The Travel Policy of the U.S. Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice regulates the official travel of its employees.

Public figures, whether politicians, attorneys or judges, often travel on official business, requiring American taxpayers to fund their trips. In the middle of 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice amended the rules after investigating many employees' travel records.

Flights

The U.S. Department of Justice prohibits its employees from traveling in first class when flying on business. Employees traveling on business may not charge the federal government for extra charges resulting from delays. They may make personal use of frequent flyer miles resulting from business travel.

U.S. Attorneys' Travel

As of June 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice requires all U.S. Attorneys to have their travel requests approved by the Director or the Deputy Director of the Office of U.S. Attorneys. Before this change, U.S. Attorneys were able to approve their own travel schedules and obtain approval from the U.S. Attorneys' Office after the fact.

Making Travel Plans

When making travel plans, employees of the Justice Department must make the most efficient and cost-effective travel plans available. Choosing an airline or a combination of flights based on the frequent flyer benefits to be gained is prohibited. Expenses must be charged to a government-issued credit card.

References

• Main Justice: DOJ Overhauls U.S. Attorney Travel Rules
• U.S. Department of Justice: Departmental Ethics Office: Travel Paid by the Government