; and (2) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (E), by striking or at the end; (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); and (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following: (F) the disclosure was made before the date on which the individual was appointed or applied for appointment to a position; or ; and (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) If a disclosure is made during the normal course of duties of an employee, the principal job function of whom is to regularly investigate and disclose wrongdoing (in this paragraph referred to as the disclosing employee ), the disclosure shall not be excluded from subsection (b)(8) if the disclosing employee demonstrates that an employee who has the authority to take, direct other individuals to take, recommend, or approve any personnel action with respect to the disclosing employee took, failed to take, or threatened to take or fail to take a personnel action with respect to the disclosing employee in reprisal for the disclosure made by the disclosing employee. . (b) Explanations for failure To take action Section 1213 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subsection (b), by striking 15 days and inserting 45 days ; and (2) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking Any such report and inserting Any report required under subsection (c) or paragraph (5) of this subsection ; (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2) Upon receipt of any report that the head of an agency is required to submit under subsection (c), the Special Counsel shall review the report and determine whether— (A) the findings of the head of the agency appear reasonable; and (B) if the Special Counsel requires the head of the agency to submit a supplemental report under paragraph (5), the reports submitted by the head of the agency collectively contain the information required under subsection (d).