Washington got in on the Grammy glamor Sunday night, with a handful of congressional stars joining the rockstars on the red carpet.
Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, who chairs the Democratic National Committee, and Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas were spotted in the crowd before the Grammys, hovering behind E! host Giuliana Rancic.
The sighting prompted criticism on social media, with viewers noting the discrepancy between the Democratic Party’s stated focus on income inequality and two of its more prominent members attending such a star-studded event.
But they were reportedly not alone. According to Politico, more than a dozen lawmakers headed to the event and hosted fundraisers during the weekend to tap into the network of Hollywood donors all gathered for the festivities. New York Rep. Joe Crowley, a Democrat, reportedly had a box at the show, while others attended policy briefings hosted by industry leaders focused on copyright issues and other artist concerns.