In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary of Transportation may—
(1) appoint and fix the pay of employees without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service and chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5; and
(2) make contracts with persons for research and preparation of reports.
A member of an advisory committee appointed under section 325 of this title to carry out this chapter is a special United States Government employee under chapter 11 of title 18.
(Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1040.)