Personnel flexibility bill heads to President Bush

"Management has always been a priority for me, and my own experience has taught me that of all the things in which government can invest, resources dedicated to human capital bring some of the greatest returns for taxpayers and the services they need and want," Voinovich said of the bill (S. 129). "This legislation will help provide new tools so government can attract and retain the best and the brightest minds for public service."

The Senate approved the legislation Monday. The House had already passed its version last week. The White House press office was not able to say if, or when, Bush will sign the legislation.

Lawmakers used the bill to address a long-standing complaint of federal employees by providing compensatory time off for workers who must conduct business travel outside of normal working hours.

The bill also allows members of the Senior Executive Service who join the civil service from the private sector to receive the same vacation benefits that are afforded to those who rise through the federal ranks. Some other workers hired from private firms also will receive credit for previous work experience when determining vacation time.

In addition, lawmakers eliminated limits on federal recruitment bonuses. In some situations, agencies will be able to issue bonuses as high as 100 percent of base pay-stretched over several years.

The effort received bipartisan backing. Federal labor unions issued statements this week supporting the travel compensation language.

"While overdue, this is a very important step forward in helping government agencies be as effective as possible in the continuing competition with the private sector for high-quality workers," said Colleen Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union. "It's a good program not only for employees-allowing them much more flexibility in balancing their work and personal lives-but for their agencies as well."