The all-night push to pass President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda nearly fell apart when a Republican lawmaker missed a key vote after falling asleep.
Rep. Andrew Garabino (R-NY), who represents parts of Long Island in New York’s 2nd Congressional District, was absent during the narrow 215-214 vote early Thursday morning. His absence was immediately noted by Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman, particularly given Garabino’s prominent role as a vocal supporter of expanding the SALT deduction.
Garabino’s spokesperson later attributed his missed vote to an ill-timed nap. “After sitting through proceedings all night, the Congressman briefly stepped out and inadvertently missed the vote. He was present throughout the lead-up to the legislation’s consideration and fully intended to support it. This is one of many reasons why governing should happen in the light of day—not in the dead of night,” the statement read.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), maintaining a diplomatic tone, confirmed to Jake Sherman that Rep. Garabino had missed the vote but chose not to criticize his colleague publicly.
At 40, Garabino is one of the younger members of Congress—making his absence even more conspicuous, especially given that several older lawmakers managed to remain present and alert for the 6 a.m. EST vote.
The Republicans who broke ranks to vote against the bill alongside Democrats were Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Warren Davidson (R-OH), both known for their staunch fiscal conservatism and concerns over the legislation’s $4 trillion cost. Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), a proponent of expanding the SALT deduction, opted to vote “present.”
Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), like Garabino, did not cast a vote, though no reason was immediately provided, according to the official roll call.
President Trump’s visit to Capitol Hill on Wednesday marked a last-ditch effort to unify both conservative and moderate Republicans after days of tense negotiations put Thursday’s vote in jeopardy. According to sources cited by Politico, Trump used a mix of pointed threats and ridicule to pressure lawmakers, targeting their conflicting demands—some pushing for steeper Medicaid cuts, others for a higher cap on the SALT deduction.
