For purposes of applying this chapter, the terms “ employing office ” and “covered employee” have the meanings given those terms in section 401 of title 3 . (Added Pub. L. 104–331, § 3(c) , Oct. 26, 1996 , 110 Stat. 4071 .) Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date Section effective Oct. 1, 1997 , see section 3(d) of Pub. L. 104–331 , set out as a note under section 1296 of this title .