<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROTECTION OF CERTAIN DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEES </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">CLARIFICATION OF DISCLOSURES COVERED. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">a violation</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">any violation</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">a violation</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">any violation (other than a violation of this section)</quotedText>”.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Prohibited Personnel Practices Under Section 2302(b)(9).—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and conforming amendments.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsections (a)(3), (b)(4)(A), and (b)(4)(B)(i) of section 1214 and in subsections (a), (e)(1), and (i) of section 1221, by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or section 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D)</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(b)(8)</quotedText>” each place it appears; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in section 2302(a)(2)(C)(i), by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or section 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D)</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">(b)(8)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Other references.—</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/A" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Title 5, United States Code, is amended in subsection (b)(4)(B)(i) of section 1214 and in subsection (e)(1) of section 1221 by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or protected activity</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">disclosure</quotedText>” each place it appears.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/B" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(b)(9) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the exercise of any appeal, complaint, or grievance right granted by any law, rule, or regulation—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">with regard to remedying a violation of paragraph (8); or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">other than with regard to remedying a violation of paragraph (8);”</content> </clause> </subparagraph></quotedContent>; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (B), by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">(i) or (ii)</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">subparagraph (A)</quotedText>”.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/C" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="f">“(f)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">A disclosure shall not be excluded from subsection (b)(8) because—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure was made to a supervisor or to a person who participated in an activity that the employee or applicant reasonably believed to be covered by subsection (b)(8)(A)(i) and (ii);</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure revealed information that had been previously disclosed;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">of the employee’s or applicant’s motive for making the disclosure;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">“(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure was not made in writing;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">“(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure was made while the employee was off duty; or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="F">“(F) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">of the amount of time which has passed since the occurrence of the events described in the disclosure.</content> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If a disclosure is made during the normal course of duties of an employee, the disclosure shall not be excluded from subsection (b)(8) if any employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action with respect to the employee making the disclosure, took, failed to take, or threatened to take or fail to take a personnel action with respect to that employee in reprisal for the disclosure.”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DEFINITIONAL AMENDMENTS. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">and</quotedText>” at the end;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; and</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">“(D) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text"> ‘<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">disclosure</quotedText>’ means a formal or informal communication or transmission, but does not include a communication concerning policy decisions that lawfully exercise discretionary authority unless the employee or applicant providing the disclosure reasonably believes that the disclosure evidences—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.”</content> </clause> </subparagraph></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s103" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by amending the matter following paragraph (12) to read as follows:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC" role="undesignated-level"><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">“This subsection shall not be construed to authorize the withholding of information from Congress or the taking of any personnel action against an employee who discloses information to Congress. For purposes of paragraph (8), (i) any presumption relating to the performance of a duty by an employee whose conduct is the subject of a disclosure as defined under subsection (a)(2)(D) may be rebutted by substantial evidence, and (ii) a determination as to whether an employee or applicant reasonably believes that such employee or applicant has disclosed information that evidences any violation of law, rule, regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety shall be made by determining whether a disinterested observer with knowledge of the essential facts known to and readily ascertainable by the employee or applicant could reasonably conclude that the actions of the Government evidence such violations, mismanagement, waste, abuse, or danger.”</content> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="104">SEC. 104. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PERSONNEL ACTIONS AND PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Personnel Action.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in clause (x), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">and</quotedText>” after the semicolon; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating clause (xi) as clause (xii) and inserting after clause (x) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="xi">“(xi) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the implementation or enforcement of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement; and”</content> </clause></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Prohibited Personnel Practice.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (11), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or</quotedText>” at the end;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; or</quotedText>”; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="13">“(13) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">implement or enforce any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement, if such policy, form, or agreement does not contain the following statement: ‘<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.</quotedText>’.”</content> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Agency websites.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Agencies making use of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement shall also post the statement required under section 2302(b)(13) of title 5, United States Code (as added by this Act) on the agency website, accompanied by the specific list of controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement in effect before the effective date.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">With respect to a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that was in effect before the effective date of this Act, but that does not contain the statement required under section 2302(b)(13) of title 5, United States Code (as added by this Act) for implementation or enforcement—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement with regard to a current employee if the agency gives such employee notice of the statement; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement after the effective date of this Act with regard to a former employee if the agency complies with paragraph (2) of this subsection.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Retaliatory Investigations.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/c/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Agency investigation.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1214 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="h">“(h) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any corrective action ordered under this section to correct a prohibited personnel practice may include fees, costs, or damages reasonably incurred due to an agency investigation of the employee, if such investigation was commenced, expanded, or extended in retaliation for the disclosure or protected activity that formed the basis of the corrective action.”</content> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/c/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Damages.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1221(g) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">“(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any corrective action ordered under this section to correct a prohibited personnel practice may include fees, costs, or damages reasonably incurred due to an agency investigation of the employee, if such investigation was commenced, expanded, or extended in retaliation for the disclosure or protected activity that formed the basis of the corrective action.”</content> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s105" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="105">SEC. 105. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">EXCLUSION OF AGENCIES BY THE PRESIDENT. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii)</num><subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the National Reconnaissance Office; and</content></subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">“(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">as determined by the President, any Executive agency or unit thereof the principal function of which is the conduct of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities, provided that the determination be made prior to a personnel action; or”</content> </subclause> </clause></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s106" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="106">SEC. 106. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DISCIPLINARY ACTION. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 1215(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3)</num><subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">A final order of the Board may impose—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">disciplinary action consisting of removal, reduction in grade, debarment from Federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, or reprimand;</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000; or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iii">“(iii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any combination of disciplinary actions described under clause (i) and an assessment described under clause (ii).</content> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">In any case brought under paragraph (1) in which the Board finds that an employee has committed a prohibited personnel practice under section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D), the Board may impose disciplinary action if the Board finds that the activity protected under section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) was a significant motivating factor, even if other factors also motivated the decision, for the employee’s decision to take, fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take a personnel action, unless that employee demonstrates, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the employee would have taken, failed to take, or threatened to take or fail to take the same personnel action, in the absence of such protected activity.”</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s107" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="107">SEC. 107. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REMEDIES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s107/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Attorney Fees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1204(m)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">agency involved</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">agency where the prevailing party was employed or had applied for employment at the time of the events giving rise to the case</quotedText>”.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s107/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Damages.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Sections 1214(g)(2) and 1221(g)(1)(A)(ii) of title 5, United States Code, are amended by striking all after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">travel expenses,</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">any other reasonable and foreseeable consequential damages, and compensatory damages (including interest, reasonable expert witness fees, and costs).</quotedText>” each place it appears.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s108" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="108">SEC. 108. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">JUDICIAL REVIEW. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s108/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 7703(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the matter preceding paragraph (2) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1)</num><subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2) of this subsection, a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any petition for review shall be filed within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease2"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">During the 2-year period beginning on the effective date of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board that raises no challenge to the Board’s disposition of allegations of a prohibited personnel practice described in section 2302(b) other than practices described in section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any petition for review shall be filed within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board.”</content> </subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s108/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Review Obtained by Office of Personnel Management.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 7703(d) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">“(d)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Except as provided under paragraph (2), this paragraph shall apply to any review obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Director may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit if the Director determines, in the discretion of the Director, that the Board erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management and that the Board’s decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive. If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the Court of Appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the Court of Appeals.</content></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">During the 2-year period beginning on the effective date of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, this paragraph shall apply to any review obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management that raises no challenge to the Board’s disposition of allegations of a prohibited personnel practice described in section 2302(b) other than practices described in section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D). The Director may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction if the Director determines, in the discretion of the Director, that the Board erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management and that the Board’s decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive. If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the court of appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the court of appeals.”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="109">SEC. 109. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES AFFECTING THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating sections 2304 and 2305 as sections 2305 and 2306, respectively; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after section 2303 the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2304">“SEC. 2304. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Prohibited personnel practices affecting the Transportation Security Administration </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">“(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any individual holding or applying for a position within the Transportation Security Administration shall be covered by—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the provisions of section 2302(b) (1), (8), and (9);</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any provision of law implementing section 2302(b) (1), (8), or (9) by providing any right or remedy available to an employee or applicant for employment in the civil service; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any rule or regulation prescribed under any provision of law referred to in paragraph (1) or (2).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Rule of Construction. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any rights, apart from those described in subsection (a), to which an individual described in subsection (a) might otherwise be entitled under law.”</content> </subsection> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The table of sections for chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 2304 and 2305, respectively, and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <toc style="-uslm-dtd:toc"> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2304.</designator><label> Prohibited personnel practices affecting the Transportation Security Administration.</label></referenceItem> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2305.</designator><label> Responsibility of the Government Accountability Office.</label></referenceItem> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2306.</designator><label> Coordination with certain other provisions of law.”</label></referenceItem> </toc></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2304">5 U.S.C. 2304 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Effective Date.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this section.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="110">SEC. 110. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DISCLOSURE OF CENSORSHIP RELATED TO RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, OR TECHNICAL INFORMATION. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definitions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this subsection—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">agency</quotedText>” has the meaning given under section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">applicant</quotedText>” means an applicant for a covered position;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information</quotedText>” means any effort to distort, misrepresent, or suppress research, analysis, or technical information;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">covered position</quotedText>” has the meaning given under section 2302(a)(2)(B) of title 5, United States Code;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/5" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="5">(5) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">employee</quotedText>” means an employee in a covered position in an agency; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/6" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="6">(6) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">disclosure</quotedText>” has the meaning given under section 2302(a)(2)(D) of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Protected Disclosure.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any disclosure of information by an employee or applicant for employment that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is evidence of censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall come within the protections of section 2302(b)(8)(A) of title 5, United States Code, if—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the employee or applicant reasonably believes that the censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information is or will cause—</chapeau> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/i/I" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/i/II" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; and</content> </subclause> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">such disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law or such information is not specifically required by Executive order to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs; and</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall come within the protections of section 2302(b)(8)(B) of title 5, United States Code, if—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the employee or applicant reasonably believes that the censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information is or will cause—</chapeau> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/i/I" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/i/II" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; and</content> </subclause> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure is made to the Special Counsel, or to the Inspector General of an agency or another person designated by the head of the agency to receive such disclosures, consistent with the protection of sources and methods.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Disclosures not excluded.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A disclosure shall not be excluded from paragraph (1) for any reason described under section 2302(f)(1) or (2) of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Rule of construction.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Nothing in this section shall be construed to imply any limitation on the protections of employees and applicants afforded by any other provision of law, including protections with respect to any disclosure of information believed to be evidence of censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s111" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="111">SEC. 111. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">CLARIFICATION OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 214(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 133(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">For purposes of this section a permissible use of independently obtained information includes the disclosure of such information under section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code.</quotedText>”.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s112" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="112">SEC. 112. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">ADVISING EMPLOYEES OF RIGHTS. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">, including how to make a lawful disclosure of information that is specifically required by law or Executive order to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, Congress, or other agency employee designated to receive such disclosures</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">chapter 12 of this title</quotedText>”.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s113" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="113">SEC. 113. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SPECIAL COUNSEL AMICUS CURIAE APPEARANCE. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 1212 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="h">“(h)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Special Counsel is authorized to appear as amicus curiae in any action brought in a court of the United States related to section 2302(b) (8) or (9), or as otherwise authorized by law. In any such action, the Special Counsel is authorized to present the views of the Special Counsel with respect to compliance with section 2302(b) (8) or (9) and the impact court decisions would have on the enforcement of such provisions of law.</content></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A court of the United States shall grant the application of the Special Counsel to appear in any such action for the purposes described under subsection (a).”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s114" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="114">SEC. 114. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SCOPE OF DUE PROCESS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s114/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Special Counsel.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1214(b)(4)(B)(ii) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">ordered if</quotedText>”.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s114/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Individual Action.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1221(e)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">ordered if</quotedText>”.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="115">SEC. 115. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">NONDISCLOSURE POLICIES, FORMS, AND AGREEMENTS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Requirement.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Each agreement in Standard Forms 312 and 4414 of the Government and any other nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement of the Government shall contain the following statement: “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.</quotedText>”.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Agency websites.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Agencies making use of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement shall also post the statement required under paragraph (1) on the agency website, accompanied by the specific list of controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Enforceability.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement described under paragraph (1) that does not contain the statement required under paragraph (1) may not be implemented or enforced to the extent such policy, form, or agreement is inconsistent with that statement.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement in effect before the effective date.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">With respect to a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that was in effect before the effective date of this Act, but that does not contain the statement required under paragraph (1) for implementation or enforcement—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement with regard to a current employee if the agency gives such employee notice of the statement; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement after the effective date of this Act with regard to a former employee if the agency complies with paragraph (2).</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Persons Other Than Government Employees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Notwithstanding subsection (a), a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that is to be executed by a person connected with the conduct of an intelligence or intelligence-related activity, other than an employee or officer of the United States Government, may contain provisions appropriate to the particular activity for which such document is to be used. Such policy, form, or agreement shall, at a minimum, require that the person will not disclose any classified information received in the course of such activity unless specifically authorized to do so by the United States Government. Such nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement shall also make it clear that such forms do not bar disclosures to Congress or to an authorized official of an executive agency or the Department of Justice that are essential to reporting a substantial violation of law, consistent with the protection of sources and methods.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="116">SEC. 116. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Government Accountability Office.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives on the implementation of this title.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Contents.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The report under this subsection shall include—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an analysis of any changes in the number of cases filed with the Merit Systems Protection Board alleging violations of section 2302(b)(8) or (9) of title 5, United States Code, since the effective date of this Act;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the outcome of the cases described under subparagraph (A), including whether or not the Merit Systems Protection Board, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or any other court determined the allegations to be frivolous or malicious as well as a recommendation whether Congress should grant the Merit Systems Protection Board summary judgment authority for cases described under subparagraph (A);</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">a recommendation regarding whether Congress should grant jurisdiction for some subset of cases described under subparagraph (A) to be decided by a district court of the United States and an evaluation of the impact that would have on the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Federal court system; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any other matter as determined by the Comptroller General.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t31/s1116">31 U.S.C. 1116 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Merit Systems Protection Board.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Each report submitted annually by the Merit Systems Protection Board under section 1116 of title 31, United States Code, shall, with respect to the period covered by such report, include as an addendum the following:</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Information relating to the outcome of cases decided by the Merit Systems Protection Board during the period covered by such report in which violations of section 2302(b)(8) or (9)(A)(i), (B)(i), (C), or (D) of title 5, United States Code, were alleged.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The number of such cases filed in the regional and field offices, and the number of petitions for review filed in such cases, during the period covered by such report, and the outcomes of any such cases or petitions for review (irrespective of when filed) decided during such period.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">First report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The first report described under paragraph (1) submitted after the date of enactment of this Act shall include an addendum required under that paragraph that covers the period beginning on the effective date of this Act and ending at the end of the fiscal year in which such effective date occurs.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="117">SEC. 117. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 3 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">“(d)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Each Inspector General shall, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing the civil service—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing who shall have the responsibility for supervising the performance of auditing activities relating to programs and operations of the establishment;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations who shall have the responsibility for supervising the performance of investigative activities relating to such programs and operations; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">designate a Whistleblower Protection Ombudsman who shall educate agency employees—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">about prohibitions on retaliation for protected disclosures; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">who have made or are contemplating making a protected disclosure about the rights and remedies against retaliation for protected disclosures.</content> </clause> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Whistleblower Protection Ombudsman shall not act as a legal representative, agent, or advocate of the employee or former employee.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">For the purposes of this section, the requirement of the designation of a Whistleblower Protection Ombudsman under paragraph (1)(C) shall not apply to—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any agency that is an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(4))); or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">as determined by the President, any executive agency or unit thereof the principal function of which is the conduct of foreign intelligence or counter intelligence activities.”</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 8D(j) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(1)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(1)(A)</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(2)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(1)(B)</quotedText>”.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section>

AN ACTTo amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in non-disclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, provide certain authority for the Special Counsel, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the “Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012”.

<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROTECTION OF CERTAIN DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEES </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">CLARIFICATION OF DISCLOSURES COVERED. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">a violation</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">any violation</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">a violation</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">any violation (other than a violation of this section)</quotedText>”.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Prohibited Personnel Practices Under Section 2302(b)(9).—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and conforming amendments.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsections (a)(3), (b)(4)(A), and (b)(4)(B)(i) of section 1214 and in subsections (a), (e)(1), and (i) of section 1221, by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or section 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D)</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(b)(8)</quotedText>” each place it appears; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in section 2302(a)(2)(C)(i), by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or section 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D)</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">(b)(8)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Other references.—</heading><subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/A" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Title 5, United States Code, is amended in subsection (b)(4)(B)(i) of section 1214 and in subsection (e)(1) of section 1221 by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or protected activity</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">disclosure</quotedText>” each place it appears.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/B" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(b)(9) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the exercise of any appeal, complaint, or grievance right granted by any law, rule, or regulation—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">with regard to remedying a violation of paragraph (8); or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">other than with regard to remedying a violation of paragraph (8);”</content> </clause> </subparagraph></quotedContent>; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (B), by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">(i) or (ii)</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">subparagraph (A)</quotedText>”.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s101/b/2/C" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="f">“(f)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">A disclosure shall not be excluded from subsection (b)(8) because—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure was made to a supervisor or to a person who participated in an activity that the employee or applicant reasonably believed to be covered by subsection (b)(8)(A)(i) and (ii);</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure revealed information that had been previously disclosed;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">of the employee’s or applicant’s motive for making the disclosure;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">“(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure was not made in writing;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">“(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure was made while the employee was off duty; or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="F">“(F) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">of the amount of time which has passed since the occurrence of the events described in the disclosure.</content> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If a disclosure is made during the normal course of duties of an employee, the disclosure shall not be excluded from subsection (b)(8) if any employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action with respect to the employee making the disclosure, took, failed to take, or threatened to take or fail to take a personnel action with respect to that employee in reprisal for the disclosure.”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DEFINITIONAL AMENDMENTS. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">and</quotedText>” at the end;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; and</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s102/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">“(D) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text"> ‘<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">disclosure</quotedText>’ means a formal or informal communication or transmission, but does not include a communication concerning policy decisions that lawfully exercise discretionary authority unless the employee or applicant providing the disclosure reasonably believes that the disclosure evidences—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.”</content> </clause> </subparagraph></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s103" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by amending the matter following paragraph (12) to read as follows:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC" role="undesignated-level"><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">“This subsection shall not be construed to authorize the withholding of information from Congress or the taking of any personnel action against an employee who discloses information to Congress. For purposes of paragraph (8), (i) any presumption relating to the performance of a duty by an employee whose conduct is the subject of a disclosure as defined under subsection (a)(2)(D) may be rebutted by substantial evidence, and (ii) a determination as to whether an employee or applicant reasonably believes that such employee or applicant has disclosed information that evidences any violation of law, rule, regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety shall be made by determining whether a disinterested observer with knowledge of the essential facts known to and readily ascertainable by the employee or applicant could reasonably conclude that the actions of the Government evidence such violations, mismanagement, waste, abuse, or danger.”</content> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="104">SEC. 104. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PERSONNEL ACTIONS AND PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Personnel Action.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in clause (x), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">and</quotedText>” after the semicolon; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating clause (xi) as clause (xii) and inserting after clause (x) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="xi">“(xi) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the implementation or enforcement of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement; and”</content> </clause></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Prohibited Personnel Practice.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (11), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or</quotedText>” at the end;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; or</quotedText>”; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="13">“(13) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">implement or enforce any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement, if such policy, form, or agreement does not contain the following statement: ‘<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.</quotedText>’.”</content> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Agency websites.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Agencies making use of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement shall also post the statement required under section 2302(b)(13) of title 5, United States Code (as added by this Act) on the agency website, accompanied by the specific list of controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement in effect before the effective date.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">With respect to a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that was in effect before the effective date of this Act, but that does not contain the statement required under section 2302(b)(13) of title 5, United States Code (as added by this Act) for implementation or enforcement—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement with regard to a current employee if the agency gives such employee notice of the statement; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/b/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement after the effective date of this Act with regard to a former employee if the agency complies with paragraph (2) of this subsection.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Retaliatory Investigations.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/c/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Agency investigation.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1214 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="h">“(h) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any corrective action ordered under this section to correct a prohibited personnel practice may include fees, costs, or damages reasonably incurred due to an agency investigation of the employee, if such investigation was commenced, expanded, or extended in retaliation for the disclosure or protected activity that formed the basis of the corrective action.”</content> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s104/c/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Damages.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1221(g) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">“(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any corrective action ordered under this section to correct a prohibited personnel practice may include fees, costs, or damages reasonably incurred due to an agency investigation of the employee, if such investigation was commenced, expanded, or extended in retaliation for the disclosure or protected activity that formed the basis of the corrective action.”</content> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s105" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="105">SEC. 105. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">EXCLUSION OF AGENCIES BY THE PRESIDENT. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii)</num><subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the National Reconnaissance Office; and</content></subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">“(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">as determined by the President, any Executive agency or unit thereof the principal function of which is the conduct of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities, provided that the determination be made prior to a personnel action; or”</content> </subclause> </clause></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s106" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="106">SEC. 106. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DISCIPLINARY ACTION. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 1215(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3)</num><subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">A final order of the Board may impose—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">disciplinary action consisting of removal, reduction in grade, debarment from Federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, or reprimand;</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000; or</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iii">“(iii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any combination of disciplinary actions described under clause (i) and an assessment described under clause (ii).</content> </clause></subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">In any case brought under paragraph (1) in which the Board finds that an employee has committed a prohibited personnel practice under section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D), the Board may impose disciplinary action if the Board finds that the activity protected under section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) was a significant motivating factor, even if other factors also motivated the decision, for the employee’s decision to take, fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take a personnel action, unless that employee demonstrates, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the employee would have taken, failed to take, or threatened to take or fail to take the same personnel action, in the absence of such protected activity.”</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s107" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="107">SEC. 107. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REMEDIES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s107/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Attorney Fees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1204(m)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">agency involved</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">agency where the prevailing party was employed or had applied for employment at the time of the events giving rise to the case</quotedText>”.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s107/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Damages.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Sections 1214(g)(2) and 1221(g)(1)(A)(ii) of title 5, United States Code, are amended by striking all after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">travel expenses,</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">any other reasonable and foreseeable consequential damages, and compensatory damages (including interest, reasonable expert witness fees, and costs).</quotedText>” each place it appears.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s108" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="108">SEC. 108. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">JUDICIAL REVIEW. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s108/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 7703(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the matter preceding paragraph (2) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1)</num><subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2) of this subsection, a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any petition for review shall be filed within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease2"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">During the 2-year period beginning on the effective date of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board that raises no challenge to the Board’s disposition of allegations of a prohibited personnel practice described in section 2302(b) other than practices described in section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any petition for review shall be filed within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board.”</content> </subparagraph></paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s108/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Review Obtained by Office of Personnel Management.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 7703(d) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">“(d)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Except as provided under paragraph (2), this paragraph shall apply to any review obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Director may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit if the Director determines, in the discretion of the Director, that the Board erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management and that the Board’s decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive. If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the Court of Appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the Court of Appeals.</content></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">During the 2-year period beginning on the effective date of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, this paragraph shall apply to any review obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management that raises no challenge to the Board’s disposition of allegations of a prohibited personnel practice described in section 2302(b) other than practices described in section 2302(b)(8), or 2302(b)(9) (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D). The Director may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the Board issues notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction if the Director determines, in the discretion of the Director, that the Board erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management and that the Board’s decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive. If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the court of appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the court of appeals.”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="109">SEC. 109. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES AFFECTING THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating sections 2304 and 2305 as sections 2305 and 2306, respectively; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after section 2303 the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2304">“SEC. 2304. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Prohibited personnel practices affecting the Transportation Security Administration </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">“(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any individual holding or applying for a position within the Transportation Security Administration shall be covered by—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the provisions of section 2302(b) (1), (8), and (9);</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any provision of law implementing section 2302(b) (1), (8), or (9) by providing any right or remedy available to an employee or applicant for employment in the civil service; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any rule or regulation prescribed under any provision of law referred to in paragraph (1) or (2).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Rule of Construction. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any rights, apart from those described in subsection (a), to which an individual described in subsection (a) might otherwise be entitled under law.”</content> </subsection> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The table of sections for chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to sections 2304 and 2305, respectively, and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <toc style="-uslm-dtd:toc"> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2304.</designator><label> Prohibited personnel practices affecting the Transportation Security Administration.</label></referenceItem> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2305.</designator><label> Responsibility of the Government Accountability Office.</label></referenceItem> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2306.</designator><label> Coordination with certain other provisions of law.”</label></referenceItem> </toc></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s109/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2304">5 U.S.C. 2304 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Effective Date.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this section.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="110">SEC. 110. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DISCLOSURE OF CENSORSHIP RELATED TO RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, OR TECHNICAL INFORMATION. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definitions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this subsection—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">agency</quotedText>” has the meaning given under section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">applicant</quotedText>” means an applicant for a covered position;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information</quotedText>” means any effort to distort, misrepresent, or suppress research, analysis, or technical information;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/4" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">covered position</quotedText>” has the meaning given under section 2302(a)(2)(B) of title 5, United States Code;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/5" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="5">(5) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">employee</quotedText>” means an employee in a covered position in an agency; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/a/6" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="6">(6) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">disclosure</quotedText>” has the meaning given under section 2302(a)(2)(D) of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Protected Disclosure.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any disclosure of information by an employee or applicant for employment that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is evidence of censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall come within the protections of section 2302(b)(8)(A) of title 5, United States Code, if—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the employee or applicant reasonably believes that the censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information is or will cause—</chapeau> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/i/I" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/i/II" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; and</content> </subclause> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/A/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">such disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law or such information is not specifically required by Executive order to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs; and</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall come within the protections of section 2302(b)(8)(B) of title 5, United States Code, if—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the employee or applicant reasonably believes that the censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information is or will cause—</chapeau> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/i/I" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/i/II" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; and</content> </subclause> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/1/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the disclosure is made to the Special Counsel, or to the Inspector General of an agency or another person designated by the head of the agency to receive such disclosures, consistent with the protection of sources and methods.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Disclosures not excluded.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A disclosure shall not be excluded from paragraph (1) for any reason described under section 2302(f)(1) or (2) of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s110/b/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Rule of construction.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Nothing in this section shall be construed to imply any limitation on the protections of employees and applicants afforded by any other provision of law, including protections with respect to any disclosure of information believed to be evidence of censorship related to research, analysis, or technical information.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s111" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="111">SEC. 111. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">CLARIFICATION OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 214(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 133(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">For purposes of this section a permissible use of independently obtained information includes the disclosure of such information under section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code.</quotedText>”.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s112" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="112">SEC. 112. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">ADVISING EMPLOYEES OF RIGHTS. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">, including how to make a lawful disclosure of information that is specifically required by law or Executive order to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, Congress, or other agency employee designated to receive such disclosures</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">chapter 12 of this title</quotedText>”.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s113" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="113">SEC. 113. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SPECIAL COUNSEL AMICUS CURIAE APPEARANCE. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 1212 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="h">“(h)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Special Counsel is authorized to appear as amicus curiae in any action brought in a court of the United States related to section 2302(b) (8) or (9), or as otherwise authorized by law. In any such action, the Special Counsel is authorized to present the views of the Special Counsel with respect to compliance with section 2302(b) (8) or (9) and the impact court decisions would have on the enforcement of such provisions of law.</content></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A court of the United States shall grant the application of the Special Counsel to appear in any such action for the purposes described under subsection (a).”</content> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s114" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="114">SEC. 114. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SCOPE OF DUE PROCESS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s114/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Special Counsel.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1214(b)(4)(B)(ii) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">ordered if</quotedText>”.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s114/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Individual Action.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1221(e)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,</quotedText>” after “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">ordered if</quotedText>”.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="115">SEC. 115. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">NONDISCLOSURE POLICIES, FORMS, AND AGREEMENTS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Requirement.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Each agreement in Standard Forms 312 and 4414 of the Government and any other nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement of the Government shall contain the following statement: “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.</quotedText>”.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Agency websites.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Agencies making use of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement shall also post the statement required under paragraph (1) on the agency website, accompanied by the specific list of controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Enforceability.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement described under paragraph (1) that does not contain the statement required under paragraph (1) may not be implemented or enforced to the extent such policy, form, or agreement is inconsistent with that statement.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement in effect before the effective date.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">With respect to a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that was in effect before the effective date of this Act, but that does not contain the statement required under paragraph (1) for implementation or enforcement—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/B/i" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement with regard to a current employee if the agency gives such employee notice of the statement; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/a/3/B/ii" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">it shall not be a prohibited personnel practice to enforce that policy, form, or agreement after the effective date of this Act with regard to a former employee if the agency complies with paragraph (2).</content> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s115/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Persons Other Than Government Employees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Notwithstanding subsection (a), a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that is to be executed by a person connected with the conduct of an intelligence or intelligence-related activity, other than an employee or officer of the United States Government, may contain provisions appropriate to the particular activity for which such document is to be used. Such policy, form, or agreement shall, at a minimum, require that the person will not disclose any classified information received in the course of such activity unless specifically authorized to do so by the United States Government. Such nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement shall also make it clear that such forms do not bar disclosures to Congress or to an authorized official of an executive agency or the Department of Justice that are essential to reporting a substantial violation of law, consistent with the protection of sources and methods.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="116">SEC. 116. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Government Accountability Office.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives on the implementation of this title.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Contents.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The report under this subsection shall include—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an analysis of any changes in the number of cases filed with the Merit Systems Protection Board alleging violations of section 2302(b)(8) or (9) of title 5, United States Code, since the effective date of this Act;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the outcome of the cases described under subparagraph (A), including whether or not the Merit Systems Protection Board, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, or any other court determined the allegations to be frivolous or malicious as well as a recommendation whether Congress should grant the Merit Systems Protection Board summary judgment authority for cases described under subparagraph (A);</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">a recommendation regarding whether Congress should grant jurisdiction for some subset of cases described under subparagraph (A) to be decided by a district court of the United States and an evaluation of the impact that would have on the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Federal court system; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/a/2/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any other matter as determined by the Comptroller General.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t31/s1116">31 U.S.C. 1116 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Merit Systems Protection Board.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Each report submitted annually by the Merit Systems Protection Board under section 1116 of title 31, United States Code, shall, with respect to the period covered by such report, include as an addendum the following:</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Information relating to the outcome of cases decided by the Merit Systems Protection Board during the period covered by such report in which violations of section 2302(b)(8) or (9)(A)(i), (B)(i), (C), or (D) of title 5, United States Code, were alleged.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The number of such cases filed in the regional and field offices, and the number of petitions for review filed in such cases, during the period covered by such report, and the outcomes of any such cases or petitions for review (irrespective of when filed) decided during such period.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s116/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">First report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The first report described under paragraph (1) submitted after the date of enactment of this Act shall include an addendum required under that paragraph that covers the period beginning on the effective date of this Act and ending at the end of the fiscal year in which such effective date occurs.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="117">SEC. 117. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION OMBUDSMAN. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In General.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 3 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">“(d)</num><paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="inline"><num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Each Inspector General shall, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing the civil service—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Auditing who shall have the responsibility for supervising the performance of auditing activities relating to programs and operations of the establishment;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">appoint an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations who shall have the responsibility for supervising the performance of investigative activities relating to such programs and operations; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">designate a Whistleblower Protection Ombudsman who shall educate agency employees—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">about prohibitions on retaliation for protected disclosures; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">who have made or are contemplating making a protected disclosure about the rights and remedies against retaliation for protected disclosures.</content> </clause> </subparagraph></paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Whistleblower Protection Ombudsman shall not act as a legal representative, agent, or advocate of the employee or former employee.</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease1"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">For the purposes of this section, the requirement of the designation of a Whistleblower Protection Ombudsman under paragraph (1)(C) shall not apply to—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any agency that is an element of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(4))); or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">as determined by the President, any executive agency or unit thereof the principal function of which is the conduct of foreign intelligence or counter intelligence activities.”</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 8D(j) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(1)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(1)(A)</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tI/s117/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(2)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 3(d)(1)(B)</quotedText>”.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">TITLE II—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SAVINGS CLAUSE; EFFECTIVE DATE </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tII/s201" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="201">SEC. 201. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SAVINGS CLAUSE. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Nothing in this Act shall be construed to imply any limitation on any protections afforded by any other provision of law to employees and applicants.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/112/199/tII/s202" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="202">SEC. 202. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1204">5 U.S.C. 1204 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">EFFECTIVE DATE. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Except as otherwise provided in section 109, this Act shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.</content> </section>