Conservatives were enraged after a razor-thin 215-214 House passed President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), a key negotiator for blue-state Republicans, missed his “yes” vote after falling asleep nearby, frustrating him but not diminishing his pride in securing Long Island benefits.
Reacting to the situation, Speaker Mike Johnson(R-LA) joked that he would “strangle” his “dear friend” Garbarino, quipped that the real tally was “217,” and praised his “tireless efforts.” Similarly, Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) barely made it.
Speaking after the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson reacted with good humor.” Andrew Garbarino did not make it in time. He fell asleep in the back. No kidding, I know. I’m going to just strangle him, but then, he’s my dear friend,” he said.
Apologizing for his breach of protocol, the New York Republican issued a statement. “I am proud to have been the leading voice on Long Island during negotiations on this key reconciliation bill. I fought to lift the cap on SALT and ensure hardworking Long Island families see the benefits of this important legislation,” Garbarino explained.
Building on his previous comments, the sleepy representative noted, “I was moments away from the House floor, to vote ‘yes,’ when the vote was closed. While I am frustrated that the vote was closed before I was able to cast my vote, I am proud of the work we accomplished to deliver huge results for Long Island.”
Echoing these comments, Johnson took to social media to say, “It was really 217, okay?” Additionally, he noted, “[Garbarino] played an essential role in negotiations … and is a primary reason we were able to secure the deal which allowed us to pass our nation-shaping legislation this morning.”
Continuing to soften the blow, Johnson said, “Andrew is highly regarded by me and all our Members as one of the most trusted, reliable, and talented colleagues in the House, and if it were not for his unique contributions and tireless efforts, we simply would not have achieved what we have in this Congress.”
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Expressing anger that was common among Republicans, one user asked, “SLEEPY? Wonder why there were so anti-MAGA changes to the budget last night? Turns out New York Republican Rep Andrew Garbarino fell asleep during the overnight session and missed the vote which necessitated a lot of last minute negotiations. Oh and the budget wouldn’t have passed at all if Democrat Rep Gerry Connolly hadn’t died.”
Similarly annoyed, another viral post read, “🚨Report: NY Congressman Andrew Garbarino, who fell asleep when the OBBB first passed the house, has been elected chair of the House Homeland Security committee and will replace Mark Green after his retirement. Garbarino ran on supporting CISA which is weaponized against conservatives and said the 2020 election was ‘The most secure election in history.'”
Continuing the condemnation, another post noted, “This is wild AF, embarrassing AF, and completely unacceptable AF!!: According to multiple reports, Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) missed the vote on President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” because he fell asleep. “