U.S.C. Title 5 - GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES

Sec.

2101.

Civil service; armed forces; uniformed services.

2101a.

The Senior Executive Service.

2102.

The competitive service.

2103.

The excepted service.

2104.

Officer.

2105.

Employee.

2106.

Member of Congress.

2107.

Congressional employee.

2108.

Veteran; disabled veteran; preference eligible.

2109.

Air traffic controller; Secretary.

Amendments

1980—Pub. L. 96–347, §1(d), Sept. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 1150, substituted “controller; Secretary” for “controller” in item 2109.

1978—Pub. L. 95–454, title IV, §401(e), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1154, added item 2101a.

§2101. Civil service; armed forces; uniformed services

(1) the “civil service” consists of all appointive positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the Government of the United States, except positions in the uniformed services;

(2) “armed forces” means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard; and

(3) “uniformed services” means the armed forces, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 408; Pub. L. 90–83, §1(4), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 196; Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(4), Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 381.)

Historical and Revision Notes

1966 Act

The section is supplied to establish basis of reference to employees in this title.

1967 Act

This section amends various sections [§§2101, 4102, 4109, 5541, 8101] of title 5, United States Code, to reflect 1965 Reorganization Plan No. 2 (79 Stat. 1318), effective July 13, 1965, which consolidated the Coast and Geodetic Survey and the Weather Bureau to form a new agency in the Department of Commerce to be known as the Environmental Science Services Administration.

Amendments

1979—Par. (3). Pub. L. 96–54 substituted “National Oceanic and Atmospheric” for “Environmental Science Services”.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–54 effective July 12, 1979, see section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54, set out as a note under section 305 of this title.

Short Title of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–226, §1, Mar. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 111, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 3381, 4101, 4103, 4105, 4107, 4108, 4113, 4118, 5597, 8351, 8433 to 8435, 8437, 8440a to 8440d of this title and section 1206 of Title 45, Railroads, repealing sections 4106 and 4114 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3101, 3381, 5597, 8331, and 8351 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 403–4 of Title 50, War and National Defense] may be cited as the ‘Federal Workforce Restructuring Act of 1994’.”

Short Title of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–508, title VII, §7202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–335, provided that: “This section [amending sections 2105, 3502, 5334, 5335, 5365, 5551, 6308, 6312, 8331, 8347, 8401, 8461, and 8901 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 2105 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Portability of Benefits for Nonappropriated Fund Employees Act of 1990’.”

Coordination of Title VII of Pub. L. 101–508 With Section 909 of Title 2

Pub. L. 101–508, title VII, §7301, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–341, provided that: “For purposes of section 202 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Reaffirmation Act of 1987 [probably means section 202 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Reaffirmation Act of 1987, Pub. L. 100–119, which was formerly classified to section 909 of Title 2, The Congress], this title and the amendments made by this title [amending sections 552a, 2105, 3502, 5334, 5335, 5365, 5551, 6308, 6312, 8331, 8334, 8339, 8342, 8343a, 8347, 8348, 8401, 8420a, 8461, 8901, 8902, 8904, 8906, 8909, and 8910 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 552a, 2105, 8334, 8343a, 8348, 8902, 8904, and 8906 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under sections 8343a and 8906 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 8343a and 8348 of this title] shall be considered an exception under subsection (b) of such section.”

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in title 10 sections 4357, 6975, 9356; title 18 section 207; title 22 section 3641; title 41 section 423.

§2101a. The Senior Executive Service

The “Senior Executive Service” consists of Senior Executive Service positions (as defined in section 3132(a)(2) of this title).

Effective Date

Section effective 9 months after Oct. 13, 1978, and congressional review of provisions of sections 401 through 412 of Pub. L. 95–454, see section 415 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as a note under section 3131 of this title.

§2102. The competitive service

(A) positions which are specifically excepted from the competitive service by or under statute;

(B) positions to which appointments are made by nomination for confirmation by the Senate, unless the Senate otherwise directs; and

(2) civil service positions not in the executive branch which are specifically included in the competitive service by statute; and

(3) positions in the government of the District of Columbia which are specifically included in the competitive service by statute.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section, the “competitive service” includes positions to which appointments are made by nomination for confirmation by the Senate when specifically included therein by statute.

(c) As used in other Acts of Congress, “classified civil service” or “classified service” means the “competitive service”.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 408; Pub. L. 95–454, title IV, §401(b), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1154.)

Subsection (a)(1) is based on former section 638, which placed positions in the executive branch of the Government generally in the competitive service by the requirement that employment be predicated on passing an examination or being exempted from examination, and section 1 of the Act of Nov. 26, 1940, ch. 919, title I, 54 Stat. 1211 (see table III), which authorized the President, subject to certain exceptions, to place in the classified civil service positions in the Executive departments, independent establishments, and other agencies of the Government. In that Act the word “executive” has been construed to modify “departments”, “independent establishments”; and “other agency”. This construction is supported by the language of the Act of Jan. 16, 1883, and is embodied in Civil Service Rule I. Acting under this statute, the President has placed all but a comparatively few of the positions covered by the Act of Nov. 26, 1940, in the competitive service. The remainder are covered by the exceptions contained in the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. The authority of the President conferred by the Act of Nov. 26, 1940, has been superseded in part by exceptions created by statutes enacted after that date. The effect of these exceptions and the power conferred on the President by former section 633(2)8 (last sentence) to make exceptions to the Civil Service Rules are preserved by the words “positions which are specifically excepted from the competitive service by or under statute”.

In subsection (a)(1)(B), the words “or to pass an examination” are omitted as covered by the exclusion from the “competitive service”.

Subsection (a)(2) preserves the exception stated in former section 638 modified to recognize the several statutory exceptions to this exception that have been enacted. The language of former section 638 relative to examination is codified in sections 3304(b) and 3361. The reference to veterans’ preference is omitted because the statute referred to, R.S. §1754, was superseded by sections 3 and 21 of the Act of June 18, 1929, ch. 28, 46 Stat. 21. Section 3 of the Act of June 18, 1929, was superseded by the Act of June 27, 1944, ch. 287, 58 Stat. 387, as amended, which is carried into this title. Rights preserved by section 18 of the Act of June 27, 1944, are further preserved by technical section 8. The exception for laborers and workmen was superseded by the Act of Nov. 26, 1940.

Subsection (c) is supplied for conformity inasmuch as the terms are coextensive by definition.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Amendments

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–454 effective 9 months after Oct. 13, 1978, and congressional review of provisions of sections 401 through 412 of Pub. L. 95–454, see section 415 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3131 of this title.

Cross References

Employment of reading assistants for blind employees without regard to provisions governing appointments to the competitive service, see section 3102 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 3132 of this title; title 10 section 1744; title 16 section 3198; title 22 section 3641; title 28 section 569; title 36 section 121; title 42 section 2000e; title 49 section 44506.

§2103. The excepted service

(a) For the purpose of this title, the “excepted service” consists of those civil service positions which are not in the competitive service or the Senior Executive Service.

(b) As used in other Acts of Congress, “unclassified civil service” or “unclassified service” means the “excepted service”.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 408; Pub. L. 95–454, title IV, §401(c), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1154.)

Historical and Revision Notes

The section is supplied for convenience. The “excepted service” has come to mean all employees not in the competitive service, for whatever reason.

Amendments

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–454 inserted reference to Senior Executive Service.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in title 10 sections 1744, 2164; title 49 section 44506.

§2104. Officer

(a) For the purpose of this title, “officer”, except as otherwise provided by this section or when specifically modified, means a justice or judge of the United States and an individual who is—

(1) required by law to be appointed in the civil service by one of the following acting in an official capacity—

(2) engaged in the performance of a Federal function under authority of law or an Executive act; and

(3) subject to the supervision of an authority named by paragraph (1) of this section, or the Judicial Conference of the United States, while engaged in the performance of the duties of his office.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, an officer of the United States Postal Service or of the Postal Rate Commission is deemed not an officer for purposes of this title.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 408; Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(3), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 775.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Amendments

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(3)(A), (B), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and inserted in introductory text “as otherwise provided by this section or” after “except”.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–375 effective within 1 year after Aug. 12, 1970, on date established therefor by Board of Governors of United States Postal Service and published by it in Federal Register, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 39, Postal Service.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 902 of this title; title 18 section 202; title 50 section 426.

§2105. Employee

(a) For the purpose of this title, “employee”, except as otherwise provided by this section or when specifically modified, means an officer and an individual who is—

(1) appointed in the civil service by one of the following acting in an official capacity—

(F) an adjutant general designated by the Secretary concerned under section 709(c) of title 32;

(2) engaged in the performance of a Federal function under authority of law or an Executive act; and

(3) subject to the supervision of an individual named by paragraph (1) of this subsection while engaged in the performance of the duties of his position.

(b) An individual employed at the United States Naval Academy in the midshipmen's laundry, the midshipmen's tailor shop, the midshipmen's cobbler and barber shops, and the midshipmen's store, except an individual employed by the Academy dairy, is deemed an employee.

(c) An employee paid from nonappropriated funds of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Army and Air Force Motion Picture Service, Navy Ship's Stores Ashore, Navy exchanges, Marine Corps exchanges, Coast Guard exchanges, and other instrumentalities of the United States under the jurisdiction of the armed forces conducted for the comfort, pleasure, contentment, and mental and physical improvement of personnel of the armed forces is deemed not an employee for the purpose of—

(D) for the purpose of entering into an interchange agreement to provide for the noncompetitive movement of employees between such instrumentalities and the competitive service; or

(E) subchapter V of chapter 63, which shall be applied so as to construe references to benefit programs to refer to applicable programs for employees paid from nonappropriated funds; or

(2) subchapter I of chapter 81, chapter 84 (except to the extent specifically provided therein), and section 7902 of this title.

This subsection does not affect the status of these nonappropriated fund activities as Federal instrumentalities.

(d) A Reserve of the armed forces who is not on active duty or who is on active duty for training is deemed not an employee or an individual holding an office of trust or profit or discharging an official function under or in connection with the United States because of his appointment, oath, or status, or any duties or functions performed or pay or allowances received in that capacity.

(e) Except as otherwise provided by law, an employee of the United States Postal Service or of the Postal Rate Commission is deemed not an employee for purposes of this title.

(f) For purposes of sections 1212, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1221, 1222, 2302, and 7701, employees appointed under chapter 73 or 74 of title 38 shall be employees.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 409; Pub. L. 90–486, §4, Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 757; Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(4), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 775; Pub. L. 92–392, §2, Aug. 19, 1972, 86 Stat. 573; Pub. L. 95–454, title VII, §703(c)(2), title IX, §906(a)(2), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1217, 1224; Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(5), (6), Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 99–335, title II, §207(a), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 594; Pub. L. 99–638, §2(b)(1), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3536; Pub. L. 101–508, title VII, §7202(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–335; Pub. L. 103–3, title II, §201(b), Feb. 5, 1993, 107 Stat. 23; Pub. L. 103–424, §7, Oct. 29, 1994, 108 Stat. 4364.)

Subsection (a) is supplied to avoid the necessity of defining “employee” each time it appears in this title. The subsection is based on a definition worked out independently by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Labor and in use by both for more than a decade.

In subsection (b), the provisions of the source statutes which relate to credit for prior service and diminution of pay are executed, or, insofar as to be executed preserved by technical section 8.

In subsection (d), the words “officer or” are omitted as included within “employee”.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

References in Text

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(C), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676, 52 Stat. 1060, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§201 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 201 of Title 29 and Tables.

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 101–508, §7202(b)(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “laws (other than subchapter IV of chapter 53 of this title, subchapter III of chapter 83 of this title to the extent provided in section 8332(b)(16) of this title, and sections 5550 and 7204 of this title) administered by the Office of Personnel Management; or”.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–508, §7202(b)(2), inserted “(except to the extent specifically provided therein)” after “chapter 84”.

1986—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 99–638 inserted “of this title, subchapter III of chapter 83 of this title to the extent provided in section 8332(b)(16) of this title,”.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 99–335 substituted “chapter 81, chapter 84,” for “chapter 81”.

1979—Subsec. (a)(1)(F). Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(5), substituted “an adjutant” for “the adjutants” and struck out “, United States Code” after “32”.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(6), amended subsec. (c)(1) in same manner as amendment by section 703(c)(2) of Pub. L. 95–454. See 1978 Amendment note set out below.

1978—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 95–454 substituted “7204” for “7154”, and “Office of Personnel Management” for “Civil Service Commission”. Amendments by section 703(c)(1) and (c)(2) of Pub. L. 95–454 appear to have been inadvertently reversed. Subsec. (c)(1) purported to amend subsec. (c)(1) of this section, and subsec. (c)(2) purported to amend section 3302(2) of this title. However, the amendments specified by Pub. L. 95–454, §703(c)(1) and (2), were impossible to execute literally. Thus, the amendment by Pub. L. 95–454, §703(c)(2) was executed to this section, and the amendment by section 703(c)(1) was executed to section 3302(2) of this title as the probable intent of Congress.

1972—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 92–392 substituted “laws (other than subchapter IV of chapter 53 and sections 5550 and 7154 of this title)” for “laws”.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–3 effective 6 months after Feb. 5, 1993, see section 405(b)(1) of Pub. L. 103–3, set out as an Effective Date note under section 2601 of Title 29, Labor.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

“(1) The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 3502, 5334, 5335, 5365, 5551, 6308, 6312, 8331, 8347, 8401, 8461, and 8901 of this title] shall apply with respect to any individual who, on or after January 1, 1987—

“(A) moves without a break in service of more than 3 days from employment in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard that is described in section 2105(c) of title 5, United States Code, to employment in the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard, respectively, that is not described in such section 2105(c); or

“(B) moves without a break in service from employment in the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard that is not described in such section 2105(c) to employment in a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard, respectively, that is described in such section 2105(c).

“(2) The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, as applicable, shall take such actions as may be practicable to ensure that each individual who has moved as described under paragraph (1) on or after January 1, 1987, and before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990], receives the benefit of the amendments made by this section as if such amendments had been in effect at the time such individual so moved. Each such individual who wishes to make an election of retirement coverage under the amendments made by subsection (j) or (k) of this section [amending sections 8331, 8347, 8401, and 8461 of this title] shall complete such election within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.”

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–54 effective July 12, 1979, see section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54, set out as a note under section 305 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–454 effective 90 days after Oct. 13, 1978, see section 907 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–392 effective on first day of first applicable pay period beginning on or after 90th day after Aug. 19, 1972, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 92–392, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5341 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–486 effective Jan. 1, 1968, except that no deductions or withholding from salary which result therefrom shall commence before the first day of the first pay period that begins on or after Jan. 1, 1968, see section 11 of Pub. L. 90–486, set out as a note under section 709 of Title 32, National Guard.

Treatment of Individuals Electing To Remain Subject to Their Former Retirement System

Section 7202(n) of Pub. L. 101–508, as amended by Pub. L. 102–378, §5(a)(2), Oct. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 1358, provided that:

“(1) For the purpose of this section [amending this section and sections 3502, 5334, 5335, 5365, 5551, 6308, 6312, 8331, 8347, 8401, 8461, and 8901 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 2101 of this title], the term ‘nonappropriated fund instrumentality’ means a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard, described in section 2105(c) of title 5, United States Code.

“(2)(A) If an individual makes an election under section 8347(q)(1) of title 5, United States Code, to remain covered by subchapter III of chapter 83 of such title, any nonappropriated fund instrumentality thereafter employing such individual shall deduct from such individual's pay and contribute to the Thrift Savings Fund such sums as are required for such individual in accordance with section 8351 of such title.

“(B) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b) of section 8432 of title 5, United States Code, any individual who, as of the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990], becomes eligible to make an election under section 8347(q)(1) of such title may, within 30 days after such individual makes an election thereunder in accordance with subsection (m)(2) [set out as a note above], make any election described in section 8432(b)(1)(A) of such title.

“(3)(A) If an individual makes an election under section 8461(n)(1) of title 5, United States Code, to remain covered by chapter 84 of such title, any nonappropriated fund instrumentality thereafter employing such individual shall deduct from such individual's pay and shall contribute to the Thrift Savings Fund the funds deducted, together with such other sums as are required for such individual under subchapter III of such chapter.

“(B) Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b) of section 8432 of title 5, United States Code, any individual who, as of the date of enactment of this Act, becomes eligible to make an election under section 8461(n)(1) of such title may, within 30 days after such individual makes an election thereunder in accordance with subsection (m)(2), make any election described in section 8432(b)(1)(A) of such title.

“(4) If an individual makes an election under section 8347(q)(2) or 8461(n)(2) of title 5, United States Code, to remain covered by a retirement system established for employees described in section 2105(c) of such title, any Government agency thereafter employing such individual shall, in lieu of any deductions or contributions for which it would otherwise be responsible with respect to such individual under chapter 83 or 84 of such title, make such deductions from pay and such contributions as would be required (under the retirement system for nonappropriated fund employees involved) if it were a nonappropriated fund instrumentality. Any such deductions and contributions shall be remitted to the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard, as applicable, for transmission to the appropriate retirement system.”

[Amendment by Pub. L. 102–378 to section 7202(n) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out above, effective Nov. 5, 1990, see section 9(b)(6) of Pub. L. 102–378, set out as an Effective Date of 1992 Amendment note under section 6303 of this title.]

Prohibition of Decrease in Basic Pay Rate of Employees of Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities

Amendments by Pub. L. 92–392 not to decrease basic pay rate of subsec. (c) employees in service before effective date of the amendments as to such employees, see section 9(a)(2) of Pub. L. 92–392, set out as a note under section 5343 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 3502, 5334, 5335, 5342, 5365, 5506, 5515, 5537, 5551, 5552, 5581, 5595, 5751, 5945, 5946, 6103, 6104, 6121, 6301, 6308, 6322, 6323, 6385, 7103, 7119, 7342, 7905, 8171, 8172, 8173, 8311, 8331, 8332, 8347, 8401, 8461, 8701, 8901 of this title; title 10 sections 975, 1587; title 18 section 202; title 19 section 2081; title 22 sections 4341, 4833; title 25 section 450i; title 26 section 7608; title 41 section 419; title 42 section 3374; title 50 section 426.

§2106. Member of Congress

For the purpose of this title, “Member of Congress” means the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 409; Pub. L. 91–405, title II, §204(b), Sept. 22, 1970, 84 Stat. 852; Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(7), Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 381.)

Historical and Revision Notes

The section is supplied to avoid the necessity of defining “Member of Congress” each time the term is used in this title.

Amendments

1979—Pub. L. 96–54 substituted “to the House of Representatives” for “from the District of Columbia”.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–54 effective July 12, 1979, see section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54, set out as a note under section 305 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–405 effective Sept. 22, 1970, see section 206(b) of Pub. L. 91–405, set out as an Effective Date note under section 25a of Title 2, The Congress.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 5520a, 7342, 8311, 8331, 8401, 8701, 8901 of this title.

§2107. Congressional employee

(1) an employee of either House of Congress, of a committee of either House, or of a joint committee of the two Houses;

(5) an employee of a Member of Congress if the pay of the employee is paid by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House of Representatives;

(7) the Architect of the Capitol and an employee of the Architect of the Capitol;

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 409; Pub. L. 90–83, §1(5), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 196; Pub. L. 91–510, title IV, §442(a), Oct. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 1191.)

Historical and Revision Notes

1966 Act

The section is supplied to avoid the necessity of defining “Congressional employee” each time the term is used in this title.

Paragraph (6), relating to Official Reporters of Debates of the Senate and their employees, is eliminated as unnecessary on authority of the act of July 27, 1965 (2 U.S.C. 126–1). Pursuant to that act, the Official Reporters and their employees became employees of the Senate; accordingly, they are now included within the definition of “Congressional employee” under paragraph (1).

In paragraph (8), based on the act of September 26, 1966 (5 App. U.S.C. 2251(c)), the word “officers” is omitted as included in “employees,” and the words “United States” preceding the words “Botanic Garden” are omitted as unnecessary.

Amendments

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–510 effective immediately prior to noon on June. 3, 1971, see section 601(1) of Pub. L. 91–510, set out as a note under section 72a of Title 2, The Congress.

Transfer of Functions

Certain functions of Clerk of House of Representatives transferred to Director of Non-legislative and Financial Services by section 7 of House Resolution No. 423, One Hundred Second Congress, Apr. 9, 1992. Director of Non-legislative and Financial Services replaced by Chief Administrative Officer of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 5531, 8331, 8401, 8701, 8901 of this title; title 2 section 31b–5; title 22 section 3008; title 26 section 7448; title 31 section 774; title 38 section 7297.

§2108. Veteran; disabled veteran; preference eligible

(A) served on active duty in the armed forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or during the period beginning April 28, 1952, and ending July 1, 1955; or

Historical and Revision Notes
Derivation	U.S. Code	Revised Statutes and Statutes at Large
(a)	5 U.S.C. 638 (less applicability to appointment and promotion).	Jan. 16, 1883, ch. 27, §7 (less applicability to appointment and promotion), 22 Stat. 406.

Historical and Revision Notes
Derivation	U.S. Code	Revised Statutes and Statutes at Large
(b)	[Uncodified].	Aug. 5, 1939, ch. 448, §2, 53 Stat. 1210.
	[Uncodified].	Dec. 3, 1945, ch. 510, §2, 59 Stat. 590.
	[Uncodified].	Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 593, §2, 59 Stat. 660.
	[Uncodified].	Dec. 28, 1945, ch. 594, §2, 59 Stat. 660.
	[Uncodified].	July 26, 1946, ch. 675, §2 (last proviso), 60 Stat. 704.
(c)	5 U.S.C. 150k.	June 19, 1952, ch. 444, §1, 66 Stat. 138.
(d)	5 U.S.C. 30r(d).	Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §29(d), 70A Stat. 632.

1967 Act
Section of title 5	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
2107(6)	2:126–1.	July 27, 1965, Pub. L. 89–90, §101 (proviso on p. 265), 79 Stat. 265.
2107(8)	5 App.: 2251(c).	Sept. 26, 1966, Pub. L. 89–604, §1(a), 80 Stat. 846.

(B) served on active duty as defined by section 101(21) of title 38 at any time in the armed forces for a period of more than 180 consecutive days any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before the date of enactment of the Veterans’ Education and Employment Assistance Act of 1976, not including service under section 511(d) ¹ of title 10 pursuant to an enlistment in the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard or as a Reserve for service in the Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve;

(2) “disabled veteran” means an individual who has served on active duty in the armed forces, has been separated therefrom under honorable conditions, and has established the present existence of a service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension because of a public statute administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a military department;

(3) “preference eligible” means, except as provided in paragraph (4) of this section—

(D) the unmarried widow or widower of a veteran as defined by paragraph (1)(A) of this section;

(E) the wife or husband of a service-connected disabled veteran if the veteran has been unable to qualify for any appointment in the civil service or in the government of the District of Columbia;

(F) the mother of an individual who lost his life under honorable conditions while serving in the armed forces during a period named by paragraph (1)(A) of this section, if—

(ii) she is widowed, divorced, or separated from the father and has not remarried; or

(iii) she has remarried but is widowed, divorced, or legally separated from her husband when preference is claimed; and

(G) the mother of a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran, if—

(ii) she is widowed, divorced, or separated from the father and has not remarried; or

(iii) she has remarried but is widowed, divorced, or legally separated from her husband when preference is claimed;

but does not include applicants for, or members of, the Senior Executive Service, the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service, the Senior Cryptologic Executive Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service, or the General Accounting Office;

(4) except for the purposes of chapters 43 and 75 of this title, “preference eligible” does not include a retired member of the armed forces unless—

(5) “retired member of the armed forces” means a member or former member of the armed forces who is entitled, under statute, to retired, retirement, or retainer pay on account of service as a member.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 410; Pub. L. 90–83, §1(6), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 196; Pub. L. 90–623, §1(2), Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1312; Pub. L. 92–187, §1, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 644; Pub. L. 94–502, title VII, §702, Oct. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 2405; Pub. L. 95–454, title III, §307(a), title IV, §401(d), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1147, 1154; Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(8), (9)(A), Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 96–191, §8(a), Feb. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 33; Pub. L. 97–89, title VIII, §801, Dec. 4, 1981, 95 Stat. 1161; Pub. L. 100–325, §2(a), May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 581; Pub. L. 102–54, §13(b)(1), June 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 274.)

In paragraph (2), the words “a military department” are substituted for “the War Department or Navy Department” (appearing in section 2 of the Act of June 27, 1944) because of the definition of “military department” in section 102. The Department of War was designated the Department of the Army by the Act of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §205, 61 Stat. 501. “Department of the Air Force” is included on authority of the Act of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §207 (a), (f), 61 Stat. 502.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

References in Text

The date of enactment of the Veterans’ Education and Employment Assistance Act of 1976, referred to in par. (1)(B), means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 94–502, which was Oct. 15, 1976.

Section 511 of title 10, referred to in par. (1)(B), was renumbered section 12103 of Title 10, Armed Forces, by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1662(b)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2989.

Amendments

1991—Par. (2). Pub. L. 102–54 substituted “Department of Veterans Affairs” for “Veterans’ Administration”.

1988—Par. (3). Pub. L. 100–325 inserted reference to Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service in concluding provisions.

1981—Par. (3). Pub. L. 97–89 inserted reference to Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service and Senior Cryptologic Executive Service in concluding provisions.

1980—Par. (3). Pub. L. 96–191 inserted reference to General Accounting Office in concluding provisions.

1979—Par. (3). Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(8), inserted provision excepting applicants for, or members of, Senior Executive Service.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(9)(A), struck out provision excepting applicants for, or members of, Senior Executive Service.

Par. (3). Pub. L. 95–454, §307(a)(2), (3), inserted “, except as provided in paragraph (4) of this section” after “means”, and substituted a semicolon for the period at end.

Pars. (4), (5). Pub. L. 95–454, §307(a)(4), added pars. (4) and (5) relating to retired members of the armed forces.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 95–454, §401(d), inserted “; but does not include applicants for, or members of, the Senior Executive Service” before the period at end.

1976—Par. (1)(B). Pub. L. 94–502 substituted “any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before the date of enactment of the Veterans’ Education and Employment Assistance Act of 1976,” for “after January 31, 1955,”.

1971—Par. (3)(D). Pub. L. 92–187 inserted “or widower” after “unmarried widow”.

1968—Par. (3)(D). Pub. L. 90–623 inserted “as defined by paragraph (1)(A) of this section” after “veteran”.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–89 effective Oct. 1, 1981, see section 806 of Pub. L. 97–89, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1601 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–191 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 10(a) of Pub L. 96–191.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by section 2(a)(8) of Pub. L. 96–54 effective July 12, 1979, see section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54, set out as a note under section 305 of this title.

Section 2(a)(9)(B) of Pub. L. 96–54 provided that: “The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 1980”.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Section 307(a) of Pub. L. 95–454 provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Oct. 1, 1980.

Amendment by section 401(d) of Pub. L. 95–454 effective 9 months after Oct. 13, 1978, and congressional review of provisions of sections 401 through 412 of Pub. L. 95–454, see section 415 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3131 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–623 effective Sept. 11, 1967, for all purposes, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–623, set out as a note under section 5334 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 3305, 3309, 3312, 3318, 3352, 3502, 3504 of this title; title 10 section 943; title 16 section 3198; title 20 section 241; title 22 sections 1438, 3941; title 25 section 2641; title 32 section 709; title 38 sections 106, 5303A, 7281, 7802; title 39 section 1005; title 42 sections 2992a–1, 9839; title 49 section 47112.

§2109. Air traffic controller; Secretary

(1) “air traffic controller” or “controller” means a civilian employee of the Department of Transportation or the Department of Defense who, in an air traffic control facility or flight service station facility—

(ii) in providing preflight, inflight, or airport advisory service to aircraft operators; or

(B) is the immediate supervisor of any employee described in subparagraph (A); and

(2) “Secretary”, when used in connection with “air traffic controller” or “controller”, means the Secretary of Transportation with respect to controllers in the Department of Transportation, and the Secretary of Defense with respect to controllers in the Department of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 92–297, §1(a), May 16, 1972, 86 Stat. 141; amended Pub. L. 96–347, §1(a), Sept. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 1150; Pub. L. 99–335, title II, §207(b), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 594.)

Amendments

1986—Par. (1). Pub. L. 99–335 amended par. (1) generally including within term “air traffic controller” or “controller” references to a flight service station facility and to employment providing preflight, inflight, or airport advisory service to aircraft operators and striking out provision that regulations prescribed by the Secretary be used in determining who is an air traffic controller.

1980—Pub. L. 96–347 substituted “controller; Secretary” for “controller” in section catchline, and in text included employees of the Department of Defense within the meaning of air traffic controller or controller and defined “Secretary” to mean Secretary of Transportation with respect to controllers in the Department of Transportation and Secretary of Defense with respect to controllers in the Department of Defense.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–335 effective Jan. 1, 1987, see section 702(a) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Section 3 of Pub. L. 96–347 provided that: “This Act [amending this section and sections 3307, 3381 to 3385, and 8335 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 8335 of this title] shall take effect on the later of—

“(2) the ninetieth day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 12, 1980].”

Effective Date

Section effective on 90th day after May 16, 1972, see, section 10 of Pub. L. 92–297, set out as a note under section 3381 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

1967 Act
Section of title 5	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
2108	5 App.: 851.	Mar. 3, 1966, Pub. L. 89–358, §11, 80 Stat. 28.

CHAPTER 23—MERIT SYSTEM PRINCIPLES

Sec.

2301.

Merit system principles.

2302.

Prohibited personnel practices.

2303.

Prohibited personnel practices in the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

2304.

Responsibility of the General Accounting Office.

2305.

Coordination with certain other provisions of law.

Chapter Referred to in Other Sections

§2301. Merit system principles

(b) Federal personnel management should be implemented consistent with the following merit system principles:

(1) Recruitment should be from qualified individuals from appropriate sources in an endeavor to achieve a work force from all segments of society, and selection and advancement should be determined solely on the basis of relative ability, knowledge, and skills, after fair and open competition which assures that all receive equal opportunity.

(2) All employees and applicants for employment should receive fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of personnel management without regard to political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or handicapping condition, and with proper regard for their privacy and constitutional rights.

(3) Equal pay should be provided for work of equal value, with appropriate consideration of both national and local rates paid by employers in the private sector, and appropriate incentives and recognition should be provided for excellence in performance.

(4) All employees should maintain high standards of integrity, conduct, and concern for the public interest.

(6) Employees should be retained on the basis of the adequacy of their performance, inadequate performance should be corrected, and employees should be separated who cannot or will not improve their performance to meet required standards.

(7) Employees should be provided effective education and training in cases in which such education and training would result in better organizational and individual performance.

(A) protected against arbitrary action, personal favoritism, or coercion for partisan political purposes, and

(B) prohibited from using their official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election or a nomination for election.

(9) Employees should be protected against reprisal for the lawful disclosure of information which the employees reasonably believe evidences—

(B) mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

(1) with respect to any agency (as defined in section 2302(a)(2)(C) of this title), the President shall, pursuant to the authority otherwise available under this title, take any action, including the issuance of rules, regulations, or directives; and

(2) with respect to any entity in the executive branch which is not such an agency or part of such an agency, the head of such entity shall, pursuant to authority otherwise available, take any action, including the issuance of rules, regulations, or directives;

which is consistent with the provisions of this title and which the President or the head, as the case may be, determines is necessary to ensure that personnel management is based on and embodies the merit system principles.

(Added Pub. L. 95–454, title I, §101(a), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1113; amended Pub. L. 101–474, §5(c), Oct. 30, 1990, 104 Stat. 1099.)

Amendments

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–474 redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which provided that this section is applicable to Administrative Office of United States Courts.

Effective Date

Chapter effective 90 days after Oct. 13, 1978, see section 907 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as an Effective Date of 1978 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 2302, 4107, 4313, 5379 of this title; title 10 section 1722; title 22 section 3902; title 31 section 732; title 42 section 2297b–4.

§2302. Prohibited personnel practices

(a)(1) For the purpose of this title, “prohibited personnel practice” means any action described in subsection (b) of this section.

(iii) an action under chapter 75 of this title or other disciplinary or corrective action;

(ix) a decision concerning pay, benefits, or awards, concerning education or training if the education or training may reasonably be expected to lead to an appointment, promotion, performance evaluation, or other action described in this subparagraph;

(xi) any other significant change in duties, responsibilities, or working conditions;

with respect to an employee in, or applicant for, a covered position in an agency, and in the case of an alleged prohibited personnel practice described in subsection (b)(8), an employee or applicant for employment in a Government corporation as defined in section 9101 of title 31;

(B) “covered position” means, with respect to any personnel action, any position in the competitive service, a career appointee position in the Senior Executive Service, or a position in the excepted service, but does not include any position which is, prior to the personnel action—

(i) excepted from the competitive service because of its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character; or

(ii) excluded from the coverage of this section by the President based on a determination by the President that it is necessary and warranted by conditions of good administration; and

(i) a Government corporation, except in the case of an alleged prohibited personnel practice described under subsection (b)(8);

(ii) the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Central Imagery Office, the National Security Agency, and, as determined by the President, any Executive agency or unit thereof the principal function of which is the conduct of foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities; or

(b) Any employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action, shall not, with respect to such authority—

(A) on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, as prohibited under section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16);

(B) on the basis of age, as prohibited under sections 12 and 15 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 631, 633a);

(D) on the basis of handicapping condition, as prohibited under section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791); or

(E) on the basis of marital status or political affiliation, as prohibited under any law, rule, or regulation;

(2) solicit or consider any recommendation or statement, oral or written, with respect to any individual who requests or is under consideration for any personnel action except as provided under section 3303(f);

(3) coerce the political activity of any person (including the providing of any political contribution or service), or take any action against any employee or applicant for employment as a reprisal for the refusal of any person to engage in such political activity;

(4) deceive or willfully obstruct any person with respect to such person's right to compete for employment;

(5) influence any person to withdraw from competition for any position for the purpose of improving or injuring the prospects of any other person for employment;

(6) grant any preference or advantage not authorized by law, rule, or regulation to any employee or applicant for employment (including defining the scope or manner of competition or the requirements for any position) for the purpose of improving or injuring the prospects of any particular person for employment;

(7) appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position any individual who is a relative (as defined in section 3110(a)(3) of this title) of such employee if such position is in the agency in which such employee is serving as a public official (as defined in section 3110(a)(2) of this title) or over which such employee exercises jurisdiction or control as such an official;

(8) take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, a personnel action with respect to any employee or applicant for employment because of—

(A) any disclosure of information by an employee or applicant which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences—

(ii) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety,

if such disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law and if such information is not specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs; or

(B) any disclosure to the Special Counsel, or to the Inspector General of an agency or another employee designated by the head of the agency to receive such disclosures, of information which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences—

(ii) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety;

(9) take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, any personnel action against any employee or applicant for employment because of—

(A) the exercise of any appeal, complaint, or grievance right granted by any law, rule, or regulation;

(B) testifying for or otherwise lawfully assisting any individual in the exercise of any right referred to in subparagraph (A);

(C) cooperating with or disclosing information to the Inspector General of an agency, or the Special Counsel, in accordance with applicable provisions of law; or

(D) for refusing to obey an order that would require the individual to violate a law;

(10) discriminate for or against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of conduct which does not adversely affect the performance of the employee or applicant or the performance of others; except that nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit an agency from taking into account in determining suitability or fitness any conviction of the employee or applicant for any crime under the laws of any State, of the District of Columbia, or of the United States; or

(11) take or fail to take any other personnel action if the taking of or failure to take such action violates any law, rule, or regulation implementing, or directly concerning, the merit system principles contained in section 2301 of this title.

This subsection shall not be construed to authorize the withholding of information from the Congress or the taking of any personnel action against an employee who discloses information to the Congress.

(c) The head of each agency shall be responsible for the prevention of prohibited personnel practices, for the compliance with and enforcement of applicable civil service laws, rules, and regulations, and other aspects of personnel management, and for ensuring (in consultation with the Office of Special Counsel) that agency employees are informed of the rights and remedies available to them under this chapter and chapter 12 of this title. Any individual to whom the head of an agency delegates authority for personnel management, or for any aspect thereof, shall be similarly responsible within the limits of the delegation.

(d) This section shall not be construed to extinguish or lessen any effort to achieve equal employment opportunity through affirmative action or any right or remedy available to any employee or applicant for employment in the civil service under—

(1) section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;

(2) sections 12 and 15 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 631, 633a), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age;

(3) under section 6(d) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(d)), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex;

(4) section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of handicapping condition; or

(5) the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of marital status or political affiliation.

(Added Pub. L. 95–454, title I, §101(a), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1114; amended Pub. L. 101–12, §4, Apr. 10, 1989, 103 Stat. 32; Pub. L. 101–474, §5(d), Oct. 30, 1990, 104 Stat. 1099; Pub. L. 102–378, §2(5), Oct. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 1346; Pub. L. 103–94, §8(c), Oct. 6, 1993, 107 Stat. 1007; Pub. L. 103–359, title V, §501(c), Oct. 14, 1994, 108 Stat. 3429; Pub. L. 103–424, §5, Oct. 29, 1994, 108 Stat. 4363.)

References in Text

The civil service laws, referred to in subsec. (c), are set out in this title. See, particularly, section 3301 et seq. of this title.

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–424, §5(a)(3), in concluding provisions, inserted before semicolon “, and in the case of an alleged prohibited personnel practice described in subsection (b)(8), an employee or applicant for employment in a Government corporation as defined in section 9101 of title 31”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(x), (xi). Pub. L. 103–424, §5(a)(1), (2), added cls. (x) and (xi) and struck out former cl. (x) which read as follows: “any other significant change in duties or responsibilities which is inconsistent with the employee's salary or grade level;”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–424, §5(b), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “ ‘covered position’ means any position in the competitive service, a career appointee position in the Senior Executive Service, or a position in the excepted service, but does not include—

“(i) a position which is excepted from the competitive service because of its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character; or

“(ii) any position excluded from the coverage of this section by the President based on a determination by the President that it is necessary and warranted by conditions of good administration.”

Subsec. (a)(2)(C)(i). Pub. L. 103–424, §5(c), inserted before semicolon “, except in the case of an alleged prohibited personnel practice described under subsection (b)(8)”.

Subsec. (a)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 103–359 inserted “the Central Imagery Office,” after “Defense Intelligence Agency,”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–424, §5(d), inserted before period at end of first sentence “, and for ensuring (in consultation with the Office of Special Counsel) that agency employees are informed of the rights and remedies available to them under this chapter and chapter 12 of this title”.

1993—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–94 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “solicit or consider any recommendation or statement, oral or written, with respect to any individual who requests or is under consideration for any personnel action unless such recommendation or statement is based on the personal knowledge or records of the person furnishing it and consists of—

“(A) an evaluation of the work performance, ability, aptitude, or general qualifications of such individual; or

“(B) an evaluation of the character, loyalty, or suitability of such individual;”.

1992—Subsec. (b)(8)(B). Pub. L. 102–378 substituted “Special Counsel” for “Special Counsel of the Merit Systems Protection Board”.

1990—Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 101–474 struck out “, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts,” after “means an Executive agency”.

1989—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 101–12, §4(a), in introductory provision inserted “, or threaten to take or fail to take,” after “fail to” and substituted “because of” for “as a reprisal for”, in subpar. (A) substituted “any disclosure” for “a disclosure”, in subpar. (A)(ii) inserted “gross” before “mismanagement”, in subpar. (B) substituted “any disclosure” for “a disclosure”, and in subpar. (B)(ii) inserted “gross” before “mismanagement”.

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 101–12, §4(b), amended par. (9) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (9) read as follows: “take or fail to take any personnel action against any employee or applicant for employment as a reprisal for the exercise of any appeal right granted by any law, rule, or regulation;”.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment; Savings Provision

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–94 effective 120 days after Oct. 6, 1993, but not to release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under amended provision, which is to be treated as remaining in force for purpose of sustaining any proper proceeding or action for enforcement of that penalty, forfeiture, or liability, and no provision of Pub. L. 103–94 to affect any proceedings with respect to which charges were filed on or before 120 days after Oct. 6, 1993, with orders to be issued in such proceedings and appeals taken therefrom as if Pub. L. 103–94 had not been enacted, see section 12 of Pub. L. 103–94, set out as an Effective Date; Savings Provision note under section 7321 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–12 effective 90 days following Apr. 10, 1989, see section 11 of Pub. L. 101–12, set out as a note under section 1201 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 571, 1204, 1212, 1214, 1221, 2105, 2301, 2303, 3303, 3352, 4505a, 4703, 5754, 5755, 7116, 7121, 7701 of this title; title 7 sections 6932, 6962; title 22 sections 3905, 4115; title 31 section 732; title 38 sections 4303, 4315, 4331.

§2303. Prohibited personnel practices in the Federal Bureau of Investigation

(a) Any employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action, shall not, with respect to such authority, take or fail to take a personnel action with respect to any employee of the Bureau as a reprisal for a disclosure of information by the employee to the Attorney General (or an employee designated by the Attorney General for such purpose) which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences—

(2) mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

For the purpose of this subsection, “personnel action” means any action described in clauses (i) through (x) of section 2302(a)(2)(A) of this title with respect to an employee in, or applicant for, a position in the Bureau (other than a position of a confidential, policy-determining, policymaking, or policy-advocating character).

(b) The Attorney General shall prescribe regulations to ensure that such a personnel action shall not be taken against an employee of the Bureau as a reprisal for any disclosure of information described in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The President shall provide for the enforcement of this section in a manner consistent with applicable provisions of sections 1214 and 1221 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 95–454, title I, §101(a), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1117; amended Pub. L. 101–12, §9(a)(1), Apr. 10, 1989, 103 Stat. 34.)

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–12 substituted “applicable provisions of sections 1214 and 1221” for “the provisions of section 1206”.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–12 effective 90 days following Apr. 10, 1989, see section 11 of Pub. L. 101–12, set out as a note under section 1201 of this title.

§2304. Responsibility of the General Accounting Office

(a) If requested by either House of the Congress (or any committee thereof), or if considered necessary by the Comptroller General, the General Accounting Office shall conduct audits and reviews to assure compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations governing employment in the executive branch and in the competitive service and to assess the effectiveness and soundness of Federal personnel management.

(b) The General Accounting Office shall prepare and submit an annual report to the President and the Congress on the activities of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Personnel Management. The report shall include a description of—

(1) significant actions taken by the Board to carry out its functions under this title; and

(2) significant actions of the Office of Personnel Management, including an analysis of whether or not the actions of the Office are in accord with merit system principles and free from prohibited personnel practices.

(Added Pub. L. 95–454, title I, §101(a), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1118; amended Pub. L. 102–378, §2(6), Oct. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 1346.)

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–378 substituted “The” for “the” at beginning of first sentence.

§2305. Coordination with certain other provisions of law

No provision of this chapter, or action taken under this chapter, shall be construed to impair the authorities and responsibilities set forth in section 102 of the National Security Act of 1947 (61 Stat. 495; 50 U.S.C. 403), the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 (63 Stat. 208; 50 U.S.C. 403a and following), the Act entitled “An Act to provide certain administrative authorities for the National Security Agency, and for other purposes”, approved May 29, 1959 (73 Stat. 63; 50 U.S.C. 402 note), and the Act entitled “An Act to amend the Internal Security Act of 1950”, approved March 26, 1964 (78 Stat. 168; 50 U.S.C. 831–835).

References in Text

The Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 (63 Stat. 208; 50 U.S.C. 403a and following), referred to in text, is act June 20, 1949, ch. 227, 63 Stat. 208, as amended, which is classified generally to section 403a et seq. of Title 50, War and National Defense. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 403a of Title 50 and Tables.

The Act entitled “An Act to provide certain administrative authorities for the National Security Agency, and for other purposes”, approved May 29, 1959 (73 Stat. 63; 50 U.S.C. 402 note), referred to in text, is Pub. L. 86–36, May 29, 1959, 73 Stat. 63, as amended, and is set out as a note under section 402 of Title 50. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Act entitled “An Act to amend the Internal Security Act of 1950”, approved March 26, 1964 (78 Stat. 168; 50 U.S.C. 831–835), referred to in text, is act Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1024, title III, as added Mar. 26, 1964, Pub. L. 88–290, 78 Stat. 168, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§831 et seq.) of chapter 23 of Title 50. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

CHAPTER 29—COMMISSIONS, OATHS, RECORDS, AND REPORTS

SUBCHAPTER I—COMMISSIONS, OATHS, AND RECORDS

Sec.

2901.

Commission of an officer.

2902.

Commission; where recorded.

2903.

Oath; authority to administer.

2904.

Oath; administered without fees.

2905.

Oath; renewal.

2906.

Oath; custody.

SUBCHAPTER II—REPORTS

2951.

Reports to the Office of Personnel Management.

2952.

Time of making annual reports.

2953.

Reports to Congress on additional employee requirements.

2954.

Information to committees of Congress on request.

Amendments

1978—Pub. L. 95–454, title IX, §906(a)(16), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1226, substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “Civil Service Commission” in item 2951.

SUBCHAPTER I—COMMISSIONS, OATHS, AND RECORDS

§2901. Commission of an officer

The President may make out and deliver, after adjournment of the Senate, the commission of an officer whose appointment has been confirmed by the Senate.

The words “confirmed by” are substituted for “advised and consented to”.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

§2902. Commission; where recorded

(a) Except as provided by subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary of State shall make out and record, and affix the seal of the United States to, the commission of an officer appointed by the President. The seal of the United States may not be affixed to the commission before the commission has been signed by the President.

(b) The commission of an officer in the civil service or uniformed services under the control of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary of the Treasury shall be made out and recorded in the department in which he is to serve under the seal of that department. The departmental seal may not be affixed to the commission before the commission has been signed by the President.

(c) The commissions of judicial officers and United States attorneys and marshals, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and other commissions which before August 8, 1888, were prepared at the Department of State on the requisition of the Attorney General, shall be made out and recorded in the Department of Justice under the seal of that department and countersigned by the Attorney General. The departmental seal may not be affixed to the commission before the commission has been signed by the President.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 411; Pub. L. 94–183, §2(3), Dec. 31, 1975, 89 Stat. 1057.)

In subsection (a), the words “Except as provided by subsections (b) and (c) of this section,” are added on authority of former sections 11 and 12, which are codified in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. The words “the commission of an officer” are substituted for “all civil commissions for officers of the United States” because of the definition of “officer” in section 2104. The words “by the President” are coextensive with and substituted for “by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, or by the President alone”.

In subsection (b), the words “officer in the civil service or uniformed services” are substituted for “officer” because of the definition of “officer” in section 2104. The words “direction and” are omitted as included within “the control”. The words “the Secretary of Defense” are added on authority of the Acts of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §305(a), 61 Stat. 508, and Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, §12(g), 63 Stat. 591. The words “the Secretary of a military department” are substituted for “the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy” (appearing in the Act of Mar. 28, 1896) because of the definition of “military department” in section 102. The title of the Secretary of War was changed to Secretary of the Army by the Act of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §205, 61 Stat. 501. “Secretary of the Air Force” is included on authority of the Act of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, §207(a), (f), 61 Stat. 502. The words “Secretary of Commerce” are substituted for “Secretary of Commerce and Labor” on authority of the Act of Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 141, §1, 37 Stat. 736. The words “under the departmental seal” are substituted for “and the departmental seal affixed thereto”. The words “any laws to the contrary notwithstanding” are omitted as unnecessary. The last sentence of section 14 of the Act of Mar. 3, 1875, is omitted as executed.

In subsection (c), the words “and shall be” and “any laws to the contrary notwithstanding” are omitted as unnecessary.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Amendments

1975—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–183 struck out “the Postmaster General,” after “under the control of”.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2903. Oath; authority to administer

(a) The oath of office required by section 3331 of this title may be administered by an individual authorized by the laws of the United States or local law to administer oaths in the State, District, or territory or possession of the United States where the oath is administered.

(b) An employee of an Executive agency designated in writing by the head of the Executive agency, or the Secretary of a military department with respect to an employee of his department, may administer—

(1) the oath of office required by section 3331 of this title, incident to entrance into the executive branch; or

(2) any other oath required by law in connection with employment in the executive branch.

(2) an individual authorized by local law to administer oaths in the State, District, or territory or possession of the United States where the oath is administered.

In subsection (b), the words “On and after June 26, 1943” are omitted as executed, and the word “officer” is omitted as included in “employee”. The words “Executive agency” are coextensive with and substituted for “executive departments or independent establishments, including any agency the majority of the stock of which is owned by the Government of the United States” because of the definition of “Executive agency” in section 105. The words “or the Secretary of a military department with respect to an employee of his department” are inserted to preserve the application of the source law. Before enactment of the National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 578), the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force were Executive departments. The National Security Act Amendments of 1949 established the Department of Defense as an Executive Department including the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force as military departments, not as Executive departments. However, the source law for this section, which was in effect in 1949, remained applicable to the Secretaries of the military departments by virtue of section 12(g) of the National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 591), which is set out in the reviser's note for section 301. The words “of the Federal Government” and “and to have the same force and effect as oaths administered by officers having seals” are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (c), the word “Constitution” is omitted because “laws”, as used in this title, encompasses the Constitution. In subsection (c)(1), the words “of the United States” are omitted as unnecessary. In subsection (c)(2), the words “an individual authorized by local law to administer oaths in the State, District, or territory, or possession of the United States where the oath is administered” are coextensive with and substituted for “notaries public duly appointed in any State, District, or Territory of the United States, by clerks and prothonotaries of courts of record of any such State, District, or Territory, by the deputies of such clerks and prothonotaries, and by all magistrates authorized by the laws of or pertaining to any such State, District, or Territory to administer oaths”.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2904. Oath; administered without fees

An employee of an Executive agency who is authorized to administer the oath of office required by section 3331 of this title, or any other oath required by law in connection with employment in the executive branch, may not charge or receive a fee or pay for administering the oath.

The section is restated to combine former sections 16a(a) (1st 9 words after last comma) and 20. The prohibition is restated in positive form. The words “officer” and “clerk” are omitted as included in “employee”. Reference to oaths taken on promotion is omitted as unnecessary.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

§2905. Oath; renewal

(a) An employee of an Executive agency or an individual employed by the government of the District of Columbia who, on original appointment, subscribed to the oath of office required by section 3331 of this title is not required to renew the oath because of a change in status so long as his service is continuous in the agency in which he is employed, unless, in the opinion of the head of the Executive agency, the Secretary of a military department with respect to an employee of his department, or the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, the public interest so requires.

(b) An individual who, on appointment as an employee of a House of Congress, subscribed to the oath of office required by section 3331 of this title is not required to renew the oath so long as his service as an employee of that House of Congress is continuous.

In subsection (a), the word “civilian” is omitted as unnecessary because of the definition of “employee” in section 2105. The words “Executive agency” are coextensive with and substituted for “executive departments and independent establishments of the United States” because of the definition of “Executive agency” in section 105. The words “the Secretary of a military department with respect to an employee of his department” are inserted to preserve the application of the source law. Before enactment of the National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 578), the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force were Executive departments. The National Security Act Amendments of 1949 established the Department of Defense as an Executive Department including the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force as military departments, not as Executive departments. However, the source law for this section, which was in effect in 1949, remained applicable to the Secretaries of the military departments by virtue of section 12(g) of the National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 591), which is set out in the reviser's note for section 301.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

§2906. Oath; custody

The oath of office taken by an individual under section 3331 of this title shall be delivered by him to, and preserved by, the House of Congress, agency, or court to which the office pertains.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

SUBCHAPTER II—REPORTS

§2951. Reports to the Office of Personnel Management

The President may prescribe rules which shall provide, as nearly as conditions of good administration warrant, that—

(1) the appointing authority notify the Office of Personnel Management in writing of the following actions and their dates as to each individual selected for appointment in the competitive service from among those who have been examined—

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 95–454, title IX, §906(a)(2), (3), (16), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1224, 1226.)

The authority of the President to prescribe rules is added on authority of former section 633(1), which is carried into section 3302.

In paragraph (1), the word “authority” is substituted for “power”. The words “or employment” are omitted as included within “appointment”.

In paragraph (1)(B), the words “separation during probation” are substituted for “of the rejection of any such person after probation”. The words “rejection . . . after probation” refer to a rejection, i.e., separation, after a portion of the probationary period has been served but before the end of the probationary period. This is so because an individual can be rejected only during the probationary period. After he has completed the probationary period, he can be removed only under procedures governing removals from the competitive service, and removals of this nature are covered by paragraph (E).

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Amendments

1978—Pub. L. 95–454, §906(a)(16), substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “Civil Service Commission” in section catchline.

Pars. (1), (2). Pub. L. 95–454 substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “Civil Service Commission” and “Office” for “Commission”.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–454 effective 90 days after Oct. 13, 1978, see section 907 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Cross References

President's power to grant exceptions from provisions of this section, see section 3302 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2952. Time of making annual reports

Except when a different time is specifically prescribed by statute, the head of each Executive department or military department shall make the annual reports, required to be submitted to Congress, at the beginning of each regular session of Congress. The reports shall cover the transactions of the preceding year.

The words “Executive department” are substituted for “department” as the definition of “department” applicable to this section is coextensive with the definition of “Executive department” in section 101.

The words “or military department” are inserted to preserve the application of the source law. Before enactment of the National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 578), the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force were Executive departments. The National Security Act Amendments of 1949 established the Department of Defense as an Executive Department including the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force as military departments, not as Executive departments. However, the source law for this section, which was in effect in 1949, remained applicable to the Secretaries of the military departments by virtue of section 12(g) of the National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 591), which is set out in the reviser's note for section 301.

This section was part of title IV of the Revised Statutes. The Act of July 26, 1947, ch. 343, 201(d), as added Aug. 10, 1949, ch. 412, §4, 63 Stat. 579 (former 5 U.S.C. 171–1), which provides “Except to the extent inconsistent with the provisions of this Act [National Security Act of 1947], the provisions of title IV of the Revised Statutes as now or hereafter amended shall be applicable to the Department of Defense” is omitted from this title but is not repealed.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

§2953. Reports to Congress on additional employee requirements

(a) Each report, recommendation, or other communication, of an official nature, of an Executive agency which—

(1) relates to pending or proposed legislation which, if enacted, will entail an estimated annual expenditure of appropriated funds in excess of $1,000,000;

(2) is submitted or transmitted to Congress or a committee thereof in compliance with law or on the initiative of the appropriate authority of the executive branch; and

(3) officially proposes or recommends the creation or expansion, either by action of Congress or by administrative action, of a function, activity, or authority of the Executive agency to be in addition to those functions, activities, and authorities thereof existing when the report, recommendation, or other communication is so submitted or transmitted;

shall contain a statement, concerning the Executive agency, for each of the first 5 fiscal years during which each additional or expanded function, activity, or authority so proposed or recommended is to be in effect, setting forth the following information—

which are attributable to the function, activity, or authority and which will be required to be effected by the Executive agency in connection with the performance thereof; and

(B) such other statement, discussion, explanation, or other information as is considered advisable by the appropriate authority of the executive branch or that is required by Congress or a committee thereof.

In subsection (a), the words, “Executive agency” are substituted for “department, agency, or independent establishment of the executive branch of the Federal Government (including any corporation wholly owned by the United States)” in view of the definition of “Executive agency” in section 105. The exception of “a Government controlled corporation” is subsection (b) (2) is added to preserve the application to corporations wholly owned by the United States.

The exception of “the General Accounting Office” in subsection (b)(3) is added to preserve application to the executive branch.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

§2954. Information to committees of Congress on request

An Executive agency, on request of the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives, or of any seven members thereof, or on request of the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate, or any five members thereof, shall submit any information requested of it relating to any matter within the jurisdiction of the committee.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 413; Pub. L. 103–437, §3(b), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4581.)

The words “Executive agency” are substituted for “executive department and independent establishment” in view of the definition of “Executive agency” in section 105.

The words “Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives” are substituted for “Committee on Expenditures in the Executive Departments of the House of Representatives” on authority of H. Res. 647 of the 82d Congress, adopted July 3, 1952.

The words “Committee on Government Operations of the Senate” are substituted for “Committee on Expenditures in the Executive Departments of the Senate” on authority of S. Res. 280 of the 82d Congress, adopted Mar. 3, 1952.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–437 substituted “Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate” for “Committee on Government Operations of the Senate”.

Change of Name

Committee on Government Operations of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995.

Derivation	U.S. Code	Revised Statutes and Statutes at Large
	5 U.S.C. 851 (less 1st 76 words).	June 27, 1944, ch. 287, §2 (less 1st 76 words), 58 Stat. 387.
		Jan. 19, 1948, ch. 1, §1, 62 Stat. 3.
		July 2, 1948, ch. 816, 62 Stat. 1233.
		Aug. 26, 1949, ch. 513, 63 Stat. 666.
		Dec. 27, 1950, ch. 1151, §1, 64 Stat. 1117.
		July 14, 1952, ch. 728, §1, 66 Stat. 626.

Derivation	U.S. Code	Revised Statutes and Statutes at Large
(a)	4 U.S.C. 42 (as applicable to civil commissions).	[None.]
(b)	5 U.S.C. 11.	Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 131, §14, 18 Stat. 420.
		Mar. 28, 1896, ch. 73, 29 Stat. 75.
		Mar. 3, 1905, ch. 1422, 33 Stat. 990.
(c)	5 U.S.C. 12.	Aug. 8, 1888, ch. 786, 25 Stat. 387.

Derivation	U.S. Code	Revised Statutes and Statutes at Large
(a)	5 U.S.C. 18.	R.S. §1758.
(b)	5 U.S.C. 16a(a) (less 1st 9 words after last comma).	June 26, 1943, ch. 145, §206 (less 1st 9 words after last comma), 57 Stat. 196.
(c)	5 U.S.C. 16a(b).	Sept. 30, 1961, Pub. L. 87–322 (par. under “General Provision”), 75 Stat. 743.
	5 U.S.C. 92a.	July 3, 1926, ch. 752, 44 Stat. 830.

Derivation	U.S. Code	Revised Statutes and Statutes at Large
	5 U.S.C. 16a(a) (1st 9 words after last comma).	June 26, 1943, ch. 145, §206 (1st 9 words after last comma), 57 Stat. 196.
		Sept. 30, 1961, Pub. L. 87–332 (so much of par. under “General Provision” as inserted “(a)”), 75 Stat. 743.
	5 U.S.C. 20.	Aug. 29, 1890, ch. 820, §1 (2d sentence under “Fourth Auditor's Office”), 26 Stat. 371.

Derivation	U.S. Code	Revised Statutes and Statutes at Large
(a)	5 U.S.C. 17b.	Aug. 14, 1937, ch. 624, 50 Stat. 640. Nov. 22, 1943, ch. 303, 57 Stat. 591.
(b)	5 U.S.C. 17c.	Mar. 28, 1955, ch. 17, 69 Stat. 14.

Subpart A—General Provisions

CHAPTER 21—DEFINITIONS

Amendments

§2101. Civil service; armed forces; uniformed services

Historical and Revision Notes

1966 Act

1967 Act

Amendments

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Short Title of 1994 Amendment

Short Title of 1990 Amendment

Coordination of Title VII of Pub. L. 101–508 With Section 909 of Title 2

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2101a. The Senior Executive Service

Effective Date

§2102. The competitive service

Amendments

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Cross References

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2103. The excepted service

Historical and Revision Notes

Amendments

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2104. Officer

Historical and Revision Notes

Amendments

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2105. Employee

References in Text

Amendments

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Treatment of Individuals Electing To Remain Subject to Their Former Retirement System

Prohibition of Decrease in Basic Pay Rate of Employees of Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2106. Member of Congress

Historical and Revision Notes

Amendments

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2107. Congressional employee

Historical and Revision Notes

1966 Act

Amendments

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Transfer of Functions

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2108. Veteran; disabled veteran; preference eligible

References in Text

Amendments

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2109. Air traffic controller; Secretary

Amendments

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Effective Date

Section Referred to in Other Sections

CHAPTER 23—MERIT SYSTEM PRINCIPLES

Chapter Referred to in Other Sections

§2301. Merit system principles

Amendments

Effective Date

Section Referred to in Other Sections

§2302. Prohibited personnel practices

References in Text