Domestic partners coverage bill moves forward

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved today a bill that would extend FEHB Program coverage to same sex domestic partners (H.R. 2517). Govexec.com reports that amendments were adopted that require the GAO to report to Congress on the impact that the legislation has on FEHB premiums and on federal hiring and retention. The bill now can move to the House floor. Companion legislation is pending before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Operations Committee.