46.5% Increase in White House Funds Sought

While seeking to sell Amtrak and federal land to save money, President Reagan asked Congress today for a 46.5% increase in housekeeping and maintenance funds for his White House residence next year.

Presidential spokesman Peter Roussel said the bulk of the nearly $2.2-million increase, from $4,664,000 to $6,834,000, would cover the costs of a planned renovation of the exterior of the executive mansion, including repairs to the painted sandstone walls.

Roussel said the project is to be completed in time for the 200th anniversary of the laying of the White House cornerstone Oct. 13, 1792.

Funds for the renovation project were contained in a $126.7-million budget request for the executive office of the President in fiscal 1988.

Includes Security Council

The total fund request, which also includes such agencies as the National Security Council and the Office of Management and Budget, represented an $8.8-million or 7.5% increase over current spending of $117.9 million.

At the same time Reagan is seeking a substantial boost in funds for running his White House home next year, he asked for a 22% increase in operating expenses for Vice President George Bush’s official residence, from $205,000 to $250,000.