You are correct. This was a fast move by nobama and without Congressional approval, other than maybe all the dem Congress-critters behind closed doors.
It was “announced” just as Congress was recessed and the WhiteyHut’s intention was to smear conservative Congress-people with the implication they were in on some secret deal.
Jeeze, from looking at some FR responses, it was a good smear plan against conservatives.
This got support from republicans. There were many republicans claiming that their "staffers" couldn't afford it any other way. I'm pretty sure I read a statement in one of the articles I looked at in which Sen. Tom Coburn says essentially that very thing.