Panel Approves Bill to Curtail Privileges of Former Presidents

The Senate Government Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to curtail the privileges of former presidents.

The bill was approved by voice vote and sent to the full Senate. The measure would limit the round-the-clock Secret Service protection for former presidents to five years instead of life and cut protection for their spouses to two years. Protection for children of former presidents, now extended until they are 16, would be limited to two years after their parent leaves office.

The legislation would prohibit former presidents from using their taxpayer-funded offices and staff for any money-making or political endeavors such as preparing speeches and memoirs.