Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois stumbled on the House floor while protesting a major tax bill during heated debate on Thursday.
The incident occurred as lawmakers debated sweeping legislation ahead of a July 4 deadline. Schakowsky had been vocal in her opposition to the measure, calling it Trump’s “big, ugly bill.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York followed with an hours-long filibuster using the chamber’s “magic minute” rule, which allows members to speak indefinitely as long as they remain standing and present. Jeffries had prepared multiple binders containing excerpts of his remarks for the extended speech.
Concerns About Age in Congress
The fall has renewed focus on the advanced age of many Washington lawmakers. The issue gained prominence after former President Joe Biden’s poor debate performance in 2024 and his subsequent withdrawal from the presidential race.
Earlier this year, Schakowsky announced she would not seek reelection in 2026, ending a 28-year career in the House that began in 1998. She previously served seven years in the Illinois state legislature.
The Bill’s Passage
The House passed the legislation Thursday by a vote of 218-214, sending it to President Trump’s desk. The measure extends the individual tax cuts Trump enacted in 2017 and eliminates most taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits for seniors.
The bill makes major changes to Medicaid by tightening eligibility rules and is projected to reduce Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over ten years. It also allocates $46.5 billion toward border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Campaigns are filled with promises and ‘most’ administrations are filled with excuses but NOT @Potus, who once again delivered for the American people,” Mark Meadows, Trump’s former White House chief of staff, said on X.
Democratic Opposition
Schakowsky had posted a video on social media expressing her opposition before the vote. “I’m not just a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, I’m a HELL NO!” she wrote on X, arguing the legislation would harm millions by reducing healthcare access.
“This is going to be the most hideous vote that the Republicans are putting forward that would absolutely take healthcare away from literally millions of people,” Schakowsky stated.
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
