U.S. government spent $3.7 million on ex-presidents in 2012

The government spent nearly $3.7 million on former presidents in 2012, according to analysis released by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, TASS reports.

The costliest to maintain former president was George W. Bush, at slightly over $1.3 million, of which about $400,000 covered rent and maintenance of 8,000 square feet of office space, plus $85,000 in telephone costs.

42nd President Bill Clinton came in second, clocking in at under $1 million, followed by George H.W. Bush at nearly $850,000.
Jimmy Carter, who was in office until 1981, came in at about $500,000.

Funding for ex-presidents under the Former Presidents Act dates back to 1958.