Democrats are so concerned about the partial government shutdown and federal workers being furloughed that many lawmakers are skipping town for a luxurious retreat.
Spotted: Sen. Bob Menendez on the beach at a resort in Puerto Rico on Day 22 of the partial government shutdown. Reports say dozens of Dems are in PR for the CHC BOLD PAC winter retreat — including meetings on Maria cleanup, and a party with PR’s “Hamilton” cast. pic.twitter.com/6FaBYKPo4L
— David McAlpine (@DavidMcAlpine) January 12, 2019
More than 30 Democrats are headed to Puerto Rico with 109 lobbyists and corporate executives for the weekend to discuss their “shared priorities.”
As noted by The Washington Examiner, Democratic lawmakers are taking fancy charter flights to their luxury resort, where they will also be seeing the Broadway show Hamilton and attending at least three parties.
The retreat in San Juan is hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC, where “key officials” will reportedly discuss “clean-up” options after Hurricane Maria at a round table Saturday.
The American Mirror reports,
Outside of that one event, it doesn’t look like the nearly three dozen Democratic lawmakers will be doing anything other than vacationing and doing absolutely nothing.
“We are excited for you to join us for CHC BOLD PAC’s 2019 Winter Retreat in San Juan, Puerto Rico! Each year, this retreat serves as a way for our CHC BOLD PAC Members and friends in the D.C. community to come together to escape the cold and discuss our shared priorities for a stronger and more prosperous country,” said a memo on the trip.
“This year’s winter retreat promises to be our most widely attended yet with over 220 guests, including 39 Members of Congress and CHC BOLD PAC supporters expected to attend and participate!” the planning added.
The seaside resort where the event is taking place is so nice that rooms go for $429 a night and all food and drinks are being provided.
In total, BOLD PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, reported that they chartered 737 members, their families, and chiefs of staff to attend the event over the weekend.
The memo also informed everyone that the weather will be a perfect 80 degrees and that the dress code is “resort casual.”
The group did not identify which Democratic lawmakers were attending the event, but a list obtained by the Examiner shows that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s name is on it.
She reportedly did not make the trip — perhaps aware of how bad it would make her look — but other top Democrats such as Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., reportedly made the trip.
