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Shaheen Proposes Spending Limit On Official Portraits

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is proposing a limit on taxpayer spending for oil painting portraits of government officials.

Her bill, co-sponsored with Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, would specify that taxpayer money can only be used for portraits of those in the line of succession for the presidency. And even in those cases, there would be a $20,000 limit.

Shaheen says when vital services and programs are facing cuts, taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for lavish official portraits of agency heads, members of Congress and others that can cost more than some Americans make in a year. She cited news reports that show such portraits can cost upwards of $50,000.

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