Unfortunately for some Georgians, several parks will be closed for Memorial Day weekend. The park closures come due to budget cuts made by DOGE initiatives. Senator Warnock (D) expressed outrage over this, and Rep. McCormick (R) responded with criticism.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closing the parks due to staffing shortages. Notably, the closures affect parts of Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona.
Warnock initially posted about the closures by saying that Georgia families deserve better. He called the budget cuts ‘reckless’ and implied that he would act to disrupt any further cuts.
McCormick criticized Warnock for making the issue about DOGE and Trump’s agenda instead of doing anything about it. He then stated that he had called the Army Corps and fixed the problem.
McCormick stated, “While (Sen. Warnock) was busy on social media trying to make this an issue about DOGE and Donald Trump...I picked up the phone, called the Army Corps and fixed the problem. All but 11 of these locations will remain open for the Memorial Day weekend.”
McCormick continued, “I spoke with the U.S. Army Corps today about the planned closures at Lake Lanier. I pushed hard for a better solution, and they listened. All boat ramps will remain open, and only 11 recreation sites will close temporarily, not the 21 originally planned.”
This issue has highlighted the difference in strategy between the two lawmakers. Warnock chose to make a statement about it and move on. McCormick chose to make a call and see what he could do.
In light of this clash, McCormick took the opportunity to criticize Warnock for pledging to vote against the big, beautiful bill. He stated, “Senator Warnock lives in a $1 million estate rent free and tax free thanks to his parsonage allowance as a pastor. But he wants hard working Georgians to pay taxes on their tips and overtime wages.”
It is too early to speculate, but this could be the first step in McCormick challenging Warnock for his Senate seat. We will have to wait and see, though.
