Representative John Larson, a Democrat from Connecticut, experienced a concerning incident on the House floor on Monday while delivering remarks critical of President Donald Trump and his associates, including Elon Musk. During his speech, Larson appeared to freeze mid-sentence, pausing for an extended period before continuing at a noticeably slower pace and with slurred speech.
Following this unsettling moment, Larson’s office issued a statement to clarify the situation, expressing gratitude for the well-wishes received from concerned individuals. The statement indicated that Larson likely suffered an adverse reaction to a new medication. As a precaution, he is undergoing tests administered by the House Attending Physician.
Despite the incident, Larson later participated in several meetings and was reported to be alert and engaged, maintaining communication with his staff and remaining in good spirits. However, he did miss two House votes that took place later that evening.
The 76-year-old congressman’s health incident has sparked discussions about the age of lawmakers in Congress, a topic that has gained traction in recent years. Concerns about the cognitive abilities of older politicians have been highlighted, especially in light of the 2024 election cycle, where age and health have become focal points for voters.
This incident follows a similar concern regarding Senator Mitch McConnell, who recently left the Capitol in a wheelchair after experiencing health issues. McConnell, who is approaching his 83rd birthday, was reported to be fine, with staff attributing his condition to lingering effects from polio.
The average age of lawmakers in Congress has been a topic of interest, with recent reports indicating a slight decrease in the median age of members. According to the Pew Research Center, the median age in the House has dropped from 57.9 years in the previous Congress to 57.5 years, while the Senate’s median age decreased from 65.3 to 64.7 years.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of age and health on legislative effectiveness remain a critical conversation among constituents and lawmakers alike.