II 110th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2623 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2008 Mr. Nelson of Nebraska introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To amend title 37, United States Code, to authorize travel and transportation allowances for mobilized members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces on leave for suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements, and for other purposes.

1.

Travel and transportation allowances for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces on leave for suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements

(a)

Allowances authorized

(1)

In general

Chapter 7 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 411j the following new section:

411k.

Travel and transportation allowances: travel performed by certain members of the reserve components of the armed forces in connection with leave for suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements

(a)

Allowance authorized

The Secretary concerned may reimburse or provide transportation to a member of a reserve component of the armed forces on active duty for a period of more than 30 days who is performing duty at a temporary duty station for travel from the member's temporary duty station to the member's permanent duty station in connection with authorized leave pursuant to a suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements at the temporary duty station. (b)

Minimum distance between stations

A member may be paid for or provided transportation under subsection (a) only as follows: (1)In the case of a member who travels between a temporary duty station and permanent duty station by air transportation, if the distance between such stations is not less than 300 miles. (2)In the case of a member who travels between a temporary duty station and permanent duty station by ground transportation, if the distance between such stations is more than the normal commuting distance from the permanent duty station (as determined under the regulations prescribed under subsection (e)). (c)

Minimum period of leave

A member may be paid for or provided transportation under subsection (a) only in connection with leave described in that subsection that is more than 96 hours in duration. (d)

Limitation on reimbursement

The amount a member may be paid under subsection (a) for travel may not exceed the amount that would be paid by the government (as determined under the regulations prescribed under subsection (e)) for the least expensive means of travel between the duty stations concerned. (e)

Regulations

The Secretary concerned shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Regulations prescribed by the Secretary of a military department shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

. (2)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 411j the following new item: 411k. Travel and transportation allowances: travel performed by certain members of the reserve components of the armed forces in connection with leave for suspension of training or to meet minimal staffing requirements. . (b)

Effective date

The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to travel that occurs on or after that date