; and (2) by striking the second sentence and inserting The mediation period may be extended for one additional period of 30 days at the joint request of the covered employee and employing office. . 104. Hearings (a) Hearings commenced by Office of Congressional Workplace Rights Section 405 ( 2 U.S.C. 1405 ) is amended as follows: (1) In the heading, by striking Complaint and . (2) By amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) Requirement for hearings To commence in Office (1) Hearing required upon request If a covered employee elects to file a request for a hearing under this section by the deadline described in paragraph (2), the Executive Director shall appoint an independent hearing officer pursuant to subsection (c) to consider the claim and render a decision, and a hearing shall be commenced in the Office. (2) Deadline for requesting hearing The deadline described in this paragraph shall be 90 days after the later of— (A) the date on which either party opts out of mediation under section 402(c)