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Lawmakers Watch Eclipse From Back Home

With Congress on recess, members watched the show with friends, family, and constituents

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas,  watches Monday’s eclipse from San Antonio, where he was visiting the Chamber of Commerce. (Sen. Ted Cruz via Twitter)
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas,  watches Monday’s eclipse from San Antonio, where he was visiting the Chamber of Commerce. (Sen. Ted Cruz via Twitter)
By Alex Gangitano
Posted August 21, 2017 at 4:25pm

Unlike President Donald Trump, many lawmakers listened to the warnings and wore solar eclipse glasses to look at the sun on Monday.

The president briefly looked skyward before putting on his protective glasses when he and first lady Melania Trump joined millions of Americans to view the solar eclipse.

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, was the only lawmaker spotted at the Capitol steps on Monday steps because he was to preside over the Senate on Tuesday morning.

But with Congress home for its August recess, many of his colleagues in the House and the Senate tweeted photos of them watching the eclipse, some in the path of totality.

Some watched with family.

What a sight! #SolarEclipse pic.twitter.com/peZHh0WxqY

— Rep. Randy Hultgren (@RepHultgren) August 21, 2017

I’m watching the #SolarEclipse with my grandchildren in Murphysboro, IL. Where are you watching from? #Eclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/gyAmBQUW03

— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) August 21, 2017

Martha & I enjoyed #Eclipse2017 with our grandchildren today in path of totality in Tellico Plains, TN. What an awesome event to witness! pic.twitter.com/bllil2DzaA

— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) August 21, 2017

Some embraced their nerdness, like #scificongressman Rep. Richard Neal.

Checking out the #SolarEclipse with Beth Ward from @WMassNews at @SpfldMuseums #scificongressman pic.twitter.com/XOThT99pFX

— Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) August 21, 2017

Just witnessed a true celestial wonder! #SolarEclispe17 serves as a reminder of how nature impacts us all. pic.twitter.com/jRAfLVb7ex

— Mike Quigley (@RepMikeQuigley) August 21, 2017

Left work.
Drove to Hastings to catch eclipse.
Was totally work it.
I’m comfortable with my nerdness.

— Rep. Pat Garofalo (@PatGarofalo) August 21, 2017

Some lawmakers found other ways to celebrate the day.

Others tweeted photographs on their staffers back in D.C. checking out the show.

 

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