; and (2) any functions of the Special Counsel that are required because of the amendments made by this Act. (b) Publication Any regulations prescribed under subsection (a) shall be published in the Federal Register. 13. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general Section 8(a)(2) of the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 ( 5 U.S.C. 5509 note) is amended by striking 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 and inserting 2017 through 2022 . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as though enacted on September 30, 2015.