Representative Robert Garcia replied after photos showed him in Las Vegas during the government shutdown, as critics questioned optics.
remains deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security . The shutdown has disrupted airport operations and left many federal employees working without pay. Garcia addressed the backlash in a post on Threads, saying the visit was personal and unrelated to his official duties.
is doing here," Garcia wrote."Like the story says my dad has lived in Vegas for 15 years and I had just finished lunch with him. I try to see him whenever I can. And like I said a few days ago, Speaker Mike Johnson should have never sent us all home.":"Rep. Garcia's family owns a home in Vegas, his father has been living there for over 15 years and he was visiting him. As he stated the day Speaker Johnson sent Congress home, it is crazy for Republicans to reject the deal on the table and send members home while the American people suffer. "Republicans chose to continue this shutdown and Garcia is ready to get back to work the second Mike Johnson decides to do his job."The photos of Garcia have fueled criticism at a time when the partial DHS shutdown continues to affect front-line federal workers, particularly Transportation Security Administration officers, who have reported missed paychecks, staffing shortages and growing strain at major airports., who faced backlash after images surfaced of him visiting Disney World during the shutdown, underscoring how quickly such moments can trigger bipartisan outrage online. TMZ reported that the photos of Garcia were taken after the outlet publicly encouraged members of the public to document lawmakers during the congressional recess following the collapse of a funding deal. Garcia’s office has said he was visiting his father, who has lived in Las Vegas for more than a decade, and emphasized that the shutdown stems from legislative gridlock rather than individual members’ travel. Garcia has placed responsibility on Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, arguing that Congress should not have been sent home while funding talks remained unresolved.Others defended the congressman, saying lawmakers are not required to remain in Washington during recess periods and noting that Garcia has publicly called for an end to the shutdown. The DHS funding lapse has persisted for weeks after lawmakers failed to agree on a package addressing immigration enforcement, with TSA reporting increased absenteeism and resignations as financial pressure on workers mounts., though no immediate resolution has been announced. House leaders remain divided over DHS funding and immigration policy, while pressure continues to grow from unions, business groups and travelers affected by airport delays.View Editorial & AI Guidelines
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