Garbarino Almost Sleepily Sinks Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill"

Long-time Long Island Republican Congressman Peter King retired in 2021 after serving Southern Nassau and Suffolk Counties for eighteen years. Not once, did he ever fall asleep in the Congress serving his constituents. When he retired, he was seventy-seven years old.

The same cannot be said about the man who replaced him, Andrew Garbarino. And he is only forty years old.

Congressman Andrew Garbarino had a rude awakening Thursday morning after snoozing through final passage of President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill", with threats of a potential primary challenge from politicos enraged at his buffoonery. Deservedly so.

The moderate Republican, who occasionally breaks with his party on crucial votes, figured by using the ruse of sleeping, he would not have to take a stand on the “big, beautiful bill”. Which squeaked by at 215 to 214.

But by doing so, he opened himself to criticism and ridicule by Members of the House on both sides of the aisle, and to the ire of his constituents for not voting as their representative.

He is as much a failure as “Lying” George Santos was. It makes those who votes for him look foolish. And they may not forget this. He has opened himself up to be primaried.

“Andrew Garbarino did not make it in time. He fell asleep in the back, no kidding,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) revealed after the bill passed the House 215-214 after a marathon all-night session.

He tried to make light of it, but he was clearly annoyed. It was the most critical bill put forth since Johnson was named Speaker, and clearly jeopardized his leadership.

A Long Island Republican source said state and local party leaders were apoplectic about Garbarino “coming across like a buffoon” for conking out with Trump’s agenda on the line, noting it could prompt serious primary challenges.

“He’s losing his juice as the most senior congressman,” the source said. “I’m getting calls from party leaders that this guy is disloyal to Trump. He was known in the past to be very independent from the party.”

Even New York Democrats found opportunities to mock him. One posted a meme as “Rep” Van Winkle in an old-time nightcap.

“It’s just incredible. It’s beyond belief,” Pat Halpin, a Democrat considering a run for the seat, said. “It’s clearly one of the most important votes, whether you’re for it or against it. While Garbarino slept, health care took a huge hit.”

And he clearly annoyed New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar, who added “Missing the budget vote is a very real concern for me and the local Conservative Party leaders. Whatever the reason, it’s a great disappointment.”

No matter whatever good Congressman Gabarino has done in the past, he will have an uphill climb to gain favor with many people if he wants to have a successful run for reelection.

Otherwise, he could be the difference for Republicans keeping the House.

Only to be remembered as the South Shore’s version of that clown, George Santos.