President Donald Trump has endorsed the reelection campaign of House Republican Andrew Garbarino, who Speaker Mike Johnson said had missed a vote on Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping budget package, in the early hours of May 22 because he “fell asleep.”

Newsweek contacted Garbarino’s office for comment on Monday via email.

Why It Matters

On May 22, the House narrowly passed Trump’s budget package, which includes around $4.9 trillion in tax cuts as well as additional spending for defense and border security, in a 215-214 vote.

The bill must now pass the Senate, where several Republicans have raised concern about its content, before Trump can sign it into law.

What To Know

In a post on his Truth Social website on Sunday Trump described Garbarino as “a Fierce Advocate for Long Island,” adding he “has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Garbarino responded by sharing a screenshot of Trump’s post on X, adding: “Thank you, Mr. President, it’s an honor to serve NY-02.”

On May 22, Johnson said Garbarino had failed to vote for the “One Big Beautiful Bill” because he fell asleep.

Speaking to reporters he said: “I just want you to know for the record, we really had 217 votes this morning. Andrew Garbarino did not make it in time. He fell asleep in the back, no kidding. I’m going to strangle him. But he’s my dear friend.”

In a statement provided to Newsweek Garbarino said: “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 [state and local tax] 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. I congratulate President Trump on getting this bill passed and look forward to voting ‘yes’ when it comes back to the House floor from the Senate.”

Later on May 22, Johnson paid tribute to Garbarino for helping to build support for the budget package, commenting: “My great friend Andrew played an essential role in negotiations among members, and is a primary reason we were able to secure the deals which allowed us to pass our nation-shaping legislation this morning.”

Garbarino was first elected to the House in November 2020 and defeated Democratic challengers to secure reelection in 2022 and 2024.

On Sunday, Trump also used his Truth Social account to endorse Republican Representatives Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania and Troy Downing of Montana.

What People Are Saying

In President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post, he said: “Congressman Andrew Garbarino is a Fierce Advocate for Long Island, and the Great People of New York’s 2nd Congressional District!

“Andrew has an incredible Record of Success, and strong support from his Community. In Congress, he is fighting tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Help Secure our now VERY Secure (Record Setting!) Southern Border, Support our Incredible Military/Vets, Champion American Energy DOMINANCE by helping to keep the price of Gasoline, Oil, and all forms of Energy VERY LOW (CHEAP!), and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, which has not been attacked, amended, or changed while I was President.”

What Happens Next

Several fiscal conservatives have raised concerns about the impact Trump’s budget package could have on the national debt and it remains to be seen if it passes the Senate without substantial amendment.

The legislation will be considered under budget reconciliation rules, meaning there will be a 20-hour limit on debate, and passage will require a simple majority rather than the typical 60 out of 100 votes.