; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: (8) Section 1034, relating to protected communications and prohibition of retaliatory personnel actions. . (b) Conforming amendment Subsection (b) of such section is amended— (1) by striking The and inserting (a) The ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) For purposes of subsection (a)(8), the term Inspector General in section 1034 of title 10 shall mean the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce. . (c) Regulations Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following: (c) Regulations regarding protected communications and prohibition of retaliatory personnel actions The Secretary may promulgate regulations to carry out section 261(a)(8), including by promulgating such administrative procedures for investigation and appeal within the commissioned officer corps as the Secretary considers appropriate. . 208. Application of certain provisions of competitive service law Section 3304(f) of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: (1) The following individuals may not be denied the opportunity to compete for vacant positions for which the agency making the announcement will accept applications from individuals outside its own workforce under merit promotion procedures: (A) Preference eligibles. (B) Veterans who have been separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of active service. (C) Members of the commissioned officer corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration separated from such officer corps under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of active service. ; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking or veteran and inserting , veteran, or member