((a)) ** Right to take action not affected** This subchapter shall not affect the right of a servicemember to take action during a period of military service that is authorized by law or regulations of the Department of the Interior, for the perfection, defense, or further assertion of rights initiated or acquired before entering military service.

((b)) ** Affidavits and proofs**

((1)) ** In general** A servicemember during a period of military service may make any affidavit or submit any proof required by law, practice, or regulation of the Department of the Interior in connection with the entry, perfection, defense, or further assertion of rights initiated or acquired before entering military service before an officer authorized to provide notary services under or any superior commissioned officer.section 1044a of title 10

((2)) ** Legal status of affidavits** Such affidavits shall be binding in law and subject to the same penalties as prescribed by .section 1001 of title 18