SUBCHAPTER II—EXTENSION OF RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS
Part A—Employment Discrimination, Family and Medical Leave, Fair Labor Standards, Employee Polygraph Protection, Worker Adjustment and Retraining, Employment and Reemployment of Veterans, and Intimidation
§1311. Rights and protections under title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and title I of Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(a) Discriminatory practices prohibited
All personnel actions affecting covered employees shall be made free from any discrimination based on—
(1) race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, within the meaning of section 703 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (
(2) age, within the meaning of section 15 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (
(3) disability, within the meaning of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
(b) Remedy
(1) Civil rights
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a)(1) shall be—
(A) such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 706(g) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (
(B) such compensatory damages as would be appropriate if awarded under
(2) Age discrimination
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a)(2) shall be—
(A) such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 15(c) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (
(B) such liquidated damages as would be appropriate if awarded under section 7(b) of such Act (
In addition, the waiver provisions of section 7(f) of such Act (
(3) Disabilities discrimination
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a)(3) shall be—
(A) such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 505(a)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
(B) such compensatory damages as would be appropriate if awarded under sections 1981a(a)(2), 1981a(a)(3), 1981a(b)(2), and, irrespective of the size of the employing office, 1981a(b)(3)(D) of title 42.
(c) Omitted
(d) Application to unpaid staff
(1) In general
Subsections (a) and (b) shall apply with respect to—
(A) any staff member of an employing office who carries out official duties of the employing office but who is not paid by the employing office for carrying out such duties (referred to in this subsection as an "unpaid staff member"), including an intern, an individual detailed to an employing office, and an individual participating in a fellowship program, in the same manner and to the same extent as such subsections apply with respect to a covered employee; and
(B) a former unpaid staff member, if the act that may be a violation of subsection (a) occurred during the service of the former unpaid staffer for the employing office.
(2) Rule of construction
Nothing in paragraph (1) may be construed to extend liability for a violation of subsection (a) to an employing office on the basis of an action taken by any person who is not under the supervision or control of the employing office.
(3) Intern defined
For purposes of this subsection, the term "intern" means an individual who performs service for an employing office which is uncompensated by the United States to earn credit awarded by an educational institution or to learn a trade or occupation, and includes any individual participating in a page program operated by any House of Congress.
(e) Effective date
This section shall take effect 1 year after January 23, 1995.
(
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of section 201 of
Amendments
2018—Subsecs. (d), (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by
Coverage of House of Representatives and the Agencies of the Legislative Branch
"(a)
"(1)
"(2)
"(A)
"(B)
"(i)
"(ii)
"(C)
"(b)
"(1)
"(2)
"(3)
"(4)
"(5)
[Section effective Nov. 21, 1991, except as otherwise provided, see section 402(a) of
§1312. Rights and protections under Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
(a) Family and medical leave rights and protections provided
(1) In general
The rights and protections established by sections 101 through 105 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(2) Definitions
For purposes of the application described in paragraph (1)—
(A) the term "employer" as used in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 means any employing office, and
(B) the term "eligible employee" as used in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 means a covered employee who has been employed in any employing office for 12 months and for at least 1,250 hours of employment during the previous 12 months.
The requirements of subparagraph (B) shall not apply with respect to leave under subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(b) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy, including liquidated damages, as would be appropriate if awarded under paragraph (1) of section 107(a) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(c) Omitted
(d) Special rule for paid parental leave
(1) Substitution of paid leave
A covered employee may elect to substitute for any leave without pay under subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(2) Amount of paid leave
The paid leave that is available to a covered employee for purposes of paragraph (1) is—
(A) the number of weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth or placement involved that corresponds to the number of administrative workweeks of paid parental leave available to employees under
(B) during the 12-month period referred to in section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(3) Limitation
Nothing in this section or section 102(d)(2)(A) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(4) Additional rules
Paid parental leave under paragraph (2)(A)—
(A) shall be payable from any appropriation or fund available for salaries or expenses for positions within the employing office;
(B) if not used by the covered employee before the end of the 12-month period (as referred to in section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(C) shall apply without regard to the limitations in subparagraph (E), (F), or (G) of
(e) Regulations
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(f) Effective date
(1) In general
Subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23, 1995.
(2) Government Accountability Office and Library of Congress
Subsection (c) shall be effective 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is
Subsection (c) of this section, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), amended
Codification
Section is comprised of section 202 of
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (d)(2)(B).
2019—Subsec. (a)(1).
Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsecs. (d) to (f).
2004—Subsec. (e)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2021 Amendment
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Clarification for Members of the National Guard and Reserves: Congressional Employees
§1313. Rights and protections under Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
(a) Fair labor standards
(1) In general
The rights and protections established by subsections (a)(1) and (d) of section 6, section 7, and section 12(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(2) Interns
For the purposes of this section, the term "covered employee" does not include an intern as defined in regulations under subsection (c).
(3) Compensatory time
Except as provided in regulations under subsection (c)(3) and in subsection (c)(4), covered employees may not receive compensatory time in lieu of overtime compensation.
(b) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy, including liquidated damages, as would be appropriate if awarded under section 16(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(c) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
Except as provided in paragraph (3), the regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(3) Irregular work schedules
The Board shall issue regulations for covered employees whose work schedules directly depend on the schedule of the House of Representatives or the Senate that shall be comparable to the provisions in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [
(4) Law enforcement
Law enforcement personnel of the Capitol Police who are subject to the exemption under section 7(k) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(d) Omitted
(e) Effective date
Subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23, 1995.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676,
Codification
Section is comprised of section 203 of
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (c)(4).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Application of Rights and Protections of Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to Congressional and Architect of the Capitol Employees
"(a)
"(1)
"(2)
"(b)
§1314. Rights and protections under Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988
(a) Polygraph practices prohibited
(1) In general
No employing office, irrespective of whether a covered employee works in that employing office, may require a covered employee to take a lie detector test where such a test would be prohibited if required by an employer under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 3 of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (
(2) Definitions
For purposes of this section, the term "covered employee" shall include employees of the Government Accountability Office and the term "employing office" shall include the Government Accountability Office.
(3) Capitol Police
Nothing in this section shall preclude the Capitol Police from using lie detector tests in accordance with regulations under subsection (c).
(b) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 6(c)(1) of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (
(c) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsections (a) and (b) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(d) Effective date
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23, 1995.
(2) Government Accountability Office and Library of Congress
This section shall be effective with respect to the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(2).
2004—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (d)(2).
§1315. Rights and protections under Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act
(a) Worker adjustment and retraining notification rights
(1) In general
No employing office shall be closed or a mass layoff ordered within the meaning of section 3 of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (
(2) Definitions
For purposes of this section, the term "covered employee" shall include employees of the Government Accountability Office and the term "employing office" shall include the Government Accountability Office.
(b) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of section 5(a) of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (
(c) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(d) Effective date
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23, 1995.
(2) Government Accountability Office and Library of Congress
This section shall be effective with respect to the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(2).
2004—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (d)(2).
§1316. Rights and protections relating to veterans' employment and reemployment
(a) Employment and reemployment rights of members of uniformed services
(1) In general
It shall be unlawful for an employing office to—
(A) discriminate, within the meaning of subsections (a) and (b) of
(B) deny to an eligible employee reemployment rights within the meaning of
(C) deny to an eligible employee benefits within the meaning of
(2) Definitions
For purposes of this section—
(A) the term "eligible employee" means a covered employee performing service in the uniformed services, within the meaning of
(B) the term "covered employee" includes employees of the Government Accountability Office, and
(C) the term "employing office" includes the Government Accountability Office.
(b) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under
(c) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(d) Effective date
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective 1 year after January 23, 1995.
(2) Government Accountability Office and Library of Congress
This section shall be effective with respect to the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(2)(B), (C).
2010—Subsec. (b).
2004—Subsec. (a)(2)(B), (C).
Subsec. (d)(2).
§1316a. Legislative branch appointments
(1) Definitions
For the purposes of this section, the terms "covered employee" and "Board" shall each have the meaning given such term by section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (
(2) Rights and protections
The rights and protections established under section 2108, sections 3309 through 3312, and subchapter I of
(3) Remedies
(A) In general
The remedy for a violation of paragraph (2) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under applicable provisions of title 5 in the case of a violation of the relevant corresponding provision (referred to in paragraph (2)) of such title.
(B) Procedure
The procedure for consideration of alleged violations of paragraph (2) shall be the same as apply under section 401 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 [
(4) Regulations to implement section
(A) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to section 304 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (
(B) Agency regulations
The regulations issued under subparagraph (A) shall be the same as the most relevant substantive regulations (applicable with respect to the executive branch) promulgated to implement the statutory provisions referred to in paragraph (2) except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(C) Coordination
The regulations issued under subparagraph (A) shall be consistent with section 225 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (
(5) Applicability
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the term "covered employee" shall not, for purposes of this section, include an employee—
(A) whose appointment is made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate;
(B) whose appointment is made by a Member of Congress or by a committee or subcommittee of either House of Congress; or
(C) who is appointed to a position, the duties of which are equivalent to those of a Senior Executive Service position (within the meaning of
(6) Effective date
Paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be effective as of the effective date of the regulations under paragraph (4).
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, referred to in par. (3)(B), is
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, and not as part of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 which comprises this chapter.
§1316b. Rights and protections relating to criminal history inquiries
(a) Definitions
In this section, the terms "agency", "criminal history record information", and "suspension" have the meanings given the terms in
(b) Restrictions on criminal history inquiries
(1) In general
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an employee of an employing office may not request that an applicant for employment as a covered employee disclose criminal history record information if the request would be prohibited under
(B) Conditional offer
For purposes of applying that section 9202 under subparagraph (A), a reference in that section 9202 to a conditional offer shall be considered to be an offer of employment as a covered employee that is conditioned upon the results of a criminal history inquiry.
(2) Rules of construction
The provisions of
(c) Remedy
(1) In general
The remedy for a violation of subsection (b)(1) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under
(2) Process for obtaining relief
An applicant for employment as a covered employee who alleges a violation of subsection (b)(1) may rely on the provisions of subchapter IV (other than
(d) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
Not later than 18 months after December 20, 2019, the Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Parallel with agency regulations
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations issued by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management under section 2(b)(1) of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 1 to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsections (a) through (c) except to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(e) Effective date
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), was in the original "this title", meaning title II of
Section 2(b)(1) of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), probably means section 1122(b)(1) of
Prior Provisions
A prior section 207 of
1 See References in Text note below.
§1317. Prohibition of intimidation or reprisal
(a) In general
It shall be unlawful for an employing office to intimidate, take reprisal against, or otherwise discriminate against, any covered employee because the covered employee has opposed any practice made unlawful by this chapter, or because the covered employee has initiated proceedings, made a charge, or testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in a hearing or other proceeding under this chapter.
(b) Remedy
The remedy available for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such legal or equitable remedy as may be appropriate to redress a violation of subsection (a).
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this Act", meaning
Part B—Public Services and Accommodations Under Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
§1331. Rights and protections under Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 relating to public services and accommodations; procedures for remedy of violations
(a) Entities subject to this section
The requirements of this section shall apply to—
(1) each office of the Senate, including each office of a Senator and each committee;
(2) each office of the House of Representatives, including each office of a Member of the House of Representatives and each committee;
(3) each joint committee of the Congress;
(4) the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services;
(5) the Capitol Police;
(6) the Congressional Budget Office;
(7) the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (including the Botanic Garden);
(8) the Office of the Attending Physician;
(9) the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights;
(10) the Office of Technology Assessment; and
(11) the Library of Congress.
(b) Discrimination in public services and accommodations
(1) Rights and protections
The rights and protections against discrimination in the provision of public services and accommodations established by sections 201 through 230, 302, 303, and 309 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (
(2) Definitions
For purposes of the application of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (
(c) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (b) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 203 or 308(a) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (
(d) Available procedures
(1) Charge filed with General Counsel
A qualified individual with a disability, as defined in section 201(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (
(2) Mediation
If, upon investigation under paragraph (1), the General Counsel believes that a violation of subsection (b) may have occurred and that mediation may be helpful in resolving the dispute, the General Counsel may request, but not participate in, mediation under subsections (b) through (d) of
(3) Complaint, hearing, Board review
If mediation under paragraph (2) has not succeeded in resolving the dispute, and if the General Counsel believes that a violation of subsection (b) may have occurred, the General Counsel may file with the Office a complaint against any entity responsible for correcting the violation. The complaint shall be submitted to a hearing officer for decision pursuant to subsections (b) through (h) of
(4) Judicial review
A charging individual who has intervened under paragraph (3) or any respondent to the complaint, if aggrieved by a final decision of the Board under paragraph (3), may file a petition for review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, pursuant to
(5) Compliance date
If new appropriated funds are necessary to comply with an order requiring correction of a violation of subsection (b), compliance shall take place as soon as possible, but no later than the fiscal year following the end of the fiscal year in which the order requiring correction becomes final and not subject to further review.
(e) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Transportation to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (b) except to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(3) Entity responsible for correction
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall include a method of identifying, for purposes of this section and for categories of violations of subsection (b), the entity responsible for correction of a particular violation.
(f) Periodic inspections; report to Congress; initial study
(1) Periodic inspections
On a regular basis, and at least once each Congress, the General Counsel shall inspect the facilities of the entities listed in subsection (a) to ensure compliance with subsection (b).
(2) Report
On the basis of each periodic inspection, the General Counsel shall, at least once every Congress, prepare and submit a report—
(A) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, or other entity responsible,1 for correcting the violation of this section uncovered by such inspection, and
(B) containing the results of the periodic inspection, describing any steps necessary to correct any violation of this section, assessing any limitations in accessibility to and usability by individuals with disabilities associated with each violation, and the estimated cost and time needed for abatement.
(3) Initial period for study and corrective action
The period from January 23, 1995, until December 31, 1996, shall be available to the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other entities subject to this section to identify any violations of subsection (b), to determine the costs of compliance, and to take any necessary corrective action to abate any violations. The Office shall assist the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other entities listed in subsection (a) by arranging for inspections and other technical assistance at their request. Prior to July 1, 1996, the General Counsel shall conduct a thorough inspection under paragraph (1) and shall submit the report under paragraph (2) for the One Hundred Fourth Congress.
(4) Detailed personnel
The Attorney General, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board may, on request of the Executive Director, detail to the Office such personnel as may be necessary to advise and assist the Office in carrying out its duties under this section.
(g) Omitted
(h) Election of remedies relating to rights to public services and accommodations for Library visitors
(1) Definition of Library visitor
In this subsection, the term "Library visitor" means an individual who is eligible to bring a claim for a violation under title II or III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [
(2) Election of remedies
(A) In general
A Library visitor who alleges a violation of subsection (b) by the Library of Congress may, subject to subparagraph (B)—
(i) file a charge against the Library of Congress under subsection (d); or
(ii) use the remedies and procedures set forth in
(B) Timing
A Library visitor that has initiated proceedings under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) may elect to change and initiate a proceeding under the other clause—
(i) in the case of a Library visitor who first filed a charge pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i), before the General Counsel files a complaint under subsection (d)(3); or
(ii) in the case of a Library visitor who first initiated a proceeding under subparagraph (A)(ii), before the Library visitor requests a hearing under the procedures of the Library of Congress described in such subparagraph.
(i) Effective date
(1) In general
Subsections (b), (c), and (d) shall be effective on January 1, 1997.
(2) Government Accountability Office, Government Publishing Office, and Library of Congress
Subsection (g) shall be effective 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2) and (h)(1), is
Subsection (g), referred to in subsec. (i)(2), amended
Codification
Section is comprised of section 210 of
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(9).
Subsec. (a)(11).
Subsec. (d)(2).
Subsecs. (h), (i).
2008—Subsec. (a)(4).
Subsec. (a)(7).
2004—Subsec. (h)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Government Publishing Office" substituted for "Government Printing Office" in heading of subsec. (h)(2) on authority of section 1301(b) of
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by section 308(b)(8) of
Except as otherwise provided, amendment by
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Amendment by
Amendment by
1 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.
Part C—Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
§1341. Rights and protections under Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; procedures for remedy of violations
(a) Occupational safety and health protections
(1) In general
Each employing office and each covered employee shall comply with the provisions of section 5 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (
(2) Definitions
For purposes of the application under this section of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 [
(A) the term "employer" as used in such Act means an employing office;
(B) the term "employee" as used in such Act means a covered employee;
(C) the term "employing office" includes the Government Accountability Office and any entity listed in subsection (a) of
(D) the term "employee" includes employees of the Government Accountability Office.
(b) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be an order to correct the violation, including such order as would be appropriate if issued under section 13(a) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (
(c) Procedures
(1) Requests for inspections
Upon written request of any employing office or covered employee, the General Counsel shall exercise the authorities granted to the Secretary of Labor by subsections (a), (d), (e), and (f) of section 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (
(2) Citations, notices, and notifications
For purposes of this section, the General Counsel shall exercise the authorities granted to the Secretary of Labor in sections 9 and 10 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (
(A) a citation or notice to any employing office responsible for correcting a violation of subsection (a); or
(B) a notification to any employing office that the General Counsel believes has failed to correct a violation for which a citation has been issued within the period permitted for its correction.
(3) Hearings and review
If after issuing a citation or notification, the General Counsel determines that a violation has not been corrected, the General Counsel may file a complaint with the Office against the employing office named in the citation or notification. The complaint shall be submitted to a hearing officer for decision pursuant to subsections (b) through (h) of
(4) Variance procedures
An employing office may request from the Board an order granting a variance from a standard made applicable by this section. For the purposes of this section, the Board shall exercise the authorities granted to the Secretary of Labor in sections 6(b)(6) and 6(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (
(5) Judicial review
The General Counsel or employing office aggrieved by a final decision of the Board under paragraph (3) or (4), may file a petition for review with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit pursuant to
(6) Compliance date
If new appropriated funds are necessary to correct a violation of subsection (a) for which a citation is issued, or to comply with an order requiring correction of such a violation, correction or compliance shall take place as soon as possible, but not later than the end of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the citation is issued or the order requiring correction becomes final and not subject to further review.
(d) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section.
(3) Employing office responsible for correction
The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall include a method of identifying, for purposes of this section and for different categories of violations of subsection (a), the employing office responsible for correction of a particular violation.
(e) Periodic inspections; report to Congress
(1) Periodic inspections
On a regular basis, and at least once each Congress, the General Counsel, exercising the same authorities of the Secretary of Labor as under subsection (c)(1), shall conduct periodic inspections of all facilities of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Office of the Attending Physician, the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, the Office of Technology Assessment, the Library of Congress, and the Government Accountability Office to report on compliance with subsection (a).
(2) Report
On the basis of each periodic inspection, the General Counsel shall prepare and submit a report—
(A) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Office of the Architect of the Capitol or other employing office responsible for correcting the violation of this section uncovered by such inspection, and
(B) containing the results of the periodic inspection, identifying the employing office responsible for correcting the violation of this section uncovered by such inspection, describing any steps necessary to correct any violation of this section, and assessing any risks to employee health and safety associated with any violation.
(3) Action after report
If a report identifies any violation of this section, the General Counsel shall issue a citation or notice in accordance with subsection (c)(2)(A).
(4) Detailed personnel
The Secretary of Labor may, on request of the Executive Director, detail to the Office such personnel as may be necessary to advise and assist the Office in carrying out its duties under this section.
(f) Initial period for study and corrective action
The period from January 23, 1995, until December 31, 1996, shall be available to the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other employing offices to identify any violations of subsection (a), to determine the costs of compliance, and to take any necessary corrective action to abate any violations. The Office shall assist the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and other employing offices by arranging for inspections and other technical assistance at their request. Prior to July 1, 1996, the General Counsel shall conduct a thorough inspection under subsection (e)(1) and shall submit the report under subsection (e)(2) for the One Hundred Fourth Congress.
(g) Effective date
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a), (b), (c), and (e)(3) shall be effective on January 1, 1997.
(2) Government Accountability Office and Library of Congress
This section shall be effective with respect to the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress 1 year after transmission to the Congress of the study under
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(2)(C).
Subsec. (a)(2)(D).
Subsec. (e)(1).
2008—Subsec. (e)(1).
2004—Subsecs. (a)(2)(C), (D), (e)(1) .
Subsec. (g)(2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Amendment by
Part D—Labor-Management Relations
§1351. Application of chapter 71 of title 5 relating to Federal service labor-management relations; procedures for remedy of violations
(a) Labor-management rights
(1) In general
The rights, protections, and responsibilities established under
(2) Application
For purposes of the application under this section of the sections referred to in paragraph (1), the term "agency" shall be deemed to include an employing office.
(3) Definitions
For purposes of this section, the term "covered employee" does not include an employee of the Library of Congress, and the term "employing office" does not include the Library of Congress.
(b) Remedy
The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy, including a remedy under
(c) Authorities and procedures for implementation and enforcement
(1) General authorities of Board; petitions
For purposes of this section and except as otherwise provided in this section, the Board shall exercise the authorities of the Federal Labor Relations Authority under
(2) General authorities of the General Counsel; charges of unfair labor practice
For purposes of this section and except as otherwise provided in this section, the General Counsel shall exercise the authorities of the General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority under
(3) Judicial review
Except for matters referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
(4) Exercise of impasses panel authority; requests
For purposes of this section and except as otherwise provided in this section, the Board shall exercise the authorities of the Federal Service Impasses Panel under
(d) Regulations to implement section
(1) In general
The Board shall, pursuant to
(2) Agency regulations
Except as provided in subsection (e), the regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Federal Labor Relations Authority to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsection (a) except—
(A) to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section; or
(B) as the Board deems necessary to avoid a conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest.
(e) Specific regulations regarding application to certain offices of Congress
(1) Regulations required
The Board shall issue regulations pursuant to
(A) to the extent that the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section; and
(B) that the Board shall exclude from coverage under this section any covered employees who are employed in offices listed in paragraph (2) if the Board determines that such exclusion is required because of—
(i) a conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest; or
(ii) Congress' constitutional responsibilities.
(2) Offices referred to
The offices referred to in paragraph (1) include—
(A) the personal office of any Member of the House of Representatives or of any Senator;
(B) a standing, select, special, permanent, temporary, or other committee of the Senate or House of Representatives, or a joint committee of Congress;
(C) the Office of the Vice President (as President of the Senate), the Office of the President pro tempore of the Senate, the Office of the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Office of the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Office of the Majority Whip of the Senate, the Office of the Minority Whip of the Senate, the Conference of the Majority of the Senate, the Conference of the Minority of the Senate, the Office of the Secretary of the Conference of the Majority of the Senate, the Office of the Secretary of the Conference of the Minority of the Senate, the Office of the Secretary for the Majority of the Senate, the Office of the Secretary for the Minority of the Senate, the Majority Policy Committee of the Senate, the Minority Policy Committee of the Senate, and the following offices within the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Offices of the Parliamentarian, Bill Clerk, Legislative Clerk, Journal Clerk, Executive Clerk, Enrolling Clerk, Official Reporters of Debate, Daily Digest, Printing Services, Captioning Services, and Senate Chief Counsel for Employment;
(D) the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Offices of the Chief Deputy Majority Whips, the Offices of the Chief Deputy Minority Whips and the following offices within the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives: Offices of Legislative Operations, Official Reporters of Debate, Official Reporters to Committees, Printing Services, and Legislative Information;
(E) the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate, the Office of the Senate Legal Counsel, the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives, the Office of the General Counsel of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives, and the Office of the Law Revision Counsel;
(F) the offices of any caucus or party organization;
(G) the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of Technology Assessment, and the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights; and
(H) such other offices that perform comparable functions which are identified under regulations of the Board.
(f) Effective date
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective on October 1, 1996.
(2) Certain offices
With respect to the offices listed in subsection (e)(2), to the covered employees of such offices, and to representatives of such employees, subsections (a) and (b) shall be effective on the effective date of regulations under subsection (e).
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (a)(2).
Subsec. (a)(3).
Subsec. (e)(2)(G).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by
Senate Democratic Leadership Offices Funding and Authorities
Reference to the Office of the Secretary of the majority or minority conference of the Senate, as applicable, that represents the Democratic party deemed to be a reference to the Office of the Assistant Leader of the applicable conference, under certain conditions during the 117th Congress, see section 104 of div. I of
Part E—General
§1361. Generally applicable remedies and limitations
(a) Attorney's fees
If a covered employee, with respect to any claim under this chapter, or a qualified person with a disability, with respect to any claim under
(b) Interest
In any proceeding under
(c) Civil penalties and punitive damages
No civil penalty or punitive damages may be awarded with respect to any claim under this chapter.
(d) Exclusive procedure
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), no person may commence an administrative or judicial proceeding to seek a remedy for the rights and protections afforded by this chapter except as provided in this chapter.
(2) Veterans
A covered employee under
(e) Construction
(1) Definitions and exemptions
Except where inconsistent with definitions and exemptions provided in this chapter, the definitions and exemptions in the laws made applicable by this chapter shall apply under this chapter.
(2) Size limitations
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), provisions in the laws made applicable under this chapter (other than the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act [
(3) Executive branch enforcement
This chapter shall not be construed to authorize enforcement by the executive branch of this chapter.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a), (c), (d)(1), and (e), was in the original "this Act", meaning
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), is
Amendments
2018—Subsecs. (e), (f).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by
§1362. Notices
(a) In general
Every employing office shall post and keep posted (in conspicuous places upon its premises where notices to covered employees are customarily posted) a notice provided by the Office that—
(1) describes the rights, protections, and procedures applicable to covered employees of the employing office under this chapter, concerning violations described in subsection (b); and
(2) includes contact information for the Office.
(b) Violations
A violation described in this subsection is—
(1) discrimination prohibited by
(2) a violation of
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective upon expiration of the 180-day period beginning on Dec. 21, 2018, with provisions for effect on pending proceedings, see section 401 of
Part F—Study
§1371. Study and recommendations regarding General Accounting Office, Government Printing Office, and Library of Congress
(a) In general
The Board shall undertake a study of—
(1) the application of the laws listed in subsection (b) to—
(A) the General Accounting Office;
(B) the Government Printing Office; and
(C) the Library of Congress; and
(2) the regulations and procedures used by the entities referred to in paragraph (1) to apply and enforce such laws to themselves and their employees.
(b) Applicable statutes
The study under this section shall consider the application of the following laws:
(1) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (
(2) The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (
(3) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (
(4) The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(5) The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(6) The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (
(7) The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (
(8)
(9) The General Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1980 (
(10) The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (
(11) The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (
(12)
(c) Contents of study and recommendations
The study under this section shall evaluate whether the rights, protections, and procedures, including administrative and judicial relief, applicable to the entities listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) and their employees are comprehensive and effective and shall include recommendations for any improvements in regulations or legislation, including proposed regulatory or legislative language.
(d) Deadline and delivery of study
Not later than December 31, 1996—
(1) the Board shall prepare and complete the study and recommendations required under this section; and
(2) the Board shall transmit such study and recommendations (with the Board's comments) to the head of each entity considered in the study, and to the Congress by delivery to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and President pro tempore of the Senate for referral to the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and of the Senate.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (b)(4), is
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (b)(5), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 676,
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (b)(6), is
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), is
The General Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (b)(9), is
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988, referred to in subsec. (b)(10), is
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(11), is
Amendments
1995—Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (d)(1).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
General Accounting Office redesignated Government Accountability Office. See section 8 of
Government Printing Office redesignated Government Publishing Office. See section 1301(b) of