Texas lawmaker mocked for 'heroic' 9-hour 'thirst strike'

Progressive Texas congressman and honorary "Squad" member Greg Casar went on a thirst strike Tuesday morning hoping to raise awareness about the countless workers across the United States who often perform their duties dehydrated due to a lack of mandatory water breaks.

By the end of the day, however, the importance of his message was overshadowed by the fact that he only managed to last nine hours.

Casar, who livestreamed the entire event on Twitter, was subsequently mocked on social media by users pointing out that the "thirst strike" he made a spectacle of was simply everyday life for millions of people in the US, and around the world.

The congressman began his thirst strike on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, DC just before 10 am, taking his last drink of water alongside American labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. 

Despite the 90-degree heat, Casar was joined by a number of activists and politicians, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib, many of whom delivered speeches. Medics were also on the scene to periodically check Casar's vitals to ensure he could handle not eating or drinking for a few hours.

About seven hours in, it was revealed that Casar only intended to continue the thirst strike until evening votes.

Just an hour and a half later, he raised a glass of water and took a drink while the crowd cheered.

"9 hours without water or food, but I'm more energized than ever to get this done," Casar tweeted Wednesday.

"Only a politician would expect praise and a press conference for doing what the rest of us do every day," one user commented.

"I'm glad that you're still here with us after all that you went through," another quipped. "This must have taken a huge toll on your body."

Even those who supported his cause couldn't help but point out the "performative" nature of the thirst strike.

Despite the backlash, Casar has remained committed to ensuring the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implements a heat standard to provide workers with water breaks.

"During this heat wave," he told the Statesman, "[Gov. Abbott] just signed a law taking away your right to a water break at work. It's an outrageous attack on Texans — and threatens all workers. The Biden Administration must step in, override Abbott, and ensure heat protections for all Americans in all industries."