Congressman Blake Moore falls asleep
Congressman Blake Moore Briefly Falls Asleep During Marathon House Session
In a moment that quickly drew both amusement and criticism online, Representative Blake Moore (R-Utah) was caught on camera dozing off during a prolonged House Ways and Means Committee meeting on May 14, 2025. The committee had been in session through the early morning hours to debate a high-stakes Republican reconciliation bill closely tied to former President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.
As the hearing dragged into its second day without a break, fatigue began to visibly affect several members of Congress. Congressman Moore, who was seated next to Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-Minnesota), appeared to close his eyes and nod off for a brief period just before an important vote. Fischbach was seen gently nudging him awake in time for him to cast his vote. The moment, caught live on C-SPAN cameras, was quickly shared across social media platforms, sparking a flurry of commentary from political observers and everyday viewers alike.
While Moore’s short nap became a viral moment, it was far from an isolated incident during what many are calling one of the most grueling legislative sessions of the year. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) were also seen struggling to stay awake during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing the same day. Dingell later explained via social media that she had been awake for more than 31 hours straight, working tirelessly to oppose proposed cuts to Medicaid funding within the bill.
Supporters of Moore have pointed to the exhaustive schedule and demanding nature of these committee meetings as an understandable reason for his brief lapse. “It’s a reminder that our lawmakers are human,” one Utah constituent tweeted. “These overnight sessions are brutal.”
However, critics were quick to use the incident to underscore what they see as broader concerns about congressional productivity and transparency. Some accused lawmakers of being unprepared or inattentive during discussions that could have significant implications for millions of Americans.
The Republican-led committee was pushing through a dense package of policy changes, ranging from tax provisions to healthcare reforms. With Democrats offering staunch resistance and proposing dozens of amendments, the debate became a marathon, pushing members well past the point of exhaustion.
Congressman Moore has not issued a formal comment about the moment, though sources from his office suggest he remains focused on the legislative priorities of his constituents. He continues to support the reconciliation package, arguing that it will boost economic growth and reduce government overreach.
This incident sheds light on the physical and mental toll that legislative work can take, especially when deliberations stretch late into the night and beyond. As viral as the footage has become, it’s also spurred a broader conversation about whether Congress should revisit its approach to conducting lengthy sessions and explore ways to ensure lawmakers are alert, rested, and fully engaged when casting votes that impact the country.
Whether seen as a lighthearted moment or a troubling sign of burnout in the halls of power, Congressman Blake Moore’s brief nap has captured national attention—and raised important questions about the nature of modern governance.