7/30/09: Today, the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce marked up and sent to full committee HR 2517, the Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act. This legislation, introduced by Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and cosponsored by 116 other members of the House, would extend to same-gender domestic partners many of the benefits and obligations currently available to married couples. Since this is not a matter that can be resolved in contract negotiations, NTEU is seeking legislation that would extend these important benefits to same-gender partners.

Consideration of this bill by the full Oversight and Government Reform Committee will not occur until after Congress’ August recess. NTEU is hopeful that floor consideration will come before the end of the year. The August recess presents an opportunity for NTEU leaders to discuss this matter with their congressional representatives.

In the Senate, Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced companion legislation (S. 1102). NTEU will also work to bring this bill to the floor in the Senate.