81 FR 883 - Federal Travel Regulation; Updating the Incidental Expenses Definition and the Laundry, Cleaning, and Pressing of Clothing Policy

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 5 (January 8, 2016)

Page Range		883-884
FR Document		2015-33147

GSA is proposing to amend the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by updating the definition for incidental expenses to include ATM fees, and by clarifying the policy for laundry, cleaning, and pressing of clothing.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 5 (Friday, January 8, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 5 (Friday, January 8, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 883-884]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-33147]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

41 CFR Parts 300-3, 301-11, 301-12, and 301-70

[FTR Case 2015-304; Docket 2015-0017, Sequence 1]
RIN 3090-AJ56


Federal Travel Regulation; Updating the Incidental Expenses 
Definition and the Laundry, Cleaning, and Pressing of Clothing Policy

AGENCY: Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), General Services 
Administration (GSA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: GSA is proposing to amend the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 
by updating the definition for incidental expenses to include ATM fees, 
and by clarifying the policy for laundry, cleaning, and pressing of 
clothing.

DATES: Interested parties should submit comments to the Regulatory 
Secretariat at one of the addresses shown below on or before March 8, 
2016 to be considered in the formation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FTR Case 2015-304 by any of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by searching for 
``FTR Case 2015-304.'' Select the link ``Comment Now'' that corresponds 
with ``FTR Case 2015-304'' and follow the instructions provided at the 
screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and ``FTR Case 
2015-304'' on your attached document.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat (MVCB), Attn. Ms. Flowers, 1800 F Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20405.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite ``FTR Case 2015-
304'', in all correspondence related to this case. All comments will be 
posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal and/or business confidential information provided. To confirm 
receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov 
approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting 
(except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact 
Mr. Cy Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of Government-wide Policy, at 
202-219-2349. Contact the Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), 1800 F Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20405, 202-501-4755, for information pertaining to 
status or publication schedules. Please cite FTR case 2015-304.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    The FTR currently lists incidental expenses as fees and tips given 
to porters, baggage carriers, hotel staff, and staff on ships. 
Including ATM fees in incidental expenses, rather than reimbursing as a 
miscellaneous expense, will increase the Government's ability to 
project travel costs, improve cost control, and simplify rules of 
official travel. Additionally, this proposed rule removes the ambiguity 
on whether reimbursement of expenses for laundry, cleaning, and 
pressing of clothing for employees who go on official travel are 
subject to agency discretion.

B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives, and if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action, and 
therefore, was not subject to review under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, 
Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This proposed rule is 
also exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(a)(2) because it applies to agency management or personnel.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the proposed 
changes to the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information 
collection requirements, or the collection of information from 
offerors, contractors, or members of the public that require the 
approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 
3501, et seq.

E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This proposed rule is also exempt from Congressional review 
prescribed under 5 U.S.C. 801. This proposed rule is not a major rule 
under 5 U.S.C. 804.

List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 300-3, 301-11, 301-12 and 301-70

    Administrative practices and procedures, Government employees, 
Travel and transportation expenses.

    Dated: December 7, 2015.
Giancarlo Brizzi,
Acting Associate Administrator (M), Office of Government-wide Policy.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
5701-5711, GSA proposes to amend 41 CFR parts 300-3, 301-11, 301-12, 
and 301-70 as set forth below:

PART 300-3--GLOSSARY OF TERMS

0
1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 300-3 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 49 U.S.C. 40118; 5 
U.S.C. 5738; 5 U.S.C. 5741-5742; 20 U.S.C. 905(a); 31 U.S.C. 1353; 
E.O 11609, as amended, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp. p. 586, Office of 
Management and Budget Circular No. A-126, revised May 22, 1992.

0
2. Amend Sec.  300-3.1 in the definition ``Per diem allowance'' by 
revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  300-3.1  What do the following terms mean?

* * * * *
    Per diem allowance * * *
    (c) Incidental expenses--Transaction fees for ATM services, and 
fees and tips given to porters, baggage carriers, hotel staff, and 
staff on ships.
* * * * *

PART 301-11--PER DIEM EXPENSES

0
3. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-11 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 5707.

0
4. Amend Sec.  301-11.31 by removing the first two sentences and adding 
one

[[Page 884]]

sentence in their place to read as follows:


Sec.  301-11.31  Are laundry, cleaning, and pressing of clothing 
expenses reimbursable?

    Your agency may reimburse the expenses incurred for laundry, 
cleaning, and pressing of clothing as a miscellaneous travel expense 
for TDY within CONUS. * * *

PART 301-12--MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

0
5. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-12 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 5707.


Sec.  301-12.1  [Amended]

0
6. Amend Sec.  301-12.1 by removing from the second column titled 
``Fees to obtain money'' the words ``Transaction fees for use of 
automated teller machines (ATMs)--Government contractor-issued charge 
card''.

PART 301-70--INTERNAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS

0
7. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-70 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); Sec. 2, Pub. L. 
105-264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701, note), OMB Circular No. A-
126, revised May 22, 1992, and OMB Circular No. A-123, Appendix B, 
revised January 15, 2009.

0
8. Amend Sec.  301-70.200 by--
0
a. Removing from paragraph (f) the ``cases and'' and adding ``cases'' 
in its place;
0
b. Removing from paragraph (g) the period after the citation ``Sec.  
301-11.18(c)'' and adding ``; and'' in its place; and
0
c. Adding paragraph (h) to read as follows:


Sec.  301-70.200  What governing policies must we establish for 
authorization and payment of per diem expenses?

* * * * *
    (h) Who will determine, and in what instances, an employee will be 
separately reimbursed for transaction fees for use of automated teller 
machines (ATMs) when using the Government contractor-issued charge 
card, even though this expense is part of incidental expenses under per 
diem.
0
9. Amend Sec.  301-70.301 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  301-70.301  What governing policies must we establish for payment 
of miscellaneous expenses?

* * * * *
    (c) Who will determine if other miscellaneous expenses such as 
expenses for laundry, cleaning and pressing of clothing are appropriate 
for reimbursement in connection with official travel.

[FR Doc. 2015-33147 Filed 1-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6820-14-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 5 / Friday, January 8, 2016 / Proposed Rules 883

List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 1 all correspondence related to this case. to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2) because it applies
Income taxes, Reporting and All comments will be posted without to agency management or personnel.
recordkeeping requirements. change to http://www.regulations.gov,
D. Paperwork Reduction Act
including any personal and/or business
Withdrawal of Notice of Proposed confidential information provided. To The Paperwork Reduction Act does
Rulemaking confirm receipt of your comment(s), not apply because the proposed changes
Under the authority of 26 U.S.C. 7805, please check www.regulations.gov to the FTR do not impose recordkeeping
the notice of proposed rulemaking approximately two to three days after or information collection requirements,
(REG–138344–13) that was published in submission to verify posting (except or the collection of information from
the Federal Register on September 17, allow 30 days for posting of comments offerors, contractors, or members of the
2015 (80 FR 55802) is withdrawn. submitted by mail). public that require the approval of the
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Office of Management and Budget
Karen M. Schiller, (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
clarification of content, contact Mr. Cy
Acting Deputy Commissioner for Services and Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of
Enforcement. E. Small Business Regulatory
Government-wide Policy, at 202–219– Enforcement Fairness Act
[FR Doc. 2016–00189 Filed 1–7–16; 8:45 am]
2349. Contact the Regulatory Secretariat
BILLING CODE 4830–01–P (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW., This proposed rule is also exempt
Washington, DC 20405, 202–501–4755, from Congressional review prescribed
for information pertaining to status or under 5 U.S.C. 801. This proposed rule
GENERAL SERVICES publication schedules. Please cite FTR is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.
ADMINISTRATION case 2015–304. List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 300–3,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 301–11, 301–12 and 301–70
41 CFR Parts 300–3, 301–11, 301–12,
and 301–70 A. Background Administrative practices and
The FTR currently lists incidental procedures, Government employees,
[FTR Case 2015–304; Docket 2015–0017,
Sequence 1] expenses as fees and tips given to Travel and transportation expenses.
porters, baggage carriers, hotel staff, and Dated: December 7, 2015.
RIN 3090–AJ56
staff on ships. Including ATM fees in Giancarlo Brizzi,
Federal Travel Regulation; Updating incidental expenses, rather than Acting Associate Administrator (M), Office
the Incidental Expenses Definition and reimbursing as a miscellaneous expense, of Government-wide Policy.
the Laundry, Cleaning, and Pressing of will increase the Government’s ability to For the reasons set forth in the
Clothing Policy project travel costs, improve cost preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5701–
control, and simplify rules of official 5711, GSA proposes to amend 41 CFR
AGENCY: Office of Government-wide travel. Additionally, this proposed rule parts 300–3, 301–11, 301–12, and 301–
Policy (OGP), General Services removes the ambiguity on whether 70 as set forth below:
Administration (GSA). reimbursement of expenses for laundry,
ACTION: Proposed rule. cleaning, and pressing of clothing for PART 300–3—GLOSSARY OF TERMS
employees who go on official travel are
SUMMARY: GSA is proposing to amend subject to agency discretion. ■ 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR
the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by part 300–3 continues to read as follows:
updating the definition for incidental B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c);
expenses to include ATM fees, and by Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 49 U.S.C. 40118; 5 U.S.C. 5738; 5 U.S.C.
clarifying the policy for laundry, 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs 5741–5742; 20 U.S.C. 905(a); 31 U.S.C. 1353;
cleaning, and pressing of clothing. and benefits of available regulatory E.O 11609, as amended, 3 CFR, 1971–1975
DATES: Interested parties should submit alternatives, and if regulation is Comp. p. 586, Office of Management and
comments to the Regulatory Secretariat necessary, to select regulatory Budget Circular No. A–126, revised May 22,
at one of the addresses shown below on approaches that maximize net benefits 1992.
or before March 8, 2016 to be (including potential economic, ■ 2. Amend § 300–3.1 in the definition
considered in the formation of the final environmental, public health and safety ‘‘Per diem allowance’’ by revising
rule. effects, distributive impacts, and paragraph (c) to read as follows:
ADDRESSES: Submit comments equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the
identified by FTR Case 2015–304 by any importance of quantifying both costs § 300–3.1 What do the following terms
and benefits, of reducing costs, of mean?
of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// harmonizing rules, and of promoting * * * * *
www.regulations.gov. Submit comments flexibility. This proposed rule is not a Per diem allowance * * *
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by significant regulatory action, and (c) Incidental expenses—Transaction
searching for ‘‘FTR Case 2015–304.’’ therefore, was not subject to review fees for ATM services, and fees and tips
Select the link ‘‘Comment Now’’ that under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, given to porters, baggage carriers, hotel
corresponds with ‘‘FTR Case 2015–304’’ Regulatory Planning and Review, dated staff, and staff on ships.
and follow the instructions provided at September 30, 1993. * * * * *
the screen. Please include your name,
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act PART 301–11—PER DIEM EXPENSES
company name (if any), and ‘‘FTR Case
2015–304’’ on your attached document. This proposed rule would not have a ■ 3. The authority citation for 41 CFR
• Mail: General Services significant economic impact on a part 301–11 continues to read as
Administration, Regulatory Secretariat substantial number of small entities follows:
(MVCB), Attn. Ms. Flowers, 1800 F within the meaning of the Regulatory
Street NW., Washington, DC 20405. Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707.
Instructions: Please submit comments proposed rule is also exempt from the ■ 4. Amend § 301–11.31 by removing
only and cite ‘‘FTR Case 2015–304’’, in Administrative Procedure Act pursuant the first two sentences and adding one

VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:59 Jan 12, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\08JAP1.SGM 08JAP1

884 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 5 / Friday, January 8, 2016 / Proposed Rules

sentence in their place to read as (c) Who will determine if other along with all other written comments
follows: miscellaneous expenses such as received during the comment period
expenses for laundry, cleaning and specified in the NPRM. Individuals or
§ 301–11.31 Are laundry, cleaning, and pressing of clothing are appropriate for representatives of interested
pressing of clothing expenses
reimbursable?
reimbursement in connection with organizations are invited to participate
official travel. in the public hearing in accordance with
Your agency may reimburse the the schedule and procedures set forth
[FR Doc. 2015–33147 Filed 1–7–16; 8:45 am]
expenses incurred for laundry, cleaning, below.
BILLING CODE 6820–14–P
and pressing of clothing as a The presiding officer representing the
miscellaneous travel expense for TDY Secretary, HHS will be Dr. Melissa
within CONUS. * * * Houston, Director, Division of Injury
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND Compensation Programs, Healthcare
PART 301–12—MISCELLANEOUS HUMAN SERVICES Systems Bureau (HSB), Health
EXPENSES Resources and Services Administration.
42 CFR Part 100 Persons who wish to participate are
■ 5. The authority citation for 41 CFR
part 301–12 continues to read as RIN 0906–AB00 requested to file a notice of participation
follows: with the Department of Health and
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Human Services (HHS) on or before
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. Program: Revisions to the Vaccine January 11, 2016. The notice should be
§ 301–12.1 [Amended] Injury Table mailed to Annie Herzog, Division of
Injury Compensation Programs, HSB,
■ 6. Amend § 301–12.1 by removing AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HHS. 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Room
from the second column titled ‘‘Fees to ACTION: Notice of public hearing. 08N146B, Maryland 20857 or emailed to
obtain money’’ the words ‘‘Transaction aherzog@hrsa.gov. To ensure timely
fees for use of automated teller SUMMARY: This document announces a handling, any outer envelope or the
machines (ATMs)—Government public hearing to receive information subject line of an email should be
contractor-issued charge card’’. and views on the Notice of Proposed clearly marked ‘‘DICP NPRM Hearing.’’
Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled ‘‘National The notice of participation should
PART 301–70—INTERNAL POLICY Vaccine Injury Compensation Program:
AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS contain the interested person’s name,
Revisions to the Vaccine Injury Table.’’ address, email address, telephone
■ 7. The authority citation for 41 CFR DATES: January 14, 2016, from 11 a.m.– number, any business or organizational
part 301–70 continues to read as 12:30 p.m. (EST). affiliation of the person desiring to make
follows: ADDRESSES: 5600 Fishers Lane, a presentation, a brief summary of the
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); Conference Room 08SWH01, Rockville, presentation, and the approximate time
Sec. 2, Pub. L. 105–264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 Maryland 20857 (and via audio requested for the presentation. Groups
U.S.C. 5701, note), OMB Circular No. A–126, conference call and Adobe Connect). that have similar interests should
revised May 22, 1992, and OMB Circular No. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. consolidate their comments as part of
A–123, Appendix B, revised January 15, Melissa Houston, Director, Division of one presentation. Time available for the
2009. Injury Compensation Programs, at 855– hearing will be allocated among the
■ 8. Amend § 301–70.200 by— 266–2427 or by email at persons who properly file notices of
■ a. Removing from paragraph (f) the ahouston@hrsa.gov. participation. If time permits, interested
‘‘cases and’’ and adding ‘‘cases’’ in its parties attending the hearing who did
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The not submit notice of participation in
place; Secretary proposes to amend the advance will be allowed to make an oral
■ b. Removing from paragraph (g) the Vaccine Injury Table (Table) by presentation at the conclusion of the
period after the citation ‘‘§ 301– regulation. These proposed regulations hearing.
11.18(c)’’ and adding ‘‘; and’’ in its will have effect only for petitions for Persons who find that there is
place; and compensation under the National insufficient time to submit the required
■ c. Adding paragraph (h) to read as Vaccine Injury Compensation Program information in writing may give oral
follows: (VICP) filed after the final regulations notice of participation by contacting
§ 301–70.200 What governing policies become effective. The Secretary is Annie Herzog, Division of Injury
must we establish for authorization and seeking public comment on the Compensation Programs, at (301) 443–
payment of per diem expenses? proposed revisions to the Table. 6634 or email at aherzog@hrsa.gov, no
* * * * * The NPRM was published in the later than January 11, 2016.
(h) Who will determine, and in what Federal Register, July 29, 2015, 80 FR After reviewing the notices of
instances, an employee will be 45132, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/ participation and accompanying
separately reimbursed for transaction FR-2015-07-29/pdf/2015-17503.pdf. The information, HHS will schedule each
fees for use of automated teller public comment period closes on appearance and notify each participant
machines (ATMs) when using the January 26, 2016. by mail, email, or telephone of the time
Government contractor-issued charge A public hearing will be held within allotted to the person(s) and the
the 180-day public comment period. approximate time the person’s oral
srobinson on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

card, even though this expense is part
of incidental expenses under per diem. This hearing is to provide an open presentation is scheduled to begin.
■ 9. Amend § 301–70.301 by revising
forum for the presentation of Written comments and transcripts of
paragraph (c) to read as follows: information and views concerning all the hearing will be made available for
aspects of the NPRM by interested public inspection as soon as they have
§ 301–70.301 What governing policies persons. been prepared, on weekdays (federal
must we establish for payment of In preparing a final regulation, the holidays excepted) between the hours of
miscellaneous expenses? Secretary will consider the 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EDT) by
* * * * * administrative record of this hearing contacting Annie Herzog by mail at

VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:59 Jan 12, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\08JAP1.SGM 08JAP1

Document Created: 2016-01-16 01:15:33
Document Modified: 2016-01-16 01:15:33

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Proposed rule.
Dates		Interested parties should submit comments to the Regulatory
Contact		For clarification of content, contact Mr. Cy Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of Government-wide Policy, at 202-219-2349. Contact the Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405, 202-501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. Please cite FTR case 2015-304.
FR Citation		81 FR 883
RIN Number		3090-AJ56
CFR Citation		41 CFR 300-3 41 CFR 301-11 41 CFR 301-12 41 CFR 301-70
CFR Associated		Administrative Practices and Procedures; Government Employees and Travel and Transportation Expenses