WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a dramatic early morning session on Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending legislation, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” with a vote of 215-214. The razor-thin margin was underscored by the absence of Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), who missed the vote after reportedly falling asleep during the prolonged proceedings.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) confirmed Garbarino’s absence, stating that the Long Island congressman “fell asleep in the back” of the chamber during the critical vote. Johnson, while expressing frustration, referred to Garbarino as a “dear friend” and acknowledged that his vote would have bolstered the bill’s passage.
Garbarino’s office later issued a statement explaining that the congressman had “stepped out and inadvertently missed the vote” after being present throughout the lead-up to the legislation’s consideration. He emphasized his full intention to support the bill and highlighted his role in negotiating key provisions, including raising the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 for individuals earning under $500,000.
The missed vote has sparked criticism from within Garbarino’s party. Some Republican and Conservative Party leaders have expressed disappointment, with discussions emerging about potential primary challenges in upcoming elections. Despite the controversy, Garbarino has reaffirmed his support for the legislation and expressed his intention to vote in favor when it returns from the Senate.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” now advances to the Senate, where it is expected to undergo further scrutiny and potential amendments. The legislation encompasses a range of measures, including extensions of the 2017 tax cuts, new tax deductions, increased defense and border security spending, and the implementation of stricter work requirements for Medicaid recipients.
As the bill moves forward, the incident involving Garbarino serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense pressures inherent in legislative processes, particularly when margins are slim and outcomes hinge on every single vote.
