Government Shutdown Continues, Reaching Record Length

A partial US government shutdown entered its 47th day on Sunday, becoming the longest in the nation’s history. The shutdown began after the Senate reached a bipartisan funding deal last week that was subsequently rejected by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

MAGA Representatives Spotted in Scotland

Virginia Rep. John McGuire, Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden, and North Carolina Rep. David Rouzer were photographed outside Edinburgh Castle in Scotland amongst other tourists. The images surfaced as federal workers continue to work without pay due to the ongoing shutdown.

Potential CODEL Trip and Funding Questions

Two Capitol Hill sources indicated the congressmen may have been on a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) trip. CODEL trips are typically cancelled during government shutdowns. If confirmed as a CODEL, the trip could have been funded by taxpayer money, potentially including Department of Defense aircraft.

Lawmakers Respond to Sightings

Rep. Van Orden, contacted by TMZ, expressed displeasure at being interrupted and stated he was celebrating a positive health diagnosis for his wife, who recently underwent surgery for a brain cyst. He had previously missed votes in January for her scheduled surgery.

Other Lawmakers on Vacation

Speaker Johnson dismissed the Senate’s funding bill as a “joke” and stated the House would not vote on it. Meanwhile, TMZ also published photos of Senator Lindsey Graham at Disney World in Florida, enjoying attractions like Space Mountain and brunch at Chef Mickey’s. Graham claimed the trip followed “very serious discussions” with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff regarding Middle East peace.

Democratic Representative Also Seen on Vacation

Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia was photographed at a bar in Las Vegas. He responded to the coverage, stating he was visiting his father and criticizing Speaker Johnson for sending lawmakers home. He posted, “Speaker Mike Johnson should have never sent us all home.”