; and (C) the head of the designated Federal entity may only remove the first assistant described in subparagraph (A) or the covered employee directed under subparagraph (B) after a 30-day period beginning on the date on which the head of the designated Federal entity provides Congress with a written notification of the reasons for the removal. (2) If an Inspector General is removed from office, the following individuals may bring an action in the appropriate district court of the United States to challenge the removal: (A) The removed Inspector General. (B) Any member of the staff of the removed Inspector General. (C) Any individual harmed by an action of the designated Federal entity following the removal of the Inspector General and before the position is filled by an individual appointed by the head of the designated Federal entity. (3) Nothing in paragraph (1)(C) shall be construed to affect any protection provided to a covered employee under title 5, United States Code. (4) In this subsection, the term covered employee means an officer or employee who, as of the date on which the individual is directed under paragraph (1)(B), is an employee, as that term is defined in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, who— (A) is permitted to submit an appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board from any action which is appealable to the Board under any law, rule, or regulation