The ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown is putting a harsh spotlight on lawmakers’ travel over Easter recess.
TMZ’s open call for evidence of politicians vacationing has landed photos in the typically celebrity-centric outlet of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at Disney World, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in Florida, and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., in Las Vegas.
Photos seen by Semafor also show House Republicans from the pragmatic Main Street Caucus at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland — a group that included several dozen lawmakers, including Reps. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., Mike Flood, R-Neb., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis.
A Main Street Caucus spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment, but a source familiar with the trip said it had been approved by the Ethics Committee months ago and was focused on economic development, foreign partnerships, and business engagement.