A Senate bill that would extend health care, retirement and other benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees and retirees gained traction last week when 20 senators signed on as co-sponsors. The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and Susan Collins (pic), R-Maine, gained the support of 19 Democrats and one Independent. Collins remains the bill’s only Republican supporter in the Senate. “This change is both fair policy and good business practice,” Collins said in a statement announcing the bill’s new supporters. “The federal government must compete with the private sector when it comes to attracting the most qualified, skilled and dedicated employees. Indeed, private-sector employers are increasingly offering these kinds of benefits as standard fare.”

[via FederalTimes.com]