Rep. Jan Schakowsky briefly stumbled while speaking on the House floor during debate over President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package, drawing renewed attention to the demanding pace of Congress. The incident occurred as lawmakers raced to approve the legislation before the July 4 deadline.
Schakowsky, 81, was criticizing what she called Trump’s “big, ugly bill” when she lost her footing. Shortly afterward, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries began an extended floor speech under the House’s “magic minute” rule, using several binders of prepared remarks to argue against the measure.
Earlier this year, Schakowsky announced she would not seek reelection in 2026, ending more than two decades in Congress. Despite her upcoming retirement, she has remained a vocal opponent of the legislation, arguing it would reduce healthcare access while benefiting wealthy Americans.
Republicans ultimately secured passage of the bill by a narrow 218-214 vote. The legislation permanently extends many of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, removes certain federal taxes on tips and overtime pay, changes Medicaid eligibility rules, and provides billions of dollars for additional U.S.-Mexico border wall construction. Supporters hailed the measure as a major campaign victory, while Democrats condemned its impact on healthcare and government spending priorities.
