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Two Democratic congressmen demand House gym close during government shutdown

October 10, 2013

WASHINGTON — Two House Democrats are going after the congressional dumbbells.

Reps. Patrick Murphy of Florida and Bill Foster of Illinois demanded Wednesday the shutdown of the House gym, which has stayed open even while much of the federal government has closed.

They said it's outrageous that lawmakers enjoy access to their "exclusive gym and spa" while other Americans are making sacrifices because of the government shutdown.

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Charles Dharapak/ASSOCIATED PRESSRep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) joined Murphy in saying that it was unfair for lawmakers to enjoy their 'exclusive gym and spa' while other Americans make sacrifices.

Republican aides said the gym must stay open because scores of lawmakers, including many Tea Party-backed members who pushed for the government shutdown, sleep in their offices while in Washington and shower in the gym.