Pub. L. 118-158, div. B, tit. VII (as amended)

2701.43 U.S.C. 1457 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 the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, may recruit and directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the competitive service to address critical hiring needs for the planning and execution of the projects and activities funded in this title: 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 of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture 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, 2029: Provided further, That amounts provided by this section are designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.