Right of action against Federal employees for violations of First Amendment rights

(a) In general A Federal employee who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or any person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the First Amendment, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress. (b) Exception This section does not authorize a Federal employee to bring a suit against their Federal employer or the Federal Government for conduct that is within the scope of the employment relationship. (c) Attorney’s fees In any action or proceeding to enforce this Act, the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs. (d) Definition In this section, the term Federal employee means an individual, other than the President or the Vice President, who occupies a position in any agency or instrumentality of the executive branch (including any independent agency). (e) Severability If any provision of this Act or the application of a provision of this Act to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, and the application of the provisions to any person or circumstance, shall not be affected thereby.