; and (2) during which the employee would otherwise be in a duty status. 752. Limitations on use of official time for certain purposes and individuals (a) Political activities and lobbying Notwithstanding section 7131 of title 5 or any other provision of law, any employee of the Department may not use official time to carry out political activities or activities relating to lobbying. (b) Prohibition on use of official time by certain employees The following employees of the Department may not use official time for any purpose: (1) Any employee appointed under section 7401(1). (2) Any employee with an annual rate of basic pay equal to or greater than $100,000. (3) Any employee who is serving a probationary period. (c) Limitation on all employees Any employee of the Department not covered by subsection (b) may spend no more than 25 percent of the time such employee would otherwise be in a duty status on official time. (d) Waiver (1) The Secretary may waive the requirements of subsection (b) or (c) with respect to an employee of the Department if the Secretary certifies, in writing, that the waiver is reasonable, necessary, and in the best interests of veterans. (2) The authority provided to the Secretary under this subsection shall not be subject to bargaining under this title or chapter 71 of title 5, and the exercise of, or failure to exercise, such authority shall not be an unfair labor practice under this title or such chapter. (e) Definition of official time For purposes of this section, the term official time has the meaning given that term in section 751(c). 753. Termination of collection of dues Notwithstanding section 7115 of title 5, any exclusive bargaining agreement entered into pursuant to chapter 71 of such title by the Department shall provide that an employee of the Department may terminate a voluntary allotment for the payment of dues at any time. Any deductions for dues made pursuant to such allotment shall cease beginning on the first pay period after the termination is made. . (b) Applicability