; and (ii) a member of the Committee, whom the Secretary appoints to represent the general public, is hereby deemed a special Government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18). (B) Rule of construction Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the nomination or appointment of a Federal employee to serve as a member of the Committee representing the interests of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. (4) Nominations; appointments; service (A) Nominations As necessary, the Secretary shall publish, in the Federal Register, a notice soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee. (B) Appointments (i) In general After timely notice is published, the Secretary shall, as necessary, appoint members to the Committee. (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 Committee. (iii) Reappointment The Secretary may reappoint a member to the Committee more than once. (C) Soliciting nominations Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), the Secretary may— (i) with regard to the appointment of a member or members to represent the interests of the State maritime academies, solicit nominations for membership on the Committee from each State maritime academy or a joint nomination from some or all State maritime academies; and (ii) with regard to the appointment of a member to represent the interests of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, solicit a nomination for membership on the Committee from the Secretary of Transportation. (D) Service Each member of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. (5) Term