S 274 RS

To amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, provide certain authority for the Special Counsel, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

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

[Struck out->]SECTION 1. PROTECTION OF CERTAIN DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](b) Clarification of Disclosures Covered-Section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- [<-Struck out][Struck out->](1) in subparagraph (A)--[<-Struck out][Struck out->](A) by striking `which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences' and inserting `, without restriction to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure made to any person by an employee or applicant, including a disclosure made in the ordinary course of an employee's duties, that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is evidence of'; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->](B) in clause (i), by striking `a violation' and inserting `any violation'; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->](2) in subparagraph (B)--[<-Struck out][Struck out->](A) by striking `which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences' and inserting `, without restriction to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure made to any person by an employee or applicant, including a disclosure made in the ordinary course of an employee's duties, of information that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is evidence of'; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->](B) in clause (i), by striking `a violation' and inserting `any violation (other than a violation of this section)'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](c) Covered Disclosures-Section 2302(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- [<-Struck out][Struck out->](1) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking `and' at the end;[<-Struck out][Struck out->](2) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and'; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->](3) by adding at the end the following:[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(D) `disclosure' means a formal or informal communication or transmission, but does not include a communication concerning policy decisions that lawfully exercise discretionary authority unless the employee providing the disclosure reasonably believes that the disclosure evidences--[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(i) any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(ii) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](d) Rebuttable Presumption-Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by amending the matter following paragraph (12) to read as follows: [<-Struck out][Struck out->]`This subsection shall not be construed to authorize the withholding of information from Congress or the taking of any personnel action against an employee who discloses information to Congress, except that an employee or applicant may be disciplined for the disclosure of information described in paragraph (8)(C)(i) to a Member or employee of Congress who is not authorized to receive such information. For purposes of paragraph (8), a determination as to whether an employee or applicant reasonably believes that they have disclosed information that evidences any violation of law, rule, regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety shall be made by determining whether a disinterested observer with knowledge of the essential facts known to and readily ascertainable by the employee could reasonably conclude that the actions of the Government evidence such violations, mismanagement, waste, abuse, or danger.'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](e) Nondisclosure Policies, Forms, and Agreements; Security Clearances; and Retaliatory Investigations-[<-Struck out][Struck out->](1) PERSONNEL ACTION-Section 2302(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- [<-Struck out][Struck out->](A) in clause (x), by striking `and' after the semicolon; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->](B) by redesignating clause (xi) as clause (xiv) and inserting after clause (x) the following:[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(xi) the implementation or enforcement of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement;[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(xii) a suspension, revocation, or other determination relating to a security clearance or any other access determination by a covered agency;[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(xiii) an investigation, other than any ministerial or nondiscretionary fact finding activities necessary for the agency to perform its mission, of an employee or applicant for employment because of any activity protected under this section; and'[<-Struck out][Struck out->](2) PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICE-Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- [<-Struck out][Struck out->](A) in paragraph (11), by striking `or' at the end;[<-Struck out][Struck out->](B) in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->](C) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(13) implement or enforce any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement, if such policy, form, or agreement does not contain the following statement: `These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by Executive Order No. 12958;section 7211 of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures to Congress); section 1034 of title 10, United States Code (governing disclosure to Congress by members of the military); section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures of illegality, waste, fraud, abuse, or public health or safety threats); the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 (50 U.S.C. 421 et seq.) (governing disclosures that could expose confidential Government agents); and the statutes which protect against disclosures that could compromise national security, including sections 641, 793, 794, 798, and 952 of title 18, United States Code, and section 4(b) of the Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 783(b)). The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by such Executive order and such statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling'; or [<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(14) conduct, or cause to be conducted, an investigation, other than any ministerial or nondiscretionary fact finding activities necessary for the agency to perform its mission, of an employee or applicant for employment because of any activity protected under this section.'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](3) BOARD AND COURT REVIEW OF ACTIONS RELATING TO SECURITY CLEARANCES-[<-Struck out][Struck out->](A) IN GENERAL- Chapter 77 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7702 the following:[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`Sec. 7702a. Actions relating to security clearances[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(a) In any appeal relating to the suspension, revocation, or other determination relating to a security clearance or access determination, the Merit Systems Protection Board or any reviewing court--[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(1) shall determine whether paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) was violated;[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(2) may not order the President or the designee of the President to restore a security clearance or otherwise reverse a determination of clearance status or reverse an access determination; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(3) subject to paragraph (2), may issue declaratory relief and any other appropriate relief.[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(b)(1) If, in any final judgment, the Board or court declares that any suspension, revocation, or other determination with regard to a security clearance or access determination was made in violation of paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b), the affected agency shall conduct a review of that suspension, revocation, access determination, or other determination, giving great weight to the Board or court judgment.[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(2) Not later than 30 days after any Board or court judgment declaring that a security clearance suspension, revocation, access determination, or other determination was made in violation of paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b), the affected agency shall issue an unclassified report to the congressional committees of jurisdiction (with a classified annex if necessary), detailing the circumstances of the agency's security clearance suspension, revocation, other determination, or access determination. A report under this paragraph shall include any proposed agency action with regard to the security clearance or access determination.[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(c) An allegation that a security clearance or access determination was revoked or suspended in retaliation for a protected disclosure shall receive expedited review by the Office of Special Counsel, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and any reviewing court.[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(d) For purposes of this section, corrective action may not be ordered if the agency demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that it would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of such disclosure.'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](B) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT- The table of sections for chapter 77 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7702 the following:[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`7702a. Actions relating to security clearances.'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](f) Exclusion of Agencies by the President-Section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following: [<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(ii)(I) the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the National Security Agency; and[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(II) 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, if the determination (as that determination relates to a personnel action) is made before that personnel action; or'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](g) Attorney Fees-Section 1204(m)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking `agency involved' and inserting `agency where the prevailing party is employed or has applied for employment'. [<-Struck out][Struck out->](h) Disciplinary Action-Section 1215(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: [<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(3)(A) A final order of the Board may impose--[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(i) disciplinary action consisting of removal, reduction in grade, debarment from Federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, or reprimand;[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(ii) an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000; or[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(iii) any combination of disciplinary actions described under clause (i) and an assessment described under clause (ii).[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(B) In any case in which the Board finds that an employee has committed a prohibited personnel practice under paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b), the Board shall impose disciplinary action if the Board finds that the activity protected under paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) was a significant motivating factor, even if other factors also motivated the decision, for the employee's decision to take, fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take a personnel action, unless that employee demonstrates, by preponderance of evidence, that the employee would have taken, failed to take, or threatened to take or fail to take the same personnel action, in the absence of such protected activity.'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](i) Special Counsel Amicus Curiae Appearance-Section 1212 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: [<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(h)(1) The Special Counsel is authorized to appear as amicus curiae in any action brought in a court of the United States related to any civil action brought in connection with section 2302(b) (8) or (9), or subchapter III of chapter 73, or as otherwise authorized by law. In any such action, the Special Counsel is authorized to present the views of the Special Counsel with respect to compliance with section 2302(b) (8) or (9) or subchapter III of chapter 73 and the impact court decisions would have on the enforcement of such provisions of law.[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(2) A court of the United States shall grant the application of the Special Counsel to appear in any such action for the purposes described in subsection (a).'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](j) Judicial Review-[<-Struck out][Struck out->](1) IN GENERAL-Section 7703(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: [<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(b)(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2), a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any petition for review must be filed within 60 days after the date the petitioner received notice of the final order or decision of the Board.[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(B) During the 5-year period beginning on the effective date of the Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act, a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board in a case alleging a violation of paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction as provided under subsection (b)(2).'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](2) REVIEW OBTAINED BY OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT-Section 7703(d) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: [<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(d)(1) Except as provided under paragraph (2), this paragraph shall apply to any review obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the date the Director received notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit if the Director determines, in his discretion, that the Board erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management and that the Board's decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive. If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the Court of Appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the Court of Appeals.[<-Struck out][Struck out->]`(2) During the 5-year period beginning on the effective date of the Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act, this paragraph shall apply to any review relating to paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the date the Director received notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction as provided under subsection (b)(2) if the Director determines, in his discretion, that the Board erred in interpreting paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b). If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the court of appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the Court of Appeals.'.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](k) Nondisclosure Policies, Forms, and Agreements-[<-Struck out][Struck out->](1) IN GENERAL-[<-Struck out][Struck out->](A) REQUIREMENT- Each agreement in Standard Forms 312 and 4414 of the Government and any other nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement of the Government shall contain the following statement: `These restrictions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by Executive Order No. 12958;section 7211 of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures to Congress); section 1034 of title 10, United States Code (governing disclosure to Congress by members of the military); section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures of illegality, waste, fraud, abuse or public health or safety threats); the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 (50 U.S.C. 421 et seq.) (governing disclosures that could expose confidential Government agents); and the statutes which protect against disclosure that may compromise the national security, including sections 641, 793, 794, 798, and 952 of title 18, United States Code, and section 4(b) of the Subversive Activities Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 783(b)). The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by such Executive order and such statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.'. [<-Struck out][Struck out->](B) ENFORCEABILITY- Any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement described under subparagraph (A) that does not contain the statement required under subparagraph (A) may not be implemented or enforced to the extent such policy, form, or agreement is inconsistent with that statement.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](2) PERSONS OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES- Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that is to be executed by a person connected with the conduct of an intelligence or intelligence-related activity, other than an employee or officer of the United States Government, may contain provisions appropriate to the particular activity for which such document is to be used. Such form or agreement shall, at a minimum, require that the person will not disclose any classified information received in the course of such activity unless specifically authorized to do so by the United States Government. Such nondisclosure forms shall also make it clear that such forms do not bar disclosures to Congress or to an authorized official of an executive agency or the Department of Justice that are essential to reporting a substantial violation of law.[<-Struck out][Struck out->](l) Clarification of Whistleblower Rights for Critical Infrastructure Information- Section 214(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 133(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `For purposes of this section a permissible use of independently obtained information includes the disclosure of such information under section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code.'. [<-Struck out][Struck out->](m) Advising Employees of Rights-Section 2302(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting `, including how to make a lawful disclosure of information that is specifically required by law or Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, Congress, or other agency employee designated to receive such disclosures' after `chapter 12 of this title'. [<-Struck out][Struck out->](n) Scope of Due Process-[<-Struck out][Struck out->](1) SPECIAL COUNSEL-Section 1214(b)(4)(B)(ii) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting `, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,' after `ordered if'. [<-Struck out][Struck out->](2) INDIVIDUAL ACTION-Section 1221(e)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting `, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,' after `ordered if'. [<-Struck out][Struck out->](o) Effective Date- This Act shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.[<-Struck out]SECTION 1. PROTECTION OF CERTAIN DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.

(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Clarification of Disclosures Covered- Section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subparagraph (A)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking `which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences' and inserting `, without restriction to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure made to any person by an employee or applicant, including a disclosure made in the ordinary course of an employee's duties, that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is evidence of';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in clause (i), by striking `a violation' and inserting `any violation'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by striking `or' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subparagraph (B)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking `which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences' and inserting `, without restriction to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure made to any person by an employee or applicant, including a disclosure made in the ordinary course of an employee's duties, of information that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is evidence of';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in clause (i), by striking `a violation' and inserting `any violation (other than a violation of this section)'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) in clause (ii), by adding `or' at the end; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) any disclosure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) is made by an employee or applicant of information required by law or Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs that the employee or applicant reasonably believes is direct and specific evidence of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) any violation of any law, rule, or regulation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





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





`(III) a false statement to Congress on an issue of material fact; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) is made to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) a member of a committee of Congress having a primary responsibility for oversight of a department, agency, or element of the Federal Government to which the disclosed information relates and who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) any other Member of Congress who is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) an employee of Congress who has the appropriate security clearance and is authorized to receive information of the type disclosed.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Covered Disclosures- Section 2302(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking `and' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) `disclosure' means a formal or informal communication or transmission, but does not include a communication concerning policy decisions that lawfully exercise discretionary authority unless the employee providing the disclosure reasonably believes that the disclosure evidences--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





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





(d) Rebuttable Presumption- Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by amending the matter following paragraph (12) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`This subsection shall not be construed to authorize the withholding of information from Congress or the taking of any personnel action against an employee who discloses information to Congress. For purposes of paragraph (8), any presumption relating to the performance of a duty by an employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action may be rebutted by substantial evidence. For purposes of paragraph (8), a determination as to whether an employee or applicant reasonably believes that they have disclosed information that evidences any violation of law, rule, regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety shall be made by determining whether a disinterested observer with knowledge of the essential facts known to and readily ascertainable by the employee could reasonably conclude that the actions of the Government evidence such violations, mismanagement, waste, abuse, or danger.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Nondisclosure Policies, Forms, and Agreements; Security Clearances; and Retaliatory Investigations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) PERSONNEL ACTION- Section 2302(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in clause (x), by striking `and' after the semicolon; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by redesignating clause (xi) as clause (xiv) and inserting after clause (x) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xi) the implementation or enforcement of any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xii) a suspension, revocation, or other determination relating to a security clearance or any other access determination by a covered agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xiii) an investigation, other than any ministerial or nondiscretionary fact finding activities necessary for the agency to perform its mission, of an employee or applicant for employment because of any activity protected under this section; and'CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICE- Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) in paragraph (11), by striking `or' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) in paragraph (12), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(13) implement or enforce any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement, if such policy, form, or agreement does not contain the following statement: `These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by Executive Order No. 12958; section 7211 of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures to Congress); section 1034 of title 10, United States Code (governing disclosure to Congress by members of the military); section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures of illegality, waste, fraud, abuse, or public health or safety threats); the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 (50 U.S.C. 421 et seq.) (governing disclosures that could expose confidential Government agents); and the statutes which protect against disclosures that could compromise national security, including sections 641, 793, 794, 798, and 952 of title 18, United States Code, and section 4(b) of the Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 783(b)). The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by such Executive order and such statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling'; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(14) conduct, or cause to be conducted, an investigation, other than any ministerial or nondiscretionary fact finding activities necessary for the agency to perform its mission, of an employee or applicant for employment because of any activity protected under this section.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) BOARD AND COURT REVIEW OF ACTIONS RELATING TO SECURITY CLEARANCES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Chapter 77 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7702 the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Sec. 7702a. Actions relating to security clearances

`(a) In any appeal relating to the suspension, revocation, or other determination relating to a security clearance or access determination, the Merit Systems Protection Board or any reviewing court--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) shall determine whether paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) was violated;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) may not order the President or the designee of the President to restore a security clearance or otherwise reverse a determination of clearance status or reverse an access determination; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) subject to paragraph (2), may issue declaratory relief and any other appropriate relief.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b)(1) If, in any final judgment, the Board or court declares that any suspension, revocation, or other determination with regard to a security clearance or access determination was made in violation of paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b), the affected agency shall conduct a review of that suspension, revocation, access determination, or other determination, giving great weight to the Board or court judgment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Not later than 30 days after any Board or court judgment declaring that a security clearance suspension, revocation, access determination, or other determination was made in violation of paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b), the affected agency shall issue an unclassified report to the congressional committees of jurisdiction (with a classified annex if necessary), detailing the circumstances of the agency's security clearance suspension, revocation, other determination, or access determination. A report under this paragraph shall include any proposed agency action with regard to the security clearance or access determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) An allegation that a security clearance or access determination was revoked or suspended in retaliation for a protected disclosure shall receive expedited review by the Office of Special Counsel, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and any reviewing court.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) For purposes of this section, corrective action may not be ordered if the agency demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that it would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of such disclosure.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT- The table of sections for chapter 77 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7702 the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`7702a. Actions relating to security clearances.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Exclusion of Agencies by the President- Section 2302(a)(2)(C) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii)(I) the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the National Security Agency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) 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, if the determination (as that determination relates to a personnel action) is made before that personnel action; or'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Attorney Fees- Section 1204(m)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking `agency involved' and inserting `agency where the prevailing party is employed or has applied for employment'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(h) Disciplinary Action- Section 1215(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3)(A) A final order of the Board may impose--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) disciplinary action consisting of removal, reduction in grade, debarment from Federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, or reprimand;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) any combination of disciplinary actions described under clause (i) and an assessment described under clause (ii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) In any case in which the Board finds that an employee has committed a prohibited personnel practice under paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b), the Board shall impose disciplinary action if the Board finds that the activity protected under paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) was a significant motivating factor, even if other factors also motivated the decision, for the employee's decision to take, fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take a personnel action, unless that employee demonstrates, by preponderance of evidence, that the employee would have taken, failed to take, or threatened to take or fail to take the same personnel action, in the absence of such protected activity.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Special Counsel Amicus Curiae Appearance- Section 1212 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(h)(1) The Special Counsel is authorized to appear as amicus curiae in any action brought in a court of the United States related to any civil action brought in connection with section 2302(b) (8) or (9), or subchapter III of chapter 73, or as otherwise authorized by law. In any such action, the Special Counsel is authorized to present the views of the Special Counsel with respect to compliance with section 2302(b) (8) or (9) or subchapter III of chapter 73 and the impact court decisions would have on the enforcement of such provisions of law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) A court of the United States shall grant the application of the Special Counsel to appear in any such action for the purposes described in subsection (a).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(j) Judicial Review-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Section 7703(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b)(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2), a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any petition for review must be filed within 60 days after the date the petitioner received notice of the final order or decision of the Board.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) During the 5-year period beginning on the effective date of the Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act, a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board in a case alleging a violation of paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) shall be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction as provided under subsection (b)(2).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REVIEW OBTAINED BY OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT- Section 7703(d) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d)(1) Except as provided under paragraph (2), this paragraph shall apply to any review obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the date the Director received notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit if the Director determines, in his discretion, that the Board erred in interpreting a civil service law, rule, or regulation affecting personnel management and that the Board's decision will have a substantial impact on a civil service law, rule, regulation, or policy directive. If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the Court of Appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the Court of Appeals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) During the 5-year period beginning on the effective date of the Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act, this paragraph shall apply to any review relating to paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b) obtained by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing, within 60 days after the date the Director received notice of the final order or decision of the Board, a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any court of appeals of competent jurisdiction as provided under subsection (b)(2) if the Director determines, in his discretion, that the Board erred in interpreting paragraph (8) or (9) of section 2302(b). If the Director did not intervene in a matter before the Board, the Director may not petition for review of a Board decision under this section unless the Director first petitions the Board for a reconsideration of its decision, and such petition is denied. In addition to the named respondent, the Board and all other parties to the proceedings before the Board shall have the right to appear in the proceeding before the court of appeals. The granting of the petition for judicial review shall be at the discretion of the Court of Appeals.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(k) Nondisclosure Policies, Forms, and Agreements-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL-(A) REQUIREMENT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) REQUIREMENT- Each agreement in Standard Forms 312 and 4414 of the Government and any other nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement of the Government shall contain the following statement: `These restrictions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by Executive Order No. 12958; section 7211 of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures to Congress); section 1034 of title 10, United States Code (governing disclosure to Congress by members of the military); section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code (governing disclosures of illegality, waste, fraud, abuse or public health or safety threats); the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 (50 U.S.C. 421 et seq.) (governing disclosures that could expose confidential Government agents); and the statutes which protect against disclosure that may compromise the national security, including sections 641, 793, 794, 798, and 952 of title 18, United States Code, and section 4(b) of the Subversive Activities Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 783(b)). The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by such Executive order and such statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) ENFORCEABILITY- Any nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement described under subparagraph (A) that does not contain the statement required under subparagraph (A) may not be implemented or enforced to the extent such policy, form, or agreement is inconsistent with that statement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) PERSONS OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES- Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement that is to be executed by a person connected with the conduct of an intelligence or intelligence-related activity, other than an employee or officer of the United States Government, may contain provisions appropriate to the particular activity for which such document is to be used. Such form or agreement shall, at a minimum, require that the person will not disclose any classified information received in the course of such activity unless specifically authorized to do so by the United States Government. Such nondisclosure forms shall also make it clear that such forms do not bar disclosures to Congress or to an authorized official of an executive agency or the Department of Justice that are essential to reporting a substantial violation of law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(l) Clarification of Whistleblower Rights for Critical Infrastructure Information- Section 214(c) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 133(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `For purposes of this section a permissible use of independently obtained information includes the disclosure of such information under section 2302(b)(8) of title 5, United States Code.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(m) Advising Employees of Rights- Section 2302(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting `, including how to make a lawful disclosure of information that is specifically required by law or Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, Congress, or other agency employee designated to receive such disclosures' after `chapter 12 of this title'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(n) Scope of Due Process-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) SPECIAL COUNSEL- Section 1214(b)(4)(B)(ii) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting `, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,' after `ordered if'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) INDIVIDUAL ACTION- Section 1221(e)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting `, after a finding that a protected disclosure was a contributing factor,' after `ordered if'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(o) Effective DateReporting Requirements-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 40 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Government Accountability Office shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives on the implementation of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) CONTENTS- The report under this paragraph shall include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) an analysis of any changes in the number of cases filed with the United States Merit Systems Protection Board alleging violations of section 2302(b)(8) or (9) of title 5, United States Code, since the effective date of the Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) the outcome of the cases described under clause (i), including whether or not the United States Merit Systems Protection Board, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, or any other court determined the allegations to be frivolous or malicious; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(iii) any other matter as determined by the Government Accountability Office.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) IN GENERAL- Each report submitted annually by the Merit Systems Protection Board under section 1116 of title 31, United States Code, shall, with respect to the period covered by such report, include as an addendum the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(i) Information relating to the outcome of cases decided during the applicable year of the report in which violations of section 2302(b)(8) or (9) of title 5, United States Code, were alleged.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(ii) The number of such cases filed in the regional and field offices, the number of petitions for review filed in such cases, and the outcomes of such cases.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) FIRST REPORT- The first report described under subparagraph (A) submitted after the date of enactment of this Act shall include an addendum required under that subparagraph that covers the period beginning on January 1, 2008 through the end of the fiscal year 2008.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(p) Effective Date- This Act shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Calendar No. 513 Passed the Senate December 17, 2007. CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, provide certain authority for the Special Counsel, and for other purposes.