re: #299 Decatur Deb

There are some loopholes, as well—non-availability, avoid giving offense, etc. They all have low dollar thresholds.

Gift to DoD employee from outside source

With some exceptions, you may not accept a gift from anyone who is giving the gift to you because of your Government position. Ask yourself if the gift would have been offered if you were not working for the Government. If the answer is no, then the gift is being offered because of your position.

Also, you may not accept a gift from a defense contractor. You also must turn down a gift from those who have interests that may be significantly affected by your official duties.

There are many exceptions to the gift prohibition rule and exclusions to the definition of a gift. The deskbook below summarizes these exceptions and exclusions in more detail.

The exceptions given:
You cannot give gifts or donations to or on behalf of an official superior. Civilians may not accept gifts from subordinates unless they are not in their direct chain of command and are strictly personal.

Military personnel may not accept gifts from foreign governments. The airport in question is owned by a foreign government.

DOD can give authority to military personnel to accept gifts of lodging or food while in a combat zone.

ogc.osd.mil

So there’s the loophole. We must declare war on Scotland.