JUSTIFICATION This estimate is submitted to provide for expenses of providing services and facilities to former President Nixon under Section 4 of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, Public Law 88-277. The amount requested is one half of the $900,000 authorized to be appropriated in the Act. This is consistent with the statement on the floor of the Senate on July 18, 1968 in considering the FY 1969 appropriation, page S. 8913 of the Congressional Record, "Since the act provides that the former President and former Vice President will be provided necessary services and facilities of the same general character as authorized by the act to be provided to the President-elect and the Vice-President-elect, it is assumed that the funds made available by this appropriation will be utilized on an equal basis by the outgoing and incoming administrations." GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Supplemental Estimate of Appropriation, 1975 "ALLOWANCES AND OFFICE STAFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENTS" APPROPRIATION LANGUAGE For an additional amount for "Allowances and Office Staff for Former Presidents", $400,000. GENERAL STATEMENT "This proposed supplemental appropriation will cover fiscal year 1975 costs for pension, office staff, and related expenses for former President Nixon as authorized by the Former Presidents Act of 1958 (3 U.S.c. 102 note)." (Quoted from House Document). JUSTIFICATION 1. Pension for a former President.- $55,000 for eleven months of this fiscal year. This amount will be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury who is responsible for making the payments under the law. 2. Office Staff.- $95,000. The amount for office staff is paid for directly by GSA. The staff is selected and compensation fixed by the former President. 3. Travel.- $40,000. Travel is limited to a former President and two members of his staff pursuant to language in the Supplemental Appropriation Act, 1969. 4. Other related items of expense: Personnel Benefits.- $8,000. For retirement contributions, health benefits, etc. Office Supplies.- $5,000. Normal office supplies. Furnishings and equipment.-$65,000. office furnishings and equipment. Provides a nominal amount for Communications.- $21,000. Provides a normal rate based on past Miscellaneous contingencies.-$100,000. To provide for other items of expense that may be incurred pursuant to the law, not foreseen at the time this budget was developed. In an opinion addressed to you, dated August 15, 1974, the Acting Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice, concluded that former. President Nixon is entitled to the staff, office and other benefits of Section 4 of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (P.L. 88-277, March 7, 1964, 78 Stat. 153). In view of this opinion, you are authorized to incur, in the appropriation made in the Independent Agencies Appro.priations Act, 1975. for "Zdministrative and Staff Support Services, Salaries and Expenses" of the General Services Administration, obligations (not to exceed $450,000) in anticipation of reimbursement from a supplemental appropriation under the Presidential Transition Act. I am advised that the Chairmen of the Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate are in accord with this. procedure. Sincerely, (Sigma) Roy L. Ash Roy L. Ash Director General Services Administration PRIORITY ་ REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR - 9A SAN FRANCISCO, CA IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS RECEIVED IN A LETTER FROM CMB DATED AUGUST 21, YOU WILL BE ALLOTTED $450,000 TO COVER OBLIGATIONS RELATED TO THE TRANSITION OF FORMER PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON. THE ALLOTMENT WILL BE UNDER THE SALARIES AND EXPENSES, ADMINISTRATIVE AND STAFF SUPPORT SERVICES APPRO PRIATION. THE OBLIGATIONS INCURRED ARE TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION ACT OF 1963, PL 88-277 (3 USC 102 note). THE S&E ASSS APPROPRIA TION WILL BE REIMBURSED AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE LEVEL FROM PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION FUNDS AT A LATER DATE. ALL OBLIGATIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE FORMER PRESIDENT SHALL BE ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE S&E ASSS APPROPRIATION, USING ACTIVITY SYMBOL 21160, SERVICES AND FACILITIES, FORMER PRESIDENT NIXON. |