30 congressional leaders caught in Scotland -- using taxpayer money amid shutdown

[turbinetree]

By Nicole Charky-Chami
Published April 1, 2026 4:04 PM ET

TMZ caught 30 members of Congress touring Scotland courtesy of taxpayer funding amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.

The large group was captured on camera at Edinburgh Castle, a major tourist location, all while government workers have gone unpaid, according to a report on Wednesday. The image featured Rep. John McGuire (R-VA), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) all taking a guided tour at the historic location.

"Congress is not supposed to take taxpayer-funded trips like this during a government shutdown — or so we thought — but it sounds like they're getting around it because this is a partial shutdown. The way we see it, a shutdown is a shutdown," TMZ reported.

https://www.rawstory.com/congress-vacationing-shutdown/

And just think that after they get back from the excursion, that want to take healthcare and pay for a fucking war..............while they get theirs on the back of taxpayers................fucking November cannot get here fast enough..............

[TexasBushwhacker]

1. They probably got a round or two of golf in as well n/t

[Wounded Bear]

15. At trump's golf club...nt

[Tanuki]

2. Is there a complete list somewhere?

[turbinetree]

4. Try this there are some other sites

https://wgme.com/news/nation-world/30-members-of-congress-visit-scotland-as-partial-government-shutdown-continues-tmz-lindsey-graham-donald-trump-claudia-tenney

[ALBliberal]

7. I am shallow enough to assume most R but not naive enough to know there are Dems

[Ilsa]

3. Those assholes better pay for this vacation

themselves. I consider this theft or our money.

[Rightstopper]

5. Odd coincidence

No Democratic lawmakers on the list

[Ms. Toad]

6. Are you sure? I've only seen 5 names out of the 30 who went. n/t

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

19. How many brought their family members on the vacation?

In the 70s a group of congressmen and their wives took a "fact finding" trip to Japan and Southeast Asia.

I know this because I was navigator on the Air Force C-141 Starlifter cargo airplane which tagged along to carry all the crap they picked up along the way.

[Ms. Toad]

20. No idea -

But I wouldn't rule out Democrats being on the trip until I see a list.

[quakerboy]

21. Lets be fair

If you were the spouse of an elected republican, would you let them visit se Asia on their own?

[Deep State Witch]

8. They're Looking for the Standing Stones

To transport them back in time to the 18th Century, like in Outlander.

[dave99]

9. Were they all Republicans (grifters) ?

[Ford_Prefect]

10. This had better be on the news at 6.....

[sop]

12. If there are Democrats on the list, it will be.

[GopherGal]

25. Everyone listed thus far had an "R" after their name.

But the list was only 5 out of a purported 30.
I'd bet a virtual quarter that if there were Ds on the list, they'd report at least one of 'em to try and make it a "both sides" kind of thing. Of course, my real virtual money is that they're too lazy to get the entire list and find 'em!

[AllaN01Bear]

11. ""

[Figarosmom]

13. Shame. These people are just entirely brainless.

[PufPuf23]

14. Scotland Hates Trump

[popsdenver]

16. Even when they are home and at work

they don't have much to do.........I am sure the 2025 Group gives them daily marching orders........seriously!!!!!!!
And of course praising Trump daily, so he doesn't target them with his vengeful self......and primary them....

[NewLarry]

17. Since it's a "partial" shutdown,

how about we give them a "partial" trip. We'll pay for everything EXCEPT the return flight.

[calimary]

22. I like that idea!

[samplegirl]

18. How are we not suprised?

Grifters all of them!

[FakeNoose]

23. The Repukes are supposed to be back in their home districts, listening to their voters

That's why they get an Easter break, so they can go home. NOT so they can escape on government-paid vacations to Europe or anywhere else.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

24. If they go to their home districts, maybe some constituents will want to have words.

The Scots will also have word for them, but they won't understand a bit of it.

[progressoid]

26. B...b...but it was "pre-approved by the House Ethics Committee months ago."

You know it's fine if the House Ethics Committee approved it.