WASHINGTON - Former president Bill Clinton's lawyer says the State Department will be allowed to review overseas contributions made to his charity if his wife, Hillary Clinton, is confirmed as secretary of state.

In a letter to the State Department today, lawyer David Kendall also says the department will be allowed to review any plans Bill Clinton has for consulting work and speaking engagements.

The lawyer says these steps are voluntary and go above and beyond any legal requirements.

The goal, he says, is to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Hillary Clinton testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee tomorrow.

She is expected to be confirmed shortly after president-elect Barack Obama takes office Jan. 20.