1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 98-249 GOVUpdated November 13, 2003Former Presidents: Federal Pension andRetirement BenefitsStephanie SmithAnalyst in American National GovernmentGovernment and Finance DivisionSummary
2、In 1958, almost two centuries after the nations first President took the oath ofoffice, Congress enacted the Former Presidents Act (FPA) to provide former Presidentsan annual lifetime pension, currently $171,900, and staff and office allowancesadministered by the General Services Administration (GSA
3、). The FPA, as amended,also provides former Presidents with travel funds and mailing privileges (3 U.S.C. 102note). Secret Service protection for former Presidents is also authorized by statute. ForFY2004, the House (H.R. 2989) and Senate (S. 1589) have each passed legislationrecommending $3.4 milli
4、on for presidential allowances and office staff. Final action onthese bills has not been completed. This report will be updated to reflect any changesin benefits or funding.IntroductionChief Executives leaving office prior to 1958 often entered retirement pursuingvarious occupations and received no