((a)) ** Establishment authorized** Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary is authorized to establish and maintain within the Department the Rural Housing and Community Development Service and to assign to the Service such functions as the Secretary considers appropriate.

((b)) ** Functions** If the Secretary establishes the Rural Housing and Community Development Service under subsection (a), the Secretary is authorized to assign to the Service jurisdiction over the following:

((1)) Programs and activities under title V of the Housing Act of 1949 ( et seq.).

((2)) Programs and activities that relate to rural community lending programs, including programs authorized by .