Categories: Fedweek

Spending Measure Contains Other Provisions

In addition to the raise language, the Senate bill also would continue many long-standing government-wide provisions affecting federal employees. These include a general requirement that Federal Employees Health Benefits plans cover prescription contraceptives; restrictions on “lifestyle” and other training not directly related to job duties; a general ban on disclosing employee names and home addresses to unions; and restrictions on eligibility for government charge cards as well as requirements for discipline of those who misuse such cards. The House measure contains counterpart language. However, the Senate measure does not contain long-standing language—which is in the House version—generally barring abortion coverage in the FEHB. The White House has threatened to veto the bill if that provision isn’t accepted in the conference. In similar past situations, conferees have accepted the language.

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