House Panel Approves Benefits for Same-Sex Domestic Partners: The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee recently voted to approve a bill that would grant federal benefits including health care and retirement to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees. The 2009 Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Ill., is likely to sail through the House as it has enough votes. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is considering a similar measure. If