Public Law 116–259: To reauthorize and amend the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002, and for other purposes. Public Law259 Public Law 116–259134 Stat. 1153 2020-12-23 2020-12-23 United States Government Publishing OfficeNational Archives and Records AdministrationOffice of the Federal Registertext/xmlENPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. GPO Locator to USLM Converter 4.15.31;Stage2.202507022026-01-02 116public PUBLIC LAW 116–259—DEC. 23, 2020 134 STAT. 1153 Public Law116–259 116th Congress
An Act To reauthorize and amend the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002, and for other purposes.

Dec. 23, 2020

[S. 2981]

   Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa­tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments

Act of 2020.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.(a)

33 USC 3001 note.

Short Title.—This Act may be cited as the “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020”. (b) Table of Contents.—The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1.  Sec. 2.  TITLE I— Sec. 101.  Sec. 102.  Sec. 103.  Sec. 104.  Sec. 105.  Sec. 106.  Sec. 107.  TITLE II— Sec. 201.  Sec. 202.  Sec. 203.  Sec. 204.  Sec. 205.  Sec. 206.  Sec. 207.  Sec. 208.  Sec. 209.  TITLE III— Sec. 301.  Sec. 302.  Sec. 303.  Sec. 304.  Sec. 305.  Sec. 306.  Sec. 307.  TITLE IV— Sec. 401.  Sec. 402.  TITLE V— Sec. 501.  Sec. 502.  Sec. 503.  Sec. 504. 
SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS ACT OF 2002.  Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.).
<num value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading>GENERAL PROVISIONS</heading> <section id="d223194e332" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s101" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><heading>STRENGTH AND DISTRIBUTION IN GRADE.</heading><content class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x0f2cb4c8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  Section 214 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3004">33 U.S.C. 3004</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> to read as follows:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f2d02e9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="214">“SEC. 214. </num><heading class="fontsize12">STRENGTH AND DISTRIBUTION IN GRADE.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d02ea-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Grades</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The commissioned grades in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration are the following, in relative rank with officers of the Navy:</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02eb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>Vice admiral.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02ec-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>Rear admiral.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02ed-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>Rear admiral (lower half).</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02ee-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><content>Captain.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02ef-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="5">“(5) </num><content>Commander.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02f0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="6">“(6) </num><content>Lieutenant commander.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02f1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="7">“(7) </num><content>Lieutenant.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02f2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="8">“(8) </num><content>Lieutenant (junior grade).</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d02f3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="9">“(9) </num><content>Ensign.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d02f4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Grade Distribution</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall prescribe, with respect to the distribution on the lineal list in grade, the percentages applicable to the grades set forth in subsection (a).</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d2a05-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Annual Computation of Number in Grade</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d2a06-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2d2a07-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>Not less frequently than once each year, the Secretary shall make a computation to determine the number of officers on the lineal list authorized to be serving in each grade.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d2a08-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Method of computation</inline>.—</heading><content>The number in each grade shall be computed by applying the applicable percentage to the total number of such officers serving on active duty on the date the computation is made.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d2a09-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Fractions</inline>.—</heading><content>If a final fraction occurs in computing the authorized number of officers in a grade, the nearest whole number shall be taken. If the fraction is one-half, the next higher whole number shall be taken.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d2a0a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Temporary Increase in Numbers</inline>.—</heading><content>The total number of officers authorized by law to be on the lineal list during a fiscal year may be temporarily exceeded if the average number on that list during that fiscal year does not exceed the authorized number.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d2a0b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Positions of Importance and Responsibility</inline>.—</heading><content>Officers serving in positions designated under section 228(a) and officers <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1155">134 STAT. 1155</page> recalled from retired status shall not be counted when computing authorized strengths under subsection (c) and shall not count against those strengths.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d2a0c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="f">“(f) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Preservation of Grade and Pay</inline>.—</heading><content>No officer may be reduced in grade or pay or separated from the commissioned officer corps of the Administration as the result of a computation made to determine the authorized number of officers in the various grades.”</content></subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></section> <section id="d223194e488" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s102" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading>RECALLED OFFICERS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d511d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s102/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Section 215 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3005">33 U.S.C. 3005</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> to read as follows:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f2d511e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="215">“SEC. 215. </num><heading class="fontsize12">NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d511f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>The total number of authorized commissioned officers on the lineal list of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration shall not exceed 500.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d5120-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Positions of Importance and Responsibility</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Officers serving in positions designated under section 228 and officers recalled from retired status or detailed to an agency other than the Administration—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d5121-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>may not be counted in determining the total number of authorized officers on the lineal list under this section; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2d5122-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>may not count against such number.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d5123-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s102/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>)<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2d5124-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/stat/116/3078">116 Stat. 3078</ref>.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> the item relating to section 215 and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> the following:<quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 215. </designator> <label>Number of authorized commissioned officers.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e584" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s103" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading>OBLIGATED SERVICE REQUIREMENT.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2d9f45-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s103/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle A (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3001/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f2ded66-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="216">“SEC. 216. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2ded67-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3006">33 USC 3006</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">OBLIGATED SERVICE REQUIREMENT.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2ded68-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded69-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Regulations</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall prescribe the obligated service requirements for appointments, training, promotions, separations, continuations, and retirements of officers not otherwise covered by law.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded6a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Written agreements</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary and officers shall enter into written agreements that describe the officers’ obligated service requirements prescribed under paragraph (1) in return for such appointments, training, promotions, separations, continuations, and retirements as the Secretary considers appropriate.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2ded6b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Repayment for Failure to Satisfy Requirements</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded6c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may require an officer who fails to meet the service requirements prescribed under subsection (a)(1) to reimburse the Secretary in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total costs of the training provided to that officer by the Secretary as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty the officer agreed to serve.<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1156">134 STAT. 1156</page></content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded6d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Obligation as debt to united states</inline>.—</heading><content>An obligation to reimburse the Secretary under paragraph (1) is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded6e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2ded6f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Discharge in bankruptcy</inline>.—</heading><content>A discharge in bankruptcy under title 11 that is entered less than five years after the termination of a written agreement entered into under subsection (a)(2) does not discharge the individual signing the agreement from a debt arising under such agreement.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2ded70-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Waiver or Suspension of Compliance</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary may waive the service obligation of an officer who—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded71-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>becomes unqualified to serve on active duty in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a circumstance not within the control of that officer; or</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded72-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><chapeau>is—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded73-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>not physically qualified for appointment; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2ded74-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>determined to be unqualified for service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a physical or medical condition that was not the result of the officer’s own misconduct or grossly negligent conduct.”</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2ded75-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s103/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>)<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2ded76-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/stat/116/3078">116 Stat. 3078</ref>.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 215 the following:<quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 216. </designator> <label>Obligated service requirement.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e752" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s104" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="104">SEC. 104. </num><heading>TRAINING AND PHYSICAL FITNESS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2e1487-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s104/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle A (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3001/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.</ref>), as amended by section 103(a), is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f2e3b98-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="217">“SEC. 217. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2e3b99-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3007">33 USC 3007</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">TRAINING AND PHYSICAL FITNESS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2e3b9a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Training</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary may take such measures as may be necessary to ensure that officers are prepared to carry out their duties in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration and proficient in the skills necessary to carry out such duties. Such measures may include the following:</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2e3b9b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>Carrying out training programs and correspondence courses, including establishing and operating a basic officer training program to provide initial indoctrination and maritime vocational training for officer candidates as well as refresher training, mid-career training, aviation training, and such other training as the Secretary considers necessary for officer development and proficiency.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2e3b9c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>Providing officers and officer candidates with educational materials.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2e3b9d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>Acquiring such equipment as may be necessary for training and instructional purposes.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2e3b9e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Physical Fitness</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall ensure that officers maintain a high physical state of readiness by establishing standards of physical fitness for officers that are substantially equivalent to those prescribed for officers in the Coast Guard.”</content></subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2e3b9f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s104/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (Public <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1157">134 STAT. 1157</page> Law 107–372), as amended by section 103(b), is further amended by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 216 the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 217. </designator> <label>Training and physical fitness.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e847" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s105" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="105">SEC. 105. </num><heading>AVIATION ACCESSION TRAINING PROGRAMS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2eb0d0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s105/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle A (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3001/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.</ref>), as amended by section 104(a), is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f2f9b31-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="218">“SEC. 218. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2f9b32-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3008">33 USC 3008</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">AVIATION ACCESSION TRAINING PROGRAMS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b33-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In this section:</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b34-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Administrator</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘<term>Administrator</term>’ means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b35-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Member of the program</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘<term>member of the program</term>’ means a student who is enrolled in the program.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b36-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Program</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘<term>program</term>’ means an aviation accession training program of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration established pursuant to subsection (b).</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b37-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Aviation Accession Training Programs</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b38-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2f9b39-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Regulations.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Establishment authorized</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall establish and maintain one or more aviation accession training programs for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration at institutions described in paragraph (2).</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b3a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Institutions described</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An institution described in this paragraph is an educational institution—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b3b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>that requests to enter into an agreement with the Administrator providing for the establishment of the program at the institution;</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b3c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>that has, as a part of its curriculum, a four-year baccalaureate program of professional flight and piloting instruction that is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International;</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b3d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><chapeau>that is located in a geographic area that—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b3e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>experiences a wide variation in climate-related activity, including frequent high winds, convective activity (including tornadoes), periods of low visibility, heat, and snow and ice episodes, to provide opportunities for pilots to demonstrate skill in all weather conditions compatible with future encounters during their service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b3f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>has a climate that can accommodate both primary and advanced flight training activity at least 75 percent of the year; and</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b40-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="D">“(D) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2f9b41-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><chapeau>at which the Administrator determines that—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b42-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>there will be at least one student enrolled in the program; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b43-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>the provisions of this section are otherwise satisfied.</content></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b44-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Limitations in connection with particular institutions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The program may not be established or maintained at an institution unless—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2f9b45-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>the senior commissioned officer or employee of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration who <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1158">134 STAT. 1158</page> is assigned as an advisor to the program at that institution is given the academic rank of adjunct professor; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc256-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>the institution fulfills the terms of its agreement with the Administrator.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc257-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Membership in connection with status as student</inline>.—</heading><content>At institutions at which the program is established, the membership of students in the program shall be elective, as provided by State law or the authorities of the institution concerned.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2fc258-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Membership</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc259-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Eligibility</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>To be eligible for membership in the program, an individual must—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc25a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>be a student at an institution at which the program is established;</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc25b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>be a citizen of the United States;</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc25c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><chapeau>contract in writing, with the consent of a parent or guardian if a minor, with the Administrator, to—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc25d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>accept an appointment, if offered, as a commissioned officer in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc25e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2fc25f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><content>serve in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration for not fewer than four years;</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc260-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="D">“(D) </num><chapeau>enroll in—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc261-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>a four-year baccalaureate program of professional flight and piloting instruction; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc262-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>other training or education, including basic officer training, which is prescribed by the Administrator as meeting the preliminary requirement for admission to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration; and</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc263-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="E">“(E) </num><content>execute a certificate or take an oath relating to morality and conduct in such form as the Administrator prescribes.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc264-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Completion of program</inline>.—</heading><content>A member of the program may be appointed as a regular officer in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration if the member meets all requirements for appointment as such an officer.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2fc265-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Financial Assistance for Qualified Members</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc266-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Expenses of course of instruction</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc267-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>In the case of a member of the program who meets such qualifications as the Administrator establishes for purposes of this subsection, the Administrator may pay the expenses of the member in connection with pursuit of a course of professional flight and piloting instruction under the program, including tuition, fees, educational materials such as books, training, certifications, travel, and laboratory expenses.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc268-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Assistance after fourth academic year</inline>.—</heading><content>In the case of a member of the program described in subparagraph (A) who is enrolled in a course described in that subparagraph that has been approved by the Administrator and requires more than four academic years for completion, including elective requirements of the program, assistance under this subsection may also be provided during a fifth academic year or during a combination of a part of a fifth academic year and summer sessions.<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1159">134 STAT. 1159</page></content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc269-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Room and board</inline>.—</heading><content>In the case of a member eligible to receive assistance under paragraph (1), the Administrator may, in lieu of payment of all or part of such assistance, pay the room and board expenses of the member, and other educational expenses, of the educational institution concerned.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc26a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Failure to complete program or accept commission</inline>.—</heading><content>A member of the program who receives assistance under this subsection and who does not complete the course of instruction, or who completes the course but declines to accept a commission in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration when offered, shall be subject to the repayment provisions of subsection (e).</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2fc26b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Repayment of Unearned Portion of Financial Assistance When Conditions of Payment Not Met</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc26c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2fc26d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>A member of the program who receives or benefits from assistance under subsection (d), and whose receipt of or benefit from such assistance is subject to the condition that the member fully satisfy the requirements of subsection (c), shall repay to the United States an amount equal to the assistance received or benefitted from if the member fails to fully satisfy such requirements and may not receive or benefit from any unpaid amounts of such assistance after the member fails to satisfy such requirements, unless the Administrator determines that the imposition of the repayment requirement and the termination of payment of unpaid amounts of such assistance with regard to the member would be—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc26e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>contrary to a personnel policy or management objective;</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc26f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>against equity and good conscience; or</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc270-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><content>contrary to the best interests of the United States.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc271-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2fc272-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Procedures.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Regulations</inline>.—</heading><content>The Administrator may establish, by regulations, procedures for determining the amount of the repayment required under this subsection and the circumstances under which an exception to repayment may be granted. The Administrator may specify in the regulations the conditions under which financial assistance to be paid to a member of the program will not be made if the member no longer satisfies the requirements in subsection (c) or qualifications in subsection (d) for such assistance.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f2fc273-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Obligation as debt to united states</inline>.—</heading><content>An obligation to repay the United States under this subsection is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2fc274-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s105/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>), as amended by section 104(b), is further amended by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 217 the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 218. </designator> <label>Aviation accession training programs.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e1235" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s106" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="106">SEC. 106. </num><heading>RECRUITING MATERIALS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2fe885-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s106/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle A (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3001/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.</ref>), as amended by section 105(a), is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1160">134 STAT. 1160</page> <quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f2fe886-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="219">“SEC. 219. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f2fe887-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3009">33 USC 3009</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">USE OF RECRUITING MATERIALS FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS.</heading><content class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  “The Secretary may use for public relations purposes of the Department of Commerce any advertising materials developed for use for recruitment and retention of personnel for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. Any such use shall be under such conditions and subject to such restrictions as the Secretary shall prescribe.”</content></section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f2fe888-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s106/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>), as amended by section 105(b), is further amended by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 218 the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 219. </designator> <label>Use of recruiting materials for public relations.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e1301" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tI/s107" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="107">SEC. 107. </num><heading>TECHNICAL CORRECTION.</heading><content style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  <ref href="/us/usc/t38/s101/21/C">Section 101(21)(C) of title 38, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>in the commissioned officer corps</quotedText>” before “<quotedText>of the National</quotedText>”.</content></section> <num value="II">TITLE II—</num><heading>PARITY AND RECRUITMENT</heading> <section id="d223194e1324" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s201" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="201">SEC. 201. </num><heading>EDUCATION LOANS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f305db9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s201/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle E (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f30d2ea-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="267">“SEC. 267. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f30d2eb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3077">33 USC 3077</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30d2ec-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Authority To Repay Education Loans</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For the purpose of maintaining adequate numbers of officers of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration on active duty who have skills required by the commissioned officer corps, the Secretary may repay, in the case of a person described in subsection (b), a loan that—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2ed-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>was used by the person to finance education; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2ee-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>was obtained from a governmental entity, private financial institution, educational institution, or other authorized entity.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30d2ef-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Eligible Persons</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>To be eligible to obtain a loan repayment under this section, a person must—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>satisfy one of the requirements specified in subsection (c);</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>be fully qualified for, or hold, an appointment as a commissioned officer in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>sign a written agreement to serve on active duty, or, if on active duty, to remain on active duty for a period in addition to any other incurred active duty obligation.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f30d2f4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determinations.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Academic and Professional Requirements</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>One of the following academic requirements must be satisfied for purposes of determining the eligibility of an individual for a loan repayment under this section:</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>The person is fully qualified in a profession that the Secretary has determined to be necessary to meet identified skill shortages in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>The person is enrolled as a full-time student in the final year of a course of study at an accredited educational <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1161">134 STAT. 1161</page> institution (as determined by the Secretary of Education) leading to a degree in a profession that will meet identified skill shortages in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Loan Repayments</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>Subject to the limits established under paragraph (2), a loan repayment under this section may consist of the payment of the principal, interest, and related expenses of a loan obtained by a person described in subsection (b).</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2f9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Limitation on amount</inline>.—</heading><content>For each year of obligated service that a person agrees to serve in an agreement described in subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may pay not more than the amount specified in <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s2173/e/2">section 2173(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code</ref>.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30d2fa-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Active Duty Service Obligation</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30d2fb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>A person entering into an agreement described in subsection (b)(3) incurs an active duty service obligation.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa0c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Length of obligation determined under regulations</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa0d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the length of the obligation under paragraph (1) shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa0e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Minimum obligation</inline>.—</heading><content>The regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) may not provide for a period of obligation of less than one year for each maximum annual amount, or portion thereof, paid on behalf of the person for qualified loans.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa0f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Persons on active duty before entering into agreement</inline>.—</heading><content>The active duty service obligation of persons on active duty before entering into the agreement shall be served after the conclusion of any other obligation incurred under the agreement.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa10-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Concurrent completion of service obligations</inline>.—</heading><content>A service obligation under this section may be completed concurrently with a service obligation under section 216.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30fa11-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="f">“(f) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Effect of Failure To Complete Obligation</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa12-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Alternative obligations</inline>.—</heading><content>An officer who is relieved of the officer’s active duty obligation under this section before the completion of that obligation may be given any alternative obligation, at the discretion of the Secretary.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa13-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Repayment</inline>.—</heading><content>An officer who does not complete the period of active duty specified in the agreement entered into under subsection (b)(3), or the alternative obligation imposed under paragraph (1), shall be subject to the repayment provisions under section 216.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30fa14-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="g">“(g) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Rulemaking</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section, including—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa15-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>standards for qualified loans and authorized payees; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f30fa16-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>other terms and conditions for the making of loan repayments.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f30fa17-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s201/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (Public <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1162">134 STAT. 1162</page> Law 107–372)<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f30fa18-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/stat/116/3078">116 Stat. 3078</ref>.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 266 the following:<quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 267. </designator> <label>Education loan repayment program.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e1602" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="202">SEC. 202. </num><heading>INTEREST PAYMENTS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f316f49-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle E (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.</ref>), as amended by section 201(a), is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f31e47a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="268">“SEC. 268. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f31e47b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3078">33 USC 3078</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">INTEREST PAYMENT PROGRAM.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e47c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Authority</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may pay the interest and any special allowances that accrue on one or more student loans of an eligible officer, in accordance with this section.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e47d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Eligible Officers</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An officer is eligible for the benefit described in subsection (a) while the officer—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e47e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>is serving on active duty;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e47f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f31e480-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><content>has not completed more than three years of service on active duty;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e481-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>is the debtor on one or more unpaid loans described in subsection (c); and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e482-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><content>is not in default on any such loan.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e483-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Student Loans</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The authority to make payments under subsection (a) may be exercised with respect to the following loans:</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e484-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>A loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1071/etseq">20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.</ref>).</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e485-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>A loan made under part D of such title (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1087a/etseq">20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.</ref>).</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e486-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>A loan made under part E of such title (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1087aa/etseq">20 U.S.C. 1087aa et seq.</ref>).</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e487-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Maximum Benefit</inline>.—</heading><content>Interest and any special allowance may be paid on behalf of an officer under this section for any of the 36 consecutive months during which the officer is eligible under subsection (b).</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e488-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Coordination With Secretary of Education</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e489-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f31e48a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Consultation.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Education regarding the administration of this section.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e48b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Reimbursement authorized</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary is authorized to reimburse the Secretary of Education—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e48c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>for the funds necessary to pay interest and special allowances on student loans under this section (in accordance with sections 428(o), 455(l), and 464(j) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1078/o">20 U.S.C. 1078(o)</ref>, 1087e(l), and 1087dd(j)); and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e48d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>for any reasonable administrative costs incurred by the Secretary of Education in coordinating the program under this section with the administration of the student loan programs under parts B, D, and E of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1071/etseq">20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.</ref>, 1087a et seq., 1087aa et seq.).</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e48e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="f">“(f) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Special Allowance Defined</inline>.—</heading><content>In this section, the term ‘<term>special allowance</term>’ means a special allowance that is payable under section 438 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1087–1">20 U.S.C. 1087–1</ref>).”</content></subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e48f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Conforming Amendments</inline>.—</heading><page identifier="/us/stat/134/1163">134 STAT. 1163</page> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e490-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/1" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau>Section 428(o) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1078/o">20 U.S.C. 1078(o)</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e491-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/1/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> the subsection heading and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText><headingText class="smallCaps">Armed Forces and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Student Loan Interest Payment Programs</headingText></quotedText>”; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e492-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/1/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><chapeau>in paragraph (1)—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e493-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/1/B/i" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">(i) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or section 268 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>Code,</quotedText>”; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e494-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/1/B/ii" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">(ii) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or an officer in the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, respectively,</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>Armed Forces</quotedText>”.</content></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e495-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><chapeau>Sections 455(l) and 464(j) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (<ref href="/us/usc/t20/s1087e/l">20 U.S.C. 1087e(l)</ref> and 1087dd(j)) are each amended—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e496-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/2/A" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> the subsection heading and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText><headingText class="smallCaps">Armed Forces and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps Student Loan Interest Payment Programs</headingText></quotedText>”; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e497-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/2/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><chapeau>in paragraph (1)—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e498-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/2/B/i" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">(i) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or section 268 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>Code,</quotedText>”; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f31e499-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/b/2/B/ii" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">(ii) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or an officer in the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, respectively</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>Armed Forces</quotedText>”.</content></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f31e49a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s202/c" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>), as amended by section 201(b), is further amended by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 267 the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 268. </designator> <label>Interest payment program.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e1918" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s203" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="203">SEC. 203. </num><heading>STUDENT PRE-COMMISSIONING PROGRAM.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3259cb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s203/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle E (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.</ref>), as amended by section 202(a), is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f33442c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="269">“SEC. 269. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f33442d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3079">33 USC 3079</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">STUDENT PRE-COMMISSIONING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f33442e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f33442f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Authority To Provide Financial Assistance</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For the purpose of maintaining adequate numbers of officers of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration on active duty, the Secretary may provide financial assistance to a person described in subsection (b) for expenses of the person while the person is pursuing on a full-time basis at an accredited educational institution (as determined by the Secretary of Education) a program of education approved by the Secretary that leads to—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334430-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>a baccalaureate degree in not more than five academic years; or</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334431-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>a postbaccalaureate degree.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f334432-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Eligible Persons</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334433-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>A person is eligible to obtain financial assistance under subsection (a) if the person—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334434-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>is enrolled on a full-time basis in a program of education referred to in subsection (a) at any educational institution described in such subsection;<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1164">134 STAT. 1164</page></content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334435-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>meets all of the requirements for acceptance into the commissioned officer corps of the Administration except for the completion of a baccalaureate degree; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334436-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><content>enters into a written agreement with the Secretary described in paragraph (2).</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334437-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Agreement</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>A written agreement referred to in paragraph (1)(C) is an agreement between the person and the Secretary in which the person—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334438-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>agrees to accept an appointment as an officer, if tendered; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334439-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f33443a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time periods.</p></sidenote><chapeau>upon completion of the person’s educational program, agrees to serve on active duty, immediately after appointment, for—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f33443b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>up to three years if the person received less than three years of assistance; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f33443c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>up to five years if the person received at least three years of assistance.</content></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f33443d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Qualifying Expenses</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Expenses for which financial assistance may be provided under subsection (a) are the following:</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33443e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>Tuition and fees charged by the educational institution involved.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33443f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>The cost of educational materials.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334440-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>In the case of a program of education leading to a baccalaureate degree, laboratory expenses.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334441-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><content>Such other expenses as the Secretary considers appropriate.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f334442-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Limitation on Amount</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall prescribe the amount of financial assistance provided to a person under subsection (a), which may not exceed the amount specified in <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s2173/e/2">section 2173(e)(2) of title 10, United States Code</ref>, for each year of obligated service that a person agrees to serve in an agreement described in subsection (b)(2).</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f334443-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Duration of Assistance</inline>.—</heading><content>Financial assistance may be provided to a person under subsection (a) for not more than five consecutive academic years.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f334444-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="f">“(f) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Subsistence Allowance</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334445-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>A person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) shall be entitled to a monthly subsistence allowance at a rate prescribed under paragraph (2) for the duration of the period for which the person receives such financial assistance.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334446-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Determination of amount</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall prescribe monthly rates for subsistence allowance provided under paragraph (1), which shall be equal to the amount specified in <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s2144/a">section 2144(a) of title 10, United States Code</ref>.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f334447-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="g">“(g) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Initial Clothing Allowance</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334448-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Training</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may prescribe a sum which shall be credited to each person who receives financial assistance under subsection (a) to cover the cost of the person’s initial clothing and equipment issue.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334449-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Appointment</inline>.—</heading><content>Upon completion of the program of education for which a person receives financial assistance under subsection (a) and acceptance of appointment in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, the person may be issued a subsequent clothing allowance equivalent to that normally provided to a newly appointed officer.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f33444a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="h">“(h) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Termination of Financial Assistance</inline>.—</heading><page identifier="/us/stat/134/1165">134 STAT. 1165</page> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33444b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary shall terminate the assistance provided to a person under this section if—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33444c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>the Secretary accepts a request by the person to be released from an agreement described in subsection (b)(2);</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33444d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>the misconduct of the person results in a failure to complete the period of active duty required under the agreement; or</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33444e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><content>the person fails to fulfill any term or condition of the agreement.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33444f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Reimbursement</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may require a person who receives assistance described in subsection (c), (f), or (g) under an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) to reimburse the Secretary in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total costs of the assistance provided to that person as the unserved portion of active duty bears to the total period of active duty the officer agreed to serve under the agreement.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334450-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Waiver</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary may waive the service obligation of a person through an agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) if the person—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334451-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>becomes unqualified to serve on active duty in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a circumstance not within the control of that person; or</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334452-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><chapeau>is—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f334453-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>not physically qualified for appointment; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f334454-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f334455-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><content>determined to be unqualified for service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration because of a physical or medical condition that was not the result of the person’s own misconduct or grossly negligent conduct.</content></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334456-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Obligation as debt to united states</inline>.—</heading><content>An obligation to reimburse the Secretary imposed under paragraph (2) is, for all purposes, a debt owed to the United States.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f334457-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="5">“(5) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Discharge in bankruptcy</inline>.—</heading><content>A discharge in bankruptcy under <ref href="/us/usc/t11">title 11, United States Code</ref>, that is entered less than five years after the termination of a written agreement entered into under subsection (b)(1)(C) does not discharge the person signing the agreement from a debt arising under such agreement or under paragraph (2).</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f334458-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Regulations</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may prescribe such regulations and orders as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f334459-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="j">“(j) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Concurrent Completion of Service Obligations</inline>.—</heading><content>A service obligation under this section may be completed concurrently with a service obligation under section 216.”</content></subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f33445a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s203/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>), as amended by section 202(c), is further amended by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 268 the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 269. </designator> <label>Student pre-commissioning education assistance program.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e2293" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s204" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="204">SEC. 204. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f33445b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3079–1">33 USC 3079–1</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading>LIMITATION ON EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f33927c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s204/a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f33927d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Effective date.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted, the Secretary of Commerce shall ensure that the total amount expended by the Secretary <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1166">134 STAT. 1166</page> under section 267 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (as added by section 201(a)), section 268 of such Act (as added by section 202(a)), and section 269 of such Act (as added by section 203(a)) does not exceed the amount by which—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33927e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s204/a/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>the total amount the Secretary would pay in that fiscal year to officer candidates under <ref href="/us/usc/t37/s203/f/1">section 203(f)(1) of title 37, United States Code</ref> (as added by section 305(d)), if such section entitled officer candidates to pay at monthly rates equal to the basic pay of a commissioned officer in the pay grade O–1 with less than 2 years of service, exceeds</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f33927f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s204/a/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>the total amount the Secretary actually pays in that fiscal year to officer candidates under section 203(f)(1) of such title (as so added).</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f339280-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s204/b" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Officer Candidate Defined</inline>.—</heading><content>In this section, the term “<term>officer candidate</term>” has the meaning given the term in paragraph (4) of section 212(b) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3002">33 U.S.C. 3002</ref>), as added by section 305(c).</content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e2347" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="205">SEC. 205. </num><heading>APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF <ref href="/us/usc/t10">TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE</ref>, AND EXTENSION OF CERTAIN AUTHORITIES APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES TO COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f342ec1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Applicability of Certain Provisions of Title 10</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Section 261(a) (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071/a">33 U.S.C. 3071(a)</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f342ec2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/a/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="redesignate">redesignating</amendingAction> paragraphs (13) through (16) as paragraphs (22) through (25), respectively;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f342ec3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/a/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="redesignate">redesignating</amendingAction> paragraphs (7) through (12) as paragraphs (14) through (19), respectively;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f342ec4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/a/3" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">(3) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="redesignate">redesignating</amendingAction> paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f342ec5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/a/4" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">(4) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after paragraph (3) the following:<quotedContent><paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455d6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><content>Section 771, relating to unauthorized wearing of uniforms.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455d7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="5">“(5) </num><content>Section 774, relating to wearing religious apparel while in uniform.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455d8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="6">“(6) </num><content>Section 982, relating to service on State and local juries.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455d9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="7">“(7) </num><content>Section 1031, relating to administration of oaths.”</content></paragraph> </quotedContent>;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3455da-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/a/5" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="5">(5) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after paragraph (10), as redesignated, the following:<quotedContent><paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455db-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="11">“(11) </num><content>Section 1074n, relating to annual mental health assessments.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455dc-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="12">“(12) </num><content>Section 1090a, relating to referrals for mental health evaluations.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455dd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="13">“(13) </num><content>Chapter 58, relating to the Benefits and Services for members being separated or recently separated.”</content></paragraph> </quotedContent>; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3455de-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/a/6" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="6">(6) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after paragraph (19), as redesignated, the following:<quotedContent><paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f3455df-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="20">“(20) </num><content>Subchapter I of chapter 88, relating to Military Family Programs, applicable on an as-available and fully reimbursable basis.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f347cf0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="21">“(21) </num><content>Section 2005, relating to advanced education assistance, active duty agreements, and reimbursement requirements.”</content></paragraph> </quotedContent>.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f347cf1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Extension of Certain Authorities</inline>.—</heading><page identifier="/us/stat/134/1167">134 STAT. 1167</page> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cf2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/1" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Notarial services</inline>.—</heading><chapeau><ref href="/us/usc/t10/s1044a">Section 1044a of title 10, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cf3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/1/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>in subsection (a)(1), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>armed forces</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>uniformed services</quotedText>”; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cf4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/1/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>in subsection (b)(4), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>armed forces</quotedText>” both places it appears and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>uniformed services</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cf5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/2" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Acceptance of voluntary services for programs serving members and their families</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Section 1588 of such title <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cf6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/2/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>in subsection (a)(3), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>armed forces</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>uniformed services</quotedText>”; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cf7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/2/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following new subsection:<quotedContent><subsection class="indentDown2 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f347cf8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="g">“(g) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Secretary Concerned for Acceptance of Services for Programs Serving Members of NOAA Corps and Their Families</inline>.—</heading><content>For purposes of the acceptance of services described in subsection (a)(3), the term ‘<term>Secretary concerned</term>’ in subsection (a) shall include the Secretary of Commerce with respect to members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”</content></subsection> </quotedContent>.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cf9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/3" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Capstone course for newly selected flag officers</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Section 2153 of such title <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cfa-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/3/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><chapeau>in subsection (a)—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cfb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/3/A/i" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">(i) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>in the case of the Navy</quotedText>”; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cfc-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/3/A/ii" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">(ii) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>other armed forces</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>other uniformed services</quotedText>”; and</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f347cfd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s205/b/3/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>in subsection (b)(1), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable,</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>the Secretary of Defense</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e2621" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s206" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="206">SEC. 206. </num><heading>APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF <ref href="/us/usc/t37">TITLE 37, UNITED STATES CODE</ref>.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f34a40e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s206/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle E (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after section 261 the following:<quotedContent><section class="indentUp2 firstIndent-2" id="y0f34a40f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658144"><num class="bold" value="261A">“SEC. 261A. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f34a410-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071a">33 USC 3071a</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="bold">APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF <ref href="/us/usc/t37">TITLE 37, UNITED STATES CODE</ref>.</heading><chapeau class=" fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  “The provisions of law applicable to the Armed Forces under the following provisions of <ref href="/us/usc/t37">title 37, United States Code</ref>, shall apply to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration:</chapeau><paragraph class="indentDown1 fontsize10" id="y0f34a411-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>Section 403(l), relating to temporary continuation of housing allowance for dependents of members dying on active duty.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentDown1 fontsize10" id="y0f34a412-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>Section 415, relating to initial uniform allowances.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentDown1 fontsize10" id="y0f34a413-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>Section 488, relating to allowances for recruiting expenses.”</content></paragraph> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f34a414-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s206/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>)<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f34a415-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/stat/116/3078">116 Stat. 3078</ref>.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 261 the following:<quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 261A. </designator> <label>Applicability of certain provisions of <ref href="/us/usc/t37">title 37, United States Code</ref>.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent><page identifier="/us/stat/134/1168">134 STAT. 1168</page></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e2726" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s207" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="207">SEC. 207. </num><heading>PROHIBITION ON RETALIATORY PERSONNEL ACTIONS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f34f236-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s207/a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Subsection (a) of section 261 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071">33 U.S.C. 3071</ref>), as amended by section 205(a), is further amended—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f34f237-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s207/a/1" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="redesignate">redesignating</amendingAction> paragraphs (8) through (25) as paragraphs (9) through (26), respectively; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f34f238-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s207/a/2" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after paragraph (7) the following:<quotedContent><paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f34f239-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="8">“(8) </num><content>Section 1034, relating to protected communications and prohibition of retaliatory personnel actions.”</content></paragraph> </quotedContent>.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f34f23a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s207/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Conforming Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>Subsection (b) of such section 261 <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following: “<quotedText>For purposes of paragraph (8) of subsection (a), the term ‘<term>Inspector General</term>’ in section 1034 of such title 10 shall mean the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce.</quotedText>”.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f34f23b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s207/c" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Regulations</inline>.—</heading><content>Such section is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f34f23c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Regulations Regarding Protected Communications and Prohibition of Retaliatory Personnel Actions</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may prescribe regulations to carry out the application of <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s1034">section 1034 of title 10, United States Code</ref>, to the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, including by prescribing such administrative procedures for investigation and appeal within the commissioned officer corps as the Secretary considers appropriate.”</content></subsection> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e2813" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s208" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="208">SEC. 208. </num><heading>EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS.</heading><content style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  <ref href="/us/usc/t38/s4303/16">Section 4303(16) of title 38, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>Public Health Service,</quotedText>”.</content></section> <section id="d223194e2829" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s209" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="209">SEC. 209. </num><heading>TREATMENT OF COMMISSION IN COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS FOR PURPOSES OF CERTAIN HIRING DECISIONS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f35405d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s209/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle E (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3071/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3071 et seq.</ref>), as amended by this Act, is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="indentUp2 firstIndent-2" id="y0f35405e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658144"><num class="bold" value="269A">“SEC. 269A. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f35405f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3079a">33 USC 3079a</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="bold">TREATMENT OF COMMISSION IN COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS AS EMPLOYMENT IN ADMINISTRATION FOR PURPOSES OF CERTAIN HIRING DECISIONS.</heading><subsection class="indentDown2 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f354060-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>In any case in which the Secretary accepts an application for a position of employment with the Administration and limits consideration of applications for such position to applications submitted by individuals serving in a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service within the Administration, the Secretary shall deem an officer who has served as an officer in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration for at least three years to be serving in a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service within the Administration for purposes of such limitation.</content></subsection> <subsection class="indentDown2 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f354061-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Career Appointments</inline>.—</heading><content>If the Secretary selects an application submitted by an officer described in subsection (a) for a position described in such subsection, the Secretary shall give such officer a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, as appropriate.</content></subsection> <subsection class="indentDown2 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f354062-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Competitive Service Defined</inline>.—</heading><content>In this section, the term ‘<term>competitive service</term>’ has the meaning given the term in <ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2102">section 2102 of title 5, United States Code</ref>.”</content></subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f354063-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tII/s209/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (Public <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1169">134 STAT. 1169</page> Law 107–372) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 269, as added by section 203(b), the following new item:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 269A. </designator> <label>Treatment of commission in commissioned officer corps as employment in Administration for purposes of certain hiring decisions.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <num value="III">TITLE III—</num><heading>APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTION OF OFFICERS</heading> <section id="d223194e2930" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s301" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="301">SEC. 301. </num><heading>APPOINTMENTS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f35b594-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s301/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Original Appointments</inline>.—</heading><content>Section 221 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3021">33 U.S.C. 3021</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> to read as follows:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f3651d5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="221">“SEC. 221. </num><heading class="fontsize12">ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3651d6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Original Appointments</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651d7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Grades</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651d8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an original appointment of an officer may be made in such grades as may be appropriate for—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651d9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>the qualification, experience, and length of service of the appointee; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651da-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651db-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Appointment of officer candidates</inline>.—</heading><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651dc-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Limitation on grade</inline>.—</heading><content>An original appointment of an officer candidate, upon graduation from the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, may not be made in any other grade than ensign.</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651dd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Rank</inline>.—</heading><content>Officer candidates receiving appointments as ensigns upon graduation from the basic officer training program shall take rank according to their proficiency as shown by the order of their merit at date of graduation.</content></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651de-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Source of appointments</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An original appointment may be made from among the following:</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651df-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>Graduates of the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651e0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense, graduates of the military service academies of the United States who otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A).</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651e1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><chapeau>Graduates of the State maritime academies who—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651e2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A);</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651e3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>completed at least three years of regimented training while at a State maritime academy; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651e4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="iii">“(iii) </num><content>obtained an unlimited tonnage or unlimited horsepower Merchant Mariner Credential from the United States Coast Guard.</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3651e5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="D">“(D) </num><content>Licensed officers of the United States merchant marine who have served two or more years aboard a vessel of the United States in the capacity of a licensed officer, <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1170">134 STAT. 1170</page> who otherwise meet the academic standards for enrollment in the training program described in subparagraph (A).</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678f6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In this subsection:</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678f7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Military service academies of the united states</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The term ‘<term>military service academies of the United States</term>’ means the following:</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678f8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>The United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678f9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>The United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678fa-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="iii">“(iii) </num><content>The United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado.</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678fb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="iv">“(iv) </num><content>The United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut.</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678fc-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="v">“(v) </num><content>The United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York.</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678fd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">State maritime academy</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘<term>State maritime academy</term>’ has the meaning given the term in <ref href="/us/usc/t46/s51102">section 51102 of title 46, United States Code</ref>.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3678fe-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Reappointment</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3678ff-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>Except as provided in paragraph (2), an individual who previously served in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration may be appointed by the Secretary to the grade the individual held prior to separation.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f367900-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f367901-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">President.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Reappointments to higher grades</inline>.—</heading><content>An appointment under paragraph (1) to a position of importance and responsibility designated under section 228 may only be made by the President.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f367902-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f367903-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Regulations.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Qualifications</inline>.—</heading><content>An appointment under subsection (a) or (b) may not be given to an individual until the individual’s mental, moral, physical, and professional fitness to perform the duties of an officer has been established under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f367904-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Order of Precedence</inline>.—</heading><content>Appointees under this section shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their commissions as commissioned officers in such grade. The order of precedence of appointees whose dates<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f367905-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote> of commission are the same shall be determined by the Secretary.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f367906-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Inter-Service Transfers</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For inter-service transfers (as described in Department of Defense Directive 1300.4 (dated December 27, 2006)) the Secretary shall—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f367907-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f367908-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Coordination.</p></sidenote><content>coordinate with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promote and streamline inter-service transfers;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f367909-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36790a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><content>give preference to such inter-service transfers for recruitment purposes as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36790b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>reappoint such inter-service transfers to the equivalent grade in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f36790c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s301/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>)<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36790d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/stat/116/3078">116 Stat. 3078</ref>.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> the item relating to section 221 and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> the following:<quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 221. </designator> <label>Original appointments and reappointments.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent><page identifier="/us/stat/134/1171">134 STAT. 1171</page></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e3251" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s302" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="302">SEC. 302. </num><heading>PERSONNEL BOARDS.</heading><content class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x0f36a01e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  Section 222 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3022">33 U.S.C. 3022</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> to read as follows:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f36ee3f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="222">“SEC. 222. </num><heading class="fontsize12">PERSONNEL BOARDS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f36ee40-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36ee41-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36ee42-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Convening</inline>.—</heading><content>Not less frequently than once each year and at such other times as the Secretary determines necessary, the Secretary shall convene a personnel board.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f36ee43-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Membership</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee44-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>A board convened under subsection (a) shall consist of five or more officers who are serving in or above the permanent grade of the officers under consideration by the board.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee45-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Retired officers</inline>.—</heading><content>Officers on the retired list may be recalled to serve on such personnel boards as the Secretary considers necessary.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee46-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">No membership on two successive boards</inline>.—</heading><content>No officer may be a member of two successive personnel boards convened to consider officers of the same grade for promotion or separation.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f36ee47-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36ee48-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Recommenda-</p><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36ee49-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">tions.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Duties</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Each personnel board shall—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee4a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>recommend to the Secretary such changes as may be necessary to correct any erroneous position on the lineal list that was caused by administrative error; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee4b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>make selections and recommendations to the Secretary and the President for the appointment, promotion, involuntary separation, continuation, and involuntary retirement of officers in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration as prescribed in this title.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f36ee4c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36ee4d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Recommenda-</p><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36ee4e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">tions.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Action on Recommendations Not Acceptable</inline>.—</heading><content>If any recommendation by a board convened under subsection (a) is not accepted by the Secretary or the President, the board shall make such further recommendations as the Secretary or the President considers appropriate.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f36ee4f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Authority for Officers to Opt Out of Promotion Consideration</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee50-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps may provide that an officer, upon the officer’s request and with the approval of the Director, be excluded from consideration for promotion by a personnel board convened under this section.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee51-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f36ee52-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determinations.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Approval</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Director shall approve a request made by an officer under paragraph (1) only if—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee53-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>the basis for the request is to allow the officer to complete a broadening assignment, advanced education, another assignment of significant value to the Administration, a career progression requirement delayed by the assignment or education, or a qualifying personal or professional circumstance, as determined by the Director;</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee54-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>the Director determines the exclusion from consideration is in the best interest of the Administration; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f36ee55-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><content>the officer has not previously failed selection for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests the exclusion from consideration.”</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></section> <section id="d223194e3404" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s303" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="303">SEC. 303. </num><heading>POSITIONS OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY.</heading><chapeau class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x0f373b76-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  Section 228 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3028">33 U.S.C. 3028</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1172">134 STAT. 1172</page></chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f373b77-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s303/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f373b78-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">President.</p></sidenote><chapeau>in subsection (c)—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f373b79-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s303/1/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>in the first sentence, by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>The Secretary shall designate one position under this section</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>The President shall designate one position</quotedText>”; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f373b7a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s303/1/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>in the second sentence, by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>That position shall be filled by</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>The President shall fill that position by appointing, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,</quotedText>”;</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f373b7b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s303/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>in subsection (d)(2), by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or immediately beginning a period of terminal leave</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>for which a higher grade is designated</quotedText>”;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f373b7c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s303/3" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">(3) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="amend">amending</amendingAction> subsection (e) to read as follows:<quotedContent><subsection class="indentDown1 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f373b7d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Limit on Number of Officers Appointed</inline>.—</heading><content>The total number of officers serving on active duty at any one time in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) or above may not exceed five, with only one serving in the grade of vice admiral.”</content></subsection> </quotedContent>; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f373b7e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s303/4" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">(4) </num><content>in subsection (f), by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or in a period of annual leave used at the end of the appointment</quotedText>” after “<quotedText>serving in that grade</quotedText>”.</content></paragraph> </section> <section id="d223194e3489" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s304" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="304">SEC. 304. </num><heading>TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f37628f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s304/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Section 229 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3029">33 U.S.C. 3029</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> to read as follows:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f3789a0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="229">“SEC. 229. </num><heading class="fontsize12">TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3789a1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Appointments by President</inline>.—</heading><content>Temporary appointments in the grade of ensign, lieutenant junior grade, or lieutenant may be made by the President.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3789a2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Termination</inline>.—</heading><content>A temporary appointment to a position under subsection (a) shall terminate upon approval of a permanent appointment for such position made by the President.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3789a3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Order of Precedence</inline>.—</heading><content>Appointees under subsection (a) shall take precedence in the grade to which appointed in accordance with the dates of their appointments as officers in such grade. The order of precedence of appointees who are appointed on the<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3789a4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote> same date shall be determined by the Secretary.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3789a5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Any One Grade</inline>.—</heading><content>When determined by the Secretary to be in the best interest of the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, officers in any permanent grade may be temporarily promoted one grade by the President. Any such temporary promotion terminates upon the transfer of the officer to a new assignment.”</content></subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3789a6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s304/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>)<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3789a7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/stat/116/3078">116 Stat. 3078</ref>.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> the item relating to section 229 and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> the following:<quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 229. </designator> <label>Temporary appointments.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e3599" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s305" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="305">SEC. 305. </num><heading>OFFICER CANDIDATES.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f37fed8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s305/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle B (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3021/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f384cf9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="234">“SEC. 234. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f384cfa-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3034">33 USC 3034</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">OFFICER CANDIDATES.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384cfb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Determination of Number</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary shall determine the number of appointments of officer candidates.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384cfc-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f384cfd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Regulations.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Appointment</inline>.—</heading><content>Appointment of officer candidates shall be made under regulations, which the Secretary shall prescribe, <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1173">134 STAT. 1173</page> including regulations with respect to determining age limits, methods of selection of officer candidates, term of service as an officer candidate before graduation from the basic officer training program of the Administration, and all other matters affecting such appointment.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384cfe-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Dismissal</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may dismiss from the basic officer training program of the Administration any officer candidate who, during the officer candidate’s term as an officer candidate, the Secretary considers unsatisfactory in either academics or conduct, or not adapted for a career in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration. Officer candidates shall be subject to rules governing discipline prescribed by the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384cff-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Agreement</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d00-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>Each officer candidate shall sign an agreement with the Secretary in accordance with section 216(a)(2) regarding the officer candidate’s term of service in the commissioned officer corps of the Administration.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d01-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Elements</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An agreement signed by an officer candidate under paragraph (1) shall provide that the officer candidate agrees to the following:</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d02-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>That the officer candidate will complete the course of instruction at the basic officer training program of the Administration.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d03-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><chapeau>That upon graduation from such program, the officer candidate—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d04-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>will accept an appointment, if tendered, as an officer; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d05-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f384d06-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><content>will serve on active duty for at least four years immediately after such appointment.</content></clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384d07-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Regulations</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall include—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d08-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f384d09-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Standards.</p></sidenote><content>standards for determining what constitutes a breach of an agreement signed under subsection (d)(1); and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d0a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f384d0b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Procedures.</p></sidenote><content>procedures for determining whether such a breach has occurred.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384d0c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="f">“(f) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Repayment</inline>.—</heading><content>An officer candidate or former officer candidate who does not fulfill the terms of the obligation to serve as specified under subsection (d) shall be subject to the repayment provisions of section 216(b).”</content></subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384d0d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s305/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>)<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f384d0e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/stat/116/3078">116 Stat. 3078</ref>.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 233 the following:<quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 234. </designator> <label>Officer candidates.”.<?GPOvSpace 04?></label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f384d0f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s305/c" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Officer Candidate Defined</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Section 212(b) (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3002/b">33 U.S.C. 3002(b)</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d10-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s305/c/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="redesignate">redesignating</amendingAction> paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f384d11-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s305/c/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after paragraph (3) the following:<quotedContent><paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y0f387422-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Officer candidate</inline>.—</heading><content>The term ‘<term>officer candidate</term>’ means an individual who is enrolled in the basic officer training program of the Administration and is under consideration for appointment as an officer under section 221(a)(2)(A).”</content></paragraph> </quotedContent>.<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1174">134 STAT. 1174</page></content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f387423-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s305/d" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Pay for Officer Candidates</inline>.—</heading><content><ref href="/us/usc/t37/s203">Section 203 of title 37, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f387424-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="f">“(f)</num><paragraph class="inline" id="y0f387425-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c"><num value="1">(1) </num><content>An officer candidate enrolled in the basic officer training program of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is entitled, while participating in such program, to monthly officer candidate pay at monthly rates equal to the basic pay of an enlisted member in the pay grade E–5 with less than two years of service.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f387426-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>An individual who graduates from such program shall receive credit for the time spent participating in such program as if such time were time served while on active duty as a commissioned officer. If the individual does not graduate from such program, such time shall not be considered creditable for active duty or pay.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e3872" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s306" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="306">SEC. 306. </num><heading>PROCUREMENT OF PERSONNEL.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f389b37-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s306/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle B (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3021/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.</ref>), as amended by section 305(a), is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f389b38-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="235">“SEC. 235. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f389b39-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3035">33 USC 3035</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">PROCUREMENT OF PERSONNEL.</heading><content class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  “The<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f389b3a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote> Secretary may take such measures as the Secretary determines necessary in order to obtain recruits for the commissioned officer corps of the Administration, including advertising.”</content></section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f389b3b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s306/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>), as amended by section 305(b), is further amended by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 234 the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 235. </designator> <label>Procurement of personnel.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e3939" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s307" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="307">SEC. 307. </num><heading>CAREER INTERMISSION PROGRAM.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f39377c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s307/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Subtitle B (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3021/etseq">33 U.S.C. 3021 et seq.</ref>), as amended by section 306(a), is further amended by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y0f3a21dd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="236">“SEC. 236. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21de-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3036">33 USC 3036</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize12">CAREER FLEXIBILITY TO ENHANCE RETENTION OF OFFICERS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a21df-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Programs Authorized</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary may carry out a program under which officers may be inactivated from active duty in order to meet personal or professional needs and returned to active duty at the end of such period of inactivation from active duty.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Period of Inactivation From Active Duty; Effect of Inactivation</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The period of inactivation from active duty under a program under this section of an officer participating in the program shall be such period as the Secretary shall specify in the agreement of the officer under subsection (c), except that such period may not exceed three years.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Exclusion from retirement</inline>.—</heading><content>Any period of participation of an officer in a program under this section shall not count toward eligibility for retirement or computation of retired pay under subtitle C.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Agreement</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Each officer who participates in a program under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the Secretary under which that officer shall agree as follows:<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1175">134 STAT. 1175</page></chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21e5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><content>To undergo during the period of the inactivation of the officer from active duty under the program such inactive duty training as the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps shall require in order to ensure that the officer retains proficiency, at a level determined by the Director to be sufficient, in the technical skills, professional qualifications, and physical readiness of the officer during the inactivation of the officer from active duty.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21e7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><content>Following completion of the period of the inactivation of the officer from active duty under the program, to serve two months on active duty for each month of the period of the inactivation of the officer from active duty under the program.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Conditions of Release</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The Secretary shall—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21e9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21ea-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Regulations.</p><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21eb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Guidelines.</p></sidenote><content>prescribe regulations specifying the guidelines regarding the conditions of release that must be considered and addressed in the agreement required by subsection (c); and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21ec-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21ed-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Procedures.</p><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21ee-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Standards.</p></sidenote><content>at a minimum, prescribe the procedures and standards to be used to instruct an officer on the obligations to be assumed by the officer under paragraph (1) of such subsection while the officer is released from active duty.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a21ef-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a21f0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Regulations.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Order to Active Duty</inline>.—</heading><content>Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, an officer participating in a program under this section may, in the discretion of the Secretary, be required to terminate participation in the program and be ordered to active duty.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="f">“(f) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Pay and Allowances</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Basic pay</inline>.—</heading><content>During each month of participation in a program under this section, an officer who participates in the program shall be paid basic pay in an amount equal to two-thirtieths of the amount of monthly basic pay to which the officer would otherwise be entitled under <ref href="/us/usc/t37/s204">section 204 of title 37, United States Code</ref>, as a member of the uniformed services on active duty in the grade and years of service of the officer when the officer commences participation in the program.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Special or incentive pay or bonus</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Prohibition</inline>.—</heading><content>An officer who participates in a program under this section shall not, while participating in the program, be paid any special or incentive pay or bonus to which the officer is otherwise entitled under an agreement under <ref href="/us/usc/t37/ch5">chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code</ref>, that is in force when the officer commences participation in the program.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Not treated as failure to perform services</inline>.—</heading><content>The inactivation from active duty of an officer participating in a program under this section shall not be treated as a failure of the officer to perform any period of service required of the officer in connection with an agreement for a special or incentive pay or bonus under <ref href="/us/usc/t37/ch5">chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code</ref>, that is in force when the officer commences participation in the program.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Return to active duty</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Special or incentive pay or bonus</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Subject to subparagraph (B), upon the return of an officer to active <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1176">134 STAT. 1176</page> duty after completion by the officer of participation in a program under this section—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>any agreement entered into by the officer under <ref href="/us/usc/t37/ch5">chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code</ref>, for the payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus that was in force when the officer commenced participation in the program shall be revived, with the term of such agreement after revival being the period of the agreement remaining to run when the officer commenced participation in the program; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21f9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>any special or incentive pay or bonus shall be payable to the officer in accordance with the terms of the agreement concerned for the term specified in clause (i).</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21fa-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Limitation</inline>.—</heading><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21fb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to an officer if, at the time of the return of the officer to active duty as described in that subparagraph—</chapeau><subclause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21fc-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658128"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="I">“(I) </num><content>such pay or bonus is no longer authorized by law; or</content></subclause> <subclause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21fd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658128"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="II">“(II) </num><content>the officer does not satisfy eligibility criteria for such pay or bonus as in effect at the time of the return of the officer to active duty.</content></subclause> </clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21fe-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Pay or bonus ceases being authorized</inline>.—</heading><content>Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply to any special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by that subparagraph with respect to an officer if, during the term of the revived agreement of the officer under subparagraph (A)(i), such pay or bonus ceases being authorized by law.</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a21ff-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Repayment</inline>.—</heading><content>An officer who is ineligible for payment of a special or incentive pay or bonus otherwise covered by this paragraph by reason of subparagraph (B)(i)(II) shall be subject to the requirements for repayment of such pay or bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement of the officer under <ref href="/us/usc/t37/ch5">chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code</ref>.</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a2200-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="D">“(D) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Required service is additional</inline>.—</heading><content>Any service required of an officer under an agreement covered by this paragraph after the officer returns to active duty as described in subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any service required of the officer under an agreement under subsection (c).</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a2201-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">“(4) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Travel and transportation allowance</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a2202-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Subject to subparagraph (B), an officer who participates in a program under this section is entitled, while participating in the program, to the travel and transportation allowances authorized by <ref href="/us/usc/t37/s474">section 474 of title 37, United States Code</ref>, for—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a2203-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>travel performed from the residence of the officer, at the time of release from active duty to participate in the program, to the location in the United States designated by the officer as the officer’s residence during the period of participation in the program; and<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1177">134 STAT. 1177</page></content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a4914-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>travel performed to the residence of the officer upon return to active duty at the end of the participation of the officer in the program.</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a4915-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Single residence</inline>.—</heading><content>An allowance is payable under this paragraph only with respect to travel of an officer to and from a single residence.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a4916-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="5">“(5) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a4917-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Leave balance</inline>.—</heading><content>An officer who participates in a program under this section is entitled to carry forward the leave balance existing as of the day on which the officer begins participation and accumulated in accordance with <ref href="/us/usc/t10/s701">section 701 of title 10, United States Code</ref>, but not to exceed 60 days.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a4918-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="g">“(g) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Promotion</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a4919-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>An officer participating in a program under this section shall not, while participating in the program, be eligible for consideration for promotion under subtitle B.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a491a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Return to service</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Upon the return of an officer to active duty after completion by the officer of participation in a program under this section—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a491b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a491c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Regulations.</p></sidenote><content>the Secretary may adjust the date of rank of the officer in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of this section; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a491d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>the officer shall be eligible for consideration for promotion when officers of the same competitive category, grade, and seniority are eligible for consideration for promotion.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a491e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="h">“(h) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a491f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Continued Entitlements</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An officer participating in a program under this section shall, while participating in the program, be treated as a member of the uniformed services on active duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a4920-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>the entitlement of the officer and of the dependents of the officer to medical and dental care under the provisions of <ref href="/us/usc/t10/ch55">chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code</ref>; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a4921-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>retirement or separation for physical disability under the provisions of subtitle C.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </section> </quotedContent>.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a4922-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIII/s307/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 1 of the Act entitled “An Act to reauthorize the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, and for other purposes” (<ref href="/us/pl/107/372">Public Law 107–372</ref>), as amended by section 306(b), is further amended by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after the item relating to section 235 the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?> <quotedContent><toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 236. </designator> <label>Career flexibility to enhance retention of officers.”.</label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> <num value="IV">TITLE IV—</num><heading>SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT OF OFFICERS</heading> <section id="d223194e4383" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIV/s401" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="401">SEC. 401. </num><heading>INVOLUNTARY RETIREMENT OR SEPARATION.</heading><content class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x0f3a4923-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  Section 241 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3041">33 U.S.C. 3041</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a7034-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Deferment of Retirement or Separation for Medical Reasons</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a7035-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a7036-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>If the Secretary determines that the evaluation of the medical condition of an officer requires hospitalization or medical observation that cannot be completed with confidence in a manner consistent with the officer’s well-being before the date on which the officer would otherwise <page identifier="/us/stat/134/1178">134 STAT. 1178</page> be required to retire or be separated under this section, the Secretary may defer the retirement or separation of the officer.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a7037-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Consent required</inline>.—</heading><content>A deferment may only be made with the written consent of the officer involved. If the officer does not provide written consent to the deferment, the officer shall be retired or separated as scheduled.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a7038-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a7039-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Limitation</inline>.—</heading><content>A deferment of retirement or separation under this subsection may not extend for more than 30 days after completion of the evaluation requiring hospitalization or medical observation.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </quotedContent>.</content></section> <section id="d223194e4447" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tIV/s402" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="402">SEC. 402. </num><heading>SEPARATION PAY.</heading><content class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x0f3a974a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  Section 242 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s3042">33 U.S.C. 3042</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3a974b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Exception</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An officer discharged for twice failing selection for promotion to the next higher grade is not entitled to separation pay under this section if the officer—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a974c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>expresses a desire not to be selected for promotion; or</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3a974d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>requests removal from the list of selectees.”</content></paragraph> </subsection> </quotedContent>.</content></section> <num value="V">TITLE V—</num><heading>OTHER NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION MATTERS</heading> <section id="d223194e4491" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s501" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="501">SEC. 501. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3a974e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s892a">33 USC 892a note</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading>CHARTING AND SURVEY SERVICES.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3abe5f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s501/a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3abe60-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Deadline.</p><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3abe61-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Contracts.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>Not later than 270 days after the development of the strategy required by section 1002(b) of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s892a">33 U.S.C. 892a note</ref>), the Secretary of Commerce shall enter into not fewer than 2 multi-year contracts with 1 or more private entities for the performance of charting and survey services by vessels.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3abe62-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s501/b" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Charting and Surveys in the Arctic</inline>.—</heading><content>In soliciting and engaging the services of vessels under subsection (a), the Secretary shall particularly emphasize the need for charting and surveys in the Arctic.</content></subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e4528" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="502">SEC. 502. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3abe63-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s851">33 USC 851 note</ref> prec.</p></sidenote><heading>CO-LOCATION AGREEMENTS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3b3394-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3b3395-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time periods.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content>During fiscal years 2021 through 2030, and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may execute noncompetitive co-location agreements for real property and incidental goods and services with entities described in subsection (b) for periods of not more than 20 years, if each such agreement is supported by a price reasonableness analysis.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3b3396-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Entities Described</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An entity described in this subsection is—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b3397-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>the government of any State, territory, possession, or locality of the United States;</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b3398-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>any Tribal organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (<ref href="/us/usc/t25/s5304">25 U.S.C. 5304</ref>));</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b3399-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/3" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">(3) </num><chapeau>any subdivision of—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b339a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/3/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>a government described in paragraph (1); or</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b339b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/3/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>an organization described in paragraph (2); or<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1179">134 STAT. 1179</page></content></subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b339c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/4" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="4">(4) </num><chapeau>any organization that is—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b339d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/4/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b339e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/b/4/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3b339f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Collaboration Agreements</inline>.—</heading><content>Upon the execution of an agreement authorized by subsection (a) with an entity, the Administrator may enter into agreements with the entity to collaborate or engage in projects or programs on matters of mutual interest for periods not to exceed the term of the agreement. <sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3b33a0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote>The cost of such agreements shall be apportioned equitably, as determined by the Administrator.</content></subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3b33a1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/d" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Savings Clause</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Nothing in this section shall be construed—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b33a2-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/d/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>to affect the authority of the Administrator of General Services; or</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b33a3-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s502/d/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>to grant the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration any additional authority to enter into a lease without approval of the General Services Administration.</content></paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section id="d223194e4639" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="503">SEC. 503. </num><heading>SATELLITE AND DATA MANAGEMENT.</heading><chapeau class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x0f3b81c4-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  Section 301 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (<ref href="/us/usc/t15/s8531">15 U.S.C. 8531</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81c5-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>in subsection (c)(1), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> subparagraph (D) and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> the following:<quotedContent><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81c6-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="D">“(D) </num><chapeau>improve—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81c7-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>weather and climate forecasting and predictions; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81c8-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>the understanding, management, and exploration of the ocean.”</content></clause> </subparagraph> </quotedContent>; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81c9-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><chapeau>in subsection (d)—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81ca-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503/2/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><chapeau>in paragraph (1)—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81cb-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503/2/A/i" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">(i) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>data and satellite systems</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>data, satellite, and other observing systems</quotedText>”; and</content></clause> <clause class="fontsize10" id="y0f3b81cc-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503/2/A/ii" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">(ii) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>to carry out</quotedText>” and all that follows and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> the following: <quotedContent>“to carry out—<subparagraph class="indentDown1 fontsize10" id="y0f3ba8dd-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>basic, applied, and advanced research projects and ocean exploration missions to meet the objectives described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (c)(1); or</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="indentDown1 fontsize10" id="y0f3ba8de-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3ba8df-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determination.</p></sidenote><content>any other type of project to meet other mission objectives, as determined by the Under Secretary.”</content></subparagraph> </quotedContent>;</content></clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3ba8e0-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503/2/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>satellites</quotedText>” and all that follows and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>systems, including satellites, instrumentation, ground stations, data, and data processing;</quotedText>”; and</content></subparagraph> <subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3ba8e1-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s503/2/C" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">(C) </num><content>in paragraph (3), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>2023</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>2030</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph> </paragraph> </section> <section id="d223194e4755" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="504">SEC. 504. </num><heading>IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT PREVENTION AT THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3bf702-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Reporting</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Subtitle C of title XXXV of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s894/etseq">33 U.S.C. 894 et seq.</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—<page identifier="/us/stat/134/1180">134 STAT. 1180</page></chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3bf703-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504/a/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>in section 3541(b)(3)(B) (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s894/b/3/B">33 U.S.C. 894(b)(3)(B)</ref>), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>can be confidentially reported</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>can be reported on a restricted or unrestricted basis</quotedText>”; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3bf704-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504/a/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>in section 3542(b)(5)(B) (<ref href="/us/usc/t33/s894a/b/5/B">33 U.S.C. 894a(b)(5)(B)</ref>), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>can be confidentially reported</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>can be reported on a restricted or unrestricted basis</quotedText>”.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3bf705-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3bf706-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s894e">33 USC 894e</ref>, 894f.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Investigative Requirement</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Such subtitle <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3bf707-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504/b/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="redesignate">redesignating</amendingAction> sections 3546 and 3547 as sections 3548 and 3549, respectively; and</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3bf708-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504/b/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after section 3545 the following:<quotedContent><section class="indentUp1 firstIndent-2" id="y0f3c1e19-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658144"><num class="bold" value="3546">“SEC. 3546. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3c1e1a-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s894d–1">33 USC 894d–1</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="bold">INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENT.</heading><subsection class="indentDown2 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3c1e1b-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Requirement to Investigate</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3c1e1c-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall ensure that each allegation of sexual harassment reported under section 3541 and each allegation of sexual assault reported under section 3542 is investigated thoroughly and promptly.</content></paragraph> <paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y0f3c1e1d-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Sense of congress on commencement of investigation</inline>.<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3c1e1e-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote>—</heading><content>It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary should ensure that an investigation of alleged sexual harassment reported under section 3541 or sexual assault reported under section 3542 commences not later than 48 hours after the time at which the allegation was reported.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="indentDown2 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3c1e1f-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3c1e20-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Notification of Delay</inline>.—</heading><content>In any case in which the time between the reporting of alleged sexual harassment or sexual assault under section 3541 or 3542, respectively, and commencement of an investigation of the allegation exceeds 48 hours, the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives of the delay.</content></subsection> </section> <section class="indentUp1 firstIndent-2" id="y0f3c1e21-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658144"><num class="bold" value="3547">“SEC. 3547. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x0f3c1e22-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t33/s894d–2">33 USC 894d–2</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading class="bold">CRIMINAL REFERRAL.</heading><content class="indentDown1 firstIndent0 fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:I658120">  “If the Secretary of Commerce finds, pursuant to an investigation under section 3546, evidence that a crime may have been committed, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, including the appropriate United States Attorney.”</content></section> </quotedContent>.</content></paragraph> </subsection> <subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y0f3c1e23-e824-11f0-bc57-ad3ac4b1618c" identifier="/us/pl/116/259/tV/s504/c" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Clerical Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of contents in section 2(b) of such Act <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> the items relating to sections 3546 and 3547 and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> the following new items:<page/> <quotedContent><page identifier="/us/stat/134/1181">134 STAT. 1181</page> <toc> <referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 3546. </designator> <label>Investigation requirement.</label> </referenceItem><referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 3547. </designator> <label>Criminal referral.</label> </referenceItem><referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 3548. </designator> <label>Annual report on sexual assaults in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.</label> </referenceItem><referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242"> <designator>“Sec. 3549. </designator> <label>Sexual assault defined.”.<?GPOvSpace 04?></label> </referenceItem></toc> </quotedContent></content></subsection> </section> Approved December 23, 2020.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 2981: SENATE REPORTS: ┐No. 116–273 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 166 (2020):

Nov. 16, considered and passed Senate.

Dec. 3, 4, considered and passed House.

 DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2020):

Dec. 23, Presidential statement.

 ○