law, the period of service beginning on the date that the Secretary determines under such applicable provision that the individual engaged in activity that gave rise to such action and ending on the date that the individual is removed or transferred from the senior executive position or leaves employment at the Department prior to the issuance of a final decision with respect to such action, as the case may be. (2) The term lump-sum credit has the meaning given such term in section 8331(8) or section 8401(19) of title 5, as the case may be. (3) The term senior executive position has the meaning given such term in section 713(g)(3) of this title. (4) The term service has the meaning given such term in section 8331(12) or section 8401(26) of title 5, as the case may be. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 7 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section 715, as added by section 3, the following new item: 717. Senior executives: reduction of benefits of individuals convicted of certain crimes. . (b) Application Section 717 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply to any action of removal or transfer under section 713 of title 38, United States Code, commencing on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 5. Authority to recoup bonuses or awards paid to employees of Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Chapter 7 is further amended by inserting after section 717, as added by section 4, the following new section: 719. Recoupment of bonuses or awards paid to employees of Department (a) Recoupment Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may issue an order directing an employee of the Department to repay the amount, or a portion of the amount, of any award or bonus paid to the employee under title 5, including under chapter 45 or 53 of such title, or this title if— (1) the Secretary determines such repayment appropriate pursuant to regulations prescribed under subsection (c)