While expressing her opposition to President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” tax cut proposal, an 81-year-old Democratic congresswoman experienced a stumble on the House floor.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) reportedly tripped during a contentious floor debate, where she was reiterating Democratic criticisms of what she referred to as Trump’s “big, ugly bill.” This incident took place after several days of extensive negotiations, with lawmakers rushing to meet the president’s July 4 deadline for the comprehensive legislation.
Schakowsky’s comments preceded a passionate, lengthy filibuster by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who fully utilized the House’s “magic minute” rule—permitting a member to speak indefinitely as long as they remain standing and present.
Jeffries was said to have multiple substantial binders stacked in front of him, each filled with excerpts from the speech he has been delivering continuously.
The advanced age of numerous lawmakers in Washington, D.C. has come under significant scrutiny from both the public and the media—particularly in light of former President Joe Biden’s poor performance in the 2024 debate and his subsequent withdrawal from the race.
Incidents like Schakowsky’s fall have only heightened concerns, keeping this uncomfortable topic in the public eye during a demanding and high-pressure legislative session.
Earlier this year, Schakowsky declared that she would not seek reelection in 2026, marking the conclusion of a lengthy career in public service. She has represented her Illinois district in the U.S. House of Representatives since first winning federal office in 1998, after a seven-year tenure as a state legislator.
On Wednesday, she spent part of her day recording a provocative message for social media. “I’m not just a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, I’m a HELL NO!” she posted on X.
