After nearly 17 hours of non-stop debate in Washington, Congressman Blake Moore (R-Utah) was briefly caught on camera falling asleep during a House Ways and Means Committee meeting. The moment happened just before 5 a.m. on May 14, 2025, as lawmakers worked through a long list of amendments tied to President Trump’s proposed tax reforms.
While the clerk was calling the roll for a vote, Moore didn’t respond right away. That’s when fellow Republican Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) gave him a gentle nudge. Moore quickly woke up, cast his vote, and smiled — clearly aware that the long hours had taken a toll.
😅 Moore Reacts: “This Happens Every Sunday at Church”
Moore later laughed off the moment, saying many of his colleagues were just as tired — they just weren’t caught on camera. “This is not that unusual,” he joked, adding that his wife wasn’t shocked at all. “She said, ‘He does this every Sunday at church.’”
🧑⚖️ Not the Only One Dozing Off
Moore wasn’t the only lawmaker battling sleep. Over in the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) were also spotted nodding off during another marathon meeting that stretched past 20 hours.
Dingell later posted on social media that she had been awake for over 31 hours, working hard to push back against planned Medicaid cuts. She emphasized how draining these intense sessions can be — especially when healthcare programs are on the line.
🗳️ Why the Late-Night Hours?
The back-to-back meetings were part of a push to pass or challenge key amendments to the federal tax plan and budget. Lawmakers from both parties had dozens of proposals to discuss, and with so much at stake, sessions stretched deep into the night.
While some criticized the process as chaotic, others pointed out that this kind of work — though exhausting — is often necessary for big decisions.
📺 The Moment Goes Viral
Video clips of Moore’s sleepy moment made the rounds on social media, with many viewers chiming in. Some joked about needing more coffee in Congress, while others sympathized with the grueling pace lawmakers endure.
The clip was picked up by several media outlets and is now one of the most talked-about moments from the night.
📅 At a Glance
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Date of Incident: May 14, 2025
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Location: House Ways and Means Committee
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Topic of Debate: Trump’s new tax reform proposals
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Session Length: 17+ hours
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Main Viral Moment: Blake Moore briefly falls asleep
