Obama's busy. Golfing probably.

White House puts off congressional picnic

David Jackson, USA TODAY 9:18 a.m. EDT June 11, 2013



This probably won't help an already tense relationship between President Obama and Congress.


The White House will not be hosting its annual congressional picnic, at least not this month.



Obama's staff sent lawmakers a notice that "the White House Congressional Picnic for Members of Congress and their families will not take place in June this year. We are hopeful that we will be able to reschedule this event for September."

White House officials said the decision is not the result of sequester budget cuts, but of the president's schedule; Obama has trips this month to Europe and Africa.
From The Hill newspaper:


"The White House Congressional Picnic historically has taken place in mid-to-late June, when lawmakers' children are out of school and families have more flexibility to make the trek to D.C.



"Recently, however, some complained that they had not yet heard from the White House — and that making a last-minute plane reservation to the nation's capital is pricey.



"The White House this year has made efforts to reach out to Congress in order to move an ambitious agenda, but the handling of this event hasn't enhanced the so-called charm offensive.



"'What could have been an occasion for smoothing personal relations could end up making them worse," Claremont-McKenna professor Jack Pitney said, noting the event has served as a way for members and families to cross party lines and get to know each other."