House Representatives’ Holiday Activities
House representatives begin their holidays on July 23rd, often known as a “district work period,” where many choose to work in their districts instead of returning to the capital.
This time, lawmakers can be found in various locations including Israel, Mexico, Ireland, Belgium, and the UK. Some are participating in summits with foreign leaders, while others are traveling either as official representatives or on personal trips.
Lousiana House Speaker Mike Johnson had plans to visit a West Bank settlement on Monday. He was accompanied by New York representatives Claudia Tenney, Michael McCall, and Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran. (It’s been reported that Netanyahu is contemplating a full-scale occupation of the Gaza Strip.)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with these representatives along with the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, as well as Israeli officials from various councils.
The trip was organized by Heather Johnston, who founded a conservative pro-Israel advocacy group. Multiple Israeli officials confirmed this arrangement.
Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz expressed gratitude towards the representatives for their support and clarity against threats to Israel, emphasizing the broader implications for the free world in its struggle against radical ideologies.
It seems this group of lawmakers isn’t just focused on Israel; a bipartisan delegation also set off shortly after the holidays began. They planned discussions with officials in Europe regarding freedom of speech, according to a press release from the Judiciary Committee.
This bipartisan group includes Jamie Ruskin, the Republican Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, alongside prominent Democratic representatives. Their stated goal is to align with European allies to safeguard free speech, highlighting concerns over recent developments on both sides of the Atlantic.
Meanwhile, a different group of Democrats made their way to Mexico City for the second annual Pan-American Conference. Coordinated by David Adler, this event focused on progressive values, attracting several notable attendees including Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.
Ramirez, the daughter of immigrants, spoke proudly in Spanish at the conference about her Guatemalan heritage, emphasizing her identity before her American experience.
The parliamentary recess will end on September 2nd, at which point these lawmakers will likely return to their duties and the usual political grind.
