appointment of magistrates

appointment of magistrates Sec. 401. (a) No individual may serve as a United States commissioner within any judicial district after the date on which a United States magistrate assumes office in such judicial district. (b) An individual serving as a United Slates commissioner within any judicial district on the date of enactment of this Act who is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any State may be appointed to the office of United States magistrate for an initial term, and may be reappointed to such office for successive terms, notwithstanding his failure to meet the bar membership qualification imposed by section 631(b)(1) of chapter 43, title 28, United States Code: Provided, however, That any appointment or reappointment of such an individual must be by unanimous vote of all the judges of the appointing district court or courts.