U.S. Senate members, officers and employees must report travel-related expenses provided by nongovernmental sources for such activities as speaking engagements, conferences, or factfinding events when they aggregate more than $285 in value from one source in a year. These expenses include those reimbursed to the filer as well as those paid directly by the sponsoring organization. For reimbursements and gifts of travel, the Report must list the source, travel itinerary, inclusive dates, and nature of expenses provided. This reporting requirement applies to spouses and dependent children as well; however, it does not apply if the reimbursement was given to the spouse/dependent child completely independent of the relationship to the reporting individual.
Example. Member B gives a speech in Chicago at a meeting of a trade association which pays airfare, food, and lodging for B and his wife to attend. The expenses for Senator and Mrs. B exceed $285. B must disclose the source, dates and nature of expenses, but need not report any dollar amounts.
Travel reported on campaign filings, such as Federal Election Commission reports, need not be disclosed on the Report, nor need travel provided on an official basis by Federal, state or local governments be reported. Reimbursements received during non-Federal Government employment periods do not have to be disclosed. Travel provided by a foreign government pursuant to the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act 329 must be disclosed on a separate form for that purpose available from the Committee. Travel expenses accepted pursuant to a program approved under section 108A of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act must be disclosed on the Report.
Senator Clinton Documents
Sources: Senate Ethics Manual 2003 Edition
