Rhode Island Congressman Parties 'Real Housewives' Style Amid Shutdown

U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner takes the prize for most unique Congressional recess plans ... partying with a bunch of 'Real Housewives,' despite the fact Congress has done nothing to end the shutdown and get federal workers paid.

We got pics of the Congressman from Rhode Island inside the watch party for the premiere episode of "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island."

Magaziner mugged for pics at the fancy event with various Bravo fans and one of his cohosts, State Sen. Hanna Gallo ... and, of course, some cast members -- including Kelsey Swanson and Liz McGraw -- were also there.

It makes sense for the 'Housewives' to be partying hard, but the optics for Magaziner ... not only attending, but hosting, this kind of event are far different.

TMZ's been putting the spotlight on members of Congress, and how they're all spending their 2-week spring break ... after they all failed to find middle ground and fund the Dept. of Homeland Security. We've seen Senators and Representatives at Disney World, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and even Scotland during this first week of their recess.

Magaziner's defended his decision to host the event -- amid the ongoing partial government shutdown -- saying the show will promote Rhode Island tourism. Yes, that's probably true, but we're certain the unpaid federal workers would appreciate the same kind of attention to their plight.