1. Extension of authority of and hiring authority for the Global Engagement Center
Extension— Section 1287(j) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (22 U.S.C. 2656 note) is amended by striking “the date that is 8 years after the date of the enactment of this Act” and inserting “December 31, 2027”.
Hiring authority for Global Engagement Center— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of State, during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and solely to carry out functions of the Global Engagement Center established by such section, may—
appoint employees without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, regarding appointments in the competitive service; and
fix the basic compensation of such employees without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title regarding classification and General Schedule pay rates.