Lawmakers Flee D.C. During Shutdown as TMZ Exposes 'Spring Break' Getaways

TMZ sets sights on Congress members enjoying vacations as federal workers go unpaid

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:10pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the fragmented silhouette of a politician in motion, repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conceptually representing the divide between elected officials and their constituents during the government shutdown crisis.As lawmakers flee the capital during the government shutdown, their carefree 'Spring Break' vacations stand in stark contrast to the financial hardship faced by unpaid federal workers.Today in Orlando

As the partial government shutdown continues, leaving thousands of federal workers unpaid, a growing number of lawmakers have been spotted fleeing Washington, D.C. for vacation. TMZ has made it a new mission to expose these politicians, juxtaposing images of Congress members enjoying 'Spring Break' activities against the hardship faced by federal employees.

Why it matters

The government shutdown has caused significant financial hardship for federal workers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet without paychecks. The optics of lawmakers abandoning their duties to take vacations during this crisis has outraged many Americans and raised questions about the priorities of elected officials.

The details

TMZ has reported on several lawmakers spotted enjoying time off, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) at Walt Disney World, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) boarding a plane out of D.C., and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) at a casino in Las Vegas. The lawmakers have provided explanations, such as official business or visiting family, but TMZ maintains that the timing and visuals of these getaways are insensitive to the plight of federal workers.

  • On Friday, Thune and Cruz were spotted boarding a plane out of D.C.
  • Rep. Garcia was recently seen at a casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

The players

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina who was spotted at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader from South Dakota who was seen boarding a plane out of D.C.

Ted Cruz

The Republican senator from Texas who was also spotted boarding a plane out of D.C.

Robert Garcia

A Democratic congressman from California who was seen at a casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

John Barrasso

The Republican senator from Wyoming who was 'caught getting the hell out of D.C. amid the federal government shutdown.'

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What’s next

TMZ has vowed to continue monitoring the activities of lawmakers during the government shutdown, promising that their 'DC presence will sometimes be fun, sometimes intensely serious'.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the growing divide between elected officials and the constituents they serve, as lawmakers appear to prioritize personal vacations over addressing the pressing needs of federal workers struggling without paychecks. The public outcry over these 'Spring Break' getaways could put pressure on Congress to find a resolution to the shutdown.