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Congressman Reports Experiencing Partial Seizure While on House Floor


Rep. John Larson took a brief pause of approximately 15 seconds during his speech.

On February 11, a congressman revealed that he became momentarily immobilized on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives due to a seizure.

“Following a series of tests, it was confirmed that the interruption in my speech was caused by a complex partial seizure,” stated Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), 79, in a formal announcement.

While addressing the House in Washington on Monday, Larson suddenly halted his remarks. He had just stated, “No one on the Republican side in the House and the Senate, who control both the House and Senate, is going to speak up.”

He subsequently mumbled a few unclear words before pausing for around 15 seconds, after which he completed his speech.

Earlier on Monday, Larson’s office had indicated that the occurrence was linked to a negative reaction from a new medication.

In his latest statement, Larson mentioned that he underwent heart valve replacement surgery 15 years ago.

“Occasionally, individuals with this condition may experience symptoms such as temporary changes in speech or movement, as was evident yesterday,” he explained. “The doctors have prescribed medication expected to significantly lower the likelihood of this recurring. I will resume my active schedule, including my responsibilities as a Member of Congress, starting tomorrow, when I intend to be present and vote on the House floor.”

Larson expressed gratitude to Rear Adm. Brian P. Monahan, the House physician, and appreciated the support he received from many individuals. He is eager to return to work.

Since 1999, Larson has represented Connecticut’s First Congressional District, which includes Hartford, the state capital. In the 2024 election, he secured re-election with 63 percent of the vote.

This seizure incident occurred approximately a week after Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), 82, fell in Washington and was later observed being transported in a wheelchair.

“Senator McConnell is doing well. The long-term effects of polio affecting his left leg will not interrupt his regular work schedule,” stated a spokesperson for the senator, who is the former Senate Republican leader, in a comment to the media.

The spokesperson clarified that the use of a wheelchair was merely a “precautionary measure.”

In recent years, the average age of Congress members has been increasing, although this trend shifted with the current 119th Congress. As per the Pew Research Center, the median age of House members is now 57.5 years, down from 58.4, while the Senate’s median age is 64.7 years, previously 65.3. This change is attributed to the election of younger members.



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