MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

'Not OK': AOC outraged after National Guardsmen sent to garage with 1 bathroom, offers them her office to sleep in

The 31-year-old made the proposal after troops were asked by Capitol Police on Thursday, January 21, to take their breaks either outside or in a freezing parking garage

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, popularly known as AOC, showed a very humane side of her as she offered her office to National Guards deployed at the Capitol building to take breaks. The 31-year-old made the proposal after troops were asked by Capitol Police on Thursday, January 21, to take their breaks either outside or in a freezing parking garage. Ocasio-Cortez soon took to Twitter and wrote, “Yeah this is not okay. My office is free this week to any service members who’d like to use it for a break or take nap on the couch. We’ll stock up on snacks for you all too. (We’re in the middle of moving offices and it’s a bit messy so don’t judge, but make yourself at home!)” in response to a tweet by a reporter that said, “Hundreds of Guard soldiers relegated to the Senate garage, breathing in exhaust fumes and covid. Story coming in a bit.”

For the past few days, the National Guard members have been protecting the Capitol. They also gave additional security during the inauguration of President Joe Biden. After the AOC’s tweet, a lot of people also expressed their thoughts on the “inhumane” behavior with one saying, “We treat our service members this horribly. Smh. And people think we are still the best country in the world. We are great at many things, but we are not good at taking care of the people who serve us.” Another commented, “Why do these men and women not have some kind of tents at *minimum*?! We call upon them to care for our country the least we can offer is some damned cots. That's appalling and I agree - NOT okay.” “How can this be allowed, @AOC? Our National Guard are not being supported by our government and have no where to sleep?!? Is there no per diem for them? Do you know who we could ask for answers?” the third one asked.

Many praised the Democrat for her compassion too. “AOC is more of a patriot than any of the republicans in congress. The American people are so grateful to have you,” a person tweeted. Another one remarked, “Just want to say, she really means it. A few yrs ago, AOC saw me walking around lobbying (as a private citizen, not a lobbyist) while nursing a baby and said I was welcome to nurse in their office any time. And I did! The baby was noisy and fussy and everybody was cool af.” “AOC doesn't virtue-signal, she virtue-inspires. Maybe other Congresspeople will follow suit. Business owners next? Remember all those Airbnbs they canceled? Maybe they can open up for Guard on the company's dime,” the third person said while the fourth added: “That's very kind of you to offer. This is a lot better than what I'm seeing from other people who just want to complain about soldiers being soldiers -- without offering their own home or bathroom for use. Like Ivanka with the @SecretService [smiling face with cold sweat] it's bullshit.”

The effort put in by AOC and the internet reportedly paid back as TMZ reported that the guards were asked to move inside the building for the night. Speaking about what happened in the day, a National Guard spokesperson said, “As Congress is in session and increased foot traffic and business is being conducted, Capitol Police asked the troops to move their rest area. They were temporarily relocated to the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Center garage with heat and restroom facilities."