Subject to the provisions of subsection (b), effective March 1, 1977, there shall be two additional employees in the office of the minority leader, and one additional employee each in the offices of the majority whip and the chief deputy majority whip.

The maximum annual rate of compensation for any individual employed under subsection (a) shall not exceed the greater of $173,900 or the applicable rate of pay in effect under an order issued by the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to the authority of section 4532 of this title, and until otherwise provided by law such compensation as may be necessary shall be paid from the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives.