Vice President Joe Biden reached out to the park ranger who was chewed out by a Republican congressman on Wednesday at the World War II memorial in Washington.

“I’m proud of you,” Biden told the ranger over the phone. The call was announced on the vice president’s official Twitter feed.

“I’m proud of you,” VP called to tell the Park Ranger who was chastised by a GOP Rep today at the WWII Memorial. — Office of VP Biden (@VP) October 3, 2013

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) tried to shame the park ranger over the closure of the memorial, a result of the government shutdown that Republicans have sought to exploit.

The congressman asked the woman how she can deny World War II veterans access to the memorial.

“It’s difficult,” she responded.

“Well, it should be difficult,” a testy Neugebauer fired back.

“It is difficult,” the ranger said. “I’m sorry sir.”

“The Park Service should be ashamed of themselves,” Neugebauer said.

“I’m not ashamed,” the Ranger said.

A man who identified himself as a furloughed federal worker eventually intervened and defended the ranger.