During a heated House floor debate over President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax reform package, Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) stumbled, drawing renewed attention to the age and health of senior lawmakers. At 81, Schakowsky had been forcefully criticizing what she mockingly called Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill,” moments before her misstep. The incident came amid tense negotiations to pass the legislation ahead of the July 4 deadline.

Her remarks preceded a fiery filibuster by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who used the House’s “magic minute” rule to deliver an extended speech, referencing stacks of prepared binders. The bill, officially dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” passed the House narrowly by a 218–214 vote and now heads to Trump’s desk.

Critics say the bill favors the wealthy while gutting healthcare programs. Schakowsky echoed this sentiment in a viral social media post, writing, “I’m not just a no on Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, I’m a HELL NO!” She warned it would strip healthcare from millions and shift more wealth to the richest Americans. “When the bill comes up, consider it a crime scene!” she declared.

The legislation makes Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent, eliminates taxes on tips and Social Security benefits, and tightens Medicaid eligibility. It also allocates $46.5 billion to complete the long-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall—one of Trump’s key 2016 campaign pledges.

Schakowsky, who announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, has served in Congress since 1999. Her stumble, though minor, reignited debate over aging lawmakers and the intense pace of legislative business on Capitol Hill.