Veto Message from the President -- H.R. 1777

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1777, the "Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2016," which would amend the Former Presidents Act of 1958.

I agree with H.R. 1777's goal of reforming the pensions and allowances provided to former Presidents so as to reduce unnecessary costs to taxpayers.  But if implemented as drafted, the bill would have unintended consequences.  It would impose onerous and unreasonable burdens on the offices of former Presidents, including by requiring the General Services Administration to immediately terminate salaries and benefits of office employees and to remove furnishings and equipment from offices.  It would withdraw the General Services Administration's ability to administer leases and negatively impact operations, with unanticipated implications for the protection and security of former Presidents.

My Administration will work with the authors of the bill and other leaders in the Congress, in consultation with the offices of former Presidents, to explore the best ways to achieve these goals going forward.  If the Congress returns the bill having appropriately addressed these concerns, I will sign it.  For now, I must veto the bill.

BARACK OBAMA

THE WHITE HOUSE,
July 22, 2016.