Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989
PL 101-12 (S.20), enacted 04/10/1989

103 STAT. 16 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
Public Law 101-12 
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! .. 
101st Congress 
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An Act 
Apr. 10, 1989 
To amend title 5, United States Code, to strengthen the protections available to 
[S. 20] 
Federal employees against prohibited personnel practices, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Whistleblower 
United States of America in Congress assembled, 
Protection 
Act of 1989. 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
5 use 1201 note. 
^j^j^ ^^^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^.^^^ ^ 
^j^^ "Whistleblower Protection Act of 
1989". 
5 u s e 1201 note. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. 
H 1*!^ 
'^V 
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(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds that— 
(1) Federal employees who make disclosures described in 
section 2302(bX8) of title 5, United States Code, serve the public 
interest by assisting in the elimination of fraud, waste, abuse, 
and unnecessary Government expenditures; 
(2) protecting employees who disclose Government illegality, 
waste, and corruption is a major step toward a more effective 
civil service; and 
(3) in passing the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, Congress 
established the Office of Special Counsel to protect whistle-
blowers (those individuals who make disclosures described in 
such section 2302(b)(8)) from reprisal. 
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this Act is to strengthen and im-
prove protection for the rights of Federal employees, to prevent 
reprisals, and to help eliminate wrongdoing within the Government 
b y -
(1) mandating that employees should not suffer adverse con-
sequences as a result of prohibited personnel practices; and 
(2) establishing— 
(A) that the primary role of the Office of Special Counsel 
is to protect employees, especially whistleblowers, from 
prohibited personnel practices; 
(B) that the Office of Special Counsel shall act in the 
interests of employees who seek assistance from the Office 
of Special Counsel; and 
(C) that while disciplining those who commit prohibited 
personnel practices may be used as a means by which to 
help accomplish that goal, the protection of individuals who 
are the subject of prohibited personnel practices remains 
the paramount consideration. 
SEC. 3. MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD; OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUN-
SEL; INDIVIDUAL RIGHT OF ACTION. 
I 
(a) MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD.—Chapter 12 of title 5, 
United States Code is amended— 
(1) in section 1201 in the second sentence by striking out 
"Chairman and"; 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 17 
^ 
(2) in the heading for section 1202 by striking out the comma 
and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon; 
(3) in section 1202(b)— 
(A) in the first sentence by striking out "his" and insert-
ing in lieu thereof "the member's"; and 
(B) in the second sentence by striking out "of this title"; 
(4) in section 1203(a) in the first sentence by striking out the 
comma after "time"; 
(5) in section 1203(c) by striking out "the Chairman and Vice 
Chairman" and inserting in lieu thereof "the Chairman and the 
Vice Chairman"; 
(6) by redesignating section 1204 as section 1211(b) and insert-
ing such subsection after section 1211(a) (as added in paragraph 
(11) of this subsection); 
(7) by redesignating section 1205 as section 1204, and amend-
ing such redesignated section— 
(A) by striking out "and Special Counsel", "the Special 
Counsel," and "of this section" each place such terms 
appear; 
(B) by striking out "subpena" and "subpenaed" each 
: # 
place such terms appear and inserting in lieu thereof "sub-
poena" and "subpoenaed", respectively; 
(C) in subsection (a)(4) by striking out "(e)" and inserting 
in lieu thereof "(f)"; 
(D) by amending subsection (b)(2) to read as follows: 
* 
"(2) Any member of the Board, any administrative law judge 
appointed by the Board under section 3105, and any employee of 
the Board designated by the Board may, with respect to any 
individual— 
"(A) issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and 
presentation of testimony of any such individual, and the 
production of documentary or other evidence from any 
place in the United States, any territory or possession of the 
United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the 
District of Columbia; and 
""'- 
"(B) order the taking of depositions from, and responses 
to written interrogatories by, any such individual."; 
• 
(E) in subsection (c) in the first sentence— 
(i) by striking out "Ot))(2) of this section," and insert-
ing in lieu thereof "(b)(2)(A) or section 1214(b), upon 
application by the Board,"; and 
(ii) by striking out "judicial"; 
(F) by redesignating subsections (d) through (k) as subsec-
tions (e) through (1), respectively, and inserting after subsec-
tion (c) the following new subsection: 
"(d) A subpoena referred to in subsection Ot))(2)(A) may, in the case 
of any individual outside the territorial jurisdiction of any court of 
the United States, be served in such manner as the Federal Rules of 
Civil Procedure prescribe for service of a subpoena in a foreign 
country. To the extent that the courts of the United States can District of 
assert jurisdiction over such individual, the United States District Columbia. 
Court for the District of Columbia shall have the same jurisdiction 
to take any action respecting compliance under this subsection by 
such individual that such court would have if such individual were 
personally within the jurisdiction of such court."; 
(G) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by subparagraph (F) 
of this paragraph)— 
103 STAT. 18 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
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(i) in paragraph (1)— 
(I) by redesignating such paragraph as subpara-
graph (A) of paragraph (1); and 
(II) by inserting at the end thereof the following 
new subparagraph: 
"(B)(i) The Merit Systems Protection Board may, during 
an investigation by the Office of Special Counsel or during 
the pendency of any proceeding before the Board, issue any 
order which may be necessary to protect a witness or other 
individual from harassment, except that an agency (other 
than the Office of Special Counsel) may not request any 
such order with regard to an investigation by the Office of 
Special Counsel from the Board during such investigation. 
"(ii) An order issued under this subparagraph may be 
enforced in the same manner as provided for under para-
graph (2) with respect to any order under subsection (a)(2)."; 
(ii) in paragraph (2)— 
(I) by redesignating such paragraph as subpara-
graph (A) of paragraph (2) and striking out "of this 
section" in the first sentence therein; and 
(II) by inserting at the end thereof the following 
new subparagraph (B): 
Regulations. 
"(B) The Board shall prescribe regulations under which 
any employee who is aggrieved by the failure of any other 
employee to comply with an order of the Board may peti-
tion the Board to exercise its authority under subparagraph 
(A)."; and 
(iii) in paragraph (3) by inserting "of Personnel 
Management" after "Office^'; 
(H) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by subparagraph (F) 
of this paragraph)— 
(i) in paragraph (1) in the first sentence by inserting 
"of the Office of Personnel Management" after "Direc-
tor", and by striking out "of this title"; 
(ii) in paragraph (2)— 
(I) in the first sentence by inserting a comma 
after "subsection"; 
(II) in subpargigraph (A) by striking out "of this 
title"; and 
(III) in subparagraph (B) by striking out "of this 
title"; and 
(iii) in paragraph (3)— 
(I) in subparagraph (A) by striking out "(A)"; 
ir: • 
(II) by striking out subparagraph (B); and 
(III) by redesignating subparagraph (C) and 
. ^ 
clauses (i) and (ii) therein as paragraph (4) and 
V ; 
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; and 
(I) in subsection (j) (as redesignated by subparagraph (F) 
of this paragraph) in the second sentence by striking out "of 
this title" after "chapter 33"; 
-i 
(8) by striking out sections 1206 through 1208; 
(9) by redesignating section 1209(a) as section 1205, and insert-
ing before such section the following section heading: 
"§ 1205. Transmittal of information to Congress"; 
(10) by redesignating section 12090t)) as section 1206, and 
inserting before such section the following section heading: 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 19 
"§ 1206. Annual report"; 
(11) by inserting after section 1206 (as redesignated in para-
graph (10) of this subsection) the following: 
"SUBCHAPTER II—OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL 
"§ 1211. Establishment 
"(a) There is established the Office of Special Counsel, which shall 
be headed by the Special Counsel. The Office shall have an official 
seal which shall be judicially noticed. The Office shall have its 
principal office in the District of Columbia and shall have field 
offices in other appropriate locations."; 
(12) by amending section 1211(b) (as redesignated and inserted 
' 
by paragraph (6) of this subsection)— 
(A) in the first sentence by striking out "of the Merit 
Systems Protection Board" and "from attorneys"; 
^ 
(B) by striking the second sentence and inserting in lieu 
thereof "The Special Counsel shall be an attorney who, by 
demonstrated ability, background, training, or experience, 
^ 
is especially qualified to carry out the functions of the 
position. A Special Counsel appointed to fill a vacancy 
occurring before the end of a term of office of the Special 
Counsel's predecessor serves for the remainder of the 
term."; and 
(C) by adding at the end thereof "The Special Counsel 
may not hold another office or position in the Government 
of the United States, except as otherwise provided by law or 
at the direction of the President."; and 
(18) inserting after section 1211 the following: 
"§ 1212. Powers and functions of the Office of Special Counsel 
"(a) The Office of Special Counsel shall— 
"(1) in accordance with section 1214(a) and other applicable 
provisions of this subchapter, protect employees, former employ-
ees, and applicants for employment from prohibited personnel 
practices; 
"(2) receive and investigate allegations of prohibited person-
nel practices, and, where appropriate— 
"(A) bring petitions for stays, and petitions for corrective 
action, under section 1214; and 
"(B) file a complaint or make recommendations for dis-
ciplinary action under section 1215; 
"(3) receive, review, and, where appropriate, forward to the 
Attorney General or an agency head under section 1213, disclo-
sures of violations of any law, rule, or regulation, or gross 
mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, 
or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; 
"(4) review rules and regulations issued by the Director of the 
Office of Personnel Management in carrying out functions 
under section 1103 and, where the Special Counsel finds that 
any such rule or regulation would, on its face or as imple-
mented, require the commission of a prohibited personnel prac-
tice, file a written complaint with the Board; and 
"(5) investigate and, where appropriate, bring 
actions 
concerning allegations of violations of other laws within the 
District of 
Columbia. 
103 STAT. 20 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
Federal 
Register, 
publication. 
jurisdiction of the Office of Special Counsel (as referred to in 
section 1216). 
"(b)(1) The Special Counsel and any employee of the Office of 
Special Counsel designated by the Special Counsel may administer 
oaths, examine witnesses, take depositions, and receive evidence. 
"(2) The Special Counsel may— 
"(A) issue subpoenas; and 
"(B) order the taking of depositions and order responses to 
written interrogatories; 
in the same manner as provided under section 1204. 
i 
"(3XA) In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena 
issued under paragraph (2)(A), the Special Counsel may apply to the 
Merit Systems Protection Board to enforce the subpoena in court 
pursuant to section 1204(c). 
"(B) A subpoena under paragraph (2)(A) may, in the case of any 
individual outside the territorial jurisdiction of any court of the 
United States, be served in the manner referred to in subsection (d) 
of section 1204, and the United States District Court for the District 
of Columbia may, with respect to any such individual, compel 
compliance in accordance with such subsection. 
"(4) Witnesses (whether appearing voluntarily or under subpoena) 
shall be paid the same fee and mileage allowances which are paid 
subpoenaed witnesses in the courts of the United States. 
"(c)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Special Counsel 
may as a matter of right intervene or otherwise participate in any 
proceeding before the Merit Systems Protection Board, except that 
the Special Counsel shall comply with the rules of the Board. 
"(2) The Special Counsel may not intervene in an action 
brought by an individual under section 1221, or in an appeal 
brought by an individual under section 7701, without the consent of 
such individual. 
"(d)(1) The Special Counsel may appoint the legal, administrative, 
and support personnel necessary to perform the functions of the 
Special Counsel. 
"(2) Any appointment made under this subsection shall be made 
in accordance with the provisions of this title, except that such 
appointment shall not be subject to the approval or supervision of 
the Office of Personnel Management or the Executive Office of the 
President (other than approval required under section 3324 or sub-
chapter VIII of chapter 33). 
"(e) The Special Counsel may prescribe such regulations as may be 
necessary to perform the functions of the Special Counsel. Such 
regulations shall be published in the Federal Register. 
"(f) The Special Counsel may not issue any advisory opinion 
concerning any law, rule, or regulation (other than an advisory 
opinion concerning chapter 15 or subchapter III of chapter 73). 
"(g)(1) The Special Counsel may not respond to any inquiry or 
provide information concerning any person making an allegation 
under section 1214(a), except in accordance with the provisions of 
section 552a of title 5, United States Code, or as required by any 
other applicable Federal law. 
"(2) Notwithstanding the exception under paragraph (1), the Spe-
cial Counsel may not respond to any inquiry concerning a matter 
described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 2302(b)(2) in connec-
tion with a person described in paragraph (1)— 
"(A) unless the consent of the individual as to whom the 
information pertains is obtained in advance; or 
, PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 21 
"(B) except upon request of an agency which requires such 
information in order to make a determination concerning an 
individual's having access to the information unauthorized 
disclosure of which could be expected to cause exceptionally 
grave damage to the national security. 
"§ 1213. Provisions relating to disclosures of violations of law, 
gross mismanagement, and certain other matters 
"(a) This section applies with respect to— 
"(1) any disclosure of information by an employee, former 
employee, or applicant for employment which the employee, 
former employee, or applicant reasonably believes evidences— 
"(A) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or 
"(B) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an 
^ 
abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to 
public health or safety; 
if such disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law and if 
such information is not specifically required by Executive order 
to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the 
conduct of foreign affairs; and 
"(2) any disclosure by an employee, former employee, or 
applicant for employment to the Special Counsel or to the 
Inspector General of an agency or another employee designated 
by the head of the agency to receive such disclosures of informa-
tion which the employee, former employee, or applicant reason-
ably believes evidences— . 
"(A) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or 
"(B) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an 
abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to 
public health or safety. 
"(b) Whenever the Special Counsel receives information of a type Safety, 
described in subsection (a) of this section, the Special Counsel shall 
^ 
review such information and, within 15 days after receiving the 
information, determine whether there is a substantial likelihood 
that the information discloses a violation of any law, rule, or 
regulation, or gross mismaneigement, gross waste of funds, abuse of 
authority, or substantial and specific danger to public health and 
safety. 
"(c)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), if the Special Counsel makes a 
positive determination under subsection (b) of this section, the 
Special Counsel shall promptly transmit the information with re-
spect to which the determination was made to the appropriate 
Eigency head and require that the agency head— 
"(A) conduct an investigation with respect to the information 
and any related matters transmitted by the Special Counsel to 
the agency head; and 
"(B) submit a written report setting forth the findings of the Reports, 
agency head within 60 days after the date on which the 
information is transmitted to the agency head or within any 
-. 
longer period of time agreed to in writing by the Special 
Counsel. 
"(2) The Special Counsel may require an agency head to conduct 
an investigation and submit a written report under paragraph (1) 
only if the information w£is transmitted to the Special Counsel by— 
"(A) an employee, former employee, or applicant for employ-
ment in the agency which the information concerns; or 
103 STAT. 22 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
* 
"(B) an employee who obtained the information in connection 
with the performance of the employee's duties and responsi-
bilities. 
"(d) Any report required under subsection (c) shall be reviewed 
and signed by the head of the agency and shall include— 
"(Da summary of the information with respect to which the 
investigation was initiated; 
"(2) a description of the conduct of the investigation; 
"(3) a summary of any evidence obtained from the investi-
gation; 
"(4) a listing of any violation or apparent violation of any law, 
rule, or regulation; and 
"(5) a description of any action taken or planned as a result of 
the investigation, such as— 
- 
_ "(A) changes in agency rules, regulations, or practices; 
"(B) the restoration of any aggrieved employee; 
hoii w. "(C) disciplinary action against any employee; and 
^ 
"(D) referral to the Attorney General of any evidence of a 
criminal violation. 
"(e)(1) Any such report shall be submitted to the Special Counsel, 
and the Special Counsel shall transmit a copy to the complainant, 
except as provided under subsection (f) of this section. The complain-
ant may submit comments to the Special Counsel on the agency 
report within 15 days of having received a copy of the report. 
"(2) Upon receipt of any report of the head of an agency required 
under subsection (c) of this section, the Special Counsel shall review 
the report and determine whether— 
"(A) the findings of the head of the agency appear reasonable; 
and 
"(B) the report of the agency under subsection (c)(1) of this 
section contains the information required under subsection (d) 
of this section. 
' ' "(3) The Special Counsel shall transmit any agency report re-
ceived pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, any comments 
provided by the complainant pursuant to subsection (e)(1), and any 
appropriate comments or recommendations by the Special Counsel 
to the President, the congressional committees with jurisdiction 
over the agency which the disclosure involves, and the Comptroller 
General. 
"(4) Whenever the Special Counsel does not receive the report of 
the agency within the time prescribed in subsection (c)(2) of this 
section, the Special Counsel shall transmit a copy of the information 
which was transmitted to the agency head to the President, the 
congressional committees with jurisdiction over the agency which 
the disclosure involves, and the Comptroller General together with a 
statement noting the failure of the head of the agency to file the 
required report. 
^ ' 
"(f) In any case in which evidence of a criminal violation obtained 
by an agency in an investigation under subsection (c) of this section 
is referred to the Attorney General— 
"(1) the report shall not be transmitted to the complainant; 
and 
"(2) the agency shall notify the Office of Personnel Manage-
ment and the Office of Management and Budget of the referral. 
"(g)(1) If the Special Counsel receives information of a type de-
scribed in subsection (a) from an individual other than an individual 
described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (c)(2), the Special 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 23 
Counsel may transmit the information to the head of the agency 
which the information concerns. The head of such agency shall, 
within a reasonable time after the information is transmitted, 
inform the Special Counsel in writing of what action has been or is 
being taken and when such action shall be completed. The Special 
Counsel shall inform the individual of the report of the agency head. 
If the Special Counsel does not transmit the information to the head 
of the agency, the Special Counsel shall return any documents and 
other matter provided by the individual who made the disclosure. 
"(2) If the Special Counsel receives information of a type described 
in subsection (a) from an individual described in subparagraph (A) 
or (B) of subsection (cX2), but does not make a positive determination 
under subsection (b), the Special Counsel may transmit the informa-
tion to the head of the agency which the information concerns, 
except that the information may not be transmitted to the head of 
the agency without the consent of the individual. The head of such 
agency shall, within a reasonable time after the information is 
transmitted, inform the Special Counsel in writing of what action 
has been or is being taken and when such action will be completed. 
The Special Counsel shall inform the individual of the report of the 
agency head. 
"(3) If the Special Counsel does not transmit the information to 
the head of the agency under paragraph (2), the Special Counsel 
shall— 
"(A) return any documents and other matter provided by the 
individual who made the disclosure; and 
"(B) inform the individual of— 
"(i) the reasons why the disclosure may not be further 
acted on under this chapter; and 
"(ii) other offices available for receiving disclosures, 
should the individual wish to pursue the matter further. 
"(h) The identity of any individual who makes a disclosure 
described in subsection (a) may not be disclosed by the Special 
Counsel without such individual's consent unless the Special Coun-
sel determines that the disclosure of the individual's identity is 
necessary because of an imminent danger to public health or safety 
or imminent violation of any criminal law. 
"(i) Except as specifically authorized under this section, the provi-
sions of this section shall not be considered to authorize disclosure of 
any information by any agency or any person which is— 
"(1) specifically prohibited from disclosure by any other provi-
sion of law; or 
"(2) specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret 
in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign 
affairs, 
"(j) With respect to any disclosure of information described in 
subsection (a) which involves foreign intell^ence or counterintel-
ligence information, if the disclosure is specifically prohibited by law 
or by Executive order, the Special Counsel shall transmit such 
information to the National Security Advisor, the Permanent Select 
Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives, and the 
Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate. 
"§ 1214. Investigation of prohibited personnel practices; corrective 
action 
"(aXl)(A) The Special Counsel shall receive any allegation of a 
prohibited personnel practice and shall investigate the allegation to 
Safety. 
Classified 
information. 
Defense and 
national 
security. 
Classified 
information. 
Defense and 
national 
security. 
103 STAT. 24 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
the extent necessary to determine whether there are reasonable 
grounds to believe that a prohibited personnel practice has occurred, 
exists, or is to be taken. 
"(B) Within 15 days after the date of receiving an allegation of a 
prohibited personnel practice under paragraph (1), the Special Coun-
sel shall provide written notice to the person who made the allega-
tion that— 
"(i) the allegation has been received by the Special Counsel; 
and 
• 
"(ii) shall include the name of a person at the Office of Special 
* 
Counsel who shall serve as a contact with the person making 
the allegation. 
"(C) Unless an investigation is terminated under paragraph (2), 
the Special Counsel shall— 
"(i) within 90 days after notice is provided under subpara-
graph (B), notify the person who made the allegation of the 
status of the investigation and any action taken by the Office of 
the Special Counsel since the filing of the allegation; 
"(ii) notify such person of the status of the investigation and 
any action taken by the Office of the Special Counsel since the 
last notice, at least every 60 days after notice is given under 
clause (i); and 
^ 
"(iii) notify such person of the status of the investigation and 
any action taken by the Special Counsel at such time as deter-
mined appropriate by the Special Counsel. 
"(2)(A) If the Special Counsel terminates any investigation under 
paragraph (1), the Special Counsel shall prepare and transmit to any 
person on whose allegation the investigation was initiated a written 
statement notifying the person o
f
— 
"(i) the termination of the investigation; 
^. 
"(ii) a summary of relevant facts ascertained by the Special 
.
•
<
* ^r 1 
Counsel, including the facts that support, and the facts that do 
not support, the allegations of such person; and 
"(iii) the reasons for terminating the investigation. 
"(B) A written statement under subparagraph (A) may not be 
admissible as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding, 
without the consent of the person who received such statement 
under subparagraph (A). 
"(3) Except in a case in which an employee, former employee, or 
applicant for employment has the right to appeal directly to the 
Merit Systems Protection Board under any law, rule, or regulation, 
^ 
any such employee, former employee, or applicant shall seek correc-
' 
. , , 
tive action from the Special Counsel before seeking corrective action 
from the Board. An employee, former employee, or applicant for 
employment may seek corrective action from the Board under sec-
tion 1221, if such employee, former employee, or applicant seeks 
,, 
corrective action for a prohibited personnel practice described in 
section 2302(b)(8) from the Special Counsel and— 
"(A)(i) the Special Counsel notifies such employee, former 
employee, or applicant that an investigation concerning such 
employee, former employee, or applicant has been terminated; 
and 
"(ii) no more than 60 days have elapsed since notification was 
provided to such employee, former employee, or applicant for 
employment that such investigation was terminated; or 
"(B) 120 days after seeking corrective action from the Special 
Counsel, such employee, former employee, or applicant has not 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 25 
been notified by the Special Counsel that the Special Counsel 
shall seek corrective action on behalf of such employee, former 
employee, or applicant. 
"(4) If an employee, former employee, or applicant seeks a correc-
tive action from the Board under section 1221, pursuant to the 
provisions of paragraph (3)(B), the Special Counsel may continue to 
seek corrective action personal to such employee, former employee, 
or applicant only with the consent of such employee, former 
employee, or applicant. 
"(5) In addition to any authority granted under paragraph (1), the 
Special Counsel may, in the absence of an allegation, conduct an 
investigation for the purpose of determining whether there are 
reasonable grounds to believe that a prohibited personnel practice 
(or a pattern of prohibited personnel practices) has occurred, exists, 
or is to be taken. 
"(b)(l)(A)(i) The Special Counsel may request any member of the 
Merit Systems Protection Board to order a stay of any personnel 
action for 45 days if the Special Counsel determines that there are 
reasonable grounds to believe that the personnel action was taken, 
'' 
or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice. 
"(ii) Any member of the Board requested by the Special Counsel to 
order a stay under clause (i) shall order such stay unless the 
member determines that, under the facts and circumstances 
involved, such a stay would not be appropriate. 
"(iii) Unless denied under clause (ii), any stay under this subpara-
f
raph shall be granted within 3 calendar days (excluding Saturdays, 
undays, and legal holidays) after the date of the request for the 
stav by the Special Counsel. 
' (B) The Board may extend the period of any stay granted 
under subparagraph (A) for any period which the Board considers 
appropriate. 
"(C) The Board shall allow any agency which is the subject of a 
stay to comment to the Board on any extension of stay proposed 
.*.,-, 
under subparagraph (B). 
"(D) A stay may be terminated by the Board at any time, except 
that a stay may not be terminated by the Board— 
"(i) on its own motion or on the motion of an agency, unless 
notice and opportunity for oral or written comments are first 
provided to the Special Counsel and the individual on whose 
behalf the stay was ordered; or 
"(ii) on motion of the Special Counsel, unless notice and 
opportunity for oral or written comments are first provided to 
the individual on whose behalf the stay was ordered. 
"(2)(A) If, in connection with any investigation, the Special Coun- Reports. 
sel determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a 
prohibited personnel practice has occurred, exists, or is to be taken 
which requires corrective action, the Special Counsel shall report 
the determination together with any findings or recommendations 
to the Board, the agency involved and to the Office of Personnel 
Management, and may report such determination, findings and 
recommendations to the President. The Special Counsel may include 
in the report recommendations for corrective action to be taken. 
"(B) If, after a reasonable period of time, the agency does not act 
to correct the prohibited personnel practice, the Special Counsel 
may petition the Board for corrective action. 
"(C) If the Special Counsel finds, in consultation with the individ-
ual subject to the prohibited personnel practice, that the agency has 
103 STAT. 26 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
acted to correct the prohibited personnel practice, the Special Coun-
sel shall file such finding with the Board, together with any written 
comments which the individual may provide. 
"(3) Whenever the Special Counsel petitions the Board for correc-
tive action, the Board shall provide an opportunity for— 
"(A) oral or written comments by the Special Counsel, the 
agency involved, and the Office of Personnel Management; and 
"(B) written comments by any individual who alleges to be the 
subject of the prohibited personnel practice. 
5 "(4)(A) The Board shall order such corrective action as the Board 
considers appropriate, if the Board determines that the Special 
Counsel has demonstrated that a prohibited personnel practice, 
other than one described in section 2302(bX8), has occurred, exists, 
or is to be taken. 
"(B)(i) Subject to the provisions of clause (ii), in any case involving 
an alleged prohibited personnel practice as described under section 
2302(b)(8), the Board shall order such corrective action as the Board 
considers appropriate if the Special Counsel has demonstrated that 
a disclosure described under section 2302(bX8) was a contributing 
factor in the personnel action which was taken or is to be taken 
against the individual. 
"(ii) Corrective action under clause (i) may not be ordered if the 
agency demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that it 
would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of such 
disclosure. 
"(cXD Judicial review of any final order or decision of the Board 
under this section may be obtained by any employee, former em-
ployee, or applicant for employment adversely affected by such 
order or decision. 
"(2) A petition for review under this subsection shall be filed with 
such court, and within such time, as provided for under section 
7703(b). 
Reports. 
"(dXD If, in connection with any investigation under this sub-
chapter, the Special Counsel determines that there is reasonable 
cause to believe that a criminal violation has occurred, the Special 
Counsel shall report the determination to the Attorney General and 
to the head of the agency involved, and shall submit a copy of the 
report to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and 
the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. 
"(2) In any case in which the Special Counsel determines that 
there are reasonable grounds to believe that a prohibited personnel 
practice has occurred, exists, or is to be taken, the Special Counsel 
^,^ 
shall proceed with any investigation or proceeding unless— 
"(A) the alleged violation has been reported to the Attorney 
General; and 
"(B) the Attorney General is pursuing an investigation, in 
which case the Special Counsel, after consultation with the 
Attorney General, has discretion as to whether to proceed. 
Reports. 
"(e) If, in connection with any investigation under this sub-
chapter, the Special Counsel determines that there is reasonable 
cause to believe that any violation of any law, rule, or regulation has 
occurred other than one referred to in subsection (b) or (d), the 
Special Counsel shall report such violation to the head of the agency 
involved. The Special Counsel shall require, within 30 days after the 
receipt of the report by the agency, a certification by the head of the 
agency which states— 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 27 
"(1) that the head of the agency has personally reviewed the 
report; and 
(2) what action has been or is to be taken, and when the 
action will be completed. 
"(f) During any investigation initiated under this subchapter, no 
disciplinary action shall be taken against any employee for any 
alleged prohibited activity under investigation or for any related 
activity without the approval of the Special Counsel. 
"§ 1215. Disciplinary action 
"(aXD Except as provided in subsection (b), if the Special Counsel 
determines that disciplinary action should be taken against any 
employee for having— 
"(A) committed a prohibited personnel practice, 
"(B) violated the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation, or 
engaged in any other conduct within the jurisdiction of the 
Special CJounsel as described in section 1216, or 
"(C) knowingly and willfully refused or failed to comply with 
an order of the Merit Systems Protection Board, 
the Special Counsel shall prepare a written complaint against the 
employee containing the Special Counsel's determination, together 
with a statement of supporting facts, and present the complaint and 
statement to the employee and the Board, in accordance with this 
subsection. 
"(2) Any employee against whom a complaint has been presented 
to the Merit Systems Protection Board under paragraph (1) is 
entitled to— 
"(A) a reasonable time to answer orally and in writing, and to 
furnish affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of 
the answer; 
"(B) be represented by an attorney or other representative; 
"(C) a hearing before the Board or an administrative law 
judge appointed under section 3105 and designated by the 
Board; 
"(D) have a transcript kept of any hearing under subpara-
graph (C); and 
"(E) a written decision and reasons therefor at the earliest 
practicable date, including a copy of any final order imposing 
disciplinary action. 
"(3) A final order of the Board may impose disciplinary action 
consisting of removal, reduction in grade, debarment from Federal 
employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, rep-
rimand, or an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000. 
"(4) There may be no administrative appeal from an order of the 
Board. An employee subject to a final order imposing disciplinary 
action under this subsection may obtain judicial review of the order 
by filing a petition therefor with such court, and within such time, 
£is provided for under section 77030t>). 
"(5) In the case of any State or local officer or employee under 
chapter 15, the Board shall consider the case in accordance with the 
provisions of such chapter. 
"(b) In the case of an employee in a confidential, policy-making, 
policy-determining, or policy-advocating position appointed by the 
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate (other 
than an individual in the Foreign Service of the United States), the 
complaint and statement referred to in subsection (aXD, together 
with any response of the employee, shall be presented to the Presi-
Records. 
State and local 
governments. 
103 STAT. 28 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
Uniformed 
services. 
Reports. 
State and local 
governments. 
dent for appropriate action in lieu of being presented under subsec-
tion (a). 
"(c)(1) In the case of members of the uniformed services and 
individuals employed by any person under contract with an agency 
to provide goods or services, the Special Counsel may transmit 
recommendations for disciplinary or other appropriate action 
(including the evidence on which such recommendations are based) 
to the head of the agency concerned. 
"(2) In any case in which the Special Counsel transmits rec-
ommendations to an agency head under paragraph (1), the agency 
head shall, within 60 days after receiving such recommendations, 
transmit a report to the Special Counsel on each recommendation 
and the action taken, or proposed to be taken, with* respect to each 
such recommendation. 
"§ 1216. Other matters within the jurisdiction of the Offlce of 
Special Counsel 
"(a) In addition to the authority otherwise provided in this chap-
ter, the Special Counsel shall, except as provided in subsection (b), 
conduct an investigation of any allegation concerning— 
"(1) political activity prohibited under subchapter III of chap-
ter 73, relating to political activities by Federal employees; 
"(2) political activity prohibited under chapter 15, relating to 
political activities by certain State and local officers and 
employees; 
"(3) arbitrary or capricious withholding of information 
prohibited under section 552, except that the Special Counsel 
shall make no investigation of any withholding of foreign intel-
ligence or counterintelligence information the disclosure of 
which is specifically prohibited by law or by Executive order; 
"(4) activities prohibited by any civil service law, rule, or 
regulation, including any activity relating to political intrusion 
in personnel decisionmaking; and 
"(5) involvement by any employee in any prohibited discrimi-
nation found by any court or appropriate administrative author-
ity to have occurred in the course of any personnel action. 
"(b) The Special Counsel shall make no investigation of any 
allegation of any prohibited activity referred to in subsection (a)(5), 
if the Special Counsel determines that the allegation may be 
resolved more appropriately under an administrative appeals 
procedure. 
"(c)(1) If an investigation by the Special Counsel under subsection 
(aXl) substantiates an allegation relating to any activity prohibited 
under section 7324, the Special Counsel may petition the Merit 
Systems Protection Board for any penalties provided for under 
section 7325. 
"(2) If the Special Counsel receives an allegation concerning any 
matter under paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of subsection (a), the Special 
Counsel may investigate and seek corrective action under section 
1214 in the same way as if a prohibited personnel practice were 
involved. 
"§ 1217. Transmittal of information to Congress 
"The Special Counsel or any employee of the Special Counsel 
designated by the Special Counsel, shall transmit to the Congress on 
the request of any committee or subcommittee thereof, by report, 
testimony, or otherwise, information and the Special Counsel's 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 29 
views on functions, responsibilities, or other matters relating to the 
Office. Such information shall be transmitted concurrently to the 
President and any other appropriate agency in the executive 
branch. 
"§ 1218. Annual report 
"The Special Counsel shall submit an annual report to the Con-
gress on the activities of the Special Counsel, including the number, 
types, and disposition of allegations of prohibited personnel prac-
tices filed with it, investigations conducted by it, and actions initi-
ated by it before the Merit Systems Protection Board, as well as a 
description of the recommendations and reports made by it to other 
agencies pursuant to this subchapter, and the actions taken by the 
agencies as a result of the reports or recommendations. The report 
required by this section shall include whatever recommendations for 
legislation or other action by Congress the Special Counsel may 
consider appropriate. 
"§ 1219. Public information 
"(a) The Special Counsel shall maintain and make available to the 
public— 
"(1) a list of noncriminal matters referred to heads of agencies 
under subsection (c) of section 1213, together with reports from 
heads of agencies under subsection (c)(1)(B) of such section 
relating to such matters; 
"(2) a list of matters referred to heads of agencies under 
section 1215(c)(2); 
"(3) a list of matters referred to heads of agencies under 
subsection (e) of section 1214, together with certifications from 
heads of agencies under such subsection; and 
"(4) reports from heads of agencies under section 1213(g)(1). 
"(b) The Special Counsel shall take steps to ensure that any list or 
report made available to the public under this section does not 
contain any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by law 
or by Executive order requiring that information be kept secret in 
the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs. 
"SUBCHAPTER III—INDIVIDUAL RIGHT OF ACTION IN 
CERTAIN REPRISAL CASES 
"§ 1221. Individual right of action in certain reprisal cases 
"(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section and 
subsection 1214(a)(3), an employee, former employee, or applicant 
for employment may, with respect to any personnel action taken, or 
proposed to be taken, against such employee, former employee, or 
applicant for employment, as a result of a prohibited personnel 
practice described in section 2302(b)(8), seek corrective action from 
the Merit Systems Protection Board. 
"(b) This section may not be construed to prohibit any employee, 
former employee, or applicant for employment from seeking correc-
tive action from the Merit Systems Protection Board before seeking 
corrective action from the Special Counsel, if such employee, former 
employee, or applicant for employment has the right to appeal 
directly to the Board under any law, rule, or regulation. 
Records. 
Classified 
information. 
Defense and 
national 
security. 
103 STAT. 30 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
"(c)(1) Any employee, former employee, or applicant for employ-
ment seeking corrective action under subsection (a) may request 
that the Board order a stay of the personnel action involved. 
"(2) Any stay requested under paragraph (1) shall be granted 
within 10 calendar days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal 
holidays) after the date the request is made, if the Board determines 
that such a stay would be appropriate. 
"(3)(A) The Board shall allow any agency which would be subject 
to a stay under this subsection to comment to the Board on such 
stay request. 
' (B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a stay granted under 
this subsection shall remain in effect for such period as the Board 
determines to be appropriate. 
"(C) The Board may modify or dissolve a stay under this subsec-
tion at any time, if the Board determines that such a modification or 
dissolution is appropriate. 
"(d)(1) At the request of an employee, former employee, or ap-
plicant for employment seeking corrective action under subsection 
(a), the Board may issue a subpoena for the attendance and testi-
mony of any person or the production of documentary or other 
evidence from any person if the Board finds that such subpoena is 
necessary for the development of relevant evidence. 
"(2) A subpoena under this subsection may be issued, and shall be 
enforced, in the same manner as applies in the case of subpoenas 
under section 1204. 
"(e)(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2), in any case 
involving an alleged prohibited personnel practice as described 
under section 2302(b)(8), the Board shall order such corrective action 
as the Board considers appropriate if the employee, former em-
ployee, or applicant for employment has demonstrated that a disclo-
sure described under section 2302(b)(8) was a contributing factor in 
the personnel action which was taken or is to be taken against such 
employee, former employee, or applicant. 
,,?' 
"(2) Corrective action under paragraph (1) may not be ordered if 
the agency demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that it 
would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of such 
'* 
disclosure. 
"(f)(1) A final order or decision shall be rendered by the Board as 
soon as practicable after the commencement of any proceeding 
under this section. 
"(2) A decision to terminate an investigation under subchapter II 
may not be considered in any action or other proceeding under this 
section. 
"(g)(1) If an employee, former employee, or applicant for employ-
ment is the prevailing party before the Merit Systems Protection 
Board, and the decision is based on a finding of a prohibited 
_ 
personnel practice, the agency involved shall be liable to the em-
ployee, former employee, or applicant for reasonable attorney's fees 
and any other reasonable costs incurred. 
"(2) If an employee, former emloyee, or applicant for employment 
is the prevailing party in an appeal from the Merit Systems Protec-
tion Board, the agency involved shall be liable to the employee, 
former employee, or applicant for reasonable attorney's fees and 
any other reasonable costs incurred, regardless of the basis of the 
decision. 
"(h)(1) An employee, former employee, or applicant for employ-
ment adversely affected or aggrieved by a final order or decision of 
^ 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 31 
the Board under this section may obtain judicial review of the order 
or decision. 
"(2) A petition for review under this subsection shall be filed with 
such court, and within such time, as provided for under section 
7703(b). 
"(i) Subsections (a) through (h) shall apply in any proceeding 
brought under section 7513(d) if, or to the extent that, a prohibited 
personnel practice as defined in section 2302(b)(8) is alleged. 
"(j) In determining the appealability of any case involving an 
allegation made by £in individual under the provisions of this chap-
ter, neither the status of an individual under any retirement system 
established under a Federal statute nor any election made by such 
individual under any such system may be taken into account. 
"§ 1222. Availability of other remedies 
"Except as provided in section 1221(i), nothing in this chapter or 
chapter 23 shall be construed to limit any right or remedy available 
under a provision of statute which is outside of both this chapter 
and chapter 23.". 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—(1) The table of chapters for part 
II of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
relating to chapter 12 and inserting in lieu thereof the following: 
"12. Merit Systems Protection Board, Office of Special Counsel, and Indi-
vidual Right of Action 
1201". 
(2) The heading for chapter 12 of title 5, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows: 
"CHAPTER 12—ME^IT SYSTEMS PROTECTION 
BOARD, OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL, AND 
EMPLOYEE RIGHT OF ACTION". 
(3) The table of sections for chapter 12 of title 5, United States 
Code, is amended to read as follows: 
"SUBCHAPTER I—MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD 
"Sec. 1201. Appointment of members of the Merit Systems Protection Board. 
"Sec. 1202. Term of office; filling vacancies; removal. 
"Sec. 1203. Chairman; Vice Chairman. 
"Sec. 1204. Powers and functions of the Merit Sjrstems Protection Board. 
"Sec. 1205. Transmittal of information to Congress. 
"Sec. 1206. Annual report. 
"SUBCHAPTER II—OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL 
"Sec. 1211. Establishment. 
"Sec. 1212. Powers and functions of the Office of Special Counsel. 
"Sec. 1213. Provisions relating to disclosures of violations of law, mismanagement, 
and certain other matters. 
"Sec. 1214. Investigation of prohibited personnel practices; corrective action. 
"Sec. 1215. Disciplinary action. 
"Sec. 1216. Other matters within the jurisdiction of the Office of Special Counsel. 
"Sec. 1217. Transmittal of information to Congress. 
"Sec. 1218. Annual report. 
"Sec. 1219. Public information. 
"SUBCHAPTER III—INDIVIDUAL RIGHT OF ACTION IN CERTAIN REPRISAL 
CASES 
"Sec. 1221. Individual right of action in certain reprisal cases. 
"Sec. 1222. Availability of other remedies.". 
(4) Chapter 12 of title 5, United States Code, is further amended by 
inserting before section 1201 the following subchapter heading: 
103 STAT. 32 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
"SUBCHAPTER I—MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD". 
SEC. 4. REPRISALS. 
(a) AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 2302(b)(8).—Section 2302(b)(8) of title 
5, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by inserting ", or threaten to take or fail to take," after 
"take or fail to take"; 
(2) by striking out "as a reprisal for" and inserting in lieu 
thereof "because of; 
(3) in subparagraph (A) by striking out "a disclosure" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "any disclosure"; 
(4) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by inserting "gross" before "mis-
management"; 
(5) in subparagraph (B) by striking out "a disclosure" and 
inserting in lieu thereof "any disclosure"; and 
(6) in subparagraph (B)(ii) by inserting "gross" before "mis-
management". 
(b) AMENDMENT TO SECTION 230203)(9).—Section 2302(b)(9) of title 
5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
"(9) take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, any 
personnel action against any employee or applicant for employ-
ment because of— 
"(A) the exercise of any appeal, complaint, or grievance 
right granted by any law, rule, or regulation; 
"(B) testifying for or otherwise lawfully assisting any 
individual in the exercise of any right referred to in 
subparagraph (A); 
"(C) cooperating with or disclosing information to the 
_
^ 
^ 
Inspector General of an agency, or the Special Counsel, in 
^ 
r:^ 
accordance with applicable provisions of law; or 
"(D) for refusing to obey an order that would require the 
individual to violate a law;", 
SEC. 5. PREFERENCE IN TRANSFERS FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter IV of chapter 33 of title 5, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following 
new section: 
"§ 3352. Preference in transfers for employees making certain 
disclosures 
V 
"(a) Subject to the provisions of subsections (d) and (e), in filling a 
position within any Executive agency, the head of such agency may 
give preference to any employee of such agency, or any other 
Executive agency, to transfer to a position of the same status and 
tenure as the position of such employee on the date of applying for a 
transfer under subsection Ot)) if— 
"(1) such employee is otherwise qualified for such position; 
"(2) such employee is eligible for appointment to such posi-
tion; and 
"(3) the Merit Systems Protection Board makes a determina-
tion under the provisions of chapter 12 that a prohibited person-
nel action described under section 2302(b)(8) was taken against 
such employee. 
"(b) An employee who meets the conditions described under 
subsection (a) (1), (2), and (3) may voluntarily apply for a transfer to 
a position, as described in subsection (a), within the Executive 
agency employing such employee or any other Executive agency. 
V 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 33 
"(c) If an employee applies for a transfer under the provisions of 
subsection (b) and the selecting official rejects such application, the 
selecting official shall provide the employee with a written notifica- 
\ 
tion of the reasons for the rejection within 30 days after receiving 
such application. 
"(d) An employee whose application for transfer is rejected under 
the provisions of subsection (c) may request the head of such agency 
*
^ 
to review the rejection. Such request for review shall be submitted 
to the head of the agency within 30 days after the employee receives 
notification under subsection (c). Within 30 days after receiving a 
request for review, the head of the agency shall complete the review 
and provide a written statement of findings to the employee and the 
Merit Systems Protection Board. 
"(e) The provisions of subsection (a) shall apply with regard to any 
employee— 
"(1) for no more than 1 transfer; 
"(2) for a transfer from or within the agency such employee is 
employed at the time of a determination by the Merit Systems 
Protection Board that a prohibited personnel action as 
described under section 2302(b)(8) was taken against such 
employee; and 
t 
"(3) no later than 18 months after such a determination is 
made by the Merit Systems Protection Board. 
"(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), no pref-
erence may be given to any employee applying for a transfer under 
subsection (b), with respect to a preference eligible (as defined under 
section 2108(3)) applying for the same position.". 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections for chapter 33 
of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 3351 the following: 
c 
^^ . 
"3352. Preference in transfers for employees making certain disclosures.". 
.^ 
SEC. 6. INTERIM RELIEF. 
Section 7701 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as paragraph (1) of subsec-
tion (b); and 
(2) by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: 
"(2)(A) If an employee or applicant for emplojnnent is the 
prevailing party in an appeal under this subsection, the em- 
„^, ., 
ployee or applicant shall be granted the relief provided in the 
decision effective upon the making of the decision, and remain-
f 
ing in effect pending the outcome of any petition for review 
under subsection (e), unless— 
"(i) the deciding official determines that the granting of 
j^ 
such relief is not appropriate; or 
'} 
"(iiXD the relief granted in the decision provides that 
such employee or applicant shall return or be present at the 
place of employment during the period pending the out-
come of any petition for review under subsection (e); and 
"(II) the employing agency, subject to the provisions of 
subparagraph (B), determines that the return or presence of 
such employee or applicant is unduly disruptive to the work 
environment. 
"(B) If an agency makes a determination under subparagraph 
(AXiiXII) that prevents the return or presence of an employee at 
the place of employment, such employee shall receive pay, 
compensation, and all other benefits as terms and conditions of 
•
;
.
^
^ 
103 STAT. 34 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
employment during the period pending the outcome of any 
petition for review under subsection (e). 
"(C) Nothing in the provisions of this paragraph may be 
construed to require any award of back pay or attorney fees be 
paid before the decision is final.". 
5 use 1201 note. 
SEC. 7. SAVINGS PROVISIONS. 
(a) ORDERS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.—All orders, rules, and 
regulations issued by the Merit Systems Protection Board or the 
Special Counsel before the effective date of this Act shall continue in 
effect, according to their terms, until modified, terminated, super-
seded, or repealed. 
(b) ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS.—No provision of this Act shall 
affect any administrative proceeding pending at the time such 
provisions take effect. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, 
and appeals shall be taken therefrom, as if this Act had not been 
enacted. 
(c) SUITS AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS.—NO suit, action, or other 
proceeding lawfully commenced by or against the members of the 
Merit Systems Protection Board, the Special Counsel, or officers or 
employees thereof, in their official capacity or in relation to the 
discharge of their official duties, as in effect immediately before the 
effective date of this Act, shall abate by reason of the enactment of 
this Act. Determinations with respect to any such suit, action, or 
other proceeding shall be made as if this Act had not been enacted. 
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; RESTRICTION RELATING 
TO APPROPRIATIONS UNDER THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM 
ACT OF 1978; TRANSFER OF FUNDS. 
5 use 5509 note. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to 
be appropriated, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise 
appropriated— 
(1) for each of fiscal years 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 
1994, such sums as necessary to carry out subchapter I of 
chapter 12 of title 5, United States Code (as amended by this 
Act); and 
(2) for each of fiscal years 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992, such 
sums as necessary to carry out subchapter II of chapter 12 of 
title 5, United States Code (as amended by this Act). 
5 u s e 5509 note. 
(b) RESTRICTION RELATING TO APPROPRIATIONS U N D E R THE CiVIL 
SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 1978.—No funds may be appropriated to the 
Merit Systems Protection Board or the Office of Special Counsel 
pursuant to section 903 of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 
(5 U.S.C. 5509 note). 
5 use 1211 note. 
(c) TRANSFER OF FuNDS.—The personnel, assets, liabilities, con-
tracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropria-
tions, authorizations, allocations, and other funds employed, held, 
used, arising from, available or to be made available to the Special 
Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board are, subject to 
section 1531 of title 31, United States Code, transferred to the 
Special Counsel referred to in section 1211 of title 5, United States 
Code (as added by section 3(a) of this Act), for appropriate allocation. 
SEC. 9. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. 
(a)(1) Section 2303(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by 
striking "the provisions of section 1206" and inserting "applicable 
provisions of sections 1214 and 1221". 
PUBLIC LAW 101-12—APR. 10, 1989 
103 STAT. 35 
(2) Sections 7502, 7512(E), 7521(bXC), and 7542 of title 5, United 
States Code, are amended by striking "1206" and inserting "1215". 
(3) Section 1109(a) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 
4139(a)) is amended by striking "1206" and inserting "1214 or 1221". 
(b) Section 3393(g) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by 
striking "1207" and inserting "1215". 
SEC. 10. BOARD RESPONDENT. 
Section 7703(aX2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows: 
"(2) The Board shall be named respondent in any proceeding 
brought pursuant to this subsection, unless the employee or 
applicant for employment seeks review of a final order or 
decision on the merits on the underlying personnel action or on 
a request for attorney fees, in which case the agency responsible 
for taking the personnel action shall be the respondent,". 
SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. 
5 USC 1201 note. 
This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect 
90 days following the date of enactment of this Act. 
Approved April 10, 1989. 
i''.:-;, 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 20: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 135 (1989): 
Mar. 16, considered and passed Senate. 
Mar. 21, considered and passed House. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS. Vol. 25 (1989): 
Apr. 10, Presidential remarks and statement.