---
kind: "range"
citation: "5 U.S.C. §§ 7531–7533"
title: "5"
from: "7531"
to: "7533"
count: 3
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/5/7531..7533"
---

# §7531. Definitions


For the purpose of this subchapter, “[agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1)” means—

- (1) the Department of State;
- (2) the Department of Commerce;
- (3) the Department of Justice;
- (4) the Department of Defense;
- (5) a military department;
- (6) the Coast Guard;
- (7) the Atomic Energy Commission;
- (8) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and
- (9) such other [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) of the Government of the United States as the President designates in the best interests of national security.

The President shall report any designation to the Committees on the Armed [Services](/usc/5/8331.md?p=12) of the Congress.


# §7532. Suspension and removal

- (a) Notwithstanding other statutes, the head of an [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) may suspend without pay an [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1) of his [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) when he considers that action necessary in the interests of national security. To the extent that the head of the [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) determines that the interests of national security permit, the suspended [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1) shall be notified of the reasons for the [suspension](/usc/5/7541.md?p=2). Within 30 days after the notification, the suspended [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1) is entitled to submit to the official designated by the head of the [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) statements or affidavits to show why he should be restored to duty.
- (b) Subject to [subsection (c)](#c) of this section, the head of an [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) may remove an [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1) suspended under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section when, after such investigation and review as he considers necessary, he determines that removal is necessary or advisable in the interests of national security. The determination of the head of the [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) is final.
- (c) An [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1) suspended under [subsection (a)](#a) of this section who—
  - (1) has a permanent or indefinite appointment;
  - (2) has completed his probationary or trial period; and
  - (3) is a citizen of the United States;

  is entitled, after [suspension](/usc/5/7541.md?p=2) and before removal, to—

  - (A) a written statement of the charges against him within 30 days after [suspension](/usc/5/7541.md?p=2), which may be amended within 30 days thereafter and which shall be stated as specifically as security considerations permit;
  - (B) an opportunity within 30 days thereafter, plus an additional 30 days if the charges are amended, to answer the charges and submit affidavits;
  - (C) a hearing, at the request of the [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1), by an [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) [authority](/usc/5/7103.md?p=a-6) duly constituted for this purpose;
  - (D) a review of his case by the head of the [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1) or his designee, before a decision adverse to the [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1) is made final; and
  - (E) a written statement of the decision of the head of the [agency](/usc/5/500.md?p=a-1).

# §7533. Effect on other statutes


This subchapter does not impair the powers vested in the Atomic Energy Commission by [chapter 23](/usc/42/ch23.md) of title 42, or the requirement in [section 2201(d) of title 42](/usc/42/2201.md?p=d) that adequate provision be made for administrative review of a determination to dismiss an [employee](/usc/5/5361.md?p=1) of the Atomic Energy Commission.