; and (vi) experts from the State education agency; and (D) 4 members appointed by— (i) the majority leader of the Senate; (ii) the minority leader of the Senate; (iii) the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and (iv) the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (2) Chairperson The Council shall select a Chairperson from among its members. (3) Vacancies Any vacancy in the Council shall not affect the powers of the Council and shall be filled in the same manner as an initial appointment. (c) Meetings The Council shall hold, at the call of the Chairperson, not less than 6 meetings before completing the study required under subsection (e) and the report required under subsection (f). (d) Personnel matters (1) Compensation of members Each member of the Council shall serve without compensation in addition to any such compensation received for the member’s service as an officer or employee of the United States, if applicable. (2) Travel expenses The members of the Council shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter 1 of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Council. (e) Duties of the council (1) Study The Council shall conduct a study on the ongoing innovation and development of competency-based education programs. (2) Recommendations Based on the findings of the study under paragraph (1), the Council shall develop recommendations for the authorization of competency-based education under the Higher Education Act of 1965, including recommendations that— (A) provide or update standard definitions, if needed, for relevant terms, including— (i) competency-based education; and (ii) competency-based education program; and (B) address— (i) the amount of learning in a competency unit; (ii) the transfer of competency-based education credits to other institutions or programs