((a)) ** In general** It shall not be a violation of any provision of to consider the—

((1)) party affiliation;

((2)) domicile; or

((3)) political compatibility with the employing office;

((b)) ** “Employee” defined** For purposes of subsection (a), the term “employee” means—

((1)) an employee on the staff of the leadership of the House of Representatives or the leadership of the Senate;

((2)) an employee on the staff of a committee or subcommittee of—

((A)) the House of Representatives;

((B)) the Senate; or

((C)) a joint committee of the Congress;

((3)) an employee on the staff of a Member of the House of Representatives or on the staff of a Senator;

((4)) an officer of the House of Representatives or the Senate or a congressional employee who is elected by the House of Representatives or Senate or is appointed by a Member of the House of Representatives or by a Senator (in addition an employee described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3)); or

((5)) an applicant for a position that is to be occupied by an individual described in any of paragraphs (1) through (4).