Reimbursement of Actual Subsistence Expenses]

An Air Force employee claimed that his per diem expenses for a temporary duty assignment were higher than the maximum of $35 a day allowed him. The employee contended that it was impossible to obtain less expensive accommodations and meals than he did. Since the temporary duty involved normal travel with no unusual circumstances, and the area of travel has not been designated as a high rate geographical area, he was properly reimbursed at the per diem allowance of $35 a day. Moreover, it would take Congressional action to increase the allowable amount to reflect today's higher lodging costs.