President Donald Trump’s landmark tax and spending bill passed the House early Thursday morning by the narrowest of margins—215 to 214—after a chaotic all-night session. But the razor-thin victory could have been more comfortable if one Republican hadn’t dozed off during the vote.
Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a centrist Republican from Long Island, missed the final vote entirely after reportedly falling asleep in the House chamber. Despite intending to vote in favor of the bill, Garbarino failed to return in time after briefly stepping out, according to a spokesperson. “He was present throughout the lead-up to the legislation’s consideration and fully intended to support it,” the statement said. “This is one of many reasons why governing should happen in the light of day — not in the dead of night.”
Speaker Mike Johnson didn’t mince words during a press conference following the dramatic vote. “Andrew Garbarino did not make it in time,” Johnson said. “He fell asleep in the back. No kidding.” Johnson, visibly amused, added jokingly, “I’m going to just strangle him.”
Rep. David Schweikert of Arizona, another Republican supporter of the bill, also missed the official vote window, casting his vote moments too late to count.
The bill, a centerpiece of Trump’s second-term legislative agenda, nearly failed due to opposition from two GOP members—Reps. Warren Davidson and Thomas Massie—who objected to its impact on the deficit. House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris voted present.
Despite the missteps, Johnson celebrated the win and urged reporters to note that the actual support was higher than recorded. “It was really 217,” he said. “Will you all put a footnote somewhere in history on that thing?”
