Democratic Lawmaker Has Freezing Episode During House Floor Speech

Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) froze up and had difficulty speaking during a House floor speech on Monday, in what his office said was likely an “adverse reaction” to a new medication.

The 76-year-old lawmaker was highlighting concerns about Social Security after the Trump administration accessed sensitive Treasury Department payment data.

Partway through a sentence, Larson stopped speaking and then apparently struggled to get additional words out, leaving long pauses. He resumed speaking more normally about a minute later.

His office said 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,” according to the CT Mirror.

“He later participated in multiple meetings in his office and was alert and engaged. The Congressman remains in touch with his staff and in good spirits,” the statement said.

In 2023, Sen. Mitch McConnell similarly froze up twice while speaking to the press on Capitol Hill. His staff said he felt lightheaded. He has since stepped down as Senate GOP leader but intends to serve out the remainder of his term.

Larson has represented his district in Hartford since 1999.