Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio was briefly filmed nodding off behind House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries early Thursday as he delivered an hours-long “magic minute” speech intended to stall a Republican vote on President Donald Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill.” Jeffries began speaking at 4:53 a.m. Eastern, continuing past midday while repeatedly criticizing the measure as a threat to health-care coverage. Video from the House floor showed the 79-year-old Democrat leaning forward with her eyes closed for several minutes before a staff member tapped her and guided her out of the camera frame. Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware subsequently filled her seat. The moment drew quick social-media attention but did not interrupt Jeffries’s remarks, which he said he would extend as long as necessary to oppose the bill.
And it put even the Democrats to sleep. Good for Rep. Marcy Kaptur that Hakeem helped her get a nice little snooze in there https://t.co/8hDHdy7xF5
Lawmaker appears to be sleeping during Jeffries' marathon speech ahead of 'megabill' vote https://t.co/hljKwI3Rx9
Drowsy Dem NODS off during Hakeem Jeffries' marathon speech https://t.co/VUwbpcZSSw