SAN ANTONIO – Their political parties may be miles apart on the issues, but two Texas congressmen passed the miles back to the Capitol together, to the delight of many.
The two arrived at the Capitol just before 6 p.m. EST Wednesday after setting out from San Antonio on Tuesday in a rented Chevy Impala. The pair decided to carpool after Hurd's flight plans ran into trouble due to weather.
Hurd and O'Rourke broadcast the trip on Facebook Live as they took turns driving and talking policy. They also responded to comments on the Facebook videos and talked with other officials over the phone.
The trip earned congratulations from those who tuned in by the hundreds online and back in Hurd's 23rd Congressional District.
"I think it's good for America," said Ed Barry as he dined at Stump's Steakhouse Grill at the edge of Hurd's district in West Bexar county. "I think it's good that we can see some coming together instead of this pulling us apart thing."
"It's good they get together, talk," said Joe Paduh who joined Barry for lunch. "It's the way it ought to be."
The comments on the videos congratulated the two for their bipartisan display, too. Even Mark Zuckerberg chimed in, writing "This is a great use of Facebook Live for civic engagement. Good luck making it to DC on time."
The pair did, arriving about a half hour before a scheduled vote. Back at Stump's, Ana Molina said she hopes some constructive plans comes out of the trip.
"I think it's time to see some real action to unite Congress. To unite the nation, and think it's a great first step," Molina said.
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