President Obama's decision to send Michelle and his daughters to Hawaii ahead of him if he is delayed by a fight with Congress could cost taxpayers tens of thousands of extra dollars to fund two separate vacation flights and related costs. The move would also violate the intent of an executive order he issued just last month urging federal employees to cut back on expenses like travel.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Wednesday that Obama told Senate Democratic leaders during a White House meeting that he would delay his scheduled December 17 departure for Hawaii to keep Congress in town until it extends the payroll tax holiday. Said Reid:

    I'll paraphrase it, but I'm pretty close. He said, 'Michelle and the girls are going to have a great time in Hawaii. They don't need me there.'

But sending his family ahead of him could easily cost taxpayers an added $100,000, and possibly much more.