[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 43 (Monday, April 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   COLLINS AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEE GROUP LIFE INSURANCE ACT

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                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 1997

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
will provide a much needed clarification of the Federal Employee Group 
Life Insurance Act.
  This legislation will level the playing field between laws that 
govern private life insurance and the Federal statute that provides 
guidelines for the life insurance policies held by Federal employees.
  My legislation will amend the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance 
Act to ensure that a domestic relations order, issued by a court, is 
considered a designation of beneficiary in the event that no 
designation of beneficiary has been filed.
  Currently, if a Federal employee dies without properly naming a 
beneficiary for his/her life insurance policy, the law provides a very 
strict, prioritized list of individuals that are eligible to receive 
the benefits of that policy.
  Unlike most State laws, the Federal code does not give any 
consideration to an existing court decree that may link that policy to 
a beneficiary as a part of a settlement agreement.
  There are real instances where this inequity in Federal law is 
causing significant confusion among FEGLIA beneficiaries. It is time 
for us to clarify the law with this legislation that will correct this 
inconsistency and ensure that a court decree is given appropriate 
consideration.
  During the 104th Congress, my legislation was included in the Omnibus 
Civil Service Reform Act, H.R. 3841, as reported by the Committee on 
Government Reform and Oversight.
  The Department of Health and Human Services, Child Support Division, 
and the Office of Personnel Management have reviewed the legislation 
and do not oppose this change.
  In addition, I have appeared before the Corrections Advisory Group 
chaired by Representative Dave Camp and they have recommended the 
legislation for inclusion on the Corrections Calendar. I appreciate 
this opportunity to introduce this legislation and look forward to its 
enactment.

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