Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois stumbled on the House floor while delivering remarks opposing sweeping Republican tax legislation during a heated debate Wednesday.
The incident occurred as Democrats mounted their final opposition to the measure ahead of a Thursday vote. Schakowsky had been criticizing what she called Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill” during marathon floor proceedings that stretched across multiple days.
What Happened
Schakowsky’s fall came shortly before House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries launched an extended filibuster using the chamber’s “magic minute” rule, which permits a lawmaker to speak indefinitely provided they remain standing and present. Jeffries arrived with multiple binders containing portions of his prepared remarks.
Earlier Wednesday, Schakowsky posted to social media expressing her opposition to the legislation. “I’m not just a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, I’m a HELL NO!” she wrote on X, adding that the measure would “absolutely take healthcare away from literally millions of people.”
The Vote and Passage
The House approved the tax bill Thursday in a narrow 218-214 vote, sending it to President Trump’s desk. The measure delivers on several campaign priorities, including permanent extension of individual tax cuts from 2017 and elimination of most taxes on tips and overtime pay.
The legislation also implements significant changes to Medicaid by tightening eligibility rules and allocates $46.5 billion toward border wall construction. According to projections, the Medicaid provisions would reduce spending by $1 trillion over ten years.
Broader Context
The passage marks a major legislative victory for Trump six months into his second term. Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows commented on X that the president had “delivered for the American people” after fulfilling campaign promises.
Schakowsky, who has represented her Illinois district since 1998, announced earlier this year that she would not seek reelection in 2026. The incident has intensified ongoing public discussion about the age of Washington lawmakers, a topic that gained prominence following President Biden’s debate performance and subsequent withdrawal from the 2024 race.
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
