Rep. Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin has found a unique means of transportation to return to Washington, DC, amid the ongoing government shutdown: his motorcycle. Faced with flight cancellations and delays due to air travel chaos affecting countless Americans, Van Orden opted for a long ride back on his “bitchin’ Harley Davidson,” sharing his journey on social media.
In a video posted on X, he expressed his frustration at the shutdown, attributing the chaotic travel situation to the Democrats, and declared his determination to fulfill his congressional duties. “It’s going to take me about 16 hours or so. It’s going to be a little chilly. But I will do my duty. I’m getting back to DC. We’re going to get this country back on track,” he stated.
Van Orden’s journey follows a directive from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who called for lawmakers to return to Capitol Hill to vote on measures to end the shutdown. The Senate already passed a bill on Sunday, which is set to be considered by the House and could reach President Donald Trump for approval shortly.
The current travel woes stem from a reduction in flight capacity ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration, which is impacting thousands of travelers due to ongoing air traffic control shortages. This situation led to nearly half of all domestic flights being canceled or delayed as stated by Johnson.
Throughout his motorcycle journey, Van Orden shared updates, including a stop for gloves in Illinois and a late-night ride through Chicago, all while showcasing his sense of humor as he donned a Green Bay Packers hoodie, referencing the sports rivalry with the Chicago Bears.
On Wednesday, he proudly posted a selfie in front of the United States Capitol, marking the successful completion of his efforts to return to DC. Van Orden is not alone in opting for the road over air travel; other lawmakers like Reps. Trent Kelly and Rick Crawford also made the choice to carpool and share the adventure during this challenging travel time.
With lawmakers reaching DC in creative ways, their determination to overcome obstacles reflects a commitment to re-establish normalcy for the country, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of public servants during turbulent times.