[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 152 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2319-E2320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 930, THE TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION REFORM ACT OF 
                                  1998

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 1998

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 930, the Travel 
and Transportation Reform Act of 1998. This important legislation will 
streamline the way our Federal Government accounts for all job related 
transportation and travel expenses of Federal employees.
  The idea of requiring the use of a Government-issued charge card for 
all official travel related expenses is long overdue. In December 1995, 
the Joint Financial Management Improvement Program [JFMIP] published a 
report detailing nine recommendations on improving temporary duty 
travel. Among these recommendations was the use of a Government charge 
card for all travel-related expenses. This provision creates an 
efficient standard for the Government to obtain the proper information 
needed to verify all business related charges.
  By implementing such a requirement, the Government will be able to 
become more efficient in its operations while taking advantage of money 
saving charge card rebate programs. This bill is also a victory for 
Federal employees who currently utilize charge cards not specifically 
issued for Government travel.
  While authorizing heads of Government agencies to hold employees 
responsible for being delinquent on their Federal charge card accounts, 
this measure clarifies the Federal Government's authority to access an 
employee's financial information, including accounts maintained by the 
Government. In order to protect an individual's privacy, this measure 
provides clear guidelines for accessing information relating to such 
charges.
  In addition, the bill corrects an inadvertent tax liability imposed 
on Government employees during the tax years of 1993 and 1994. Since 
most Government agencies were not notified by the Internal Revenue 
Service [IRS] of a tax liability imposed on certain Federal employees 
created in the 1992 Energy Act until December 1993, many Federal 
employees became liable for taxes relating to business travel expenses. 
Fortunately, this bill authorizes reimbursement to employees who 
incurred such tax liabilities, along with interest and penalty charges 
for late payment.
  Finally, this measure authorizes Government agencies to participate 
in travel pilot tests designed to save taxpayer dollars. Although this 
provision is limited to only 10 initial pilot programs in the areas of 
temporary duty and relocation travel, agencies are permitted to seek 
approval of the General Services Administration, along with 
congressional oversight, to initiate a specific pilot program. This 
will allow agencies to design and implement improved benefit systems to 
incur further savings.
  Mr. Speaker, as we strive to help our Government agencies to become 
more efficient, we must upgrade agency management policies and 
practices to provide the most effective Government to our taxpayers. I 
believe

[[Page E2320]]

that H.R. 930 provides a delicate balance of greater Government 
efficiency, without compromising the integrity of its employees. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in supporting the Travel and Transportation 
Reform Act of 1998. Our taxpayers and Government employees deserve 
nothing less. Vote ``YES'' on H.R. 930.

                          ____________________