During a House debate over President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” 81-year-old Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky stumbled on the House floor while criticizing the legislation. The incident came after days of intense negotiations as lawmakers rushed to meet Trump’s July 4 deadline. Schakowsky had repeatedly attacked what she called Trump’s “big, ugly bill,” and her fall renewed public discussion about the age of senior lawmakers in Washington.
The debate continued with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivering a lengthy speech under the House’s “magic minute” rule, which allows members to speak without a time limit. Schakowsky, who announced earlier this year that she will not seek reelection in 2026 after serving in Congress since 1999, also posted a strong message on social media, writing, “I’m not just a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, I’m a HELL NO!”
Speaking against the legislation, Schakowsky argued, “This is going to be the most hideous vote that the Republicans are putting forward that would absolutely take healthcare away from literally millions of people.” She added, “When the bill comes up, consider it a crime scene!”
Despite strong Democratic opposition and predictions that the measure would fail, the House narrowly approved the bill in a 218-214 vote, sending it to President Trump’s desk. Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows praised the outcome, saying, “Campaigns are filled with promises and ‘most’ administrations are filled with excuses but NOT @Potus, who once again delivered for the American people.”
The legislation permanently extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, removes many taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits for seniors, tightens Medicaid eligibility, and provides $46.5 billion to continue construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
