A DEMOCRATIC congressman appeared to choke over his words before coming to a complete halt while giving a speech.
John Larson, serving Connecticut’s initial congressional district since 1999, was discussing Social Security but then got distracted mid-speech.
Distressing footage showed the lawmaker freezing before he started to slur his words.
He reassured the audience, stating that none of the Republican members in the House or the US Senate, who currently hold the majority in both chambers, were likely to interject during his talk. Larson, aged 76, made this observation.
“And challenge us….”
Then, the congressman paused and just appeared to stare in space.
He was silent for around 25 seconds before he recovered his thoughts.
He was seen putting his tongue into one of his cheeks.
Once he recovered his thoughts, Larson urged that lawmakers need to protect Americans Social Security.
The C-SPAN footage went viral before Larson’s team issued a statement.
They said the politician had an “adverse reaction” to medication.
“Congressman Larson appreciates the well wishes from everyone who has reached out,” a spokesperson told The Connecticut Mirror.
“The congressman remains in touch with his staff and [is] in good spirits.”
Larson’s team said the elderly politician took part in meetings and was engaged during those.
Larson’s health scare comes days after former Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell suffered a fall and was seen in a wheelchair.
McConnell tumbled down a small flight of stairs last Wednesday.
His office later told The U.S. Sun that the veteran politician was fine.
McConnell’s fall came moments after he voted to confirm Scott Turner as the new housing secretary.
But the fall came after he had experienced a number of medical episodes.
In 2023, McConnell, who suffers from Polio, was left with a cracked rib after a tumble.
The Republican grandee was diagnosed with Polio during his childhood and in 2020 revealed how the disease impacts his ability to climb stairs.
And he sparked concern when he suddenly froze during a conference in the summer of 2023.
In December last year, McConnell fell at a GOP lunch in Washington DC.
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi was rushed to the hospital after breaking her hip while on a trip to Luxembourg.
