Ernst expresses disappointment over president's veto to cut presidential perks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — ‎President Obama vetoed the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act which passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate with bipartisan support. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) — who introduced legislation in the Senate along with Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Marco Rubio (R-FL), while Congressmen Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Elijah Cummings (D-MD) introduced a bill in the House — issued the following statement over the president’s veto:‎

“When I came to Washington, I pledged to identify the wasteful spending coming from both sides of the aisle, and make Washington squeal. That includes cutting the perks and spending that subsidize wealthy former presidents’ lives to the tune of millions of dollars. I realize this may not be popular among former presidents, but reducing this spending is the right thing to do.

“The Presidential Allowance Modernization Act would reform this flawed benefit system by cutting many of these unnecessary perks, while making certain that the security given to former presidents and their families is in no way impacted.

“I am so disappointed that at a time when past presidents receive well-compensated book deals and speaking fees, hardworking Americans are also expected to foot the bill for their personal staff, office expenses, and much more.

“By continuing with the status quo - despite the bipartisan support in Congress - President Obama has chosen to keep measures in place that unnecessarily cost taxpayers money and benefit wealthy former presidents’ personal careers and post-presidency life.

“This is truly outrageous, particularly at a time when every citizen’s individual share of the national debt is nearly $60,000. The Presidential Allowance Modernization Act would have cut many of these unnecessary and costly presidential perks. I hope President Obama will reconsider and work with us to protect taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.”