applicable conferencemeans the majority or minority conference of the Senate, as applicable, that represents the Democratic party;
covered Congressmeans the 118th and any subsequent Congress;
covered periodmeans the period beginning on the date on which the Secretary of the applicable conference submits the letter described in subsection (b);
designated officer of the applicable conferencemeans the member of the leadership of the applicable conference to whom the duties and authorities of the Secretary of the applicable conference are assigned under subsection (b).