Congressional aides from both major parties arranged a bipartisan trip to Europe that included stops at high-end hotels and exclusive venues, according to documents reviewed ahead of the 2024 election. The itinerary, which was circulated among staffers, outlined visits to several European cities and included plans for stays at luxury accommodations.
The trip, scheduled to take place before the upcoming election, was intended to foster bipartisan cooperation and policy discussions. According to the documents, the delegation planned to visit cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Geneva, with meetings set at various governmental and international institutions. The agenda also included time allocated for cultural experiences and networking events at upscale locations.
According to individuals familiar with the planning, the trip was designed to provide congressional staffers with opportunities to engage with European counterparts and discuss issues of mutual interest. The itinerary featured briefings with officials from the European Union and the United Nations, as well as sessions focused on transatlantic relations and security policy.
Some of the hotels listed in the itinerary are known for their luxury amenities and high-profile clientele. The documents indicate that the group intended to stay at establishments such as the Hotel Lutetia in Paris and the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva. The trip also included reservations at restaurants recognized for their fine dining experiences.
While the trip was organized with bipartisan participation, it was not immediately clear how many staffers from each party planned to attend. The documents did not specify the total number of participants or the precise funding sources for the travel and accommodations.
Representatives for the congressional offices involved did not respond to requests for comment regarding the trip’s purpose or the selection of venues. It is also unclear whether the trip will proceed as planned, given the proximity to the election and potential concerns about the optics of luxury travel by government staffers.
The full report and supporting documents are available at this link.
