The House Ways and Means Committee battled through a marathon 17-hour session to push forward President Donald Trump’s ambitious tax and border security bill, but the overnight proceedings revealed an unexpected side-effect on lawmakers.

Videos capturing parts of the lengthy debate have surfaced, showing multiple representatives struggling to keep up with the demanding schedule. Democrat Representatives Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois were both caught on camera visibly asleep as discussions continued.

Republicans were not exempt from fatigue either. Congressman Blake Moore of Utah also appeared to drift off, failing initially to respond when called upon for questioning. Another member had to quickly nudge Moore awake, highlighting just how demanding and intense the legislative fight has become.

Despite the embarrassing slips, Republicans successfully advanced Trump’s “big, beautiful” bill from committee. The extensive legislation proposes significant tax cuts, reinforcement of border security, reduction of wasteful federal spending, and measures aimed at tightening immigration controls.

Central to the bill’s appeal among conservatives is a proposal placing a five percent tax on remittance payments sent overseas by illegal aliens. Designed to ensure billions of dollars remain within the American economy, this remittance tax exempts verified U.S. citizens, clearly rewarding lawful taxpayers over those residing illegally.

Conservatives argue that such measures are essential to national security and fiscal responsibility, citing figures showing illegal migrants sending around \$103 billion overseas in 2020 alone. This tax, Republicans say, would help address the massive drain of untaxed money flowing out of America, notably including \$19 billion sent to China in that same year.

This latest remittance tax idea follows earlier, more aggressive Republican proposals, such as Senator JD Vance’s (R-OH) and Congressman Kevin Hern’s (R-OK) 2023 bill recommending a ten percent remittance tax, and the Heritage Foundation’s even tougher call for a 50 percent levy.

Democrats vigorously oppose the proposal, labeling it excessively harsh and discriminatory. However, conservatives remain adamant that prioritizing American taxpayers and citizens through tighter immigration policy and fiscal controls is both fair and necessary for national economic strength.

The overnight hearing underscores the intense partisan divide surrounding Trump’s agenda, with Republicans determinedly pushing forward despite fierce Democrat resistance. Conservatives view the lawmakers’ struggle to stay awake during debates as symbolic of the tough legislative fight ahead, a fight that will shape America’s economic future.

The marathon session is a vivid example of the lengths Republicans are willing to go to defend conservative values and protect American taxpayers. While Democrats continue opposing Trump’s policy objectives, conservative lawmakers have shown they will endure even the toughest conditions to deliver meaningful reforms that benefit U.S. citizens and strengthen the nation’s security.

With this contentious hearing behind them, Republicans remain committed to fighting onward, prepared for whatever fatigue or opposition lies ahead, ensuring Trump’s bold legislative vision becomes reality.