(a) For purposes of this section, the term—

(1) “Presidential election period” means any period beginning on June 1 in a calendar year in which the popular election of the President occurs, and ending on January 20 following the date of such election; and

(2) “senior politically appointed officer” means any officer who during a Presidential election period serves—

(A) in a Senior Executive Service position and is not a career appointee as defined under section 3132(a)(4); or

(B) in a position of a confidential or policy-determining character under schedule C of subpart C of Part 213 of Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) No senior politically appointed officer may receive an award under the provisions of this subchapter during a Presidential election period.