H.R. 2517 would provide certain benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees.
Detailed Summary
Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009 - Provides that a federal employee and his or her domestic partner shall be entitled to benefits available to, and shall be subject to obligations imposed upon, a married federal employee and his or her spouse.
Defines "domestic partner" to mean an adult unmarried person living with another adult unmarried person of the same sex in a committed, intimate relationship. Defines "benefits" to include federal health insurance and enhanced dental and vision benefits, retirement and disability benefits, family, medical, and emergency leave, group life insurance, long-term care insurance, compensation for work injuries, and benefits for disability, death, or captivity. Excludes members of the uniformed services from the definition of "employee."
Sets forth requirements for filing: (1) an affidavit of eligibility as such a domestic partner, which shall include a certification that the employee and the domestic partner are each other's sole domestic partners and intend to remain so indefinitely; and (2) a statement upon dissolution of such a domestic partnership.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 11/18/2009: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 12.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
gn
August 29, 2009, 5:26pm (report abuse)this is the dumbest thing i've ever heard! i've been a federal employee for 32 years. my fiancee or girlfriend have been together for 4 years. we are not married becuase of the tax penalty to do so. so, i'm being penalized for being straight? does this mean i can dump my significant other...turn gay a get insurance. what a joke this is!!!!!!!!!!
Staci
August 31, 2009, 9:47am (report abuse)This is good and fair legislation. I married my partner of 8 years in CA and still denied benefits that my straight married co-workers enjoy. Yes, I am legally married and still cannot get these benefits!! I pay taxes and work hard for the US govt. My spouse and I deserve the same rights and benefits as other married couples. So everybody knows, if this legislation passes, I will have to show proof of my relationship before claiming benefits. GN, if you are so worried about tax penalties, you would really be in despair if you had my tax burden and the additional issues of trying to work for the US govt overseas with a spouse and not receiving ANY of the benefits to do so. Just marry her already, get your benefits, and stop whining about how unfair your tax burden is! At least you have options. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I would love to see you "turn gay". Then you would understand first hand what this inequity feels like.