; and (B) in the event that the Secretary appoints a member to represent the general public, such member of the Council is hereby deemed a special Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18). (4) Nominations; appointments; service (A) Nominations As necessary, the Secretary shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the Council. (B) Appointments (i) In general After timely notice is published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, appoint members to the Council. (ii) Limitations The Secretary may not seek, consider, or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to the Council. (iii) Vacancy The Secretary may reappoint a member to the Council more than once. (C) Service Each member of the Council shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. (5) Term; vacancy (A) Term (i) In general The term of each member of the Council shall expire on December 31 of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment. (ii) Extensions Notwithstanding clause (1), paragraph (4), or any other provision of law or policy, the Commandant (or the Commandant’s designee) may extend the term of a member of the Council to December 31 of the fifth full year after the effective date of the appointment. (iii) Vacancy In the case of an appointment to fill a vacancy on the Council, the Secretary shall appoint an individual for a full term. (6) Chairman