Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois stumbled on the House floor while delivering remarks against sweeping Republican tax legislation during a heated debate Wednesday.
The incident occurred during marathon negotiations as lawmakers worked to meet President Trump’s July 4 deadline for passing the measure. Schakowsky, 80, has faced renewed scrutiny surrounding the age of Washington lawmakers, an issue that has dominated national conversation following former President Joe Biden’s debate performance and subsequent withdrawal from the 2024 race.
What Happened
Schakowsky had been delivering floor remarks opposing what she called Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill” when she stumbled during the debate. Earlier Wednesday, she had posted a video message on social media expressing her opposition to the legislation, saying “I’m not just a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, I’m a HELL NO!”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York followed with a lengthy filibuster using the chamber’s “magic minute” rule, which allows members to speak indefinitely so long as they remain standing and present.
The Legislation Passes
The House voted 218-214 on Thursday to pass the sweeping tax bill, sending it to President Trump’s desk. The measure extends individual tax cuts originally enacted in 2017 and eliminates most taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits for seniors.
The legislation also includes major changes to Medicaid, tightening eligibility rules and projected to reduce spending by $1 trillion over ten years. It allocates $46.5 billion toward border wall construction, fulfilling a key campaign promise from Trump’s 2016 presidential run.
Broader Context
Schakowsky announced earlier this year that she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a career in public service that began in 1998. She previously served seven years as a state legislator before winning her House seat.
The passage marks a significant legislative victory for Trump six months into his second term, with supporters crediting the administration’s focus on campaign promises. Mark Meadows, former White House chief of staff, said on X that “campaigns are filled with promises and ‘most’ administrations are filled with excuses but NOT @Potus, who once again delivered for the American people.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s Health and Politics teams contributed to this report.
