Source: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title22-chapter52-subchapter11&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGUyMi1zZWN0aW9uNDEzMQ%3D%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2020-02-17 07:45:47
Document Index: 680792594

Matched Legal Cases: ['§1101', '§303', '§153', '§180', '§1335', '§1422', '§1422', '§180', '§153', '§4132', '§1102', '§4133', '§1103', '§1000', '§329', '§1104', '§153', '§1000', '§330', '§317', '§1000', '§330', '§153', '§1000', '§330', '§4135', '§1105', '§1000', '§331', '§4136', '§1106', '§586', '§143', '§177', '§314', '§5', '§181', '§177', '§4137', '§1107', '§181', '§153', '§181', '§182', '§4138', '§1108', '§4139', '§1109', '§9', '§153', '§153', '§153', '§4140', '§1110', '§153', '§177', '§152']

[USC02] 22 USC CHAPTER 52, SUBCHAPTER XI: GRIEVANCES
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22 USC CHAPTER 52, SUBCHAPTER XI: GRIEVANCES
(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), for purposes of this subchapter, the term "grievance" means any act, omission, or condition subject to the control of the Secretary which is alleged to deprive a member of the Service who is a citizen of the United States (other than a United States citizen employed under section 3951 of this title who is not a family member) of a right or benefit authorized by law or regulation or which is otherwise a source of concern or dissatisfaction to the member, including—
(H) any discrimination prohibited by—
(b) For purposes of this subchapter, the term "grievance" does not include—
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1101, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2142; Pub. L. 97–241, title III, §303(b), Aug. 24, 1982, 96 Stat. 291; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §153(a), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 673; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §§180(a)(10), 181(a)(4)(A), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 416, 417; Pub. L. 105–277, div. G, subdiv. A, title XIII, §1335(k)(4), title XIV, §1422(b)(4)(D), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–789, 2681-793.)
1998—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–277, §1422(b)(4)(D), substituted "Agency for International Development" for "United States International Development Cooperation Agency".
1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–236, §180(a)(10), inserted "(other than a United States citizen employed under section 3951 of this title who is not a family member)" after "citizen of the United States" in introductory provisions.
1991—Subsec. (a)(1)(H). Pub. L. 102–138, §153(a)(1), added subpar. (H).
§4132. Grievances concerning former members or their survivors
Within the time limitations of section 4134 of this title, a former member of the Service or the surviving spouse (or, if none, another member of the family) of a deceased member or former member of the Service may file a grievance under this subchapter only with respect to allegations described in section 4131(a)(1)(G) of this title.
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1102, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2143.)
§4133. Freedom of action
Any individual filing a grievance under this subchapter (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "grievant"), and any witness, labor organization, or other person involved in a grievance proceeding, shall be free from any restraint, interference, coercion, harassment, discrimination, or reprisal in those proceedings or by virtue of them.
(1) The grievant has the right to a representative of his or her own choosing at every stage of the proceedings under this subchapter.
(3) The grievant, and any representative of the grievant who is a member of the Service or employee of the Department, shall be granted reasonable periods of administrative leave to prepare and present the grievance and to attend proceedings under this subchapter.
(B) a finding by the Grievance Board against the grievant, or
(C) the fact that a grievance proceeding is pending or has been held,
shall be entered in the personnel records of the grievant (except by order of the Grievance Board as a remedy for the grievance) or those of any other individual connected with the grievance. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent a grievant from placing a rebuttal to accompany a record of disciplinary action in such grievant's personnel records nor prevent the Department from including a response to such rebuttal, including documenting those cases in which the Board has reviewed and upheld the discipline.
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1103, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2143; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §329], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-438.)
1999—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–113 inserted at end "Nothing in this subsection shall prevent a grievant from placing a rebuttal to accompany a record of disciplinary action in such grievant's personnel records nor prevent the Department from including a response to such rebuttal, including documenting those cases in which the Board has reviewed and upheld the discipline."
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1104, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2144; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §153(b), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 673; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §330(a), (b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-438; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §317, Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1379.)
2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–228 substituted "but in no case more than three years" for "but in no case less than two years".
1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §330(a)], in first sentence, substituted "not later than two years after the occurrence giving rise to the grievance or, in the case of a grievance with respect to the grievant's rater or reviewer, one year after the date on which the grievant ceased to be subject to rating or review by that person, but in no case less than two years after the occurrence giving rise to the grievance." for "within a period of 3 years after the occurrence or occurrences giving rise to the grievance or such shorter period as may be agreed to by the Department and the exclusive representative."
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–138, §153(b)(1), inserted "under this subchapter" before "unless".
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §330(c)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-438, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999] and shall apply to grievances which arise on or after such effective date."
§4135. Foreign Service Grievance Board
There is established the Foreign Service Grievance Board (hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the "Board"). The Board shall consist of no fewer than 5 members who shall be independent, distinguished citizens of the United States, well known for their integrity, who are not employees of the Department or members of the Service.
(b) Appointment and selection of nominees; length of terms; vacancies
The Chairperson and other members of the Board shall be appointed by the Secretary of State, from nominees approved in writing by the agencies to which this subchapter applies and the exclusive representative (if any) for each such agency. Each member of the Board shall be appointed for a term of 2 years, subject to renewal with the same written approvals required for initial appointment. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, an appointment for the unexpired term may be made by the Secretary of State in accordance with the procedures specified in this section. In the event of inability to obtain agreement on a nominee, each such agency and exclusive representative shall select 2 nominees and shall, in an order determined by lot, in turn strike a name from a list of such nominees until only one name remains. For purposes of this section, the nominee whose name remains shall be deemed to be approved in writing by each such agency head and exclusive representative.
Members of the Board who are not employees of the Government shall be paid for each day they are performing their duties (including traveltime) at the daily equivalent of the maximum rate payable for grade GS–18 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5.
The Secretary of State may, upon written notice, remove a Board member for corruption, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or demonstrated incapacity to perform his or her functions, established at a hearing (unless the right to a hearing is waived in writing by the Board member).
(e) Administrative services; payment of expenses; assignment as staff employees of Board; performance evaluation reports; records
The Board may obtain facilities, services, and supplies through the general administrative services of the Department of State. All expenses of the Board, including necessary costs of the travel and travel-related expenses of a grievant, shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the Department for obligation and expenditure by the Board. At the request of the Board, employees of the Department and members of the Service may be assigned as staff employees for the Board. Within the limits of appropriated funds, the Board may appoint and fix the compensation of such other employees as the Board considers necessary to carry out its functions. The individuals so appointed or assigned shall be responsible solely to the Board, and the Board shall prepare the performance evaluation reports for such individuals. The records of the Board shall be maintained by the Board and shall be separate from all other records of the Department of State under appropriate safeguards to preserve confidentiality.
(1) Not later than March 1 of each year, the Chairman of the Foreign Service Grievance Board shall prepare a report summarizing the activities of the Board during the previous calendar year. The report shall include—
(A) the number of cases filed;
(B) the types of cases filed;
(C) the number of cases on which a final decision was reached, as well as data on the outcome of cases, whether affirmed, reversed, settled, withdrawn, or dismissed;
(D) the number of oral hearings conducted and the length of each such hearing;
(E) the number of instances in which interim relief was granted by the Board; and
(F) data on the average time for consideration of a grievance, from the time of filing to a decision of the Board.
(2) The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Director General of the Foreign Service and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives.
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1105, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2144; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(7) [div. A, title III, §331], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-439.)
§4136. Foreign Service Grievance Board procedures
The Board may adopt regulations concerning its organization and procedures. Such regulations shall include provision for the following:
(1) The Board shall conduct a hearing at the request of a grievant in any case which involves—
(A) disciplinary action or the retirement of a grievant from the Service under section 4007 or 4008 of this title, or
(B) issues which, in the judgment of the Board, can best be resolved by a hearing or presentation of oral argument.
(2) The grievant, the representatives of the grievant, the exclusive representative (if the grievant is a member of the bargaining unit represented by the exclusive representative), and the representatives of the Department are entitled to be present at the hearing. The Board may, after considering the views of the parties and any other individuals connected with the grievance, decide that a hearing should be open to others. Testimony at a hearing shall be given under oath, which any Board member or individual designated by the Board shall have authority to administer.
(3) Each party (including an exclusive representative appearing in the proceedings) shall be entitled to examine and cross-examine witnesses at the hearing or by deposition and to serve interrogatories upon another party and have such interrogatories answered by the other party unless the Board finds such interrogatory irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitive. Upon request of the Board, or upon a request of the grievant deemed relevant and material by the Board, an agency shall promptly make available at the hearing or by deposition any witness under its control, supervision, or responsibility, except that if the Board determines that the presence of such witness at the hearing is required for just resolution of the grievance, then the witness shall be made available at the hearing, with necessary costs and travel expenses paid by the Department.
(4) During any hearing held by the Board, any oral or documentary evidence may be received, but the Board shall exclude any irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence, as determined under section 556 of title 5.
(7) The Board may act by or through panels or individual members designated by the Chairperson, except that hearings within the continental United States shall be held by panels of at least three members unless the parties agree otherwise. References in this subchapter to the Board shall be considered to be references to a panel or member of the Board where appropriate. All members of the Board shall act as impartial individuals in considering grievances.
(8) If the Board determines that the Department is considering the involuntary separation of the grievant (other than an involuntary separation for cause under section 4010(a) of this title), disciplinary action against the grievant, or recovery from the grievant of alleged overpayment of salary, expenses, or allowances, which is related to a grievance pending before the Board and that such action should be suspended, the Department shall suspend such action until the date which is one year after such determination or until the Board has ruled upon the grievance, whichever comes first. The Board shall extend the one-year limitation under the preceding sentence and the Department shall continue to suspend such action, if the Board determines that the agency or the Board is responsible for the delay in the resolution of the grievance. The Board may also extend the 1-year limit if it determines that the delay is due to the complexity of the case, the unavailability of witnesses or to circumstances beyond the control of the agency, the Board or the grievant. Notwithstanding such suspension of action, the head of the agency concerned or a chief of mission or principal officer may exclude the grievant from official premises or from the performance of specified functions when such exclusion is determined in writing to be essential to the functioning of the post or office to which the grievant is assigned.
(9) The Board may reconsider any decision upon presentation of newly discovered or previously unavailable material evidence.
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1106, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2145; Pub. L. 101–167, title V, §586(a), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1252; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §143(b), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §§177(a), 181(a)(4)(B), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 414, 417; Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title III, §314(b), Sept. 30, 2002, 116 Stat. 1379; Pub. L. 109–140, §5, Dec. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2652.)
2005—Par. (8). Pub. L. 109–140 inserted "the involuntary separation of the grievant (other than an involuntary separation for cause under section 4010(a) of this title)," after "considering" and substituted "the grievant, or" for "the grievant or".
2002—Par. (8). Pub. L. 107–228, in first sentence, struck out "the involuntary separation of the grievant," before "disciplinary action" and substituted "grievant or" for "grievant, or", and struck out last sentence which read as follows: "Notwithstanding the first sentence of this paragraph, the Board's authority to suspend such action shall not extend to instances where the Secretary, or his designee, has exercised his authority under subsection (a)(3) of section 4010 of this title or with respect to any action which would delay the separation of an employee pursuant to a reduction in force conducted under section 4010a of this title."
1994—Par. (8). Pub. L. 103–236, §181(a)(4)(B), inserted before period at end "or with respect to any action which would delay the separation of an employee pursuant to a reduction in force conducted under section 4010a of this title".
Pub. L. 103–236, §177(a), substituted "until the date which is one year after such determination or until the Board has ruled upon the grievance, whichever comes first. The Board shall extend the one-year limitation under the preceding sentence and the Department shall continue to suspend such action, if the Board determines that the agency or the Board is responsible for the delay in the resolution of the grievance. The Board may also extend the 1-year limit if it determines that the delay is due to the complexity of the case, the unavailability of witnesses or to circumstances beyond the control of the agency, the Board or the grievant." for "until the Board has ruled upon the grievance."
1991—Par. (8). Pub. L. 102–138 substituted "exercised his authority under subsection (a)(3) of section 4010 of this title" for "determined that there is reasonable cause to believe that a grievant has committed a job-related crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed and has taken action to suspend the grievant without pay pending a final resolution of the underlying matter".
1989—Par. (8). Pub. L. 101–167 inserted at end "Notwithstanding the first sentence of this paragraph, the Board's authority to suspend such action shall not extend to instances where the Secretary, or his designee, has determined that there is reasonable cause to believe that a grievant has committed a job-related crime for which a sentence of imprisonment may be imposed and has taken action to suspend the grievant without pay pending a final resolution of the underlying matter."
§4137. Foreign Service Grievance Board decisions
(a) Record; findings of fact and statement of reasons
(b) Authority of Department upon finding of meritorious grievance
(1) to correct any official personnel record relating to the grievant which the Board finds to be inaccurate or erroneous, to have an omission, or to contain information of a falsely prejudicial character;
(2) to reverse a decision denying the grievant compensation or any other perquisite of employment authorized by laws or regulations when the Board finds that such decision was arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to laws or regulations;
(3) to retain in the Service a member whose separation would be in consequence of the matter by which the member is aggrieved;
(4) to reinstate the grievant, and to grant the grievant back pay in accordance with section 5596(b)(1) of title 5;
(5) to pay reasonable attorney fees to the grievant to the same extent and in the same manner as such fees may be required by the Merit Systems Protection Board under section 7701(g) of title 5; and
(6) to take such other remedial action as may be appropriate under procedures agreed to by the Department and the exclusive representative (if any).
(c) Finality of decisions; judicial review
Except as provided in subsection (d), decisions of the Board under this subchapter shall be final, subject only to judicial review as provided in section 4140 of this title.
(1) If the Board finds that the grievance is meritorious and that remedial action should be taken that relates directly to promotion, tenure or assignment of the grievant or to other remedial action not otherwise provided for in this section, or if the Board finds that the evidence before it warrants disciplinary action against any employee of the Department or member of the Service, it shall make an appropriate recommendation to the Secretary. The Secretary shall make a written decision on the recommendation of the Board within 30 days after receiving the recommendation. The Secretary shall implement the recommendation of the Board except to the extent that, in a decision made within that 30-day period, the Secretary rejects the recommendation in whole or in part on the basis of a determination that implementation of the recommendation would be contrary to law or would adversely affect the foreign policy or national security of the United States. If the Secretary rejects the recommendation in whole or in part, the decision shall specify the reasons for such action. Pending the decision of the Secretary, there shall be no ex parte communication concerning the grievance between the Secretary and any person involved in the proceedings of the Board. The Secretary shall, however, have access to the entire record of the proceedings of the Board.
(2) A recommendation under paragraph (1) shall, for purposes of section 4140 of this title, be considered a final action upon the expiration of the 30-day period referred to in such paragraph, except to the extent that it is rejected by the Secretary by an appropriate written decision.
(3)(A) If the Secretary makes a written decision under paragraph (1) rejecting a recommendation in whole or in part on the basis of a determination that implementing such recommendation would be contrary to law, the Secretary shall, within the 30-day period referred to in such paragraph—
(i) submit a copy of such decision to the Board; and
(ii) request that the Board reconsider its recommendation or, if less than the entirety is rejected, that the Board reconsider the portion rejected.
(B)(i) Within 30 days after receiving a request under subparagraph (A), the Board shall, after reviewing the Secretary's decision, make a recommendation to the Secretary either confirming, modifying, or vacating its original recommendation or, if less than the entirety was rejected, the portion involved.
(ii) Reconsideration under this subparagraph shall be limited to the question of whether implementing the Board's original recommendation, either in whole or in part, as applicable, would be contrary to law.
(C) A recommendation made under subparagraph (B) shall be considered a final action for purposes of section 4140 of this title, and shall be implemented by the Secretary.
(e) Record of grievances; copy to committee of Congress; right of review
(1) The Board shall maintain records of all grievances awarded in favor of the grievant in which the grievance concerns gross misconduct by a supervisor. Subject to paragraph (2), the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate shall be provided with a copy of the grievance decision whenever such a supervisor is nominated for any position requiring the advice and consent of the Senate and the Board shall provide access to the entire record of any proceedings of the Board concerning such a grievance decision to any Member of the Committee on Foreign Relations upon a request by the Chairman or Ranking Minority Member of such committee.
(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), all decisions, proceedings, and other records disclosed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be treated as confidential and may be disclosed only to Committee members and appropriate staff.
(B) Whenever material is provided to the Committee or a Member thereof pursuant to paragraph (1), the Board shall, at the same time, provide a copy of all such material to the supervisor who is the subject of such material.
(C) A supervisor who is the subject of records disclosed to the committee 1 pursuant to this subsection shall have the right to review such record and provide comments to the Committee concerning such record. Such comments shall be treated in a confidential manner.
(f) Alleged discrimination; substantive law to be applied
The Board shall, with respect to any grievance based on an alleged violation of a law, rule, regulation, or policy directive referred to in section 4131(a)(1)(H) of this title, apply the substantive law that would be applied by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if a charge or claim alleging discrimination under such law, rule, regulation, or policy directive had been filed with the commission.1
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1107, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2146; Pub. L. 100–204, title I, §§181(a), (b), 182, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1363, 1364; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §153(c), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 673.)
1991—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–138 added subsec. (f).
1987—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–204, §181(a), (b), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted ", tenure" after "promotion" in first sentence, and added pars. (2) and (3).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–204, §182, added subsec. (e).
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–204 not applicable with respect to any grievance in which the Board has issued a final decision pursuant to this section before Dec. 22, 1987, see section 181(e) of Pub. L. 100–204, set out as a note under section 3946 of this title.
§4138. Access to records
(b) Access by Foreign Service Grievance Board; relevant and material records; adverse effect on national security or foreign policy
In considering a grievance, the Board shall have access to any agency record as follows:
(1)(A) The Board shall request access to any agency record which the grievant requests to substantiate the grievance if the Board determines that such record may be relevant and material to the grievance.
(2) Any agency shall make available to the Board any agency record requested under paragraph (1) unless the head or deputy head of such agency personally certifies in writing to the Board that disclosure of the record to the Board and the grievant would adversely affect the foreign policy or national security of the United States or that such disclosure is prohibited by law. If such a certification is made with respect to any record, the agency shall supply to the Board a summary or extract of such record unless the reasons specified in the preceding sentence preclude such a summary or extract.
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1108, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2147.)
§4139. Relationship to other remedies
(a)(1) A grievant may not file a grievance with the Board if the grievant has formally requested, prior to filing a grievance, that the matter or matters which are the basis of the grievance be considered or resolved and relief be provided under another provision of law, regulation, or Executive order, other than under section 1214 or 1221 of title 5, and the matter has been carried to final decision under such provision on its merits or is still under consideration.
(2) If a grievant is not prohibited from filing a grievance under paragraph (1), the grievant may file with the Board a grievance which is also eligible for consideration, resolution, and relief under chapter 12 of title 5 or a regulation or Executive order other than under this subchapter. An election of remedies under this subsection shall be final upon the acceptance of jurisdiction by the Board.
(3) This subsection shall not apply to any grievance with respect to which subsection (b) applies.
(b)(1) With respect to a grievance based on an alleged violation of a law, rule, regulation, or policy directive referred to in section 4131(a)(1)(H) of this title, a grievant may either—
(A) file a grievance under this subchapter, or
(B) initiate in writing a proceeding under another provision of law, regulation, or Executive order that authorizes relief,
(2) A grievant shall be considered to have exercised the option under paragraph (1) as soon as the grievant timely either—
(A) files a grievance under this subchapter, or
(B) initiates in writing a proceeding under such other provision of law, regulation, or Executive order.
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1109, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2148; Pub. L. 101–12, §9(a)(3), Apr. 10, 1989, 103 Stat. 35; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §153(d)(1), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 673.)
1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–138, §153(d)(1)(A), (B), redesignated former subsec. (a) as par. (1), redesignated former subsec. (b) as par. (2) of subsec. (a) and substituted "paragraph (1)" for "subsection (a) of this section" and "under this subsection" for "under this section", and added par. (3).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–138, §153(d)(1)(C), added subsec. (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (a)(2).
1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–12 substituted "1214 or 1221" for "1206".
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–12 effective 90 days following Apr. 10, 1989, see section 11 of Pub. L. 101–12, set out as a note under section 1201 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
§4140. Judicial review
(a) Any aggrieved party may obtain judicial review of a final action of the Secretary or the Board on any grievance in the district courts of the United States in accordance with the standards set forth in chapter 7 of title 5, if the request for judicial review is filed not later than 180 days after the final action of the Secretary or the Board (or in the case of an aggrieved party who is posted abroad at the time of the final action of the Secretary or the Board, if the request for judicial review is filed not later than 180 days after the aggrieved party's return to the United States). Section 706 of title 5 shall apply without limitation or exception. This subsection shall not apply to any grievance with respect to which subsection (b) applies.
(b)(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term "aggrieved party" means a grievant.
(2) With respect to a grievance based on an alleged violation of a law, rule, regulation, or policy directive referred to in section 4131(a)(1)(H) of this title, judicial review of whether the act, omission, or condition that is the basis of the grievance violates such law, rule, regulation, or policy directive may be obtained by an aggrieved party only if such party commences a civil action, not later than 90 days after such party receives notice of the final action of the Secretary or the Board, in an appropriate district court of the United States for de novo review.
(Pub. L. 96–465, title I, §1110, Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2148; Pub. L. 102–138, title I, §153(e), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 674; Pub. L. 103–236, title I, §177(b), Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 414.)
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–236 inserted before period at end of first sentence ", if the request for judicial review is filed not later than 180 days after the final action of the Secretary or the Board (or in the case of an aggrieved party who is posted abroad at the time of the final action of the Secretary or the Board, if the request for judicial review is filed not later than 180 days after the aggrieved party's return to the United States)".
Pub. L. 101–246, title I, §152, Feb. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 42, provided that: "For the purposes of judicial review under section 1110 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 [22 U.S.C. 4140], any recommendation made by the Foreign Service Grievance Board with respect to the tenure of a grievant which was reviewed by the Secretary of State before the date of enactment of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 [Dec. 22, 1987], shall be considered to be a final action of the Department of State, and any such recommendation shall be considered to have been made within the authority of the Foreign Service Grievance Board."