An elderly Democratic congresswoman experienced a significant fall on the floor of the U.S. House on Thursday morning while passionately opposing the passage of the “big, beautiful” tax cut bill.
Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who is 81 years old, reportedly fell while echoing party sentiments regarding President Donald Trump’s “big, ugly bill” during a floor debate that followed extensive overnight negotiations. Lawmakers have been working tirelessly for hours or even days, adhering to Trump’s July 4 deadline to present the bill to him.
Schakowsky’s address occurred just before an extensive, hours-long filibuster led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who utilized the so-called “magic minute” rule to speak indefinitely, provided he remains standing and in possession of his speech. Jeffries and his aides are said to have placed several substantial binders in front of him, each containing segments of the remarks he continues to deliver.
He has been addressing the assembly since 5 a.m. EST, as reported by Fox News.
The age of lawmakers in Washington, D.C. has been a continual point of interest for the public and mainstream media, particularly following former President Joe Biden’s unfortunate 2024 debate and his subsequent choice to withdraw from the reelection race. Incidents such as Schakowsky’s fall serve to keep this challenging topic at the forefront during a demanding legislative session.
Earlier this year, Schakowsky declared that she would not pursue reelection in 2026. She has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives since securing her first federal office victory in 1998.
For seven years prior, the Democrat served as a state-level lawmaker in Illinois.
Voting at all hours, both day and night, has adversely affected colleagues from both parties.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) nearly missed his initial chance to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in May when Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), 40, dozed off at his desk and missed the crucial vote.
Just days prior, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), 71, fell asleep during a committee hearing that began shortly after 9 a.m.
Despite her age, Schakowsky dedicated part of Wednesday to recording a fiery message for social media.
“I’m not merely a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill; I’m a HELL NO!” she declared on X.
“This is going to be the most atrocious vote that the Republicans are presenting, which would undoubtedly strip healthcare from millions of individuals. Why? Because they aim to allocate more funds and wealth to the wealthiest citizens in the United States of America,” Schakowsky passionately expressed.
“When the bill is presented, regard it as a crime scene!” she proclaimed with confidence, hands on her hips.