The reemployment travel benefits provided to certain federal employees serving in Alaska, Hawaii, and other nonforeign areas outside the continental United States were examined. The government presently pays round trip travel and transportation expenses for certain federal employees and their families to visit their former residences between tours of duty.

Conditions have changed considerably in some nonforeign areas since the reemployment benefits were authorized. Reemployment travel benefits are being provided unnecessarily, and flexible administrative authority is needed to see that travel benefits are provided only when necessary. Substantial savings could be achieved if federal administrators were granted authority to offer the benefits only when necessary to recruit and retain qualified personnel. Many federal employees continue to receive the special travel benefits although they have become established residents of the nonforeign areas, because the law contains no criteria for determining when an employee is no longer entitled to benefits. Many employees appear to use the benefits for touring rather than returning to their former residences. Updating the travel program would result in more consistent and equitable treatment for all federal employees.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Recommendation for Executive Action

Recommendation: Reemployment benefits should be offered only when it is deemed necessary to further the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel, and limit the number of years that employees may continue to receive reemployment travel benefits, except for specific instances where there is a demonstrated need to provide the benefits on a continuing basis.

Agency Affected:

Status: Closed

Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.