Mere weeks after the New York Times reported President Obama may be selling White House access to the Obama campaign’s highest donors, the White House today alerted Congressional offices they would indefinitely cancel all White House tours as a result of the sequestration cuts. Senator Pat Roberts released the following statement in response:

“This is perception politics run amok. The White House spends tens of thousands of dollars each year on Christmas decorations and elaborate events, but when asked to trim its budget they opt to close the White House gate to the American people.  To the thousands of Americans visiting the nation’s capital this spring break and summer I want to be clear, while the Obama White House may close, the People’s Congress will not. My office will be here, we will be open and we will be honored to give you a tour of your Capitol, free of charge. ”

Below is the text of email sent to Senator Roberts’ office from the White House visitor’s office:

From: FN-WHO-Visitors Office [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2013 2:04 PM
To: FN-WHO-Visitors Office
Subject: ***Important White House Tours Update***

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) 456-7041.

Sincerely,

White House Visitors Office