TMZ exposes vacationing lawmakers as shutdown lingers
March 31, 2026
Raw Story
According to a NOTUS report, TMZ launched a campaign exposing lawmakers leaving Washington, D.C., during the partial government shutdown while tens of thousands of federal workers remain unpaid. TMZ executive producer Harvey Levin stated the outlet wanted to juxtapose members of Congress enjoying spring break against federal workers losing homes and livelihoods.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was spotted at Walt Disney World in Orlando with a bubble wand, claiming official business brought him to Florida. While Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) were photographed boarding a plane departing D.C., Rep. Robert García (D-CA) visited a Las Vegas casino, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY) was caught at an airport. García stated he was visiting his father. TMZ called on readers to submit photos and videos of any members of Congress enjoying their time away while federal employees suffer, enlisting public participation in documenting lawmakers' absences.Watch the video below. Your browser does not support the video tag.
Raw Story
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