((a)) ** Authorization** The Secretary is authorized to establish in the Department the positions of—

((1)) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs;

((2)) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Administration; and

((3)) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights.

((b)) ** Confirmation required** If the Secretary establishes any position of Assistant Secretary authorized under paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

((c)) ** Duties of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights** The Secretary may delegate to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights responsibility for—

((1)) ensuring compliance with all civil rights and related laws by all agencies and under all programs of the Department;

((2)) coordinating administration of civil rights laws (including regulations) within the Department for employees of, and participants in, programs of the Department; and

((3)) ensuring that necessary and appropriate civil rights components are properly incorporated into all strategic planning initiatives of the Department and agencies of the Department.