[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am pleased that today President Obama 
issued a Presidential Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-
Discrimination that will extend a number of benefits to same-sex 
partners that are afforded to spouses of Federal employees. I applaud 
the President for this effort to promote fairness in the workplace. It 
is a step in the right direction towards equalizing benefit coverage 
for all Federal employees.
  The memorandum will enable domestic partners of civil service Federal 
employees to be added to their long-term care insurance program, and 
enable employees to use their sick leave to take care of domestic 
partners and nonbiological, nonadopted children. The memorandum also 
extends a number of benefits to same-sex partners of Foreign Service 
employees, including the use of medical facilities at posts abroad, 
medical evacuation from posts abroad, and inclusion in family size for 
housing allocations.
  Equal pay for equal work is a cornerstone of our country's bedrock 
principles, and equal access to important benefits should share that 
importance. Insurance benefits, work incentives, and retirement options 
comprise a significant portion of all employee compensation. By not 
offering domestic partnership benefits to its employees, the Federal 
Government is unfairly withholding these valuable options from 
dedicated employees across the country. President Obama's Memorandum is 
a step forward towards having a fair and consistent policy.
  This step by the President brings the Federal Government in line with 
many of America's largest and most successful companies, as well as 
State and local governments and educational institutions, which already 
extend benefits to same-sex couples. Over half of all Fortune 500 
companies provide domestic partner benefits to their employees, up from 
just 25 percent in 2000. Offering domestic partnership benefits to 
Federal employees improves the quality of its workforce and 
demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to fairness and 
equality for all Americans.
  I am a proud cosponsor of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and 
Obligations Act of 2009, introduced by Senators Lieberman and Collins, 
which would provide domestic partners of Federal employees all of the 
same protections and benefits afforded to spouses of Federal employees, 
including participation in applicable retirement programs, compensation 
for work injuries, and health insurance benefits. I am also a cosponsor 
of the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act of 2009, which 
would end the taxation of health benefits provided to domestic partners 
in workplaces that provide domestic partner health benefits to their 
employees.
  Providing benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees is long 
overdue. I look forward to working with the Obama administration and 
Members on both sides of the aisle to continue to make progress towards 
equality in the workplace.

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