Lawmakers discuss expanding benefits for federal workers, but largely ignore the cost to taxpayers.
A Senate committee is expected to hold a hearing on expansion of domestic-partner benefits for federal employees tomorrow.
President Obama signed an executive order during the first hours of his presidency extending limited benefits to the same-sex partners of federal workers.
The new bill would expand those privileges.
The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (S. 1102) includes health and disability insurance, an expansion of family-leave programs, life and long-term care insurance and other compensation.
Tom McClusky, vice president for government affairs with FRC Action, said the measure is political payback.
“It’s very clear that the Democratic Party has declared war on the Defense of Marriage Act,” he said. “What they’re seeking to do here is undermine all the benefits that the Defense of Marriage Act seeks to protect and just overwrite those laws.”
The Congressional Budget Office has calculated the cost of implementing the bill at more than $1 billion over 10 years.
Democrat committee members are expected to largely ignore the price tag.
McClusky said the real cost will go beyond dollars and cents.
“It’s more of the cost to society – disqualifying marriage as something that benefits society,” he said.
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