; and (B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection: (d) Prohibiting retaliation (1) In general An employing office may not discharge or in any manner discriminate against any covered employee because such employee has requested the General Counsel to take any action authorized under this section, or has instituted or caused to be instituted, or has testified or is about to testify in, any proceeding that arises from the application of this section to the employing office, or because of the exercise by such employee on behalf of himself or others of any right provided under this section. (2) Enforcement (A) Charge filed with general counsel Any covered employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by an employing office in violation of paragraph (1) may file a charge against the employing office with the General Counsel not later than 180 days after the occurrence of the alleged violation. The General Counsel shall investigate the charge. (B) Mediation If, upon investigation under subparagraph (A), the General Counsel believes that a violation of paragraph (1) may have occurred and that mediation may be helpful in resolving the dispute, the General Counsel may request mediation under subsections (b) through (e) of section 403 between the covered employee and the employing office. (C) Complaint; hearing