(a) Appointment of United States commissioners

(1) Appointment
The United States commissioners on the Commission shall be appointed by the President, in accordance with paragraph 2 of article 8 of the Agreement, after taking into consideration the recommendations of—

(A) the Secretary;

(B) the Secretary of State; and

(C) the Alaska Nanuuq Commission.

(2) Qualifications
With respect to the United States commissioners appointed under this subsection, in accordance with paragraph 2 of article 8 of the Agreement—

(A) 1 United States commissioner shall be an official of the Federal Government;

(B) 1 United States commissioner shall be a representative of the Native people of Alaska, and, in particular, the Native people for whom polar bears are an integral part of their culture; and

(C) both commissioners shall be knowledgeable of, or have expertise in, polar bears.

(3) Service and term
Each United States commissioner shall serve—

(A) at the pleasure of the President; and

(B) for an initial 4-year term and such additional terms as the President shall determine.

(4) Vacancies

(A) In general
Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term of office of a United States commissioner shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.

(B) Manner
Any vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(b) Alternate commissioners

(1) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Alaska Nanuuq Commission, shall designate an alternate commissioner for each member of the United States section.

(2) Duties
In the absence of a United States commissioner, an alternate commissioner may exercise all functions of the United States commissioner at any meetings of the Commission or of the United States section.

(3) Reappointment
An alternate commissioner—

(A) shall be eligible for reappointment by the President; and

(B) may attend all meetings of the United States section.

(c) Duties
The members of the United States section may carry out the functions and responsibilities described in article 8 of the Agreement in accordance with this subchapter and the Agreement.

(d) Compensation and expenses

(1) Compensation
A member of the United States section shall serve without compensation.

(2) Travel expenses
A member of the United States section shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5 while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the United States-Russia Polar Bear Commission.

(e) Agency designation
The United States section shall, for the purpose of title 28 relating to claims against the United States and tort claims procedure, be considered to be a Federal agency.