((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).