Family, service, and a break from the ‘s— show’: Lawmakers share what they’re grateful for this Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are taking a moment to reflect on what they are grateful for, highlighting a blend of personal and professional sentiments. Representatives from both sides of the aisle, including Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), expressed their appreciation for their families and the opportunity to serve the nation. Houchin emphasized the blessing of her role in Congress, stating, “And it’s a real blessing to be able to be here and serve.” Meanwhile, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) looked forward to escaping the tumult of Washington, humorously referring to the recent political climate as a “s— show.” He plans to participate in a 43-mile walk for a local food bank, demonstrating his commitment to community service even during the holiday season.
The spirit of gratitude extends beyond mere appreciation for family and work. House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) reflected on his decade-long tenure in Congress, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and the legacy he hopes to leave for his children. Similarly, former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), who recently remarried, shared his joy about his new family life and the health of his 17 grandchildren. He noted, “I’m very happy,” underscoring how personal experiences can shape one’s perspective on gratitude. In contrast, Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) reminded everyone of the importance of maintaining an attitude of thankfulness, even during challenging times, stating, “Gratitude is the attitude.”
As the holiday approaches, lawmakers also reminisced about their favorite Thanksgiving traditions, showcasing a lighter side to their busy lives. Houchin fondly recalled a past family tradition of creating popsicle stick ornaments, while Luna enjoys binge-watching the “Harry Potter” series. Arrington humorously mentioned his anticipation for indulging in food and watching football, and Hoyer, a self-proclaimed “big turkey and gravy guy,” echoed similar sentiments. These personal anecdotes not only highlight the human side of lawmakers but also remind us that, amid the political chaos, there is a shared desire for connection, gratitude, and celebration during this festive season.
Thanksgiving is a time for people across the country to express gratitude, and it’s no different for those who work on Capitol Hill.
Lawmakers on both sides
of the aisle told Fox News Digital they were grateful for their families, including Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., and Erin Houchin, R-Ind.
“And it’s a real blessing to be able to be here and serve,” Houchin added of her work.
Other lawmakers were excited to simply be out of Washington.
“I’m happy I’ll be in Massachusetts. I’m thankful for that … I’m going to be away from this, you know, s— show that’s been going on here over the last couple of weeks,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.
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Asked what he would be doing while home, McGovern said, “I do a 43-mile walk every year for the food bank in Western Massachusetts. So Monday and Tuesday, I’ll be walking 43 miles.”
He joked, “So this may be the last time you see me.”
And some are grateful for newfound family time — like House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., who just remarried in June 2023.
“I’m
thankful for a lot of things
. I’ve got a wonderful new wife who I’ll be married to now for two and a half years,” Hoyer said. “My first wife died in ‘97, so I was single for a long time.”
Now, however, he added, “I’m very happy. I’m thankful for, we have 17 grandchildren, they’re all healthy, they’re all doing well.”
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And Arrington, who is retiring from Congress at the end of 2026 after 10 years, told Fox News Digital, “I am thankful for 10 years of an awesome opportunity to serve my country and to leave a legacy of a better future for my children, and now to return to those children to be a man of my own house instead of the man in the people’s house.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., said Thanksgiving was a good reminder to practice gratitude in one’s day-to-day life.
“I’m always most
thankful for the blessings
that I’ve received, both for me personally and for my family. I’m just very grateful. It’s an important practice, I think, for everybody, just to always be thankful. Even when things are going bad, you’ve got to try and be thankful all the time. Gratitude is the attitude,” he said.
Asked about her favorite Thanksgiving tradition, Houchin told Fox News Digital, “My
family and I
— we don’t do it anymore — but have a popsicle stick ornament making contest. It was a good time.”
Luna said hers was “binge-watching ‘Harry Potter,’” and Hoyer smiled, “I’m a big turkey and gravy guy.”
“Eat a lot of food and
watch a lot of football
,” Arrington said when asked about what tradition he was most looking forward to this holiday.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
