; or (B) file a claim with the Office under section 402 and continue with the corresponding procedures of this title available and applicable to a covered employee. (4) Timing A Library claimant who meets the initial deadline under section 402(d) for filing a claim under this title, or any initial deadline for bringing a claim, complaint, or charge under the applicable direct provision, and then elects to change to alternative procedures as described in paragraph (2) or (3)(B), shall be considered to meet any initial deadline for the alternative procedures. (5) Application This subsection shall take effect and shall apply as described in section 153(c) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2018 ( Public Law 115–141 ) (except to the extent such section applies to any violation of section 210 or a provision of an Act specified in section 210). (e) Rights of parties to retain private counsel Nothing in this Act may be construed to limit the authority of any individual (including a covered employee, the head of an employing office, or an individual who is alleged to have committed personally an act which consists of a violation of part A of title II) to retain counsel to protect the interests of the individual at any point during any of the procedures provided under this title for the consideration of an alleged violation of part A of title II, including as provided under section 415(d)(8) with respect to individuals subject to a reimbursement requirement of section 415(d). (f) Standards for assertions made by parties Any party in any of the procedures provided under this title, as well as any counsel or other person representing a party in any of such procedures, shall have an obligation to ensure that, to the best of the party’s knowledge, information, and belief, as formed after an inquiry which is reasonable under the circumstances, each of the following is correct: (1) No pleading, written motion, or other paper is presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or