When the world found out just how much Obama got after leaving office, what he makes on speeches (about $400,000), and how lavishly he lives on the taxpayer’s dime even after we’ve been blessed with his departure, many were infuriated. The Conservative Tribune tells us today that someone else was outraged by what was heard, none other than Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). In fact, she led a new bill that will directly affect Obama’s Presidential pension.

The Daily Caller is reporting about a bill that is moving through the Senate that would be bad news for the free millions that Obama and other sitting presidents get. That is why on Wednesday, “the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs unanimously approved a bill that would cut presidential pensions.” The GOP is to vote unanimously regarding this issue as buzz increases about his after office perks.

Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst introduced the prudent, cost-cutting bill. This could cap the income at $200,000 a year (more than enough for anyone), leaving adjustment for cost of living fluctuations.

Best of all is the fact that every dollar over $400,000 that a leader makes from speeches or in similar ways is a dollar that shall be taken off of the amount that taxpayers must foot the bill for.

“Our national debt now exceeds $20 trillion; this bipartisan effort is another important step toward reining in Washington’s out-of-control spending,” said Ernst.

Some may think that there is so much money at the top that people like Obama would not care. This would be to forget that the former president vetoed a similar bill before he left office, thus trying to pad his own nest upon leaving office.

All of this may seem small since there are only so many past presidents ever alive at one time but that is to miss the bigger picture. Some may ask, “how much could it be, after all?”

That which affects the top will affect the bottom and halting this waste is a vital first step. There is no reason for past presidents to get so much given to them after leaving service.

It should have been addressed a long time ago.

Sources: The Conservative Tribune – The Conservative Daily Post – The Daily Caller – The Washington Times