Representative Jim McGovern is standing his ground in a deserted Washington, D.C., calling out his fellow lawmakers for abandoning their posts during an ongoing partial government shutdown.
Speaking from the steps of a government building on Thursday, the Massachusetts congressman criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for allowing Congress to go on a two-week spring recess while crucial federal funding issues remain unresolved. McGovern urged Johnson to immediately recall the House to vote on a funding bill.
Instead of working to reopen the government, many politicians have been spotted vacationing everywhere from West Hollywood to Scotland. McGovern specifically took aim at Senator Lindsey Graham, mocking the South Carolina Republican for recently spending three days at Disney World—reportedly complete with a bubble wand—while the nation deals with the shutdown's fallout.
McGovern voiced his strong support for crowdsourced accountability, encouraging citizens to continue photographing and exposing members of Congress who are enjoying getaways instead of passing legislation. He noted that public pressure and the resulting public shaming are highly effective tools for forcing politicians back to the negotiating table.
While McGovern largely pointed the finger at Speaker Johnson, the ongoing stalemate is ultimately the result of a broader bipartisan failure to compromise. Regardless of party affiliation, the push to locate missing leaders and demand their return to Capitol Hill continues to gain momentum.