Just weeks after returning from a two-week Easter recess, members of Congress are heading out the door again for another extended break — this time for 10 days, sparking fresh outrage among critics who point to unresolved funding issues and unpaid federal workers.
The House will adjourn today, followed by the Senate tomorrow, with lawmakers not expected back until at least a week from Monday. The House plans to tack on an extra day, returning a week from Tuesday.
The latest recess comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces a funding shortfall that has left thousands of federal employees without pay for nearly three months. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has warned the department is nearly out of money to pay its staff, with workers losing homes, cars, and their peace of mind.
"We should be ashamed," Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) said in a recent interview, acknowledging that Congress gets too much time off.
What adds fuel to the fire: Congress had a four-day weekend this past weekend, on top of the upcoming break. And another week off is scheduled for May 25.
TMZ DC is asking the public to send in photos and videos if they spot any members of Congress enjoying time off during this 10-day recess — in hopes that public pressure will make a difference.
The question remains: What do you think of OWTA (Office of Working Time Accountability) now?