II 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1776 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 1, 2011 Mr. Cardin (for himself, Mr. Wicker, and Mrs. Feinstein) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the Operation Hero Miles program to include the authority to accept the donation of travel benefits in the form of hotel points or awards for free or reduced-cost accommodations.

1.

Expansion of Operation Hero Miles

(a)

Expanded definition of travel benefit

Subsection (b) of section 2613 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (b)

Travel benefit defined

In this section, the term travel benefit means— (1)frequent traveler miles, credits for tickets, or tickets for air or surface transportation issued by an air carrier or a surface carrier, respectively, that serves the public; and (2)points or awards for free or reduced-cost accommodations issued by an inn, hotel, or other commercial establishment that provides lodging to transient guests. . (b)

Condition on authority To accept donation

Subsection (c) of such section is amended— (1)by striking the air or surface carrier and inserting the business entity referred to in subsection (b); (2)by striking the surface carrier and inserting the business entity; and (3)by striking the carrier and inserting the business entity. (c)

Use

Subsection (d) of such section is amended— (1)by striking or at the end of paragraph (1); (2)by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting a semicolon; and (3)by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (3)providing humanitarian support to members and eligible beneficiaries receiving care through the military health care system; and (4)providing support to allow participation of members and their families in Department of Defense sponsored and authorized programs. . (d)

Administration

Subsection (e)(3) of such section is amended by striking the air carrier or surface carrier and inserting the business entity referred to in subsection (b). (e)

Stylistic amendments

(1)

Section heading

The heading of such section is amended to read as follows:

2613.

Acceptance of frequent traveler miles, credits, points, and tickets: use to facilitate rest and recuperation travel of deployed members and their families, support members and other beneficiaries of the military health care system, and support participation in authorized programs

. (2)

Table of sections

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 155 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 2613 and inserting the following new item: 2613. Acceptance of frequent traveler miles, credits, points, and tickets: use to facilitate rest and recuperation travel of deployed members and their families, support members and other beneficiaries of the military health care system, and support participation in authorized programs. .