; or (B) the member, without regard to service on the committee, is a special Government employee. (f) Service on Committee (1) Solicitation of nominations Before appointing an individual as a member of a committee established under this chapter, the Secretary shall publish, in the Federal Register, a timely notice soliciting nominations for membership on such committee. (2) Appointments (A) In general After considering nominations received pursuant to a notice published under paragraph (1), the Secretary may, as necessary, appoint a member to the applicable committee established under this chapter. (B) Prohibition The Secretary shall not seek, consider, or otherwise use information concerning the political affiliation of a nominee in making an appointment to any committee established under this chapter. (3) Service at pleasure of the Secretary Each member of a committee established under this chapter shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. (4) Security background examinations The Secretary may require an individual to have passed an appropriate security background examination before appointment to a committee established under this chapter. (5) Prohibition (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a Federal employee may not be appointed as a member of a committee established under this chapter. (B) Special rule for National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee The Secretary may appoint a Federal employee to serve as a member of the National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee to represent the interests of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and, notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), may do so without soliciting, receiving, or considering nominations for such appointment. (6) Terms (A) In general The term of each member of a committee established under this chapter shall expire— (i) December 31 of the third full year after the effective date of the appointment