Washington, DC - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Deputy Director Howard Weizmann testified today before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs expressing concerns about S. 2521, a bill which provides benefits to domestic partners of federal employees.

"The federal government offers a competitive and comprehensive package of employer-sponsored benefits for federal employees and their families," said Weizmann. "However, The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the federal government from providing benefits to those seeking domestic partner benefits."

While the government doesn't provide overall benefits to domestic partners, employees are eligible to provide financial support for domestic partners through employer-sponsored retirement and leave benefits, including the Thrift Savings Plan, the insurable interest annuity, lump-sum payments, and the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI). In addition, employees are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Federal Worker's Compensation Act.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.