There is established within the Commission an Office of Ombudsman, to be directed by an Ombudsman, who shall be appointed by the Commission. It shall be the function of the Office of Ombudsman to receive individual complaints, grievances, requests, and suggestions of employees (and their dependents) of the Commission and other departments and agencies of the United States, including the Smithsonian Institution, conducting operations before October 1, 1979, in the area then comprising the Canal Zone concerning administrative problems, inefficiencies, and conflicts caused within departments and agencies of the United States, including the Smithsonian Institution, as a result of the implementation of the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and related agreements.

The Ombudsman shall make findings and render assistance with respect to the complaints, grievances, requests, and suggestions submitted to the Office of Ombudsman, and shall make appropriate recommendations to the Commission or any other department or agency of the United States, including the Smithsonian Institution.

The establishment of the Office of Ombudsman shall not affect any procedures for grievances, appeals, or administrative matters in any other provision of this chapter, any other provision of law, or any Federal regulation.

The Office of Ombudsman shall terminate upon the termination of the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977.

(Pub. L. 96–70, title I, § 1113, Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 460; Pub. L. 104–201, div. C, title XXXV, § 3525, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2861.)