report directly to the head of the Executive department or agency. (3) Clarification Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit or otherwise mitigate the ability or independence of an administrative law judge in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of an administrative law judge. . (b) Exemption from probationary period Section 3321(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) Subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply with respect to appointments in the Senior Executive Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service, any individual covered by section 1599e of title 10, or any individual appointed to an administrative law judge position. . (c) Clarification of application of disciplinary procedures Notwithstanding the amendments made by this Act that classify administrative law judges within the competitive service, an administrative law judge— (1) shall not be subject to subchapter I or II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code