ENHANCED AUTHORITY OF COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION OF COMMISSION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.

SEC. 3523. ENHANCED AUTHORITY OF COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION OF COMMISSION OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. (a) Repeal of Limitations on Commission Authority.—The following provisions are repealed: (1) Section 1215 (22 U.S.C. 3655), relating to basic pay. (2) Section 1219 (22 U.S.C. 3659), relating to salary protection upon conversion of pay rate.111 STAT. 2065 (3) Section 1225 (22 U.S.C. 3665), relating to minimum level of pay and minimum annual increases. (b) Savings Provision.—Section 1202 (22 U.S.C. 3642) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: “(c) In the case of an individual who is an officer or employee of the Commission on the day before the date of the enactment of the Panama Canal Transition Facilitation Act of 1997 and who has not had a break in service with the Commission since that date, the rate of basic pay for that officer or employee on or after that date may not be less than the rate in effect for that officer or employee on the day before that date of enactment except— “(1) as provided in a collective bargaining agreement; “(2) as a result of an adverse action against the officer or employee; or “(3) pursuant to a voluntary demotion.”. (c) Cross-Reference Amendments.—(1) Section 1216 (22 U.S.C. 3656) is amended by striking out “1215” and inserting in lieu thereof “1202”. (2) Section 1218 (22 U.S.C. 3658) is amended by striking out “1215” and “1217” and inserting in lieu thereof “1202” and “1217(a)”, respectively. (d) Nonapplicability to Agencies in Panama Other Than Panama Canal Commission.—Section 1212(b)(3) (22 U.S.C. 3652(b)(3)) is amended by striking out “or the Panama Canal Act Amendments of 1996” and inserting in lieu thereof “, the Panama Canal Act Amendments of 1996 (subtitle B of title XXXV of Public Law 104–201; 110 Stat. 2860), or the Panama Canal Transition Facilitation Act of 1997”.