Congressman, 76, Freezes amid Medical Episode During Floor Speech, then Resumes with Deeper Voice

A 76-year-old congressman froze while speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, apparently in the midst of a medical episode.

Connecticut Rep. John Larson, a Democrat, was expressing concerns about President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s growing power over the federal government on Monday, Feb. 10, when he abruptly paused mid-sentence, as seen in C-SPAN’s footage of the remarks.

Larson then withdrew his outstretched arms and lowered his chin, seemingly focusing on something in front of him. He swallowed, and when he spoke again about five seconds later, his voice had become slower and lower in tone.

After completing his sentence, he paused again for about 14 seconds, then continued on with his point, speaking in a choppy manner and ultimately running out of the floor time he was allotted before he could finish.

A spokesperson for Larson tells PEOPLE in a statement that the episode was likely an “adverse reaction” to new medication, though he is undergoing tests by the House attending physician as a precaution.

The spokesperson adds that Larson “participated in multiple meetings in his office and was alert and engaged” after the incident, and “remains in touch with his staff and in good spirits.”

“Congressman Larson appreciates the well wishes from everyone who has reached out,” the statement reads.

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Larson has represented Connecticut’s first district since 1999 and is now in his 13th term. He previously served as chair of the House Democratic Caucus under then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi.