Bill to limit office expenses of ex-presidents sent to Obama

WASHINGTON – Congress has voted to put limits on the expense accounts that ex-presidents get from American taxpayers.

A bill heading to President Barack Obama’s desk sets an annual allowance of $200,000 a year for travel, staff and office costs that have become a standard part of life after the Oval Office. The measure cleared the House on Friday.

For former U.S. presidents who make money through books, speaking fees and other ventures, the allowance is reduced for every dollar in outside income in excess of $400,000.

The legislation sets presidential pensions at $200,000 a year, nearly the same as the current amount.

Both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, like other ex-presidents before them, have earned millions of dollars in speaking fees since leaving office.