; and (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting , which shall be voluntary in the case of an allegation of covered harassment before the semicolon; and (2) in the second sentence, by inserting (or a request for counseling, mediation, or a hearing, concerning an allegation of covered harassment) after for counseling under section 402 . 207. Notification Section 401 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, as amended by section 206, is further amended— (1) by striking Except and inserting the following: (a) Overall procedure Except ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Notification after allegation of covered harassment On receiving a request, under this title, for counseling or another proceeding for consideration of alleged covered harassment, the Office shall provide to the employee written notification that describes the rights, protections, and procedures applicable to a covered employee who is raising such an allegation. (c) No requirement To present allegation first to employing office Notwithstanding any provision of law, regardless of whether a covered employee follows the employing office's procedures for initially presenting an allegation, or information about the allegation, of covered harassment to the employing office— (1) the covered employee is privileged to request and obtain, under this title, counseling or another proceeding for consideration of alleged covered harassment; and (2) the covered employee— (A) may file a complaint with the Office in accordance with section 405 or file a civil action with a court in accordance with section 408; (B) may proceed without prejudice under the corresponding procedures specified in title IV including obtaining any available remedy