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monly referred to as the “Paperwork Reduction Act”), shall not apply to any action by the Secretary to implement this Act.
(b) Appointment of Candidates.—To expedite the ability of the Secretary to implement this Act, the Secretary may appoint, without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States Code, candidates directly to positions in the competitive service (as defined in section 212 of that title).
(c) Administrative Procedures.—Except with respect to a civil penalty imposed pursuant to section 9(b) of this Act, the functions exercised under this Act shall not be subject to sections 551, 553 through 559, and 701 through 706 of title 5, United States Code.
(d) Protected Information in Civil Actions.—If a civil action challenging an action or finding under this Act is brought, and the court determines that protected information in the administrative record, including classified or other information subject to privilege or protections under any provision of law, is necessary to resolve the action, that information shall be submitted ex parte and in camera to the court and the court shall maintain that information under seal. This subsection does not confer or imply any right to judicial review.
