; (2) by striking who has completed counseling under section 402 and mediation under section 403 ; and (3) by striking the second sentence. (c) Other conforming amendments to title IV Title IV is amended— (1) by striking section 404 ( 2 U.S.C. 1404 ); and (2) by redesignating section 403 ( 2 U.S.C. 1403 ) as section 404. (d) Miscellaneous conforming amendment Section 225 ( 2 U.S.C. 1361 ) is amended— (1) by striking subsection (e); and (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e). (e) Clerical amendments The table of contents is amended— (1) by striking the item relating to section 404; and (2) by redesignating the item relating to section 403 as relating to section 404. 102. Reform of process for initiation of procedures (a) Initiation of procedures Section 402 ( 2 U.S.C. 1402 ) is amended to read as follows: 402. Initiation of procedures (a) Claim (1) Filing of claim To commence a proceeding under this title, a covered employee alleging a violation of law made applicable under part A of title II shall file a claim with the Office. The Office shall not accept a claim which is filed after the deadline applicable under subsection (d). (2) Contents of claim The claim filed under this section shall be made in writing under oath or affirmation, shall describe the facts that form the basis of the claim and the violation that is being alleged, shall identify the employing office alleged to have committed the violation or in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, and shall be in such form as the Office requires. (3) No effect on ability of covered employee to seek information from Office or pursue relief Nothing in paragraph (2), or subsection (b) or (c), may be construed to limit the ability of a covered employee— (A) to contact the Office or any other appropriate office prior to filing a claim under this section to seek information regarding the employee’s rights under this Act and the procedures available under this Act