I am pleased to let you know that I am an original cosponsor of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2007.  This legislation would allow federal employees who have domestic partners to be entitled to the same employment benefits that are available to married federal employees and their spouses.  Likewise, federal employees and their domestic partners would also be subject to the same employment-related obligations that are currently imposed on married employees and their spouses.

Under provisions of this legislation, federal employees and their domestic partners would be entitled to employee health benefits; retirement and disability plans; family, medical, and emergency leave; group life and long-term care insurance; compensation for work injuries; death, disability, and similar benefits; and relocation, travel, and related expenses.  Any natural or adopted child of the domestic partner will be treated as a stepchild of the employee.  Employees and their domestic partners would also become subject to anti-nepotism rules and financial disclosure requirements. 

This legislation is an important step in providing full benefits to members of domestic partnerships.  You can count on me to work to pass this legislation and for similar efforts in the future.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator