Analysis of Travel Activities of Certain Regulatory Agency Commissioners During 1971-75

A response was given to questions concerning travel activities of regulatory agency commissioners. Questions involved frequent travel to home states, travel to meetings from out of town vacations, and travel paid for by private organizations or involving some personal business. Findings: Commissioners are authorized to approve travel and to be reimbursed accordingly. An employee on annual leave may be reimbursed for travel from place of leave. Payment for costs by private organizations is generally considered improper augmentation to agencies' appropriations. Full payment for travel involving some personal business is allowable. Conclusions: Commissioners' travels generally conformed to applicable regulations. Acceptance of pay or accommodations from private sources where no authority exists for acceptance of gifts is improper augmentation unless it occurs during a leave of absence. Since commissioners approve their own travel, congressional intent should be considered.