Title 5 — Government Organization and Employees
Part III · Chapter 77 — Appeals
§ 7701. Appellate procedures
Statutory text
An employee, or applicant for employment, may submit an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board from any action which is appealable to the Board under any law, rule, or regulation. An appellant shall have the right—
to a hearing for which a transcript will be kept; and
to be represented by an attorney or other representative.
Appeals shall be processed in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Board.
The Board may hear any case appealed to it or may refer the case to an administrative law judge appointed under section 3105 of this title or other employee of the Board designated by the Board to hear such cases, except that in any case involving a removal from the service, the case shall be heard by the Board, an employee experienced in hearing appeals, or an administrative law judge. The Board, administrative law judge, or other employee (as the case may be) shall make a decision after receipt of the written representations of the parties to the appeal and after opportunity for a hearing under subsection (a)(1) of this section. A copy of the decision shall be furnished to each party to the appeal and to the Office of Personnel Management.
If an employee or applicant for employment is the prevailing party in an appeal under this subsection, the employee or applicant shall be granted the relief provided in the decision effective upon the making of the decision, and remaining in effect pending the outcome of any petition for review under subsection (e), unless—
the deciding official determines that the granting of such relief is not appropriate; or
the relief granted in the decision provides that such employee or applicant shall return or be present at the place of employment during the period pending the outcome of any petition for review under subsection (e); and
the employing agency, subject to the provisions of subparagraph (B), determines that the return or presence of such employee or applicant is unduly disruptive to the work environment.
If an agency makes a determination under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) that prevents the return or presence of an employee at the place of employment, such employee shall receive pay, compensation, and all other benefits as terms and conditions of employment during the period pending the outcome of any petition for review under subsection (e).
Nothing in the provisions of this paragraph may be construed to require any award of back pay or attorney fees be paid before the decision is final.
With respect to an appeal from an adverse action covered by subchapter V of chapter 75, authority to mitigate the personnel action involved shall be available, subject to the same standards as would apply in an appeal involving an action covered by subchapter II of chapter 75 with respect to which mitigation authority under this section exists.
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the decision of the agency shall be sustained under subsection (b) only if the agency’s decision—
in the case of an action based on unacceptable performance described in section 4303, is supported by substantial evidence; or
in any other case, is supported by a preponderance of the evidence.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the agency’s decision may not be sustained under subsection (b) of this section if the employee or applicant for employment—
shows harmful error in the application of the agency’s procedures in arriving at such decision;
shows that the decision was based on any prohibited personnel practice described in section 2302(b) of this title; or
shows that the decision was not in accordance with law.
In any case in which—
the interpretation or application of any civil service law, rule, or regulation, under the jurisdiction of the Office of Personnel Management is at issue in any proceeding under this section; and
the Director of the Office of Personnel Management is of the opinion that an erroneous decision would have a substantial impact on any civil service law, rule, or regulation under the jurisdiction of the Office;
the Director may as a matter of right intervene or otherwise participate in that proceeding before the Board. If the Director exercises his right to participate in a proceeding before the Board, he shall do so as early in the proceeding as practicable. Nothing in this title shall be construed to permit the Office to interfere with the independent decisionmaking of the Merit Systems Protection Board.
The Board shall promptly notify the Director whenever the interpretation of any civil service law, rule, or regulation under the jurisdiction of the Office is at issue in any proceeding under this section.
Except as provided in section 7702 of this title, any decision under subsection (b) of this section shall be final unless—
a party to the appeal or the Director petitions the Board for review within 30 days after the receipt of the decision; or
the Board reopens and reconsiders a case on its own motion.
The Board, for good cause shown, may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. One member of the Board may grant a petition or otherwise direct that a decision be reviewed by the full Board. The preceding sentence shall not apply if, by law, a decision of an administrative law judge is required to be acted upon by the Board.
The Director may petition the Board for a review under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if the Director is of the opinion that the decision is erroneous and will have a substantial impact on any civil service law, rule, or regulation under the jurisdiction of the Office.
The Board, or an administrative law judge or other employee of the Board designated to hear a case, may—
consolidate appeals filed by two or more appellants, or
join two or more appeals filed by the same appellant and hear and decide them concurrently,
if the deciding official or officials hearing the cases are of the opinion that the action could result in the appeals’ being processed more expeditiously and would not adversely affect any party.
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Board, or an administrative law judge or other employee of the Board designated to hear a case, may require payment by the agency involved of reasonable attorney fees incurred by an employee or applicant for employment if the employee or applicant is the prevailing party and the Board, administrative law judge, or other employee (as the case may be) determines that payment by the agency is warranted in the interest of justice, including any case in which a prohibited personnel practice was engaged in by the agency or any case in which the agency’s action was clearly without merit.
If an employee or applicant for employment is the prevailing party and the decision is based on a finding of discrimination prohibited under section 2302(b)(1) of this title, the payment of attorney fees shall be in accordance with the standards prescribed under section 706(k) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(k)).
The Board may, by regulation, provide for one or more alternative methods for settling matters subject to the appellate jurisdiction of the Board which shall be applicable at the election of an applicant for employment or of an employee who is not in a unit for which a labor organization is accorded exclusive recognition, and shall be in lieu of other procedures provided for under this section. A decision under such a method shall be final, unless the Board reopens and reconsiders a case at the request of the Office of Personnel Management under subsection (e) of this section.
Upon the submission of any appeal to the Board under this section, the Board, through reference to such categories of cases, or other means, as it determines appropriate, shall establish and announce publicly the date by which it intends to complete action on the matter. Such date shall assure expeditious consideration of the appeal, consistent with the interests of fairness and other priorities of the Board. If the Board fails to complete action on the appeal by the announced date, and the expected delay will exceed 30 days, the Board shall publicly announce the new date by which it intends to complete action on the appeal.
Not later than March 1 of each year, the Board shall submit to the Congress a report describing the number of appeals submitted to it during the preceding fiscal year, the number of appeals on which it completed action during that year, and the number of instances during that year in which it failed to conclude a proceeding by the date originally announced, together with an explanation of the reasons therefor.
The Board shall by rule indicate any other category of significant Board action which the Board determines should be subject to the provisions of this subsection.
It shall be the duty of the Board, an administrative law judge, or employee designated by the Board to hear any proceeding under this section to expedite to the extent practicable that proceeding.
In determining the appealability under this section of any case involving a removal from the service (other than the removal of a reemployed annuitant), neither an individual’s status under any retirement system established by or under Federal statute nor any election made by such individual under any such system may be taken into account.
The Board may prescribe regulations to carry out the purpose of this section.
Legislative history
Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.
Pub. L. 89–554 · 80 Stat. 378
Enacted · 5 U.S.C. § 7701
Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 530
Source evidence
Code source credit
Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 530Pub. L. 95–454 title II § 205 · 92 Stat. 1111
Substituted · 5 U.S.C. § 7701
Pub. L. 95–454 substituted “Appellate procedures” for “Appeals of preference eligibles” in section catchline, and in text substituted provisions relating to procedures applicable with respect to the Merit Systems Protection Board for an employee or applicant for employment, for provisions relating to appeals of preference eligible employees
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 95–454 substituted “Appellate procedures” for “Appeals of preference eligibles” in section catchline, and in text substituted provisions relating to procedures applicable with respect to the Merit Systems Protection Board for an employee or applicant for employment, for provisions relating to appeals of preference eligible employees.Enacted provision · exact public law section
Sec. 205. Chapter 77 of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: “CHAPTER 77— APPEALS “Sec. “7701. Appellate procedures. “7702. Actions involving discrimination. “7703. Judicial review of decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board. “§7701. Appellate procedures “(a) An employee, or applicant for employment, may submit an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board from any action which is appealable to the Board under any law, rule, or regulation. An appellant shall have the right— “(1) to a hearing for which a transcript will be kept; and Hearing. “(2) to be represented by an attorney or other representative. Representation. Appeals shall be processed in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Board. “(b) The Board may hear any case appealed to it or may refer the case to an administrative law judge appointed under section 3105 of this title or other employee of the Board designated by the Board to 5 USC 3105. hear such cases, except that in any case involving a removal from the service, the case shall be heard by the Board, an employee experienced in hearing appeals, or an administrative law judge. The Board, administrative law judge, or other employee (as the case may be) shall make a decision after receipt of the written representations of the parties to the appeal and after opportunity for a hearing under subsection (a) (1) of this section. A copy of the decision shall be furnished to each Copies of decisions. party to the appeal and to the Office of Personnel Management. “(c) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the decision of the agency shall be sustained under subsection (b) only if the agency’s decision— “(A) in the case of an action based on unacceptable performance described in section 4303 of this title, is supported by substantial Ante, p. 1133. evidence, or “(B) in any other case, is supported by a preponderance of the evidence. “(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the agency’s decision may not be sustained under subsection (b) of this section if the employee or applicant for employment— “(A) shows harmful error in the application of the agency’s procedures in arriving at such decision; “(B) shows that the decision was based on any prohibited personnel practice described in section 2302(b) of this title or Ante, p. 1114. “(C) shows that the decision was not in accordance with law. “(d) (1) In any case in which— “(A) the interpretation or application of any civil service law, rule, or regulation, under the jurisdiction of the Office of Personnel Management is at issue in any proceeding under this section; and “(B) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management is of the opinion that an erroneous decision would have a substantial impact on any civil service law, rule, or regulation under the jurisdiction of the Office; the Director may as a matter of right intervene or otherwise participate in that proceeding before the Board. If the Director exercises his right to participate in a proceeding before the Board, he shall do so as early in the proceeding as practicable. Nothing in this title shall be construed to permit the Office to interfere with the independent decisionmaking of the Merit Systems Protection Board. “(2) The Board shall promptly notify the Director whenever the Notification. interpretation of any civil service law, rule, or regulation under the jurisdiction of the Office is at issue in any proceeding under this section. “(e) (1) Except as provided in section 7702 of this title, any decision Decisions. under subsection (b) of this section shall be final unless— “(A) a party to the appeal or the Director petitions the Board for review within 30 days after the receipt of the decision; or “(B) the Board reopens and reconsiders a case on its own motion. The Board, for good cause shown, may extend the 30-day period referred to in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. One member of the Board may grant a petition or otherwise direct that a decision be reviewed by the full Board. The preceding sentence shall not apply if, by law, a decision of an administration law judge is required to be acted upon by the Board. “(2) The Director may petition the Board for a review under paragraph Petition for review. (1) of this subsection only if the Director is of the opinion that the decision is erroneous and will have a substantial impact on any civil service law, rule, or regulation under the jurisdiction of the Office. “(f) The Board, or an administrative law judge or other employee of the Board designated to hear a case, may— “(1) consolidate appeals filed by two or more appellants, or “(2) join two or more appeals filed by the same appellant and hear and decide them concurrently, if the deciding official or officials hearing the cases are of the opinion that the action could result in the appeals’ being processed more expeditiously and would not adversely affect any party, “(g) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Board, or an administrative law judge or other employee of the Board designated to hear a case, may require payment by the agency involved of reasonable attorney fees incurred by an employee or applicant for employment if the employee or applicant is the prevailing party and the Board, administrative law judge, or other employee, as the case may be, determines that payment by the agency is warranted in the interest of justice, including any case in which a prohibited personnel practice was engaged in by the agency or any case in which the agency’s action was clearly without merit. “(2) If an employee or applicant for employment is the prevailing party and the decision is based on a finding of discrimination prohibited under section 2302(b)(1) of this title, the payment of attorney Ante, p. 1114 fees shall be in accordance with the standards prescribed under section 706(k) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(k)). “(h) The Board may, by regulation, provide for one or more alternative methods for settling matters subject to the appellate jurisdiction of the Board which shall be applicable at the election of an applicant for employment or of an employee who is not in a unit for which a labor organization is accorded exclusive recognition, and shall be in lieu of other procedures provided for under this section. A decision under such a method shall be final, unless the Board reopens and reconsiders a case at the request of the Office of Personnel Management under subsection (d) of this section. “(i) (1) Upon the submission of any appeal to the Board under this section, the Board, through reference to such categories of cases, or other means, as it determines appropriate, shall establish and announce publicly the date by which it intends to complete action on the matter. Such date shall assure expeditious consideration of the appeal, consistent with the interests of fairness and other priorities of the Board. If the Board fails to complete action on the appeal by the announced date, and the expected delay will exceed 30 days, the Board shall publicly announce the new date by which it intends to complete action on the appeal. “(2) Not later than March 1 of each year, the Board shall submit Report to Congress. to the Congress a report describing the number of appeals submitted to it during the preceding calendar year, the number of appeals on which it completed action during: that year, and the number of instances during that year in which it failed to conclude a proceeding by the date originally announced, together with an explanation of the reasons therefor. “(3) The Board shall by rule indicate any other category of significant Board action which the Board determines should be subject to the provisions of this subsection. “(4) It shall be the duty of the Board, an administrative law judge, or employee designated by the Board to hear any proceeding under this section to expedite to the extent practicable that proceeding. “(j) The Board may prescribe regulations to carry out the purpose Regulations. of this section. “§7702. Actions involving discrimination “(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in the case of any employee or applicant for employment who— “(A) has been effected by an action which the employee or applicant may appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board, and “(B) alleges that a basis for the action was discrimination prohibited by— “(i) section 717 of the Civil Eights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 42 USC 2000e–16. 2000e–16c), “(ii) section 6 (d) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(d)), “(iii) section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), “(iv) sections 12 and 15 of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 631,633a), or “(v) any rule, regulation, or policy directive prescribed under any provision of law described in clauses (i) through (iv) of this subparagraph, the Board shall, within 120 days of the filing of the appeal, decide both the issue of discrimination and the appealable action in accordance with the Board’s appellate procedures under section 7701 of this title and this section. “(2) In any matter before an agency which involves— “(A) any action described in paragraph (1) (A) of this subsection; and “(B) any issue of discrimination prohibited under any provision of law described in paragraph (1) (B) of this subsection; the agency shall resolve such matter within 120 days. The decision of the agency in any such matter shall be a judicially reviewable action unless the employee appeals the matter to the Board under paragraph (1) of this subsection. “(3) Any decision of the Board under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be a judicially reviewable action as of— “(A) the date of issuance of the decision if the employee or applicant does not file a petition with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under subsection (b) (1) of this section, or “(B) the date the Commission determines not to consider the decision under subsection (b) (2) of this section. “(b) (1) An employee or applicant may, within 30 days after notice of the decision of the Board under subsection (a)(1) of this section, petition the Commission to consider the decision. “(2) The Commission shall, within 30 days after the date of the petition, determine whether to consider the decision. A determination of the Commission not to consider the decision may not be used as evidence with respect to any issue of discrimination in any judicial proceeding concerning that issue. “(3) If the Commission makes a determination to consider the decision, the Commission shall, within 60 days after the date of the determination, consider the entire record of the proceedings of the Board and, on the basis of the evidentiary record before the Board, as supplemented under paragraph (4) of this subsection, either— “(A) concur in the decision of the Board; or “(B) issue in writing another decision which differs from the decision of the Board to the extent that the Commission finds that, as a matter of law— “(i) the decision of the Board constitutes an incorrect interpretation of any provision of any law, rule, regulation, or policy directive referred to in subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section, or “(ii) the decision involving such provision is not supported by the evidence in the record as a whole. “(4) In considering any decision of the Board under this subsection, the Commission may refer the case to the Board, or provide on its own, for the taking (within such period as permits the Commission to make a decision within the 60-day period prescribed under this subsection) of additional evidence to the extent it considers necessary to supplement the record. “(5) (A) If the Commission concurs pursuant to paragraph (3)(A) of this subsection in the decision of the Board, the decision of the Board shall be a judicially reviewable action. “(B) If the Commission issues any decision under paragraph (3)(B) of this subsection, the Commission shall immediately refer the matter to the Board. “(c) Within 30 days after receipt by the Board of the decision of the Commission under subsection (b)(5)(B) of this section, the Board shall consider the decision and— “(1) concur and adopt in whole the decision of the Commission; or “(2) to the extent that the Board finds that, as a matter of law. (A) the Commission decision constitutes an incorrect interpretation of any provision of any civil service law, rule, regulation or policy directive, or (B) the Commission decision involving such provision is not supported by the evidence in the record as a whole— “(i) reaffirm the initial decision of the Board; or “(ii) reaffirm the initial decision of the Board with such revisions as it determines appropriate. If the Board takes the action provided under paragraph (1), the decision of the Board shall be a judicially reviewable action. “(d) (1) If the Board takes any action under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the matter shall be immediately certified to a special panel described in paragraph (6) of this subsection. Upon certification, the Board shall, within 5 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), transmit to the special panel the administrative record in the proceeding, including— “(A) the factual record compiled under this section, “(B) the decisions issued by the Board and the Commission under this section, and “(C) any transcript of oral arguments made, or legal briefs filed, before the Board or the Commission. “(2) (A) The special panel shall, within 45 days after a matter has been certified to it, review the administrative record transmitted to it and, on the basis of the record, decide the issues in dispute and issue a final decision which shall be a judicially reviewable action. “(B) The special panel shall give due deference to the respective expertise of the Board and Commission in making its decision. “(3) The special panel shall refer its decision under paragraph (2) of this subsection to the Board and the Board shall order any agency to take any action appropriate to carry out the decision. “(4) The special panel shall permit the employee or applicant who brought the complaint and the employing agency to appear before the panel to present oral arguments and to present written arguments with respect to the matter. “(5) Upon application by the employee or applicant, the Commission may issue such interim relief as it determines appropriate to mitigate any exceptional hardship the employee or applicant might otherwise incur as a result of the certification of any matter under this subsection, except that the Commission may not stay, or order any agency to review on an interim basis, the action referred to in subsection (a) (1) of this section. “(6) (A) Each time the Board takes any action under subsection Special panel. (c) (2) of this section, a special panel shall be convened which shall consist of— “(i) an individual appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve for a term of 6 years as chairman of the special panel each time it is convened; “(ii) one member of the Board designated by the Chairman of the Board each time a panel is convened; and “(iii) one member of the Commission designated by the Chairman of the Commission each time a panel is convened. The chairman of the special panel may be removed by the President only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. “(B) The chairman is entitled to pay at a rate equal to the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under the General Schedule 5 USC 5332 note. for each day he is engaged in the performance of official business on the work of the special panel. “(C) The Board and the Commission shall provide such administrative Administrative assistance. assistance to the special panel as may be necessary and, to the extent practicable, shall equally divide the costs of providing the administrative assistance. “(e) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if at any time after— “(A) the 120th day following the filing of any matter described in subsection (a) (2) of this section with an agency, there is no judicially reviewable action under this section or an appeal under paragraph (2) of this subsection; “(B) the 120th day following the filing of an appeal with the Board under subsection (a) (1) of this section, there is no judicially reviewable action (unless such action is not as the result of the filing of a petition by the employee under subsection (b) (1) of this section); or “(C) the 180th day following the filing of a petition with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under subsection (b)(1) of this title, there is no final agency action under subsection (b), (c), or (d) of this section; an employee shall be entitled to file a civil action to the same extent and in the same manner as provided in section 717(c) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(c)), section 15(c) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 633a (c)), or section 16(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 216(d)). “(2) If, at any time after the 120th day following the filing of any matter described in subsection (a) (2) of this section with an agency, there is no judicially reviewable action, the employee may appeal the matter to the Board under subsection (a) (1) of this section. “(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the right to trial de novo under any provision of law described in subsection (a) (1) of this section after a judicially reviewable action, including the decision of an agency under subsection (a) (2) of this section. “(f) In any case in which an employee is required to file any action, appeal, or petition under this section and the employee timely files the action, appeal, or petition with an agency other than the agency with which the action, appeal, or petition is to be filed, the employee shall be treated as having timely filed the action, appeal, or petition as of the date it is filed with the proper agency. “§7703. Judicial review of decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board “(a) (1) Any employee or applicant for employment adversely affected or aggrieved by a final order or decision of the Merit Systems Protection Board may obtain judicial review of the order or decision. “(2) The Board shall be the named respondent in any proceeding brought pursuant to this subsection, unless the employee or applicant for employment seeks review of a final order or decision issued by the Board under section 7701. In review of a final order or decision issued under section 7701, the agency responsible for taking the action appealed to the Board shall be the named respondent. “(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a petition to review a final order or final decision of the Board shall be filed in the Court of Claims or a United States court of appeals as provided in chapters 91 and 158, respectively, of title 28. Notwithstanding 28 USC 1491 et seq. 2341 et seq. any other provision of law, any petition for review must be filed within 30 days after the date the petitioner received notice of the final order or decision of the Board. “(2) Cases of discrimination subject to the provisions of section 7702 of this title shall be filed under section 717(c) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(c)), section 15(c) of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 633a (c)), and section 16(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended (29 U.S.C. 216(b)), as applicable. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any such case filed under any such section must be filed within 30 days after the date the individual filing the case received notice of the judicially reviewable action under such section 7702. “(c) In any case filed in the United States Court of Claims or a United States court of appeals, the court shall review the record and hold unlawful and set aside any agency action, findings, or conclusions found to be— “(1) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law; “(2) obtained without procedures required by law, rule, or regulation having been followed; or “(3) unsupported by substantial evidence; except that in the case of discrimination brought under any section referred to in subsection (b) (2) of this section, the employee or applicant shall have the right to have the facts subject to trial de novo by the reviewing court. “(d) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may Petition. obtain review of any final order or decision of the Board by filing a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia 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.”.Pub. L. 96–54 § 2(a)(45)(A) · 93 Stat. 381
Substituted · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(e)(1)
Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(A), substituted “administrative” for “administration”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(A), substituted “administrative” for “administration”.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(A) in subsection (e)(1), by striking out “administration” and inserting in lieu thereof “administrative”;Pub. L. 96–54 § 2(a)(45)(B) · 93 Stat. 381
Substituted · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(g)(1)
Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(B), substituted “(as the case may be)” for “, as the case may be,”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(B), substituted “(as the case may be)” for “, as the case may be,”.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(B) in subsection (g)(1), by striking out “, as the case may be,” and inserting in lieu thereof “(as the case may be)”; andPub. L. 96–54 § 2(a)(45)(C) · 93 Stat. 381
Substituted · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(h)
Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(C), substituted “subsection (e)” for “subsection (d)”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(C), substituted “subsection (e)” for “subsection (d)”.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(C) in subsection (h), by striking out “subsection (d)” and inserting in lieu thereof “subsection (e)”.Congressional Reports Elimination Act of 1986
Pub. L. 99–386 title II § 208 · 100 Stat. 821
Substituted · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(i)(2)
Pub. L. 99–386 substituted “fiscal” for “calendar”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 99–386 substituted “fiscal” for “calendar”.Enacted provision · exact public law section
Sec. 208. reports by the united states merit systems protection board $5,000>Section 7701(i)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking out “calendar” and inserting in lieu thereof “fiscal”.Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989
Pub. L. 101–12 § 6 · 103 Stat. 16
Amended · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(b)
Pub. L. 101–12 designated existing provisions as par. (1)
Added · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(b)
Pub. L. 101–12 added par. (2)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–12 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).Enacted provision · exact public law section
SEC. 6. INTERIM RELIEF. Section 7701 of title 6,United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as paragraph (1) of subsection (b); and (2) by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: “(2) (A) If an employee or applicant for employment is the prevailing party in an appeal under this subsection, the employee or applicant shall be granted the relief provided in the decision effective upon the making of the decision, and remaining in effect pending the outcome of any petition for review under subsection (e), unless— “(i) the deciding official determines that the granting of such relief is not appropriate; or “(ii) (I) the relief granted in the decision provides that such employee or applicant shall return or be present at the place of employment during the period pending the outcome of any petition for review under subsection (e); and “(II) the employing agency, subject to the provisions of subparagraph (B), determines that the return or presence of such employee or applicant is unduly disruptive to the work environment. “(B) If an agency makes a determination under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) that prevents the return or presence of an employee at the place 9f employment, such employee shall receive pay, compensation, and all other benefits as terms and conditions of employment during the period pending the outcome of any petition for review under subsection (e). “(C) Nothing in the provisions of this paragraph may be construed to require any award of back pay or attorney fees be paid before the decision is final.”.Ethics Reform Act of 1989
Pub. L. 101–194 title V § 506(b)(6) · 103 Stat. 1716
Substituted · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(c)(1)(A)
Pub. L. 101–194, as amended by Pub. L. 101–280, which directed the substitution of “or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a of” for “of”, was executed by making the substitution for the second reference to “of” as the probable intent of Congress
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–194, as amended by Pub. L. 101–280, which directed the substitution of “or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a of” for “of”, was executed by making the substitution for the second reference to “of” as the probable intent of Congress.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(6) in section 7701(c)(1)(A) by striking “of” and inserting in lieu thereof the following: “of a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a or”;Pub. L. 101–280 § 6(d)(2) · 104 Stat. 149
Amended · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(c)(1)(A)
Pub. L. 101–280 amended Pub. L. 101–194, see 1989 Amendment note below
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–280 amended Pub. L. 101–194, see 1989 Amendment note below.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(2) by amending paragraph (6) of subsection (b) to read as follows: “(6) in section 7701(c)(1)(A), by striking ‘of and inserting in lieu thereof the following: ‘or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a of;”;Civil Service Due Process Amendments
Pub. L. 101–376 § 3 · 104 Stat. 461
Added · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(j); 5 U.S.C. § 7701(k)
Pub. L. 101–376 added subsec. (j)
Redesignated · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(j); 5 U.S.C. § 7701(k)
Pub. L. 101–376 redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 101–376 added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k).Enacted provision · exact public law section
SEC. 3. ANNUITANT STATUS NOT A BAR TO APPEALING ONE’S REMOVAL. Section 7701 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (k); and (2) by inserting after subsection (i) the following: “(j) In determining the appealability under this section of any case involving a removal from the service (other than the removal of a reemployed annuitant), neither an individual’s status under any retirement system established by or under Federal statute nor any election made by such individual under any such system may be taken into account.”.Senior Executive Service Improvements Act
Pub. L. 102–175 § 5 · 105 Stat. 1222
Added · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(b)(3)
Pub. L. 102–175 added par. (3)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–175 added par. (3).Enacted provision · exact public law section
SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO MITIGATE. Section 7701(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: “(3) With respect to an appeal from an adverse action covered by subchapter V of chapter 75, authority to mitigate the personnel action involved shall be available, subject to the same standards as would apply in an appeal involving an action covered by subchapter II of chapter 75 with respect to which mitigation authority under this section exists.”.Technical and Miscellaneous Civil Service Amendments Act of 1992
Pub. L. 102–378 § 2(56) · 106 Stat. 1346
Amended · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(c)(1)(A)
Pub. L. 102–378 amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “in the case of an action based on unacceptable performance described in section 4303 or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a of this title, is supported by substantial evidence, or”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–378 amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “in the case of an action based on unacceptable performance described in section 4303 or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a of this title, is supported by substantial evidence, or”.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(56) in section 7701(c)(1) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: “(A) in the case of an action based on unacceptable performance described in section 4303 or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a, is supported by substantial evidence; or”;Homeland Security Act of 2002
Pub. L. 107–296 title XIII § 1321(a)(3) · 116 Stat. 2135
Struck · 5 U.S.C. § 7701(c)(1)(A)
Pub. L. 107–296, which directed the amendment of subpar. (A) by striking “or removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a”, was executed by striking out “or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a” after “section 4303” to reflect the probable intent of Congress
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–296, which directed the amendment of subpar. (A) by striking “or removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a”, was executed by striking out “or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a” after “section 4303” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.Enacted provision · exact public law section
(3) in section 7701(c)(1)(A), by striking “or removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a”;Effective date note
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective 60 days after Nov. 25, 2002, see section 4 of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as an Effective Date note under section 101 of Title 6, Domestic Security.
14 of 15 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 1 partial
Notes
historicalAndRevision
| Historical and Revision Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Derivation | U.S. Code | Revised Statutes andStatutes at Large |
| 5 U.S.C. 863 (less 1st 168 words, and less 2d proviso). | June 27, 1944, ch. 287, § 14 (less 1st 168 words, and less 2d proviso), 58 Stat. 390.Aug. 4, 1947, ch. 447, 61 Stat. 723. | |
| 5 U.S.C. 868 (proviso). | June 22, 1948, ch. 604, 62 Stat. 575. | |
The application of the section is established by the words “A preference eligible employee as defined by section 7511 of this title”. Specific mention of the actions appealable are covered by the reference to “an adverse decision under section 7512 of this title”. The words “administrative authority” are substituted for “administrative officer” to avoid conflict with the definitions of “employee” and “officer” in chapter 21 of this title and to include an individual who is employed by the government of the District of Columbia or who is a member of a uniformed service as such an individual could have been an “administrative officer” under former section 863. The words “the date of” in the phrase “after the date of receipt of notice” are omitted as unnecessary. The words “reasonable rules and” in the phrase “reasonable rules and regulations” are omitted as unnecessary. The word “proper” in the phrase “proper administrative officer” is omitted as unnecessary. The word “designated” in the phrase “designated representative” is omitted as unnecessary.
Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title outlined in preface to the report.
Editorial Notes
Amendments1978–2002 · 8 rounds
2002
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–296, which directed the amendment of subpar. (A) by striking “or removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a”, was executed by striking out “or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a” after “section 4303” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
1992
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 102–378 amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “in the case of an action based on unacceptable performance described in section 4303 or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a of this title, is supported by substantial evidence, or”.
1991
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–175 added par. (3).
1990
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–280 amended Pub. L. 101–194, see 1989 Amendment note below.
Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 101–376 added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k).
1989
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–12 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–194, as amended by Pub. L. 101–280, which directed the substitution of “or a removal from the Senior Executive Service for failure to be recertified under section 3393a of” for “of”, was executed by making the substitution for the second reference to “of” as the probable intent of Congress.
1986
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 99–386 substituted “fiscal” for “calendar”.
1979
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(A), substituted “administrative” for “administration”.
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(B), substituted “(as the case may be)” for “, as the case may be,”.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45)(C), substituted “subsection (e)” for “subsection (d)”.
1978
Pub. L. 95–454 substituted “Appellate procedures” for “Appeals of preference eligibles” in section catchline, and in text substituted provisions relating to procedures applicable with respect to the Merit Systems Protection Board for an employee or applicant for employment, for provisions relating to appeals of preference eligible employees.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2002 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective 60 days after , see section 4 of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as an Effective Date note under section 101 of Title 6, Domestic Security.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–376 effective , and applicable with respect to any appeal or other proceeding brought on or after such date, see section 4 of Pub. L. 101–376, set out as a note under section 4303 of this title.
Effective Date of 1989 Amendments
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–194 effective , see section 506(d) of Pub. L. 101–194, set out as a note under section 3151 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–12 effective 90 days following , see section 11 of Pub. L. 101–12, set out as a note under section 1201 of this title.
Effective Date of 1979 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–54 effective , see section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54, set out as a note under section 305 of this title.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–454 effective 90 days after , see section 907 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Savings Provision
For effect of Pub. L. 101–12 on orders, rules, and regulations issued before effective date of Pub. L. 101–12, administrative proceedings pending at time provisions of Pub. L. 101–12 take effect, and suits and other proceedings as in effect immediately before effective date of Pub. L. 101–12, see section 7 of Pub. L. 101–12, set out as a note under section 1201 of this title.
Termination of Reporting Requirements
For termination, effective , of reporting provisions in subsec. (i)(2) of this section, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 177 of House Document No. 103–7.
Executive Documents
Executive Order No. 11787
Ex. Ord. No. 11787, , 39 F.R. 20675; Ex. Ord. No. 12107, , 44 F.R. 1055, which provided that the appeals system established by the Merit Systems Protection Board is the sole system of appeal for an employee covered by that appeal system, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12553, , 51 F.R. 7237.
Credits
1966–2002 · 11 acts
- 1966Pub. L. 89–554, , 80 Stat. 530
- 1978Pub. L. 95–454, title II, § 205, , 92 Stat. 1138
- 1979Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45), , 93 Stat. 384
- 1986Pub. L. 99–386, title II, § 208, , 100 Stat. 824
- 1989Pub. L. 101–12, § 6, , 103 Stat. 33
- 1989Pub. L. 101–194, title V, § 506(b)(6), , 103 Stat. 1758
- 1990Pub. L. 101–280, § 6(d)(2), , 104 Stat. 160
- 1990Pub. L. 101–376, § 3, , 104 Stat. 462
- 1991Pub. L. 102–175, § 5, , 105 Stat. 1223
- 1992Pub. L. 102–378, § 2(56), , 106 Stat. 1354
- 2002Pub. L. 107–296, title XIII, § 1321(a)(3), , 116 Stat. 2297.
Show as published
(Pub. L. 89–554, , 80 Stat. 530; Pub. L. 95–454, title II, § 205, , 92 Stat. 1138; Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(45), , 93 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 99–386, title II, § 208, , 100 Stat. 824; Pub. L. 101–12, § 6, , 103 Stat. 33; Pub. L. 101–194, title V, § 506(b)(6), , 103 Stat. 1758; Pub. L. 101–280, § 6(d)(2), , 104 Stat. 160; Pub. L. 101–376, § 3, , 104 Stat. 462; Pub. L. 102–175, § 5, , 105 Stat. 1223; Pub. L. 102–378, § 2(56), , 106 Stat. 1354; Pub. L. 107–296, title XIII, § 1321(a)(3), , 116 Stat. 2297.)