5 USC 5701 - Travel, Transportation, and Subsistence Definitions (and Notes)

Scope

5 USC 5701 defines the terms used in Subchapter I of Chapter 57 (Travel and Subsistence Expenses, Mileage Allowances) of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. The section sets the statutory definitions of agency, employee, subsistence, per diem allowance, Government, and continental United States. The accompanying Note collects related Acts of Congress, the most-cited being the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-264) and the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-194). Source credits trace to Pub. L. 89-554 of 6 September 1966, with amendments through Pub. L. 116-117 of 2 March 2020.

Definitions

• Agency. Executive agency, military department, legislative or judicial office, agency, or other establishment, and the government of the District of Columbia.
• Employee. Individual employed in or under an agency, including a daily-rate expert or consultant and an individual serving without pay.
• Subsistence. Lodging, meals, and other necessary expenses for personal sustenance and comfort.
• Per diem allowance. Daily payment instead of actual expenses for subsistence and fees or tips to porters and stewards.
• Government. Government of the United States and the government of the District of Columbia.
• Continental United States. The several States and the District of Columbia, but not Alaska or Hawaii.

Notable Notes

• Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-264, 19 Oct 1998). Mandatory use of the Government travel charge card for official Government travel. Established the GTCC program.
• Federal Civilian Employee and Contractor Travel Expenses Act of 1985 (Pub. L. 99-234, 2 Jan 1986). Authorized GSA promulgation of travel regulations.
• Travel Expense Amendments Act of 1975 (Pub. L. 94-22, 19 May 1975).
• Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-194, 5 Oct 2012). Required internal controls for centrally billed travel accounts.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• DoD 7000.14-R Volume 9. Travel Policy. Implements Title 5 Chapter 57 for DoD travelers.
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). DoD-wide travel and per diem regulations under the GSA framework.
• DTMO Per Diem Rates and travel-incurred debt guidance.
• DODI 5154.31 Volume 4. DoD Travel Charge Card Program.
• MCO 4650.5. Marine Corps Travel Charge Card Program.
• DD Form 1610. Request and Authorization for TDY Travel of DoD Personnel.

Status

Active statutory text. Current edition. Effective on the date of enactment of each amending Public Law.