You have reached a collection of archived material.
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
News Release
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tel: 202-606-2402
OPM Official Testifies on Domestic Partner Benefits
Washington, DC - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Deputy Director Howard Weizmann testified today before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs expressing concerns about S. 2521, a bill which provides benefits to domestic partners of federal employees.
"The federal government offers a competitive and comprehensive package of employer-sponsored benefits for federal employees and their families," said Weizmann. "However, The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the federal government from providing benefits to those seeking domestic partner benefits."
While the government doesn't provide overall benefits to domestic partners, employees are eligible to provide financial support for domestic partners through employer-sponsored retirement and leave benefits, including the Thrift Savings Plan, the insurable interest annuity, lump-sum payments, and the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI). In addition, employees are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Federal Worker's Compensation Act.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the leader in workforce management for the federal government. Our agency builds, strengthens, and serves a federal workforce of 2.2 million employees with programs like hiring assistance, healthcare and insurance, retirement benefits, and much more. We provide agencies with policies, guidance, and best practices for supporting federal workers, so they can best serve the American people.