The first visitors to see the White House since the across-the-board spending cuts forced the Secret Service to suspend tours got a big surprise Tuesday: a greeting from the residents!
First lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama, and even first dogs Bo and Sunny Obama met with the first new batch of tourists as they made their way through the Blue Room.
The first lady tweeted her excitement, signing the tweet “-mo” a indication she sent the message, rather than a staff member.
We just re-opened tours at the White House & I’m about to greet folks right now. Tune in…this is going to be fun! –mo http://t.co/PMZscGx0kH
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) November 5, 2013
President Obama joined for a while as well, smiling and shaking hands with those who made their way through the “People’s House.”
White House tours were shut down shortly after the sequestration budget cuts went into effect March 1. Though the cuts were not reversed, the Secret Service has been able to rework its budget in order to reopen tour access on a “limited basis.”
“Last year’s sequestration came midway through the fiscal year, and we were unable to adjust or re-allocate remaining funding to continue tours while still ensuring enough funding remained to meet all operational needs and avoid furloughing our employees,” Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary said in a statement when announcing that tours would resume. “In light of the new fiscal year, the Secret Service is confident that through the continuing resolution tours can operate at a reduced level while still meeting operational requirements. “
Morgan Whitaker