Wisconsin GOP Rep Van Orden rides motorcycle to DC for vote to end shutdown, cites air travel delays

Wisconsin GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden is riding back to Washington, D.C., by motorcycle amid air travel delays to vote Wednesday on a funding bill to end the government shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday told Congress members to begin their travel back to D.C. due to flight delays and reductions because of staffing shortages amid the government shutdown, Business Insider reported. The House is set to vote on Wednesday afternoon on the bill to reopen the federal government.

"Air travel has been grinded to a halt in many places and, as of Sunday, nearly half of all domestic flights — U.S. flights — were either canceled or delayed," Johnson said, adding, "I'm stating the obvious to all my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats in the House, you need to begin right now returning to the hill."

Van Orden posted a video on X on Monday of him with his motorcycle along the Mississippi River, writing, "Heading back to DC to get the country moving again after the #SchumerShutdown. Not gonna lie, it will be a bit chilly."

The congressman has been posting video updates during his road trip, including a stop at a store in Illinois to get gloves and pausing at a gas station in Ohio.

Two southern GOP Reps. – Trent Kelly, of Mississippi, and Rick Crawford, of Arkansas – carpooled on a long road trip back to D.C.

"Quick stop in Crossville, TN at the always reliable Buc-ee’s with my friend @RepTrentKelly as we head back to D.C. to end the Democrat shutdown. 8 more hours to go!" Crawford posted on X on Tuesday.