Lawmakers Blake Moore, Debbie Dingell, and Jan Schakowsky were spotted dozing off during an extended overnight House committee hearing on former President Donald Trump’s new tax bill. The footage of them napping during the session has quickly gone viral, drawing both criticism and humor online.
Blake Moore Falls Asleep Before Key Vote
Representative Blake Moore, Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, was caught on camera asleep around 5 am during a markup session of the House Ways and Means Committee. The hearing was reviewing the tax elements of Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill.” Moore missed repeated calls to vote on an amendment related to the Affordable Care Act until Rep. Michelle Fischbach nudged him awake.
In response to the viral moment, Moore told USA Today, “I may have needed a quick power nap, but Ways and Means Republicans powered through an 18-hour markup to deliver a tax bill that better serves American families, workers, and businesses.” He also thanked Fischbach for her timely wake-up.
Debbie Dingell Responds to Criticism After Dozing Off
Representative Debbie Dingell was filmed napping during the Energy and Commerce Committee’s review of a proposal to cut billions in government spending. The session reportedly lasted over 24 hours. After the video went viral, Dingell responded on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
It’s 4:57am ET … there’s another vote during the House Ways and Means markup … and they have to wake Rep. Blake Moore pic.twitter.com/Z2XlhiMtve
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) May 14, 2025
“Been up for 31 hours straight fighting Republicans trying to gut Medicaid. Closed my eyes to think about an America where everyone has access to quality, affordable health care.”
Her statement was met with mixed reactions from the public.
Jan Schakowsky Also Caught Napping
Representative Jan Schakowsky joined the list of lawmakers caught nodding off during the same Energy and Commerce Committee session. The committee meeting, which continued well past midnight, was one of several all-night deliberations in Congress this week.
The Viral Moment and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread conversation on social media, with many users criticizing the lawmakers for falling asleep during critical debates. Others have sympathized, acknowledging the exhaustion that comes with marathon legislative sessions.
As Congress continues to debate Trump’s ambitious tax bill, these light-hearted yet viral moments underscore the grueling pace of political work behind closed doors.
