§1215 . Political affiliation and place of residence

(a) In general

It shall not be a violation with respect to an employee described in subsection (b) of this section to consider the-

(1) party affiliation;

(2) domicile; or

(3) political compatibility with the employing office,

of such an employee with respect to employment decisions.

(b) "Employee" defined

For purposes of this section, the term "employee" means-

(1) an employee on the staff of the Senate leadership;

(2) an employee on the staff of a committee or subcommittee;

(3) an employee on the staff of a Member of the Senate;

(4) an officer or employee of the Senate elected by the Senate or appointed by a Member, other than those described in paragraphs (1) through (3); or

(5) an applicant for a position that is to be occupied by an individual described in paragraphs (1) through (4).

( Pub. L. 102–166, title III, §316, Nov. 21, 1991, 105 Stat. 1095 .)