The Obama administration rolled a gutterball Wednesday when the House voted to prohibit the spending of taxpayer money to renovate the White House bowling alley.
The House approved the measure by voice vote after Democrats withdrew their demand for a roll-call vote. The amendment to a larger spending bill was introduced Tuesday by Rep. Patrick Meehan, Pennsylvania Republican.
“Turns out defending upgrades to the White House bowling alley is tougher than a 7-10 split,” Mr. Meehan said in a statement. “No matter how many zeroes are attached to a dollar figure, Washington should spend hardworking taxpayers’ money wisely or not at all, and I’m glad the House stopped this gutter ball.”
The General Services Administration revealed plans last week to rebuild the bowling alley, located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the
West Wing. GSA said the two lanes, which are used exclusively by White House staffers and their guests, are damaged and outdated.
But the agency withdrew its request for bids hours after the notice was posted online, and the plans are on hold.
Officials from the administration of President George W. Bush said the White House paid for a renovation of the bowling alley in 2007-08 to repair water damage from an unrelated construction project.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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