Joe Lieberman: “I am very pleased that the National Defense Authorization Act, which the Senate has passed, includes a provision to…”

“I am very pleased that the National Defense Authorization Act, which the Senate has passed, includes a provision to allow Federal civilian employees and military personnel, as well as their family members, to make individual use of frequent-flyer miles and other promotional benefits offered as a result of official Government travel. This measure, found in section 1116 of the legislation, will correct a glaring inequity that exists between government and private sector employees for work-related travel. The time has come for us to recognize that the current prohibition on frequent flyer benefits is unfair to our Federal workforce as well as unnecessary for good government. In fact, by making these benefits available to government workers, we will help make Federal service more competitive with the private sector. I am especially proud that this measure applies to military personnel, many of whom are deployed in hostile environments, far from home and family. This time of war brings home the fact that every soldier, sailor, pilot and marine who serves our country around the clock deserves the best treatment we can offer.”