Following an all-night session, the House passed President Trump’s domestic policy bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, by a single vote early on Thursday morning.
According to House Speaker Mike Johnson, one reason the vote was so close was because Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a Republican from New York who would have supported it, was asleep at the time.
“Andrew Garbarino did not make it in time. He fell asleep in the back. No kidding, I know. I’m going to just strangle him, but then, he’s my dear friend,” Johnson, a Louisiana Republican stated.
Garbarino, who is from Long Island and represents New York’s 2nd District, did not deny that he was asleep.
“I am proud to have been the leading voice on Long Island during negotiations on this key reconciliation bill. I fought to lift the cap on SALT and ensure hardworking Long Island families see the benefits of this important legislation. I was moments away from the House floor, to vote ‘yes,’ when the vote was closed. While I am frustrated that the vote was closed before I was able to cast my vote, I am proud of the work we accomplished to deliver huge results for Long Island,” Garbarino stated.
For incomes up to $500,000, the bill would increase the federal deduction cap for state and local taxes, or SALT, from $10,000 to $40,000 per household.
Blue-state Republicans like Garbarino pushed for an increase to the cap, which was implemented during Mr. Trump’s first term, and the issue was a major topic of discussion during the negotiations.
Arizona Representative David Schweikert, a Republican, also abstained from voting on the bill. Johnson stated that he “was going to vote and slipped his card in right at the last minute.”
- Don’t Miss:
- New York State Announces June SNAP Payment Schedule
- Congress Passes GPO Fairness Act, Eliminating Controversial Social Security Rule
- Former Florida Republican Candidate Gets Three Years for Threatening Primary Rival
By a vote of 215-214, the measure was approved by the house. Two Republicans voted no, a third voted present, and all Democrats voted against it.
“It was really 217, okay?” After the vote, Johnson made a joke about Garbarino and Schweikert.
“He played an essential role in negotiations… and is a primary reason we were able to secure the deal which allowed us to pass our nation-shaping legislation this morning,” Johnson said in a social media post on Thursday, praising Garbarino. I, along with all of our members, consider Andrew to be one of the most talented, trustworthy, and dependable members of the House. Without his special contributions and unwavering work ethic, we simply would not have this Congress as it is today.”
Now that the bill is in the Senate, its future is uncertain because some Republicans have voiced doubts.
