Politics

Boehner: Obama ‘silly’ to close White House to visitors [VIDEO]

Nicholas Ballasy Senior Video Reporter
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House Speaker John Boehner criticized the Obama administration for “locking down the White House” from the American people by stopping tours of the presidential residence, calling the decision “silly.”

But Boehner would not say if he agrees with an effort by Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert to prohibit federal funds from being used for President Barack Obama’s golf trips until the tours resume. (RELATED: Congressman wants Obama to stop hitting the links)

“We’d love to have the American people come and visit their Capitol. You know, even though our budget’s been cut, like everyone else’s, thanks to proper planning, we’re able to avoid furloughs amongst Capitol workers, and tours are going to remain available for all Americans,” Boehner told reporters on Thursday at the Capitol.

“I think it’s disappointing that the Obama administration didn’t follow our lead and find savings in other parts of their budget. I think it’s silly that they’ve insisted on locking down the White House, which the American people actually own.”

The Daily Caller asked Boehner if he supports Gohmert’s amendment to defund Obama’s travel to golf courses until the White House brings back tours.

“I didn’t — I know he was offering or talked about offering something. But as you know, I don’t typically vote on the House floor, and I didn’t yesterday,” Boehner responded.

Rep. Gohmert’s amendment was filed with the House rules committee, but no amendments were added to the continuing resolution that passed the House. The CR funds the government for the remainder of the fiscal year in the absence of a formal annual budget.

Gohmert has since sent President Obama a letter asking him to voluntarily stop spending taxpayer dollars for his golf trips until White House public tours resume.

Speaker Boehner’s office did not respond to TheDC’s request for comment.