; and (ii) for such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion. (C) Fees and costs The court in an action under this paragraph shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow a reasonable attorney’s fee, reasonable expert witness fees, and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant. (4) Action by the Secretary (A) Administrative action The Secretary shall receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints of violations of section 7 (including a violation relating to rights provided under section 5) in the same manner that the Secretary receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve complaints of violations of sections 6 and 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 206 and 207). (B) Civil action The Secretary may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages described in paragraph (3)(B)(i). (C) Sums recovered Any sums recovered by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be held in a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary, directly to each employee or individual affected. Any such sums not paid to an employee or individual affected because of inability to do so within a period of 3 years shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts. (5) Limitation (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an action may be brought under paragraph (3), (4), or (6) not later than 2 years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought. (B) Willful violation In the case of an action brought for a willful violation of section 7 (including a willful violation relating to rights provided under section 5), such action may be brought within 3 years of the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which such action is brought. (C) Commencement In determining when an action is commenced under paragraph (3), (4), or (6) for the purposes of this paragraph,