accordance with the 45-day requirement under subclause (I), the reduction in grade or pay or removal is final. In such a case, the Merit Systems Protection Board shall, within 14 days after the date that such reduction in grade or pay or removal is final, submit to Congress a report that explains the reasons why a decision was not issued in accordance with such requirement. (V) No stays The Merit Systems Protection Board or administrative law judge may not stay any reduction in grade or pay or removal action under this paragraph. (VI) Effect of appeal of removal During the period beginning on the date on which a covered employee appeals a removal from the civil service under this paragraph and ending on the date that the administrative law judge issues a final decision on such appeal, the covered employee may not receive any pay, awards, bonuses, incentives, allowances, differentials, student loan repayments, special payments, or benefits. (v) Whistleblower protection In the case of a covered employee seeking corrective action (or on behalf of whom corrective action is sought) from the Office of Special Counsel based on an alleged prohibited personnel practice described in section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary may not reduce the grade or pay or remove the covered employee under this paragraph without the approval of the Special Counsel under section 1214(f) of title 5, United States Code. . (b) Application The authority under paragraph (2) of section 7(c) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act, as added by subsection (a), shall apply to any covered employee (as defined in such paragraph) appointed before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Conforming amendments Title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in section 4303(f)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking or at the end