Section 12(b) of
Pub. L. 101–301 provided that: “Hearing officers heretofore appointed to preside over Indian probate proceedings pursuant to the proviso repealed by subsection (a) [
25 U.S.C.
372–1], having met the qualifications required for appointment pursuant to section
3105 of title
5, United States Code, shall be deemed to have been appointed pursuant to that section.”