Appeal of Denial of Claim for Additional Travel Expenses

A Federal employee appealed the denial of a claim for additional travel expenses incident to a temporary duty assignment. The employee attended a Government-sponsored workshop luncheon, the cost of which was deducted from the employee's daily subsistance allowance. The employee claimed that his official duties required attendance at the luncheon. He contended that a reduction in reimbursement, while appropriate for an employee receiving per diem, is improper for one receiving actual subsistence expenses. GAO maintained that, in accordance with applicable regulations, no reimbursement may be made for meals or lodgings furnished by the Government to an employee on actual subsistence expenses. Agreement with the employee's claim would sanction reimbursement of actual expenses in excess of statutory limitations. Accordingly, the Claims Group's determination was sustained.