((a)) ** Appointment of United States commissioners**

((1)) ** Appointment** The United States commissioners on the Commission shall be appointed by the President, in accordance with paragraph 2 of article 8 of the Agreement, after taking into consideration the recommendations of—

((A)) the Secretary;

((B)) the Secretary of State; and

((C)) the Alaska Nanuuq Commission.

((2)) ** Qualifications** With respect to the United States commissioners appointed under this subsection, in accordance with paragraph 2 of article 8 of the Agreement—

((A)) 1 United States commissioner shall be an official of the Federal Government;

((B)) 1 United States commissioner shall be a representative of the Native people of Alaska, and, in particular, the Native people for whom polar bears are an integral part of their culture; and

((C)) both commissioners shall be knowledgeable of, or have expertise in, polar bears.

((3)) ** Service and term** Each United States commissioner shall serve—

((A)) at the pleasure of the President; and

((B)) for an initial 4-year term and such additional terms as the President shall determine.

((4)) ** Vacancies**

((A)) ** In general** Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term of office of a United States commissioner shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.

((B)) ** Manner** Any vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

((b)) ** Alternate commissioners**

((1)) ** In general** The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Alaska Nanuuq Commission, shall designate an alternate commissioner for each member of the United States section.

((2)) ** Duties** In the absence of a United States commissioner, an alternate commissioner may exercise all functions of the United States commissioner at any meetings of the Commission or of the United States section.

((3)) ** Reappointment** An alternate commissioner—

((A)) shall be eligible for reappointment by the President; and

((B)) may attend all meetings of the United States section.

((c)) ** Duties** The members of the United States section may carry out the functions and responsibilities described in article 8 of the Agreement in accordance with this subchapter and the Agreement.

((d)) ** Compensation and expenses**

((1)) ** Compensation** A member of the United States section shall serve without compensation.

((2)) ** Travel expenses** A member of the United States section shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the United States-Russia Polar Bear Commission.

((e)) ** Agency designation** The United States section shall, for the purpose of title 28 relating to claims against the United States and tort claims procedure, be considered to be a Federal agency.