Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has canceled a planned bipartisan trip for congressional staffers to Europe, which was scheduled to take place just weeks before the upcoming election. The weeklong excursion was intended to include visits to Italy and France, but the itinerary faced immediate pushback due to the nature of the planned activities.

According to reports, the trip was set to feature tours of a Ferrari factory, luxury goods manufacturers, and the Champagne region of France. While such trips are common for congressional staff to build relationships and learn about international trade and policy, the inclusion of high-end luxury destinations during an election cycle raised concerns regarding optics and the use of official resources. The Hill reported that the trip was organized by a senior House aide, though the specific names of the participants and the official justification for the itinerary have not been fully disclosed by the Speaker’s office. The cancellation effectively halts the travel plans, preventing the staff delegation from proceeding with the scheduled visits.