Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) reportedly tripped during a contentious floor debate, where she was reiterating Democratic criticisms of what she referred to as Trump’s “big, ugly bill.” This incident took place after several days of extensive negotiations, with lawmakers rushing to meet the president’s July 4 deadline for the comprehensive legislation.
Schakowsky’s comments preceded a passionate, lengthy filibuster by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who fully utilized the House’s “magic minute” rule—permitting a member to speak indefinitely as long as they remain standing and present.
Jeffries was said to have multiple substantial binders stacked in front of him, each filled with excerpts from the speech he has been delivering continuously.
The advanced age of numerous lawmakers in Washington, D.C. has come under significant scrutiny from both the public and the media—particularly in light of former President Joe Biden’s poor performance in the 2024 debate and his subsequent withdrawal from the race.
Incidents like Schakowsky’s fall have only heightened concerns, keeping this uncomfortable topic in the public eye during a demanding and high-pressure legislative session.
Earlier this year, Schakowsky declared that she would not seek reelection in 2026, marking the conclusion of a lengthy career in public service. She has represented her Illinois district in the U.S. House of Representatives since first winning federal office in 1998, after a seven-year tenure as a state legislator.
On Wednesday, she spent part of her day recording a provocative message for social media. “I’m not just a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, I’m a HELL NO!” she posted on X.
“This is set to be the most atrocious vote that the Republicans are proposing, which would undoubtedly strip healthcare from millions of individuals. Why? Because they aim to funnel more money and wealth to the wealthiest citizens of the United States of America,” exclaimed Schakowsky.
“When the bill is presented, regard it as a crime scene!” she declared confidently, with her hands placed on her hips.
Critics had asserted that Trump would never manage to pass his extensive tax cut legislation—much less before the July 4 recess.
However, this summer brought a series of triumphs for the president, culminating in Thursday’s narrow 218-214 House vote to forward the measure—dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—to his desk.
With its approval, Trump has now implemented the majority of his campaign agenda just six months into his second term, as noted by the Washington Times in an analysis of the president’s initial months back in office during what will be his final term.
“Campaigns are filled with promises and ‘most’ administrations are filled with excuses but NOT @Potus, who has once again fulfilled his commitments to the American people,” remarked Mark Meadows, who served as White House chief of staff during Trump’s first term, on X.
The extensive tax cut legislation fulfills several key aspects of President Trump’s agenda, most notably the permanent extension of the individual tax cuts he first introduced in 2017. It also abolishes most taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits for seniors.
The bill encompasses significant modifications to Medicaid, which has expanded in both size and expense over the last decade. It tightens eligibility criteria to exclude unauthorized immigrants and others who do not qualify, a strategy anticipated to decrease Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over the next decade.
Furthermore, the legislation designates $46.5 billion to fulfill Trump’s long-standing 2016 campaign promise to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border—a commitment that remained incomplete during his first term.
