This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 104–1, Jan. 23, 1995, 109 Stat. 3, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of this title and Tables.

A prior section 404 of Pub. L. 104–1 was classified to section 1404 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 115–397, title I, § 101(c)(1), Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5301.

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–397, § 104(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Not later than 15 days after receipt by the employee of notice of the end of the counseling period under section 1402 of this title, but prior to and as a condition of making an election under section 1404 of this title, the covered employee who alleged a violation of a law shall file a request for mediation with the Office.”

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–397, § 104(b), substituted “meetings with the parties during which, at the request of any of the parties, the parties shall be separated,” for “meetings with the parties separately or jointly”.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–397, § 104(c), substituted “The mediation period shall be 30 days, beginning on the first day after the second party agrees to the request for the mediation. The mediation period may be extended for one additional period of 30 days at the joint request of the covered employee and employing office. Any deadline in this chapter relating to a claim for which mediation has been agreed to in this section, that has not already passed by the first day of the mediation period, shall be stayed during the mediation period.” for “The mediation period shall be 30 days beginning on the date the request for mediation is received. The mediation period may be extended for additional periods at the joint request of the covered employee and the employing office.”

2015—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–6, § 2(a)(1), substituted “from the master list developed and maintained under subsection (e)” for “after considering recommendations by organizations composed primarily of individuals experienced in adjudicating or arbitrating personnel matters”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–6, § 2(a)(2), added subsec. (e).

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–397 effective upon expiration of the 180-day period beginning on Dec. 21, 2018, with provisions for effect on pending proceedings, see section 401 of Pub. L. 115–397, set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.

Pub. L. 114–6, § 2(d), Mar. 20, 2015, 129 Stat. 82, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1404 and 1416 of this title] shall apply with respect to mediations and other proceedings which are first initiated after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 20, 2015].”