An individual concerned in examining an applicant for or appointing him in the competitive service may not receive or consider a recommendation of the applicant by a Senator or Representative, except as to the character or residence of the applicant.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 418; Pub. L. 103–94, § 8(a), Oct. 6, 1993, 107 Stat. 1006; Pub. L. 104–197, title III, § 315(a), Sept. 16, 1996, 110 Stat. 2416.)