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As far as we can tell, a U.S. president and his squeeze don't have to pay one thin Roosevelt dime during their four to eight years at the White House. Add up all the presidential perks and subtract the wars, natural catastrophes, and economic disasters, and it seems like a pretty sweet gig. Title 3 of the U.S. Code is what governs the cash at the president's disposal. Here's the basic package: For starters, he makes a salary of $400,000 a year, plus a $50,000 expense account to defray costs relating to the "discharge of his official
duties." Traveling expenses: $100,000 per year. Entertainment: $19,000. As for taking up residence in the White House (including use of its bowling alley and movie theater), trips on Air Force 1, meals, and vacations at Camp David...all are comped. By law, the prez is also entitled to "use of the furniture and other effects belonging to the
United States and kept in the Executive Residence at the White House." Mr. Lucky Ducky is also appropriated up to $1 million each fiscal year to spend at his discretion for "unanticipated needs" related to the national interest. Then of course there are the gifts. Finally, when his term of office is up, he is entitled to an annual pension of $157,000 per year, plus office space, administrative help, and Secret Service protection. So get your resumes ready -- 2008 is just around the corner.
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