It's an urban (rather, rural) legend. I've been there several times and the official (and licensed) NPS tour guides say nothing of the sort. I can't speak for those who come with tour groups; they can say pretty much anything they want, I guess.

I'm waiting for the Pope, Big Frankie in Rome, to come out and say ex cathedra that we have to care for the poor and each other, that we have to care for the environment, and that Matthew 18:6 is in force. If you then don't do those things you're a heretic and as such cast out of the Church, both Roman and Eastern Rites. Paul Ryan is a Catholic. So Nancy Pelosi and Susan Collins. There's a list of the Senators here and the Representatives here.

As for the dinner -- BFD. The powerful know the powerful, always have and always will.