[House Document 114-155] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] 114th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - House Document 114-155 VETO MESSAGE ON H.R. 1777 __________ MESSAGE from THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES transmitting NOTIFICATION OF THE VETO OF H.R. 1777, THE ``PRESIDENTIAL ALLOWANCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2016'' [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] July 25, 2016.--Ordered to be printed ______ U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 59-011 PD F WASHINGTON : 2016 To the House of Representatives: I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1777, the ``Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2016,'' which would amend the Former Presidents Act of 1958. I agree with H.R. 1777's goal of reforming the pensions and allowances provided to former Presidents so as to reduce unnecessary costs to taxpayers. But if implemented as drafted, the bill would have unintended consequences. It would impose onerous and unreasonable burdens on the offices of former Presidents, including by requiring the General Services Administration to immediately terminate salaries and benefits of office employees and to remove furnishings and equipment from offices. It would withdraw the General Services Administration's ability to administer leases and negatively impact operations, with unanticipated implications for the protection and security of former Presidents. My Administration will work with the authors of the bill and other leaders in the Congress, in consultation with the offices of former Presidents, to explore the best ways to achieve these goals going forward. If the Congress returns the bill having appropriately addressed these concerns, I will sign it. For now, I must veto the bill. Barack Obama. The White House, July 22, 2016. [all]