Prior to its inclusion within the fenced compound that now includes the Old Executive Office Building to the west and the Treasury Building to the east , this sidewalk served as a queuing area for the daily public tours of the White House . These tours were suspended in the wake of the September 11 attacks . In September 2003 , they resumed on a limited basis for groups making prior arrangements through their Congressional representatives or embassies in Washington for foreign nationals and submitting to background checks , but the White House remained closed to the public . White House tours were suspended for most of 2013 due to budget constraints after sequestration . The White House reopened to the public in November 2013
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
White House