((a)) The General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board  shall select one of its members as Chairman. The Chairman is the chief executive and administrative officer of the Board.

((b))

((1)) The Comptroller General shall appoint as General Counsel of the Board an individual the Chairman selects. The General Counsel serves at the pleasure of the Chairman.

((2)) The Chairman shall fix the pay of the General Counsel. The rate of basic pay of the General Counsel may be not more than the maximum rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–16 of the General Schedule.

((3)) The General Counsel shall—

((A)) investigate an allegation about a prohibited personnel practice under to decide if there are reasonable grounds to believe the practice has occurred, exists, or will be taken by an officer or an employee of the Government Accountability Office;

((B)) investigate an allegation about a prohibited political activity under ;

((C)) investigate a matter under the jurisdiction of the Board if the Board or a member of the Board requests; and

((D)) help the Board carry out its duties and powers.