While thousands of federal employees grapple with missed paychecks and looming rent bills due to a partial government shutdown, dozens of U.S. lawmakers have jetted off to Scotland—and taxpayers are footing the bill.
An estimated 30 members of Congress are currently overseas on a two-week recess, partaking in a taxpayer-funded European excursion. Meanwhile, workers from critical agencies like FEMA and the Coast Guard have been left high and dry, struggling to put food on the table as the shutdown stretches on. Adding insult to injury, congressional salaries remain entirely unaffected by the budget crisis lawmakers failed to prevent.
The overseas delegation was spotted acting like typical tourists, taking in the sights at historic landmarks. Photographic evidence places a large group of the politicians at Edinburgh Castle, a highly popular Scottish tourist attraction.
Among the lawmakers identified mingling within the castle walls are Representatives John McGuire (VA), Derrick Van Orden (WI), David Rouzer (NC), Claudia Tenney (NY), and Jason Smith (MO). Representative Bill Huizenga (MI) was also spotted relaxing in the crowd.
In an attempt to defend the trip's optics, a spokesperson for Rep. Huizenga claimed the excursion was a "long-planned, House Ethics-approved" diplomatic mission to meet with foreign dignitaries. However, the statement notably glazed over the harsh reality: the American public is bankrolling this overseas journey at the exact moment domestic federal workers are enduring a grinding financial halt.