House Approves Bill to Cap Expenses for Ex-presidents

The House has voted to limit federal expenses for former presidents who receive lucrative speaking fees or other income totaling more than $400,000 a year.

Former presidents receive a pension of more than $200,000 a year. They also get annual expenses that can add up to more than $1 million for office space, travel and other costs.

Under the bill, approved by voice vote Monday, the government would begin reducing payouts after their income reaches $400,000. And ex-presidents who earn more than $600,000 a year would not receive any federal funds for office expenses or travel.

Former President Bill Clinton received $950,000 from taxpayers in 2014, while George W. Bush received $1.3 million, mostly for office space. Both Clinton and Bush have earned millions in speaking fees since leaving office.