News

Congressman Hit With Health Scare Mid-Speech on House Floor

February 12, 2025
by The Times Of America

Rep John Larson Slurs Words and Slows Down Mid-Speech After Possible Medication Reaction

Rep. John Larson (D-CT) experienced a concerning moment on the House floor Monday when he appeared to freeze and slur his words while delivering passionate remarks against President Donald Trump and his team, including Elon Musk. 

The moment, which lasted close to a minute, left viewers wondering about Larson’s health, with some even speculating whether he had suffered a stroke.

As the congressman paused during his speech, he continued speaking at a noticeably slower pace, prompting concern from those watching the scene unfold.

In response to the incident, Larson’s office swiftly issued a statement offering clarity about what had happened. 

The statement, shared by Fox News, explained that the congressman had likely experienced an adverse reaction to a new medication. Larson’s office reassured the public that he was being carefully monitored by the House Attending Physician, who was conducting tests out of an abundance of caution.

“Congressman Larson appreciates the well-wishes from everyone who has reached out,” the statement said. “This afternoon, he had what was likely an adverse reaction to a new medication and is having tests administered by the House Attending Physician out of an abundance of caution.”

Despite the scare, Larson remained active following the incident. He participated in multiple meetings and was described as being alert and engaged, indicating that his condition had improved. His office also emphasized that he was in good spirits and remained in close communication with his staff.

While Larson’s condition appeared to stabilize, the exact medication responsible for the reaction was not disclosed, nor did his office clarify why he was taking it in the first place. According to Axios, the incident resulted in Larson missing two House votes that same evening, though he was otherwise described as functional and engaged in his duties.

The episode has fueled further debate about term limits for lawmakers, especially given the public’s increasing scrutiny of the age and health of those in office. On social media, some have questioned whether lawmakers should face mandatory retirement ages, drawing comparisons to other professions with such limits.

“If pilots have to retire at 65, I don’t see why congressmen can’t by 72,” wrote X user Carl Jackson.

Others took a different angle, advocating for a focus on the functioning of politicians rather than their age. 

“We don’t need age restrictions, we need a functioning human requirement,” wrote X user Hank. “At this rate, Congress is one ice bath away from looking like a cryogenic lab.”

Larson, who is 76 years old, is not the only elected official whose age and health have been the subject of public scrutiny lately. 

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell (R), 83, faced similar scrutiny after falling while attempting to step on the podium last week. Following the incident, he was seen leaving the Capitol in a wheelchair for precautionary reasons. 

His office quickly reassured the public that his health was not hindering his work, attributing the incidents to the lingering effects of polio in his left leg.

Besides his fall, McConnell also experienced a similar medical incident to Larson’s in 2023, when he appeared to freeze while delivering a speech.

The growing attention on lawmakers’ ages aligns with recent shifts in the demographics of Congress. Pew Research Center data from January reveals a slight decrease in the average age of voting members of the House of Representatives. The average age dropped from 57.9 years in the 118th Congress to 57.5 years in the 119th.

Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Leave a Comment