During debate over President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky briefly stumbled on the House floor while speaking against the legislation. The 81-year-old lawmaker had been criticizing the tax and spending package, calling it a “big, ugly bill,” during a tense legislative session as Republicans worked to meet the president’s July 4 deadline.
The incident came shortly before House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries began an extended floor speech using the House’s “magic minute” rule, which allows leaders to speak for as long as they remain on the floor.
Schakowsky, who announced earlier this year that she will not seek reelection in 2026, has represented her Illinois district in Congress since 1999. Before the vote, she posted on social media that she was a “HELL NO” on the legislation, arguing it would reduce healthcare coverage for millions while benefiting wealthy Americans.
Despite strong Democratic opposition, the House approved the bill by a 218-214 vote, sending it to President Trump’s desk. The legislation permanently extends many of the tax cuts enacted in 2017, includes provisions affecting taxes on tips and overtime pay, makes significant changes to Medicaid eligibility and spending, and provides billions of dollars for continued construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
