Constituents of Rep. Austin Scott protest lack of town halls, support of Trump and DOGE actions

Organizers say Scott hasn't held a town hall for constituents since 2015, that one being exclusively for veterans.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Several dozen people gathered outside of Rep. Austin Scott’s (R-Ga.) Warner Robins office on Monday, holding up signs, giving speeches, and demanding that Scott hold town halls.

“There are a lot of things going on with this administration that Austin Scott seems to be silent on,” said Lynn Snyder, a member of Middle Georgians for Democracy. 

The protest town hall was organized by Middle Georgians for Democracy and Hope, Joy and Democracy. According to the groups, Scott hasn’t held a town hall since 2015, that one being exclusively for veterans. Earlier this month, NBC News reported that the National Republican Congressional Committee advised lawmakers against in-person town halls.  

In a statement shared with 41NBC, Rep. Scott said the following:

“For over 14 years, I have continually met with constituents, local advocacy groups, and industries about their concerns and priorities, and I will continue to do so both here in Georgia and D.C.”

But Snyder and others feel as though the congressman isn’t easily accessible regarding the most important issues.

“You send him an email, you call his office and you get a standard, scripted response,” Snyder said. “Sometimes it pertains to what you asked and sometimes it doesn’t.”

One by one, speakers came to the front of the crowd to ask questions to an empty chair, representing Scott’s absence. Michael O’Neill was curious about Scott’s alliance with the Trump administration on numerous issues.

“Why are you not listening to the courts as they deport immigrants without due process, as they detain naturalized citizens, and as they illegally fire federal workers, many of whom are in your district?” O’Neill asked.

A combat veteran, O’Neill says the swift actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk have hit close to home.

“I am very concerned about the reduction of funding to the VA programs and to the medical programs,” O’Neill said.

Julia Dorminey, a retired teacher and professor, voiced her frustration with Scott not openly opposing the Trump administration’s push to slash the Department of Education.

“Is he okay with children going hungry?” Dorminey said. “Is he okay with children not getting the basic, fundamental support that they need to become productive members of society?”

Snyder says the event turnout was a pleasant surprise and they plan to use it as fuel for future organizing. She says even if Scott doesn’t agree with the points made at the protest, he owes it to the voters to listen.

“We feel like he’s been absent, and we would like to have our voices heard,” Snyder said.