U.S. Congressman Steve Womack on White House Tours News
By: Neile Jones
Updated: March 6, 2013
" Congressman Steve Womack released the following statement in response to the cancelation of all self-guided White House tours due to sequestration:
"President Obama proposed the "sequester" and, since it went into effect, has been hell-bent on making its implementation as painful as possible. Today, he announced that the White House will be shutting its doors to Americans visiting our nation's capital.
"The White House belongs to the American people, not President Obama. I suggest he spends more time in that house - rather than jet-setting across the country to campaign and play golf - working on meaningful spending cuts that address the billions of dollars wasted every year on inefficient and ineffective programs before keeping the American people out of the house they own.
"My office will continue to welcome Third District Arkansans visiting Washington, D.C. with open arms and give them a full and complete tour of the U.S. Capitol regardless of any reductions in our office budget."
The full text of the White House's official correspondence can be found below:
Due to staffing reductions resulting from sequestration, we regret to inform you that White House Tours will be canceled effective Saturday, March 9, 2013 until further notice. Unfortunately, we will not be able to reschedule affected tours.
We very much regret having to take this action, particularly during the popular Spring touring season. For updates regarding this situation, please contact the White House Visitors Office 24 Hour Hotline at (202) 456-7041.
Sincerely,
White House Visitors Office"
