(a) Qualifications determinations; removal and discipline

Each officer of the Congress having responsibility for the supervision of employees, including employees appointed upon recommendation of Members of Congress, shall have authority—

(1) to determine, before the appointment of any individual as an employee under the supervision of that officer of the Congress, whether that individual possesses the qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the duties and responsibilities to be assigned to him; and

(2) to remove or otherwise discipline any employee under his supervision.

(b) “Officer of the Congress” defined

As used in this section, the term “officer of the Congress” means—

(1) an elected officer of the Senate or House of Representatives who is not a Member of the Senate or House; and

(2) The Architect of the Capitol.