The House easily passed legislation on Monday to reduce the pensions and federal benefits provided to former presidents.
Before approving the bill by voice vote, lawmakers expressed agreement that modern-day former presidents don’t need financial assistance from the government if they already earn salaries in the millions.
Under a law established in 1958, former presidents are eligible for an annual six-figure pension, plus funds for staff salaries, office space and other expenses.
Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.), the author of the bill, questioned the necessity of providing funds for former presidents who can make millions of dollars from book deals and speaking engagements.
“Because of these opportunities, it’s no longer necessary to provide taxpayer-funded support to former presidents in the same way as envisioned in 1958,” Hice said during House floor debate.
Benefits for former presidents cost taxpayers $2.84 million in fiscal year 2017, according to Hice’s office.
Yet the lucrative opportunities for former presidents and their spouses are well documented.
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House passes bill reducing former presidents' pensions https://t.co/AcYcepGP4N pic.twitter.com/L2FK6JX8IF
— The Hill (@thehill) November 14, 2017
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