National Park Service director Jarvis said he discussed closing the open-air monuments and memorials with the White House, as well as the secretary of the Interior Department:
"Yes, I did," says the director when asked whether he discussed the closures with the secretary of the Interior Department.
"You didn't discuss it with anyone in the White House, did you?" asks a congressman.
"Um, in -- several times, on the phone, with the White House, I presented with the secretary my decission," says the director. "But it was never the reverse--"
"So you discussed with officials in the White House your action?"
"That's right," he says.