Proposed Reforms to Laws Related to Former Presidents

GAO discussed S. 1647, which would adopt certain recommendations it made to amend laws pertaining to former presidents. GAO noted that it supports the changes, which would: (1) authorize the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide transportation to former presidents on military or government-chartered aircraft; (2) authorize GSA to relocate former presidents and vice presidents from the District of Columbia; and (3) limit the period that federal employees could be detailed to former presidents. GAO believes that the bill should be revised to: (1) allow GSA to expend transition funds before the expiration of a president's term in office; and (2) make it a criminal offense to threaten former presidents who voluntarily waive Secret Service protection.