; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Allegation of covered discrimination or covered harassment In the case of an allegation of covered discrimination or covered harassment— (A) for a covered employee who requests counseling under section 402, not later than 15 days after receipt by the employee of notice of the end of the counseling period under section 402, but prior to making an election under section 404, the covered employee who alleged a violation of a law may file a request for voluntary mediation with the Office; and (B) for a covered employee who does not request such counseling, not later than 180 days after the date of the alleged violation, but prior to making an election under section 404, the covered employee may file a request for voluntary mediation with the Office. . (b) Requiring parties To be separated during mediation at request of employee Section 403(b)(2) of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 ( 2 U.S.C. 1403(b)(2) ) is amended by striking meetings with the parties and all that follows and inserting the following: “meetings with the parties— (1) held for the purpose of resolving the dispute between the covered employee and the employing office; and (2) (A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), conducted separately or jointly; or (B) at the request of a covered employee who alleges covered discrimination or covered harassment, during which the parties shall be separated. . 210. Election of proceeding Section 404 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 ( 2 U.S.C. 1404 ) is amended— (1) by striking Not later and inserting the following: (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), not later