individual under subsection (a) without the approval of the Special Counsel under section 1214(f) of title 5, United States Code. (f) Termination of investigations by Office of Special Counsel (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Special Counsel (established by section 1211 of title 5, United States Code) may terminate an investigation of a prohibited personnel practice alleged by an employee or former employee of the Service after the Special Counsel provides to the employee or former employee a written statement of the reasons for the termination of the investigation. (2) Admissibility The statement described in paragraph (1) may not be admissible as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding without the consent of the employee or former employee described in paragraph (1). (g) Vacancies In the case of a covered individual who is removed or demoted under subsection (a), to the maximum extent feasible, the Secretary shall fill the vacancy arising as a result of such removal or demotion. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered individual The term covered individual means an individual occupying a position at the Service, but does not include— (A) an individual occupying a senior executive position (as defined in section 606(d))