59–006 

114TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 114–766 

MODERNIZING GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ACT 

SEPTEMBER 20, 2016.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 

State of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. CHAFFETZ, from the Committee on Oversight and Government 

Reform, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 5625] 

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to whom 

was referred the bill (H.R. 5625) to provide for reimbursement for 

the use of modern travel services by Federal employees traveling 

on official Government business, and for other purposes, having 

considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment 

and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. 

CONTENTS 

Page 

Committee Statement and Views ........................................................................... 2 

Section-by-Section .................................................................................................... 3 

Explanation of Amendments ................................................................................... 4 

Committee Consideration ........................................................................................ 4 

Roll Call Votes ......................................................................................................... 4 

Application of Law to the Legislative Branch ....................................................... 5 

Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the Committee ...... 5 

Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives .................................... 5 

Duplication of Federal Programs ............................................................................ 5 

Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings ..................................................................... 5 

Federal Advisory Committee Act ............................................................................ 5 

Unfunded Mandate Statement ............................................................................... 5 

Earmark Identification ............................................................................................ 6 

Committee Estimate ................................................................................................ 6 

Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate .................... 6 

Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported ..................................... 6 

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Modernizing Government Travel Act’’. 


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SEC. 2. FEDERAL EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENT FOR USE OF MODERN TRAVEL SERVICES. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 

the Administrator of General Services shall prescribe regulations under section 5707 

of title 5, United States Code, to provide for the reimbursement for the use of a 

transportation network company or innovative mobility technology company by any 

Federal employee traveling on official business under subchapter I of chapter 57 of 

such title, except that the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States 

Courts shall prescribe such regulations with respect to employees of the judicial 

branch of the Government. 

(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) INNOVATIVE MOBILITY TECHNOLOGY COMPANY.—The term ‘‘innovative mobility technology company’’ means an organization, including a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, or any other entity, that 

applies technology to expand and enhance available transportation choices, better manage demand for transportation services, and provide alternatives to 

driving alone. 

(2) TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY.—The term ‘‘transportation network 

company’’ means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity, 

that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers affiliated with the entity 

in order for a driver to provide transportation services to a rider. 

SEC. 3. REPORT ON TRANSPORTATION COSTS. 

Section 5707(c) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘(c)(1) Not later than November 31 of each year, the head of each agency shall 

submit to the Administrator of the General Services, in a format prescribed by the 

Administrator and approved by the Director the Office of Management and Budget— 

‘‘(A) data on total agency payments for such items as travel and transportation of people, average costs and durations of trips, and purposes of official 

travel; 

‘‘(B) data on estimated total agency payments for employee relocation; and 

‘‘(C) an analysis of the total costs of transportation service by type, and the 

total number of trips utilizing each transportation type for purposes of official 

travel. 

‘‘(2) The Administrator of the General Services shall make the data submitted 

pursuant to paragraph (1) publically available upon receipt. 

‘‘(3) Not later than January 31 of each year, the Administrator of the General 

Services shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the 

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, 

and the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs of the Senate— 

‘‘(A) an analysis of the data submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) for the agencies listed in section 901(b) of title 31 and a survey of such data for each other 

agency; and 

‘‘(B) a description of any new regulations promulgated or changes to existing 

regulations authorized under this section.’’. 

COMMITTEE STATEMENT AND VIEWS

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

H.R. 5625, the Modernizing Government Travel Act, as amended, 

will expand transportation options for federal employees on official 

travel. The legislation will require the General Services Administration (GSA) to promulgate regulations necessary to provide for 

reimbursement of official travel using transportation network companies (TNCs) or Innovative Mobility Technology Company (IMTC). 

The bill also requires GSA to produce an annual report on the utilization of TNCs and IMTCs by employees for official travel. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

In recent years, with the evolution of technology and the transportation industry, a wide range of new transportation options now 

exist that could save the federal government time and expense. 

Adoption of regulations and reforms granting federal employees the 

ability to utilize many of these innovative and cost-saving travel 


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1 300 C.F.R. 300–3.1 (defining official travel as travel under official authorization from an employee’s official station or other authorized point of departure to a temporary duty location and 

return from a temporary duty location, between two temporary duty locations, or relocation at 

the direction of a Federal agency). 

methods has not kept pace with transportation service innovation. 

H.R. 5625, the Modernizing Government Travel Act would address 

this problem and open up new options for travel by federal employees while on official business.1

H.R. 5625, the Modernizing Government Travel Act, will also resolve confusion over what a TNC or IMTC is for purposes of reimbursement in the absence of federal definitions for each. The bill 

defines both terms, providing clarity to agencies and the GSA when 

promulgating necessary regulations and guidelines. The bill also 

contains definitions that are designed to easily incorporate new 

forms of technology that are not yet known or available. In doing 

so, H.R. 5625 will help ensure that the federal government is positioned to rapidly access the benefits that future services provide as 

they are developed. These benefits include additional reimbursement options for federal employees for official travel, and the opportunity to realize cost savings. The bill will also encourage innovation through competition for the business of federal employees on 

official travel. 

In addition to providing increased options, the reporting requirements in H.R. 5625 will make more transparent agencies utilization of transportation services. Currently, all agencies are not required to provide their official travel expenditures to GSA. H.R. 

5625 will remedy this deficiency in data reporting by requiring 

agencies to provide a detailed breakdown of the official travel costs 

of the agency. This breakdown will help GSA and Congress understand the true costs associated with official travel. The reports required in the bill will also help determine what the most efficient 

and cost effective methods of transportation are for federal employees seeking reimbursement for official travel. Importantly, H.R. 

5625 will also require the release of agency data for public review. 

By releasing data for public review, it will help provide accountability for how such resources are used. 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

H.R. 5625 was introduced by Representative Seth Moulton (D– 

MA) on July 5, 2016 and referred to the Committee on Oversight 

and Government Reform. On September 15, 2016, the Committee 

on Oversight and Government Reform ordered H.R. 5625 favorably 

reported, with an amendment, by unanimous consent. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION

Section 1. Short title 

Designates the short title of the bill as the ‘‘Modernizing Government Travel Act’’. 

Section 2. Federal employee reimbursement for use of modern travel 

services 

Allows federal employees on official travel to be reimbursed for 

the use of the services of transportation network companies or innovative mobility technology companies. 


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Defines ‘‘innovative mobility technology company’’ as an organization, including a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, or any other entity, that applies technology to expand and enhance available transportation choices, better manage demand for transportation services, and provide alternatives to driving alone. 

Defines ‘‘transportation network company’’ as a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity, that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers affiliated with the entity in order 

for a driver to provide transportation services to a rider. 

Section 3. Report on transportation costs 

Revises agency reporting requirements to include analyses of 

total costs of transportation service by type and the total number 

of trips utilizing each transportation type for the purposes of official travel. 

Requires all such data submitted to the General Services Administration to be publicly available. 

Instructs the GSA to report to Congress on the official travel 

data submitted to GSA and on any new regulations promulgated in 

accordance to official travel. 

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

During Full Committee consideration of the bill, Representative 

Will Hurd (R–TX) introduced an amendment in the nature of substitute. The amendment made changes to the definitions of an ‘‘Innovative Mobility Technology Company’’ and ‘‘Transportation Network Company’’. The definitions were changed to provide a clearer 

understanding of the types of entities eligible for reimbursement. 

The amendment also harmonized the definition of TNC with the 

definition used in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 2943) as approved by the Senate. Representative 

Hurd’s amendment also altered the reporting requirements for 

agencies and GSA. The amendment requires all agencies to submit 

to GSA data on the total payments for travel and transportation 

of people, average costs and durations of trips, payments for employee relocation, and an analysis of total cost of transportation 

service by trip and total number of trips. This data is required to 

be provided by November 31 of each calendar year. Once provided, 

GSA is required to create a report analyzing the data of all agencies listed in section 901(b) of title 31, and a survey of all other 

agencies. The data received is also to be made publically available 

upon receipt by GSA. The Hurd amendment in the nature of a substitute was adopted by unanimous consent. 

COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On September 15, 2016, the Committee, having quorum present, 

favorably reported H.R. 5625 as amended, by unanimous consent. 

ROLL CALL VOTES

No roll call votes were requested or conducted during Full Committee consideration of H.R. 5625. 


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APPLICATION OF LAW TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104–1 requires a description of 

the application of this bill to the legislative branch where the bill 

relates to the terms and conditions of employment or access to public services and accommodations. This bill provides for reimbursement for the use of modern travel services by Federal employees 

traveling on official Government business. As such this bill does 

not relate to employment or access to public services and accommodations. 

STATEMENT OF OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF

THE COMMITTEE

In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause (2)(b)(1) 

of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee’s oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in the 

descriptive portions of this report. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the Committee’s performance goal or objective of the bill is to provide for reimbursement for the use of 

modern travel services by Federal employees traveling on official 

Government business. 

DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of 

the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the 

Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 

21 of Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 

DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTED RULE MAKINGS

The Committee estimates that enacting this bill does direct the 

completion of specific rule makings within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 

551. H.R. 5625 requires that GSA promulgate regulations under 5 

U.S.C. 5707, to provide for the reimbursement of federal employees 

use of transportation network companies or innovative mobility 

technology companies while on official business as defined in subchapter 1, chapter 57, of title 5 of the United States Code. H.R. 

5625 requires that the Administrative Officer of the United States 

Courts prescribe regulations for the judicial branch. 

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT

The Committee finds that the legislation does not establish or 

authorize the establishment of an advisory committee within the 

definition of 5 U.S.C. App., Section 5(b). 

UNFUNDED MANDATE STATEMENT

Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (as amended by Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded Mandate 

Reform Act, P.L. 104–4) requires a statement as to whether the 


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provisions of the reported include unfunded mandates. In compliance with this requirement the Committee has received a letter 

from the Congressional Budget Office included herein. 

EARMARK IDENTIFICATION

This bill does not include any congressional earmarks, limited 

tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of rule 

XXI. 

COMMITTEE ESTIMATE

At the time of this writing, the Committee had yet to receive a 

formal cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 

5625. The Committee notes that the bill contains a provision that 

slightly expands an existing report from every other year to one 

that is required every year. This may result in nominal administrative costs. 

BUDGET AUTHORITY AND CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST

ESTIMATE

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of 

the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a) of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect to requirements 

of clause (3)(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 

1974, the Committee has not received a cost estimate for this bill 

from the Director of Congressional Budget Office, and instead has 

included a committee estimate in the section prior to this one. 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

and existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in 

roman): 

TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE 

* * * * * * * 

PART III—EMPLOYEES 

* * * * * * * 

SUBPART D—PAY AND ALLOWANCES 

* * * * * * * 

CHAPTER 57—TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, AND 

SUBSISTENCE 

* * * * * * * 


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SUBCHAPTER I—TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE EXPENSES; 

MILEAGE ALLOWANCES 

* * * * * * * 

§ 5707. Regulations and reports 

(a)(1) The Administrator of General Services shall prescribe regulations necessary for the administration of this subchapter, except 

that the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States 

Courts shall prescribe such regulations with respect to official travel by employees of the judicial branch of the Government. 

(2) Regulations promulgated to implement section 5702 or 5706a 

of this title shall be transmitted to the appropriate committees of 

the Congress and shall not take effect until 30 days after such 

transmittal. 

(b) The Administrator of General Services shall prescribe the 

mileage reimbursement rates for use on official business of privately owned airplanes, privately owned automobiles, and privately 

owned motorcycles while engaged on official business as provided 

for in section 5704 of this title as follows: 

(1)(A) The Administrator of General Services shall conduct 

periodic investigations of the cost of travel and the operation 

of privately owned airplanes and privately owned motorcycles 

by employees while engaged on official business, and shall report the results of such investigations to Congress at least once 

a year. 

(B) In conducting the periodic investigations, the Administrator shall review and analyze among other factors— 

(i) depreciation of original vehicle cost; 

(ii) gasoline and oil (excluding taxes); 

(iii) maintenance, accessories, parts, and tires; 

(iv) insurance; and 

(v) State and Federal taxes. 

(2)(A) The Administrator shall issue regulations under this 

section which— 

(i) shall provide that the mileage reimbursement rate for 

privately owned automobiles, as provided in section 

5704(a)(1), is the single standard mileage rate established 

by the Internal Revenue Service referred to in that section, 

and 

(ii) shall prescribe mileage reimbursement rates which 

reflect the current costs as determined by the Administrator of operating privately owned airplanes and motorcycles. 

(B) At least once each year after the issuance of the regulations described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the Administrator shall determine, based upon the results of the cost 

investigation, specific figures, each rounded to the nearest half 

cent, of the average, actual cost per mile during the period for 

the use of a privately owned airplane, automobile, and motorcycle. 

(C) The Administrator shall report the specific figures to 

Congress not later than five working days after the Administrator makes the cost determination. Each such report shall be 

printed in the Federal Register. 


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(D) The mileage reimbursement rates contained in the regulations prescribed under this section shall be adjusted within 

thirty days following the submission of the report under subparagraph (C) of this paragraph. 

ø(c) The Administrator of General Services shall periodically, but 

at least every 2 years, submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget an analysis of estimated total agency payments for such items as travel and transportation of people, average costs and duration of trips, and purposes of official travel; and 

of estimated total agency payments for employee relocation. This 

analysis shall be based on a sampling survey of agencies each of 

which spent more than $5,000,000 during the previous fiscal year 

on travel and transportation payments, including payments for employee relocation. Agencies shall provide to the Administrator the 

necessary information in a format prescribed by the Administrator 

and approved by the Director.¿ 

(c)(1) Not later than November 31 of each year, the head of each 

agency shall submit to the Administrator of the General Services, in 

a format prescribed by the Administrator and approved by the Director the Office of Management and Budget— 

(A) data on total agency payments for such items as travel 

and transportation of people, average costs and durations of 

trips, and purposes of official travel; 

(B) data on estimated total agency payments for employee relocation; and 

(C) an analysis of the total costs of transportation service by 

type, and the total number of trips utilizing each transportation 

type for purposes of official travel. 

(2) The Administrator of the General Services shall make the data 

submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) publically available upon receipt. 

(3) Not later than January 31 of each year, the Administrator of 

the General Services shall submit to the Director of the Office of 

Management and Budget, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on 

Homeland Security and Government Affairs of the Senate— 

(A) an analysis of the data submitted pursuant to paragraph 

(1) for the agencies listed in section 901(b) of title 31 and a survey of such data for each other agency; and 

(B) a description of any new regulations promulgated or 

changes to existing regulations authorized under this section. 

* * * * * * * 

Æ 


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