- Lawmakers were caught sleeping during a late-night Congress session while debating Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
- Online backlash criticized the lawmakers’ behavior, questioning their productivity and taxpayer funding.
- The bill, which includes controversial tax cuts and policy changes, faces internal divisions and a lengthy debate in Congress.
Three lawmakers from both political parties were caught sleeping during an overnight session at Congress. The incident occurred during a long hearing about Donald Trump’s controversial domestic policy bill. The video showing these lawmakers napping went viral on social media. People quickly expressed their outrage online, questioning their behavior during an important debate.
The Moments That Went Viral Online
The video showed Democrat Representatives Debbie Dingell from Michigan and Jan Schakowsky from Illinois asleep during the session. Dingell, at 71 years old, was slouched in her seat. She was surrounded by three bottles of drinks. Schakowsky, 80 years old, was caught sleeping in the corner of a video feed. She was just inches away from another lawmaker who was speaking. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Blake Moore from Utah failed to answer a question. He had to be shaken awake by a fellow lawmaker. Laughter erupted from the surrounding Congress members as Moore woke up. The moment went viral, drawing attention to the long hours lawmakers were working. It also highlighted their apparent exhaustion.
Online Backlash and Criticism
The sleeping incident sparked a flood of criticism on social media. People were furious that taxpayers were paying for lawmakers who appeared to be sleeping during an important session. “It must be exhausting to work two days a month,” one social media user quipped. Others wondered why these lawmakers were still getting paid. One comment read, “Why are we paying any of them?” Another user added, “This is why they never get anything done.” Many expressed frustration at the lack of productivity they saw in the video. They felt that such actions were disrespectful to the American people.
Blake Moore’s Response to the Incident
Blake Moore defended himself after the video of him falling asleep went viral. He explained that he might have needed a short power nap during the 18-hour debate. Despite this, Moore was proud that Republicans were still able to push through a bill. He believes this bill will benefit American families, workers, and businesses. An aide to Moore also added that he had been texting his team right before the video was taken. This defense didn’t completely calm the anger online. However, Moore maintained that he was working hard to deliver a good policy for the country.
Debbie Dingell Explains Her Situation
Debbie Dingell responded strongly to the backlash about her sleeping on the job. She explained that she had been awake for 31 straight hours at the time of the video. She had been working hard to fight against Republican efforts to cut Medicaid. Dingell shared on social media that she had closed her eyes for a moment. Her intention was to think about a future where everyone in America has access to quality and affordable health care. Her office also issued a statement confirming that Dingell had been awake for 27 hours. This included working through the night in committee. Despite the criticism, Dingell emphasized that she was fighting for important causes in the health care debate.
The Debate Over Trump’s Domestic Policy Bill
The lawmakers were caught sleeping during a hearing about Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” This massive bill includes several controversial proposals, including tax cuts worth \$5 trillion. The tax cuts would eliminate taxes on tips, Social Security income, and car loan interest. The bill also contains measures to reduce Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy programs. These aspects of the bill have stirred heated debates in Congress. Especially over the impact they will have on the American public. Trump has called the bill a “great” step for American families. However, its critics argue that it could hurt those in need, especially the poor and elderly.
Long Hours and Overnight Sessions
The sleepy scenes came during an all-nighter in the House, where several committees stayed up late discussing the details of Trump’s proposed bill. These overnight sessions are common during major debates. However, they can lead to tired lawmakers and unexpected moments like those caught on video. Some lawmakers argued that the long hours were necessary to address the bill’s complexity and importance. However, many people questioned whether such sessions were really productive. Especially when they led to tired lawmakers falling asleep on the job. This incident raised concerns about the toll these all-nighters are taking on the lawmakers’ ability to do their work effectively.
The Long Road for Trump’s Bill
Trump’s bill, known officially as “THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL,” has already passed through the House with a 216-214 vote to begin work on it. However, the bill is likely to face a long and challenging road ahead. Even within the Republican Party, there are disagreements over the details. Some lawmakers are pushing for deep cuts in spending, while others are calling for more moderate reductions. These internal divisions led House Speaker Mike Johnson to delay an earlier vote. The package has sparked the biggest political debate over taxes in almost a decade. Many lawmakers remain divided over its impact on the economy and American families.
Cost of the Bill and Future Debate
The cost of Trump’s proposed tax cuts and other changes remains unclear. The cost assessments are still preliminary, but they are expected to rise as more details emerge. The debate over the bill will likely continue for months. Both parties will argue over how to balance the country’s budget and address economic issues. Some have compared this debate to the 2018 tax cuts approved under Trump’s leadership. However, lawmakers failed to pass the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which remains a significant issue today. As the bill moves through Congress, it will face more scrutiny and challenge. Additionally, lawmakers will likely have to work through many more long hours, possibly leading to more tired lawmakers.