Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary concerned may authorize reimbursement to a civilian employee who is accompanying a Member of Congress or a congressional employee on official travel for actual travel and transportation expenses incurred for such travel.
The allowance provided in subsection (a) may be paid—
(1) at a rate that does not exceed the rate approved for official congressional travel; and
(2) only when the travel of the member is directed or approved by the Secretary concerned.
In this section:
(1) The term “Member of Congress” means a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
(2) The term “congressional employee” means an employee of a Member of Congress or an employee of Congress.
(3) The term “Secretary concerned” includes the Secretary of Defense with respect to civilian employees of the Department of Defense other than a military department.
(Added Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VI, § 617(b)(1), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1097.)