; (ii) must have been recommended to the Secretary by a unanimous vote of the other members of the Committee; and (iii) may be appointed without regard to requirement under subparagraph (B) that each member have 5 years of practical experience in maritime operations. (3) Status of members For the purposes of Federal law, including the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and chapter 11 of title 18— (A) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary appoints to represent the point of view of an entity or group under paragraph (2)(C), is hereby deemed a representative of the member’s respective special interest entity or group, and not a special Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18); and (B) the member of the Committee with the background prescribed under paragraph (2)(D) is hereby deemed a special Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18). (4) Nominations; appointments; service (A) Nominations As necessary, the Secretary shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee. (B) Appointments (i) In general After timely notice is published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, appoint members to the Committee. (ii) Limitations The Secretary may not seek, consider, or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the Committee. (iii) Reappointments The Secretary may reappoint a member to the Committee more than once. (C) Service Each member of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. (5) Term