Pub. L. 117-58, div. J, tit. III (as amended)

301.42 U.S.C. 7231 noteNotwithstanding section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, and without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of such title 5, the Secretary of Energy, upon a determination that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for particular positions to carry out the Department of Energy activities funded under this title, may, from within the funds provided to the Department of Energy under this title, recruit and directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the competitive service: Provided, That such authority shall not apply to positions in the Excepted Service or the Senior Executive Service: Provided further, That any action authorized herein shall be consistent with the merit principles of section 2301 of such title 5, and the Department shall comply with the public notice requirements of section 3327 of such title 5: Provided further, That the authority under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2027: Provided further, That 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations an estimate of the number of highly qualified individuals it expects to hire under the authority provided in this section.