Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in sections 4501 and 9501 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–160, § 822(a)(2).

2021—Pub. L. 116–283 renumbered section 2538 of this title as this section.

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, § 811(1), substituted “head of any department” for “Secretary of Defense”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337, § 811, substituted “through the head of any department” for “through the Secretary of Defense” and “opinion of the head of that department” for “opinion of the Secretary of Defense” in introductory provisions and “head of such department” for “Secretary” in pars. (2) and (3).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–337, § 811(1), substituted “head of any department” for “Secretary of Defense”.

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–283 effective Jan. 1, 2022, with additional provisions for delayed implementation and applicability of existing law, see section 1801(d) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.