Congressman Gohmert (R-TX) introduced an amendment to the Continuing Resolution preventing Obama from using federal funds to transport himself to/from a golf course until White House resumes giving tours to the public.
Today, the White House Vistor’s Office sent out an email to interested parties that announces the suspension of all White House Tours due to the sequester cuts.
ATTN Interested Parties,
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) XXX-XXXX.
Sincerely,
White House Visitors Office
Congressman Gohmert is a history enthusiast who frequently gives extended tours of the capitol in the evenings to his constituents. Many tourists come to D.C. this time of year on vacation, specifically to visit the Cherry Blossoms, projected to bloom at the end of the month. These tourists will not be able to take a tour of the White House, and if they scheduled a tour, the tour is cancelled.
The rules committee in the House is currently deciding whether or not they will allow amendments to be included in the CR. If they decide to allow amendments, Gohmert will attach his amendment.
Gohmert’s amendment reads: None of the funds made available by a division of this Act may be used to transport the President to or from a golf course until public tours of the White House resume.
According to ObamaGolfCounter.com, the president has played 115 rounds of golf since taking office. Townhall’s Heather Ginsberg estimates that 341 furloughed jobs could have been saved had the money not been spent of golf trips.