; and (B) may, regardless of whether the Special Counsel has received an allegation, conduct any investigation as the Special Counsel considers necessary concerning political activity prohibited under subchapter III of chapter 73. (2) With respect to any investigation under paragraph (1), the Special Counsel may seek corrective action under section 1214 and disciplinary action under section 1215 in the same way as if a prohibited personnel practice were involved. (f) (1) Notwithstanding section 1215(b), consistent with paragraph (3) of this subsection, if, after an investigation under subsection (d)(1), the Special Counsel determines that a political appointee has violated section 7323 or 7324, the Special Counsel may present a complaint to the Merit Systems Protection Board under the process provided in section 1215 against such political appointee. (2) Notwithstanding section 7326, a final order of the Board on a complaint of a violation of section 7323 or 7324 by a political appointee may impose an assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed $50,000. (3) The Special Counsel may not present a complaint under paragraph (1) of this subsection— (A) unless no disciplinary action or civil penalty has been taken or assessed, respectively, against the political appointee pursuant to section 7326