[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO ALLOW FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES TO 
 RETAIN FREQUENT FLYER MILES THEY RECEIVE WHILE TRAVELING ON OFFICIAL 
                          GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2001

  Mr. BURTON. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill that would 
assist federal departments and agencies in their efforts to recruit and 
retain employees. This bill would allow federal civilian employees to 
keep frequent flyer miles and other promotional benefits they receive 
while traveling on official government business. Unlike private-sector 
employees, federal workers are currently prohibited by law from keeping 
these benefits for personal use.
  The existing law, enacted in 1994, intended to save the government 
money. However, the law has been difficult to implement because the 
airlines regard frequent flyer miles as belonging to the individual 
traveler and are generally unwilling to create separate official and 
personal frequent flyer accounts for the same individual. Overall, the 
burdens and costs of administering this program have limited its 
benefits to the government.
  The private sector commonly allows its employees to keep the frequent 
flyer miles they receive while on business travel, giving private 
companies, including government contractors, a competitive edge over 
federal agencies in attracting and retaining skilled employees. 
Changing this policy would help level the playing field.
  However, in order for federal employees to keep these benefits, the 
bill would require that they be obtained under the same terms as 
provided to the general public and must be at no additional cost to the 
government. Frequent flyer miles that are accrued during employees' 
official travel will also help compensate employees for the sacrifices 
and frustrations often associated with air travel. Similar to private-
sector employees, federal employees must often travel on their personal 
time to meet work schedules.
  This is just one small step to help counteract the effects of the 
expected retirements in the federal workforce in the coming years, and 
it would help the government compete for top-quality employees.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation.

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