Pub. L. 104–317, title V, § 501(c), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3856, provided that:
“(1)
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 258(a) of title 28, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section), the chief judge of the United States Court of International Trade who is in office on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 19, 1996] shall continue to be such chief judge on or after such date until any one of the following events occurs:
The regular active status of the chief judge is terminated.
“(C)
The chief judge attains the age of 70 years.
“(D)
The chief judge has served for a term of 7 years as chief judge.
“(2)
When the chief judge vacates the position of chief judge under paragraph (1), the position of chief judge of the Court of International Trade shall be filled in accordance with section 258(a) of title 28, United States Code.”