; (2) by redesignating section 207 as section 209; and (3) by inserting after section 206 the following new sections: 207. Rights and protections under whistleblower protection rules (a) Rights and Protections Described (1) In general No employing office may take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, a personnel action (within the meaning of chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code) with respect to any covered employee or applicant for employment because of— (A) any disclosure of information by a covered employee or applicant which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences— (i) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (ii) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, if such disclosure is not specifically prohibited by law and if such information is not specifically required by Executive order or the rules of the House of Representatives or Senate to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs; or (B) any disclosure to the General Counsel, or to the Inspector General of an executive agency or office of the legislative branch or another employee designated by the head of the agency or office to receive such disclosures, of information which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences— (i) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (ii) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. (2) Definitions For purposes of this section and for purposes of applying the procedures established under title IV for the consideration of alleged violations of this section— (A) the term covered employee includes an employee of the Government Accountability Office or Library of Congress