be unlawful for an employing office to intimidate, take reprisal against, or otherwise discriminate against, any covered employee because the covered employee has opposed any practice made unlawful by this chapter, or because the covered employee has initiated proceedings, made a charge, or testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in a hearing or other proceeding under this chapter.
The remedy available for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such legal or equitable remedy as may be appropriate to redress a violation of subsection (a).
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, as amended, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
This part is referred to in section 1407 of this title.
(1) each office of the Senate, including each office of a Senator and each committee; (2) each office of the House of Representatives, including each office of a Member of the House of Representatives and each committee; (3) each joint committee of the Congress; (4) the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services; (5) the Capitol Police; (6) the Congressional Budget Office; (7) the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (including the Botanic Garden); (8) the Office of the Attending Physician; (9) the Office of Compliance; and (10) the Office of Technology Assessment.
The rights and protections against discrimination in the provision of public services and accommodations established by sections 201 through 230, 302, 303, and 309 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131-12150, 12182, 12183, and 12189) shall apply to the entities listed in subsection (a).
For purposes of the application of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.) under this section, the term “public entity” means any entity listed in subsection (a) that provides public services, programs, or activities.
The remedy for a violation of subsection (b) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 203 or 308(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12133, 12188(a)), except that, with respect to any claim of employment discrimination asserted by any covered employee, the exclusive remedy shall be under section 1311 of this title.
A qualified individual with a disability, as defined in section 201(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131(2)), who alleges a violation of subsection (b) by an entity listed in subsection (a), may file a charge against any entity responsible for correcting the violation with the General Counsel within 180 days of the occurrence of the alleged violation. The General Counsel shall investigate the charge.
If, upon investigation under paragraph (1), the General Counsel believes that a violation of subsection (b) may have occurred and that mediation may be helpful in resolving the dispute, the General Counsel may request, but not participate in, mediation under subsections (b) through (d) of section 1403 of this title between the charging individual and any entity responsible for correcting the alleged violation.
If mediation under paragraph (2) has not succeeded in resolving the dispute, and if the General Counsel believes that a violation of subsection (b) may have occurred, the General Counsel may file with the Office a complaint against any entity responsible for correcting the violation. The complaint shall be submitted to a hearing officer for decision pursuant to subsections (b) through (h) of section 1405 of this title and any person who has filed a charge under paragraph (1) may intervene as of right, with the full rights of a party. The decision of the hearing officer shall be subject to review by the Board pursuant to section 1406 of this title.
A charging individual who has intervened under paragraph (3) or any respondent to the complaint, if aggrieved by a final decision of the Board under paragraph (3), may file a petition for review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, pursuant to section 1407 of this title.
If new appropriated funds are necessary to comply with an order requiring correction of a violation of subsection (b), compliance shall take place as soon as possible, but no later than the fiscal year following the end of the fiscal year in which the order requiring correction becomes final and not subject to further review.
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (b) except to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall include a method of identifying, for purposes of this section and for categories of violations of subsection (b), the entity responsible for correction of a particular violation.
On a regular basis, and at least once each Congress, the General Counsel shall inspect the facilities of the entities listed in subsection (a) to ensure compliance with subsection (b).
(B) containing the results of the periodic inspection, describing any steps necessary to correct any violation of this section, assessing any limitations in accessibility to and usability by individuals with disabilities associated with each violation, and the estimated cost and time needed for abatement.
The period from January 23, 1995, until December 31, 1996, shall be available to the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other entities subject to this section to identify any violations of subsection (b), to determine the costs of compliance, and to take any necessary corrective action to abate any violations. The Office shall assist the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other entities listed in subsection (a) by arranging for inspections and other technical assistance at their request. Prior to July 1, 1996, the General Counsel shall conduct a thorough inspection under paragraph (1) and shall submit the report under paragraph (2) for the One Hundred Fourth Congress.
The Attorney General, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board may, on request of the Executive Director, detail to the Office such personnel as may be necessary to advise and assist the Office in carrying out its duties under this section.
Subsections (b), (c), and (d) shall be effective on January 1, 1997.
Subsection (g) shall be effective 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under section 1371 of this title.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 101-336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, as amended. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§12131 et seq.) of chapter 126 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.
Subsection (g), referred to in subsec. (h)(2), amended section 12209 of Title 42.
Section is comprised of section 210 of Pub. L. 104-1. Subsec. (g) of section 210 of Pub. L. 104-1 amended section 12209 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
2008—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 110-437 substituted “the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services;” for “the Capitol Guide Service;”. Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 110-279 substituted “the Botanic Garden” for “the Senate Restaurants and the Botanic Garden”. 2004—Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 108-271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in heading.
“Government Publishing Office” substituted for “Government Printing Office” in heading of subsec. (h)(2) on authority of section 1301(b) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note preceding section 301 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.
Amendment by Pub. L. 110-437 effective first day of first pay period (applicable to employees transferred under section 2241 of this title) on or after 30 days after Oct. 20, 2008, see section 422(d) of Pub. L. 110-437, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.
This section is referred to in sections 1341, 1361, 1407, 1414, 1415, 1416, 1435 of this title.
Each employing office and each covered employee shall comply with the provisions of section 5 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 654).
(D) the term “employee” includes employees of the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress.
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be an order to correct the violation, including such order as would be appropriate if issued under section 13(a) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 662(a)).
Upon written request of any employing office or covered employee, the General Counsel shall exercise the authorities granted to the Secretary of Labor by subsections (a), (d), (e), and (f) of section 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 657(a), (d), (e), and (f)) to inspect and investigate places of employment under the jurisdiction of employing offices.
(B) a notification to any employing office that the General Counsel believes has failed to correct a violation for which a citation has been issued within the period permitted for its correction.
If after issuing a citation or notification, the General Counsel determines that a violation has not been corrected, the General Counsel may file a complaint with the Office against the employing office named in the citation or notification. The complaint shall be submitted to a hearing officer for decision pursuant to subsections (b) through (h) of section 1405 of this title, subject to review by the Board pursuant to section 1406 of this title.
An employing office may request from the Board an order granting a variance from a standard made applicable by this section. For the purposes of this section, the Board shall exercise the authorities granted to the Secretary of Labor in sections 6(b)(6) and 6(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(b)(6) and 655(d)) to act on any employing office’s request for a variance. The Board shall refer the matter to a hearing officer pursuant to subsections (b) through (h) of section 1405 of this title, subject to review by the Board pursuant to section 1406 of this title.
The General Counsel or employing office aggrieved by a final decision of the Board under paragraph (3) or (4), may file a petition for review with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit pursuant to section 1407 of this title.
If new appropriated funds are necessary to correct a violation of subsection (a) for which a citation is issued, or to comply with an order requiring correction of such a violation, correction or compliance shall take place as soon as possible, but not later than the end of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the citation is issued or the order requiring correction becomes final and not subject to further review.
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall include a method of identifying, for purposes of this section and for different categories of violations of subsection (a), the employing office responsible for correction of a particular violation.
On a regular basis, and at least once each Congress, the General Counsel, exercising the same authorities of the Secretary of Labor as under subsection (c)(1), shall conduct periodic inspections of all facilities of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Office of the Attending Physician, the Office of Compliance, the Office of Technology Assessment, the Library of Congress, and the Government Accountability Office to report on compliance with subsection (a).
(B) containing the results of the periodic inspection, identifying the employing office responsible for correcting the violation of this section uncovered by such inspection, describing any steps necessary to correct any violation of this section, and assessing any risks to employee health and safety associated with any violation.
If a report identifies any violation of this section, the General Counsel shall issue a citation or notice in accordance with subsection (c)(2)(A).
The Secretary of Labor may, on request of the Executive Director, detail to the Office such personnel as may be necessary to advise and assist the Office in carrying out its duties under this section.
The period from January 23, 1995, until December 31, 1996, shall be available to the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other employing offices to identify any violations of subsection (a), to determine the costs of compliance, and to take any necessary corrective action to abate any violations. The Office shall assist the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other employing offices by arranging for inspections and other technical assistance at their request. Prior to July 1, 1996, the General Counsel shall conduct a thorough inspection under subsection (e)(1) and shall submit the report under subsection (e)(2) for the One Hundred Fourth Congress.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a), (b), (c), and (e)(3) shall be effective on January 1, 1997.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Pub. L. 91-596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 15 (§651 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 651 of Title 29 and Tables.
2008—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 110-437 substituted “the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services,” for “the Capitol Guide Service,”.
2004—Subsecs. (a)(2)(C), (D), (e)(1). Pub. L. 108-271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 108-271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in heading and text.
of Pub. L. 110-437, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.
This part is referred to in section 1407, 1414,1415, 1416 of this title.
(B) as the Board deems necessary to avoid a conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest.
(H) such other offices that perform comparable functions which are identified under regulations of the Board.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, as amended, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
This section is referred to in sections 1407, 1411, 1414 of this title.
If a covered employee, with respect to any claim under this chapter, or a qualified person with a disability, with respect to any claim under section 1331 of this title, is a prevailing party in any proceeding under section 1405, 1406, 1407, or 1408 of this title, the hearing officer, Board, or court, as the case may be, may award attorney’s fees, expert fees, and any other costs as would be appropriate if awarded under section 2000e-5(k) of title 42.
In any proceeding under section 1405, 1406, 1407, or 1408 of this title, the same interest to compensate for delay in payment shall be made available as would be appropriate if awarded under section 2000e-16(d) of title 42.
No civil penalty or punitive damages may be awarded with respect to any claim under this chapter.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), no person may commence an administrative or judicial proceeding to seek a remedy for the rights and protections afforded by this chapter except as provided in this chapter.
A covered employee under section 1316 of this title may also utilize any provisions of chapter 43 of title 38 that are applicable to that employee.
Only a covered employee who has undertaken and completed the procedures described in sections 1402 and 1403 of this title may be granted a remedy under part A of this subchapter.
Except where inconsistent with definitions and exemptions provided in this chapter, the definitions and exemptions in the laws made applicable by this chapter shall apply under this chapter.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), provisions in the laws made applicable under this chapter (other than the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act [29 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.]) determining coverage based on size, whether expressed in terms of numbers of employees, amount of business transacted, or other measure, shall not apply in determining coverage under this chapter.
This chapter shall not be construed to authorize enforcement by the executive branch.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (c), (d)(1), and (f), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, as amended, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
Part A of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (e), was in the original “part A of this title”, meaning part A (§§201-207) of title II of Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, which is classified principally to part A of this subchapter. For complete classification of part A to the Code, see Tables.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), is Pub. L. 100-379, Aug. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§2101 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2101 of Title 29 and Tables.
This section is referred to in section 1316a of this title.
(2) the regulations and procedures used by the entities referred to in paragraph (1) to apply and enforce such laws to themselves and their employees.
(1) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.), and related provisions of section 2302 of title 5.
(2) The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 621 et seq.), and related provisions of section 2302 of title 5.
(3) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), and related provisions of section 2302 of title 5.
(4) The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2611 et seq.), and related provisions of sections 6381 through 6387 of title 5.
(5) The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), and related provisions of sections 5541 through 5550a of title 5.
(6) The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.), and related provisions of section 7902 of title 5.
(7) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.).
(8) Chapter 71 (relating to Federal service labor-management relations) of title 5.
(9) The General Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1980 (31 U.S.C. 731 et seq.).
(10) The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (29 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.).
(11) The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (29 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.).
(12) Chapter 43 (relating to veterans’ employment and reemployment) of title 38.
The study under this section shall evaluate whether the rights, protections, and procedures, including administrative and judicial relief, applicable to the entities listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and their employees are comprehensive and effective and shall include recommendations for any improvements in regulations or legislation, including proposed regulatory or legislative language.
(2) the Board shall transmit such study and recommendations (with the Board’s comments) to the head of each entity considered in the study, and to the Congress by delivery to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President pro tempore of the Senate for referral to the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 88-352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 252, as amended. Title VII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VI (§2000e et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is Pub. L. 90-202, Dec.15, 1967, 81 Stat. 602, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 14 (§621 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 621 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is Pub. L. 101-336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), is Pub. L. 103-3, Feb. 5, 1993, 107 Stat. 6, as amended, which enacted sections 60m and 60n of this title, sections 6381 to 6387 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and chapter 28 (§2601 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor, amended section 2105 of Title 5, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 2601 of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (b)(5), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat.1060, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (b)(6), is Pub. L. 91-596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 15 (§651 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 651 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), is Pub. L. 93-112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 29 and Tables.
The General Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (b)(9), is Pub. L. 96-191, Feb. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 27, which was classified principally to section 52-1 et seq. of former Title 31, Money and Finance, and which was substantially repealed by Pub. L. 97-258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1068, and reenacted by the first section thereof principally in subchapters III (§731 et seq.) and IV (§751 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 31, Money and Finance.
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988, referred to in subsec. (b)(10), is Pub. L. 100-347, June 27, 1988, 102 Stat. 646, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 22 (§2001 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2001 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(ll), is Pub. L. 100-379, Aug. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§2101 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2101 of Title 29 and Tables.
1995—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104-53, §309(a), substituted “Board” for “Administrative Conference of the United States” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 104-53, §309(b), substituted “Board” for “Administrative Conference of the United States” and struck out “and shall submit the study and recommendations to the Board” before semicolon.
General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of Title 31, Money and Finance.
This section is referred to in sections 1312, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1331, 1341 of this title.
There is established, as an independent office within the legislative branch of the Federal Government, the Office of Compliance.
The Office shall have a Board of Directors. The Board shall consist of 5 individuals appointed jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Appointments of the first 5 members of the Board shall be completed not later than 90 days after January 23, 1995.
The Chair shall be appointed from members of the Board jointly by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Selection and appointment of members of the Board shall be without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the Office. Members of the Board shall have training or experience in the application of the rights, protections, and remedies under one or more of the laws made applicable under section 1302 of this title.
No individual who engages in, or is otherwise employed in, lobbying of the Congress and who is required under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act1 to register with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate shall be eligible for appointment to, or service on, the Board.
No member of the Board appointed under subsection (b) may hold or may have held the position of Member of the House of Representatives or Senator, may hold the position of officer or employee of the House of Representatives, Senate, or instrumentality or other entity of the legislative branch (other than the Office), or may have held such a position (other than the position of an officer or employee of the General Accounting Office2 Personnel Appeals Board, an officer or employee of the Office of Fair Employment Practices of the House of Representatives, or officer or employee of the Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices) within 4 years of the date of appointment.
A vacancy on the Board shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), membership on the Board shall be for 5 years. A member of the Board may be reappointed, but no individual may serve as a member for more than 2 terms.
(C) 2 shall have a term of office of 5 years, 1 of whom shall be the Chair, as designated at the time of appointment by the persons specified in subsection (b).
(E) holding an office or employment or engaging in an activity that disqualifies the individual from service as a member of the Board under subsection (d)(2).
In removing a member of the Board, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall state in writing to the member of the Board being removed the specific reasons for the removal.
The rate of pay of a member may be prorated based on the portion of the day during which the member is engaged in the performance of Board duties.
Each member of the Board shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, for each day the member is engaged in the performance of duties away from the home or regular place of business of the member.
(3) compile and publish statistics on the use of the Office by covered employees, including the number and type of contacts made with the Office, on the reason for such contacts, on the number of covered employees who initiated proceedings with the Office under this chapter and the result of such proceedings, and on the number of covered employees who filed a complaint, the basis for the complaint, and the action taken on the complaint.
The Board and the Office shall be subject to oversight (except with respect to the disposition of individual cases) by the Committee on Rules and Administration and the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives1.
The Office shall be open for business, including receipt of requests for counseling under section 1402 of this title, not later than 1 year after January 23, 1995.
Members of the Board and officers and employees of the Office shall file the financial disclosure reports required under title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 with the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(A), is title III of act Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, 60 Stat. 839, which was classified generally to chapter 8A (§261 et seq.) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104-65, §11(a), Dec. 19, 1995, 109 Stat. 701. See section 1601 et seq. of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (h)(3), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, as amended, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
The Ethics in Government Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (k), is Pub. L. 95-521, Oct. 26, 1978, 92 Stat. 1824, as amended. Title I of the Act is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 101 of Pub. L. 95-521 in the Appendix to Title 5 and Tables.
2007—Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 110-164 substituted “legislative branch (other than the Office),” for “legislative branch,”.
General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of Pub. L. 108-271, set out as a note under section 702 of Title 31, Money and Finance.
This section is referred to in section 1382 of this title.
The Chair, subject to the approval of the Board, shall appoint and may remove an Executive Director. Selection and appointment of the Executive Director shall be without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the Office. The first Executive Director shall be appointed no later than 90 days after the initial appointment of the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director shall be an individual with training or expertise in the application of laws referred to in section 1302(a) of this title.
The disqualifications in section 1381(d)(2) of this title shall apply to the appointment of the Executive Director.
The Chair may fix the compensation of the Executive Director.
The term of office of the Executive Director shall be not more than 2 terms of 5 years, except that the first Executive Director shall have a single term of 7 years.
The Executive Director shall serve as the chief operating officer of the Office. Except as otherwise specified in this chapter, the Executive Director shall carry out all of the responsibilities of the Office under this chapter.
The Chair, subject to the approval of the Board, shall appoint and may remove a Deputy Executive Director for the Senate and a Deputy Executive Director for the House of Representatives. Selection and appointment of a Deputy Executive Director shall be without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the office. The disqualifications in section 1381(d)(2) of this title shall apply to the appointment of a Deputy Executive Director.
The term of office of a Deputy Executive Director shall be not more than 2 terms of 5 years, except that the first Deputy Executive Directors shall have a single term of 6 years.
The Chair may fix the compensation of the Deputy Executive Directors.
The Deputy Executive Director for the Senate shall recommend to the Board regulations under section 1384(a)(2)(B)(i) of this title, maintain the regulations and all records pertaining to the regulations, and shall assume such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the Executive Director. The Deputy Executive Director for the House of Representatives shall recommend to the Board the regulations under section 1384(a)(2)(B)(ii) of this title, maintain the regulations and all records pertaining to the regulations, and shall assume such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the Executive Director.
The Chair, subject to the approval of the Board, shall appoint a General Counsel. Selection and appointment of the General Counsel shall be without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the duties of the Office. The disqualifications in section 1381(d)(2) of this title shall apply to the appointment of a General Counsel.
The Chair may fix the compensation of the General Counsel.
(B) otherwise assist the Board and the Executive Director in carrying out their duties and powers, including representing the Office in any judicial proceeding under this chapter.
The General Counsel shall appoint, and fix the compensation of, and may remove, such additional attorneys as may be necessary to enable the General Counsel to perform the General Counsel’s duties.
The term of office of the General Counsel shall be not more than 2 terms of 5 years.
(v) holding an office or employment or engaging in an activity that disqualifies the individual from service as the General Counsel under paragraph (1).
In removing the General Counsel, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall state in writing to the General Counsel the specific reasons for the removal.
The Executive Director shall appoint, and fix the compensation of, and may remove, such other additional staff, including hearing officers, but not including attorneys employed in the office of the General Counsel, as may be necessary to enable the Office to perform its duties.
The Executive Director may, with the prior consent of the department or agency of the Federal Government concerned, use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency, including the services of members or personnel of the Government Accountability Office Personnel Appeals Board.
In carrying out the functions of the Office, the Executive Director may procure the temporary (not to exceed 1 year) or intermittent services of consultants.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(4) and (c)(3), was in the original ‘‘this Act’’, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 110-164, §2(a)(1), substituted “not more than 2 terms” for “a single term” the first time appearing.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110-164, §2(a)(2), substituted “not more than 2 terms” for “a single term” the first time appearing.
Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 110-164, §2(a)(3), substituted “not more than 2 terms” for “a single term”. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110-161, §1101(b)(4), substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
“(a) Executive Director.—Notwithstanding section 302(a)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1382(a)(3)), the individual serving as Executive Director of the Office of Compliance as of the date of the enactment of this Act [July 27, 2005] may serve one additional term.
“(b) Deputy Executive Directors.— Notwithstanding section 302(b)(2) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1382(b)(2)), any individual serving as a Deputy Executive Director of the Office of Compliance as of the date of the enactment of this Act may serve one additional term.
The Executive Director shall, subject to the approval of the Board, adopt rules governing the procedures of the Office, including the procedures of hearing officers, which shall be submitted for publication in the Congressional Record. The rules may be amended in the same manner.
The Executive Director shall adopt rules referred to in subsection (a) in accordance with the principles and procedures set forth in section 553 of title 5. The Executive Director shall publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking under section 553(b) of title 5, but, instead of publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, the Executive Director shall transmit such notice to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate for publication in the Congressional Record on the first day on which both Houses are in session following such transmittal. Before adopting rules, the Executive Director shall provide a comment period of at least 30 days after publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking. Upon adopting rules, the Executive Director shall transmit notice of such action together with a copy of such rules to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate for publication in the Congressional Record on the first day on which both Houses are in session following such transmittal. Rules shall be considered issued by the Executive Director as of the date on which they are published in the Congressional Record.
The procedures applicable to the regulations of the Board issued for the implementation of this chapter, which shall include regulations the Board is required to issue under subchapter II (including regulations on the appropriate application of exemptions under the laws made applicable in subchapter II) are as prescribed in this section.
(iii) all other covered employees and employing offices.
The Board shall publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking under section 553(b) of title 5, but, instead of publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, the Board shall transmit such notice to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate for publication in the Congressional Record on the first day on which both Houses are in session following such transmittal. Such notice shall set forth the recommendations of the Deputy Director for the Senate in regard to regulations under subsection (a)(2)(B)(i), the recommendations of the Deputy Director for the House of Representatives in regard to regulations under subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii), and the recommendations of the Executive Director for regulations under subsection (a)(2)(B)(iii).
Before adopting regulations, the Board shall provide a comment period of at least 30 days after publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking.
After considering comments, the Board shall adopt regulations and shall transmit notice of such action together with a copy of such regulations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate for publication in the Congressional Record on the first day on which both Houses are in session following such transmittal.
The Board shall include a recommendation in the general notice of proposed rulemaking and in the regulations as to whether the regulations should be approved by resolution of the Senate, by resolution of the House of Representatives, by concurrent resolution, or by joint resolution.
Regulations referred to in paragraph (2)(B)(i) of subsection (a) may be approved by the Senate by resolution or by the Congress by concurrent resolution or by joint resolution. Regulations referred to in paragraph (2)(B)(ii) of subsection (a) may be approved by the House of Representatives by resolution or by the Congress by concurrent resolution or by joint resolution. Regulations referred to in paragraph (2) (B)(iii) may be approved by Congress by concurrent resolution or by joint resolution.
Upon receipt of a notice of adoption of regulations under subsection (b)(3), the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate shall refer such notice, together with a copy of such regulations, to the appropriate committee or committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate. The purpose of the referral shall be to consider whether such regulations should be approved, and, if so, whether such approval should be by resolution of the House of Representatives or of the Senate, by concurrent resolution or by joint resolution.
The presiding officer of the Senate may refer the notice of issuance of regulations, or any resolution of approval of regulations, to one committee or jointly to more than one committee. If a committee of the Senate acts to report a jointly referred measure, any other committee of the Senate must act within 30 calendar days of continuous session, or be automatically discharged.
In the case of a resolution of the House of Representatives or the Senate or a concurrent resolution referred to in paragraph (1), the matter after the resolving clause shall be the following: “The following regulations issued by the Office of Compliance on ______ are hereby approved:” (the blank space being appropriately filled in, and the text of the regulations being set forth).
In the case of a joint resolution referred to in paragraph (1), the matter after the resolving clause shall be the following: “The following regulations issued by the Office of Compliance on ______ are hereby approved and shall have the force and effect of law:” (the blank space being appropriately filled in, and the text of the regulations being set forth).
After approval of regulations under subsection (c), the Board shall submit the regulations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate for publication in the Congressional Record on the first day on which both Houses are in session following such transmittal.
The date of issuance of regulations shall be the date on which they are published in the Congressional Record under paragraph (1).
Regulations shall become effective not less than 60 days after the regulations are issued, except that the Board may provide for an earlier effective date for good cause found (within the meaning of section 553(d)(3) of title 5) and published with the regulation.
Regulations may be amended in the same manner as is described in this section for the adoption, approval, and issuance of regulations, except that the Board may, in its discretion, dispense with publication of a general notice of proposed rulemaking of minor, technical, or urgent amendments that satisfy the criteria for dispensing with publication of such notice pursuant to section 553(b)(B) of title 5.
Any interested party may petition to the Board for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a regulation.
(2) may consult with any other persons with whom consultation, in the opinion of the Board, the Executive Director, or Deputy Directors, may be helpful.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1) after ‘‘implementation of’’, was in the original ‘‘this Act’’, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
Subchapter II, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original ‘‘title II’’, meaning title II of Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, which is classified principally to subchapter II. For complete classification of title II to the Code, see Tables.
This section is referred to in sections 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1316a, 1331, 1341, 1351, 1382, 1409, 1431 of this title.
(2) one-half of the expenses of the Office shall be paid from funds appropriated for allowances and expenses of the Senate, upon vouchers approved by the Executive Director, except that a voucher shall not be required for the disbursement of salaries of employees who are paid at an annual rate. The Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate are authorized to make arrangements for the division of expenses under this subsection, including arrangements for one House of Congress to reimburse the other House of Congress.
The Executive Director may place orders and enter into agreements for goods and services with the head of any agency, or major organizational unit within an agency, in the legislative or executive branch of the United States in the same manner and to the same extent as agencies are authorized under sections 1535 and 1536 of title 31 to place orders and enter into agreements.
Except for covered employees, witnesses before a hearing officer or the Board in any proceeding under this chapter other than rulemaking shall be paid the same fee and mileage allowances as are paid subpoenaed witnesses in the courts of the United States. Covered employees who are summoned, or are assigned by their employer, to testify in their official capacity or to produce official records in any proceeding under this chapter shall be entitled to travel expenses under subchapter I and section 5751 of chapter 57 of title 5.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original ‘‘this Act’’, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
Not later than 60 days after the last day of each semiannual period of a fiscal year, the Executive Director of the Office of Compliance shall submit to the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate, with respect to that period, a detailed, itemized report of the disbursements for the operations of the Office of Compliance.
(E) such additional information as may be required by regulation of the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, or the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives or Senate.
The Executive Director of the Office of Compliance may exclude from any report required by subsection (a) any information the disclosure of which would violate confidentiality policies of the Office of Compliance.
This section shall apply with respect to the semiannual periods of October 1 through March 31 and April 1 through September 30 of each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 2014.
This subchapter is referred to in section 1381, 1434 of this title.
(B) a civil action in a district court of the United States as provided in section 1408 of this title.
In the case of an employee of the Office of the Architect of the Capitol or of the Capitol Police, the Executive Director, after receiving a request for counseling under section 1402 of this title, may recommend that the employee use the grievance procedures of the Architect of the Capitol or the Capitol Police for resolution of the employee’s grievance for a specific period of time, which shall not count against the time available for counseling or mediation.
Part A of subchapter II, referred to in text, was in the original “part A of title II”, meaning part A (§§201-207) of title II of Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, which is classified principally to part A of subchapter II of this chapter. For complete classification of part A to the Code, see Tables.
This section is referred to in sections 1316a, 1414 of this title.
To commence a proceeding, a covered employee alleging a violation of a law made applicable under part A of subchapter II of this chapter shall request counseling by the Office. The Office shall provide the employee with all relevant information with respect to the rights of the employee. A request for counseling shall be made not later than 180 days after the date of the alleged violation.
The period for counseling shall be 30 days unless the employee and the Office agree to reduce the period. The period shall begin on the date the request for counseling is received.
The Office shall notify the employee in writing when the counseling period has ended.
Part A of subchapter II, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original ‘‘part A of title II’’, meaning part A (§§201–207) of title II of Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, which is classified principally to part A of subchapter II of this chapter. For complete classification of part A to the Code, see Tables.
This section is referred to in sections 1361, 1381, 1401, 1403, 1408, 1416, 1435 of this title.
Not later than 15 days after receipt by the employee of notice of the end of the counseling period under section 1402 of this title, but prior to and as a condition of making an election under section 1404 of this title, the covered employee who alleged a violation of a law shall file a request for mediation with the Office.
(2) shall involve meetings with the parties separately or jointly for the purpose of resolving the dispute between the covered employee and the employing office.
The mediation period shall be 30 days beginning on the date the request for mediation is received. The mediation period may be extended for additional periods at the joint request of the covered employee and the employing office. The Office shall notify in writing the covered employee and the employing office when the mediation period has ended.
No individual, who is appointed by the Executive Director to mediate, may conduct or aid in a hearing conducted under section 1405 of this title with respect to the same matter or shall be subject to subpoena or any other compulsory process with respect to the same matter.
2015—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–6, §2(a)(1), substituted “from the master list developed and maintained under subsection (e)” for “after considering recommendations by organizations composed primarily of individuals experienced in adjudicating or arbitrating personnel matters”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–6, §2(a)(2), added subsec. (e).
(2) file a civil action in accordance with section 1408 of this title in the United States district court for the district in which the employee is employed or for the District of Columbia.
2015—Pub. L. 114–6 substituted “Not later than 90 days, but not sooner than 30 days, after the end of the period of mediation, a covered employee” for “Not later than 90 days after a covered employee re­ceives notice of the end of the period of mediation, but no sooner than 30 days after receipt of such notification, such covered employee” in introductory provisions.
This section is referred to in sections 1401, 1403, 1408 of this title.
(2) in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, and about which mediation was conducted.
A hearing officer may dismiss any claim that the hearing officer finds to be frivolous or that fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
Upon the filing of a complaint, the Executive Director shall appoint an independent hearing officer to consider the complaint and render a decision. No Member of the House of Representatives, Senator, officer of either the House of Representatives or the Senate, head of an employing office, member of the Board, or covered employee may be appointed to be a hearing officer. The Executive Director shall select hearing officers on a rotational or random basis from the lists developed under paragraph (2). Nothing in this section shall prevent the appointment of hearing officers as full-time employees of the Office or the selection of hearing officers on the basis of specialized expertise needed for particular matters.
(B) individuals expert in technical matters relating to accessibility and usability by persons with disabilities or technical matters relating to occupational safety and health.
In developing lists, the Executive Director shall consider candidates recommended by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service or the Administrative Conference of the United States.
(3) conducted, except as specifically provided in this chapter and to the greatest extent practicable, in accordance with the principles and procedures set forth in sections 554 through 557 of title 5.
Reasonable prehearing discovery may be permitted at the discretion of the hearing officer.
At the request of a party, a hearing officer may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and for the production of correspondence, books, papers, documents, and other records. The attendance of witnesses and the production of records may be required from any place within the United States. Subpoenas shall be served in the manner provided under rule 45(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
If a person refuses, on the basis of relevance, privilege, or other objection, to testify in response to a question or to produce records in connection with a proceeding before a hearing officer, the hearing officer shall rule on the objection. At the request of the witness or any party, the hearing officer shall (or on the hearing officer’s own initiative, the hearing officer may) refer the ruling to the Board for review.
If a person fails to comply with a subpoena, the Board may authorize the General Counsel to apply, in the name of the Office, to an appropriate United States district court for an order requiring that person to appear before the hearing officer to give testimony or produce records. The application may be made within the judicial district where the hearing is conducted or where that person is found, resides, or transacts business. Any failure to obey a lawful order of the district court issued pursuant to this section may be held by such court to be a civil contempt thereof.
Process in an action or contempt proceeding pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be served in any judicial district in which the person refusing or failing to comply, or threatening to refuse or not to comply, resides, transacts business, or may be found, and subpoenas for witnesses who are required to attend such proceedings may run into any other district.
The hearing officer shall issue a written decision as expeditiously as possible, but in no case more than 90 days after the conclusion of the hearing. The written decision shall be transmitted by the Office to the parties. The decision shall state the issues raised in the complaint, describe the evidence in the record, contain findings of fact and conclusions of law, contain a determination of whether a violation has occurred, and order such remedies as are appropriate pursuant to subchapter II. The decision shall be entered in the records of the Office. If a decision is not appealed under section 1406 of this title to the Board, the decision shall be considered the final decision of the Office.
A hearing officer who conducts a hearing under this section shall be guided by judicial decisions under the laws made applicable by section 1302 of this title and by Board decisions under this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2)(A), (d)(3), and (h), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3 which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
Rule 45(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
Subchapter II, referred to in subsec. (g), was in the original “title II”, meaning title II of Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, which is classified principally to subchapter II of this chapter. For complete classification of title II to the Code, see Tables.
This section is referred to in sections 1331, 1341, 1351, 1361, 1401, 1403, 1404, 1406, 1407, 1411, 1413, 1416, 1435 of this title.
Any party aggrieved by the decision of a hearing officer under section 1405(g) of this title may file a petition for review by the Board not later than 30 days after entry of the decision in the records of the Office.
The parties to the hearing upon which the decision of the hearing officer was made shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard, through written submission and, in the discretion of the Board, through oral argument.
In making determinations under subsection (c), the Board shall review the whole record, or those parts of it cited by a party, and due account shall be taken of the rule of prejudicial error.
The Board shall issue a written decision setting forth the reasons for its decision. The decision may affirm, reverse, or remand to the hearing officer for further proceedings. A decision that does not require further proceedings before a hearing officer shall be entered in the records of the Office as a final decision.
This section is referred to in sections 1331, 1341, 1351, 1361, 1401, 1405, 1407, 1411, 1416 of this title.
(D) the General Counsel or a respondent before the Board who files a petition under section 1351(c)(3) of this title.
The court of appeals shall have exclusive jurisdiction to set aside, suspend (in whole or in part), to determine the validity of, or otherwise review the decision of the Board.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit shall have jurisdiction over any petition of the General Counsel, filed in the name of the Office and at the direction of the Board, to enforce a final decision under section 1405(g) or 1406(e) of this title with respect to a violation of part A, B, C, or D of subchapter II.
(A) In any proceeding commenced by a petition filed under subsection (a)(1)(A) or (B), or filed by a party other than the General Counsel under subsection (a)(1)(C) or (D), the Office shall be named respondent and any party before the Board may be named respondent by filing a notice of election with the court within 30 days after service of the petition.
(B) In any proceeding commenced by a petition filed by the General Counsel under subsection (a)(1)(C) or (D), the prevailing party in the final decision entered under section 1406(e) of this title shall be named respondent, and any other party before the Board may be named respondent by filing a notice of election with the court within 30 days after service of the petition. .
(C) In any proceeding commenced by a petition filed under subsection (a)(2), the party under section 1405 or 1406 of this title that the General Counsel determines has failed to comply with a final decision under section 1405(g) or 1406(e) of this title shall be named respondent.
Any party that participated in the proceedings before the Board under section 1406 of this title and that was not made respondent under paragraph (1) may intervene as of right.
(4) the Office shall be an “agency” as that term is used in chapter 158 of title 28.
In making determinations under subsection (d), the court shall review the whole record, or those parts of it cited by a party, and due account shall be taken of the rule of prejudicial error.
Parts A, B, C, and D of subchapter II, referred to in subsec. (a), were in the original references to parts A (§§201–207), B (§210), C (§215), and D (§220), respectively, of title II of Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, 13, 16, 19, which are classified principally to parts A, B, C, and D, respectively, of subchapter II of this chapter. For complete classification of parts A, B, C, and D to the Code, see Tables.
This section is referred to in sections 1331, 1341, 1351, 1361, 1401, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1413, 1416 of this title.
The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any civil action commenced under section 1404 of this title and this section by a covered employee who has completed counseling under section 1402 of this title and mediation under section 1403 of this title. A civil action may be commenced by a covered employee only to seek redress for a violation for which the employee has completed counseling and mediation.
The defendant shall be the employing office alleged to have committed the violation, or in which the violation is alleged to have occurred.
Any party may demand a jury trial where a jury trial would be available in an action against a private defendant under the relevant law made applicable by this chapter. In any case in which a violation of section 1311 of this title is alleged, the court shall not inform the jury of the maximum amount of compensatory damages available under section 1311(b)(1) or 1311(b)(3) of this title.
The House Employment Counsel of the House of Representatives and any other counsel in the Office of House Employment Counsel of the House of Representatives, including any counsel specially retained by the Office of House Employment Counsel, shall be entitled, for the purpose of providing legal assistance and representation to employing offices of the House of Representatives under this chapter, to enter an appearance in any proceeding before any court of the United States or of any State or political subdivision thereof without compliance with any requirements for admission to practice before such court, except that the authorization conferred by this paragraph shall not apply with respect to the admission of any such person to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
(C) any other person authorized and directed in accordance with the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide legal assistance and representation to employing offices of the House of Representatives in connection with actions brought under this subchapter.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (c) and (d)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
2001—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–68 added subsec. (d).
This section is referred to in sections 1361, 1401, 1404, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1413, 1435 of this title.
In any proceeding brought under section 1407 or 1408 of this title in which the application of a regulation issued under this chapter is at issue, the court may review the validity of the regulation in accordance with the provisions of subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 706(2) of title 5, except that with respect to regulations approved by a joint resolution under section 1384(c) of this title, only the provisions of section 706(2)(B) of title 5 shall apply. If the court determines that the regulation is invalid, the court shall apply, to the extent necessary and appropriate, the most relevant substantive executive agency regulation promulgated to implement the statutory provisions with respect to which the invalid regulation was issued. Except as provided in this section, the validity of regulations issued under this chapter is not subject to judicial review.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
This section is referred to in section 1410 of this title.
Except as expressly authorized by sections 1407, 1408, and 1409 of this title, the compliance or noncompliance with the provisions and any action taken pursuant to this chapter shall not be subject to judicial review.
Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
In any proceeding under section 1405, 1406, 1407, or 1408 of this title, except a proceeding to enforce section 1351 of this title with respect to offices listed under section 1351(e)(2) of this title, if the Board has not issued a regulation on a matter for which this chapter requires a regulation to be issued, the hearing officer, Board, or court, as the case may be, shall apply, to the extent necessary and appropriate, the most relevant substantive executive agency regulation promulgated to implement the statutory provision at issue in the proceeding.
An appeal may be taken directly to the Supreme Court of the United States from any interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order of a court upon the constitutionality of any provision.
The Supreme Court shall, if it has not previously ruled on the question, accept jurisdiction over the appeal referred to in subsection (a), advance the appeal on the docket, and expedite the appeal to the greatest extent possible.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
The authorization to bring judicial proceedings under sections 1405(f)(3), 1407, and 1408 of this title shall not constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity for any other purpose, or of the privileges of any Senator or Member of the House of Representatives under article I, section 6, clause 1, of the Constitution, or a waiver of any power of either the Senate or the House of Representatives under the Constitution, including under article I, section 5, clause 3, or under the rules of either House relating to records and information within its jurisdiction.
Any settlement entered into by the parties to a process described in section 1331, 1341, 1351, or 1401 of this title shall be in writing and not become effective unless it is approved by the Executive Director. Nothing in this chapter shall affect the power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, to establish rules governing the process by which a settlement may be entered into by such House or by any employing office of such House.
Except as provided in subsection (c), only funds which are appropriated to an account of the Office in the Treasury of the United States for the payment of awards and settlements may be used for the payment of awards and settlements under this chapter. There are appropriated for such account such sums as may be necessary to pay such awards and settlements. Funds in the account are not available for awards and settlements involving the Government Accountability Office, the Government Publishing Office, or the Library of Congress.
Except as provided in subsection (c), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for administrative, personnel, and similar expenses of employing offices which are needed to comply with this chapter.
Funds to correct violations of section 1311(a)(3), 1331, or 1341 of this title may be paid only from funds appropriated to the employing office or entity responsible for correcting such violations. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for such funds.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.
2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office”.
“Government Publishing Office” substituted for “Government Printing Office” in subsec. (a) on authority of section 1301(b) of Pub. L. 113–235, set out as a note preceding section 301 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.
All counseling shall be strictly confidential, except that the Office and a covered employee may agree to notify the employing office of the allegations.
All mediation shall be strictly confidential, and the Executive Director shall notify each person participating in the mediation of the confidentiality requirement and of the sanctions applicable to any person who violates the confidentiality requirement.
Except as provided in subsections (d), (e), and (f), all proceedings and deliberations of hearing officers and the Board, including any related records, shall be confidential. This subsection shall not apply to proceedings under section 1341 of this title, but shall apply to the deliberations of hearing officers and the Board under that section. The Executive Director shall notify each person participating in a proceeding or deliberation to which this subsection applies of the requirements of this subsection and of the sanctions applicable to any person who violates the requirements of this subsection.
The records of hearing officers and the Board may be made public if required for the purpose of judicial review under section 1407 of this title.
At the discretion of the Executive Director, the Executive Director may provide to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate access to the records of the hearings and decisions of the hearing officers and the Board, including all written and oral testimony in the possession of the Office. The Executive Director shall not provide such access until the Executive Director has consulted with the individual filing the complaint at issue, and until a final decision has been entered under section 1405(g) or 1406(e) of this title.
A final decision entered under section 1405(g) or 1406(e) of this title shall be made public if it is in favor of the complaining covered employee, or in favor of the charging party under section 1331 of this title, or if the decision reverses a decision of a hearing officer which had been in favor of the covered employee or charging party. The Board may make public any other decision at its discretion.
2015—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–6, §2(c)(1), inserted before period at end “, and the Executive Director shall notify each person participating in the mediation of the confidentiality requirement and of the sanctions applicable to any person who violates the confidentiality requirement”.
(3) political compatibility with the employing office; of an employee referred to in subsection (b) with respect to employment decisions.
(5) an applicant for a position that is to be occupied by an individual described in any of paragraphs (1) through (4).
The Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives retain full power, in accordance with the authority provided to them by the Senate and the House, with respect to the discipline of Members, officers, and employees for violating rules of the Senate and the House on nondiscrimination in employment.
The report shall be submitted to Congress not later than December 31, 1996, and shall include any recommendations the Judicial Conference may have for legislation to provide to employees of the judicial branch the rights, protections, and procedures under the listed laws, including administrative and judicial relief, that are comparable to those available to employees of the legislative branch under subchapters I through IV of this chapter.
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in par. (1). is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in par. (2), is Pub. L. 88-352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 252, as amended. Title VII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VI (§2000e et seq.) of chapter 21 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of Title 42 and Tables.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in par. (3), is Pub. L. 101-336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 90-202, Dec. 15, 1967, 81 Stat. 602, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 14 (§621 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 621 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, referred to in par. (5), is Pub. L. 103-3, Feb. 5, 1993, 107 Stat. 6, as amended, which enacted sections 60m and 60n of this title, sections 6381 to 6387 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and chapter 28 (§2601 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor, amended section 2105 of Title 5, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 2601 of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in par. (6), is Pub. L. 91-596, Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1590, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 15 (§651 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 651 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988, referred to in par. (8), is Pub. L. 100-347, June 27, 1988, 102 Stat. 646, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 22 (§2001 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2001 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, referred to in par. (9), is Pub. L. 100-379, Aug. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§2101 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2101 of Title 29 and Tables.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in par. (10), is Pub. L. 93-112, Sept. 26,1973, 87 Stat. 355, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§701 et seq.) of Title 29. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 29 and Tables.
Subchapter II of this chapter, referred to in text, was in the original a reference to title II of this Act, meaning title II of Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 7, which is classified principally to subchapter II. For complete classification of title II to the Code, see Tables.
If, as of the date on which section 1311 of this title takes effect, an employee of the Senate or the House of Representatives has or could have requested counseling under section 305 1 of the Government Employees Rights Act of 1991 or Rule LI of the House of Representatives, including counseling for alleged violations of family and medical leave rights under title V of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the employee may complete, or initiate and complete, all procedures under the Government Employees Rights Act of 1991 and Rule LI, and the provisions of that Act and Rule shall remain in effect with respect to, and provide the exclusive procedures for, those claims until the completion of all such procedures.
(B) to commence a civil action under section 1408 of this title.
With respect to payments of awards and settlements relating to Senate employees under paragraph (1) of this subsection, section 1207a1 of this title remains in effect.
If, as of the date on which section 1311 of this title takes effect, an employee of the Architect of the Capitol has or could have filed a charge or complaint regarding an alleged violation of section 1831(e)(2)1 of this title, the employee may complete, or initiate and complete, all procedures under section 1831(e)1 of this title, the provisions of which shall remain in effect with respect to, and provide the exclusive procedures for, that claim until the completion of all such procedures.
With respect to matters other than employment under section 122091 of title 42, the rights, protections, remedies, and procedures of section 122091 of title 42 shall remain in effect until section 1331 of this title takes effect with respect to each of the entities covered by section 122091 of title 42.
For the effective dates of sections 1311, 1312, and 1331 of this title, referred to in text, see sections 1311(d), 1312(e), and 1331(h), respectively, of this title.
Rule LI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), (2), was repealed by H. Res. No. 5, §23(a), One Hundred Fifth Congress, Jan. 7, 1997.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is Pub. L. 103-3, Feb. 5, 1993, 107 Stat. 6. Title V of the Act was classified generally to sections 60m and 60n of this title prior to repeal, except as provided by this section, by Pub. L. 104-1, title V, §504(b), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 41. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 29, Labor, and Tables.
The Government Employees Rights Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), (2), probably means the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, which is title III of Pub. L. 102-166, Nov. 21, 1991, 105 Stat. 1088, as amended, and is classified generally to sections 2000e-16a to 2000e-16c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Sections 305 and 307 of the Act were classified to sections 1205 and 1207, respectively, of this title prior to repeal, except as provided in this section, by Pub. L. 104-1, title V, §504(a)(2), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 41. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 2000e-16a(a) of Title 42 and Tables.
Section 1207a of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), was repealed, except as provided in this section, by Pub. L. 104-1, title V, §504(a)(5), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 41.
Section 1831(e) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was repealed, except as provided in this section, by Pub. L. 104-1, title V, §504(c)(1), Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 41.
Section 12209 of title 42, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original a reference to section 509 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Sections 508 and 509 of the Act were renumbered sections 509 and 510, respectively, by Pub. L. 110-325, §6(a)(2), Sept. 25, 2008, 122 Stat. 3558, and are classified to sections 12208 and 12209, respectively, of title 42.
Section, Pub. L. 104-1, title V, §507, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 43; Pub. L. 105-275, title I, §12, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2436, related to use of frequent flyer miles.
It is the sense of the Senate that the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate should review the rules applicable to purchases by Senate offices to determine whether they are consistent with the acquisition simplification and streamlining laws enacted in the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-355).
The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 103-355, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3243. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1994 Act note set out under section 101 of Title 41, Public Contracts, and Tables.
If any provision or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, the remainder of this chapter and the application of the provisions of the remainder to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104-1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, as amended, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.

References: §422
 §422
 §312
 §312
 §5
 §309
 §309
 §11
 §2
 §2
 §2
 §1101
 §2
 §2
 §2
 §23
 §504
 §504
 §504
 §504
 §6
 §507
 §12