Congress Rocked by Sudden Death of Key Member
Congress Stunned by Sudden Death of Rep Connolly During High-Stakes Trump Bill Debate
Lawmakers were stunned Wednesday morning after learning that longtime Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA) had passed away at age 75, just hours into a pivotal debate over President Donald Trump’s sweeping economic package.
Connolly, who served Virginia’s 11th congressional district since 2009, died “peacefully at his home,” according to a statement released by his family.
“His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that his life’s work will endure for future generations,” the statement said.
The announcement came as members of the House were gathered for a lengthy session to debate the president’s “big beautiful bill”—a comprehensive proposal including major tax cuts and government spending measures.
Around 8:30 a.m., House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), 81, informed colleagues of Connolly’s passing.
“Our colleague Gerry Connolly just passed,” Foxx said, according to the Daily Mail.
The announcement prompted audible shock in the room, per the outlet. One member near the microphone could be heard responding, “Oh no.”
Foxx then asked for a moment of silence.
“I want to ask us all to stop and say a prayer for his family. Please take some time,” she said, leading members in a quiet pause.
Democratic lawmakers expressed appreciation for the gesture.
“Thank you for that, certainly a valued colleague and this is quite a loss,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), 65, before continuing her remarks during the committee’s proceedings.
“Oh absolutely, it’s the right thing to do,” Foxx responded.
Connolly had announced last month that his esophageal cancer had returned and that he would not seek reelection.
“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” he said in a statement, as previously covered by TTOA.
He also stepped down as the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee earlier this year, marking the end of his leadership on one of the chamber’s most influential panels.
“With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we accomplished together over 30 years,” Connolly wrote in a farewell letter to constituents and colleagues.
His initial cancer diagnosis came shortly after the 2024 election.
Although he continued to serve in the House during the early months of 2025, signs in recent weeks indicated that his condition had worsened, according to the Daily Mail.
Connolly’s passing follows a string of recent high-profile cancer diagnoses among top Democrats.
Former President Joe Biden’s office recently disclosed that he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer.
Last month, Texas Congressman Sylvester Turner, 70, died after a reported battle with jaw cancer dating back to late 2024, according to The Texas Tribune.
While Connolly’s death was not unexpected given his public health struggles, the timing of the news reverberated throughout the Capitol as members continued to debate critical legislation.
Connolly is remembered as a dedicated public servant who represented northern Virginia for over 15 years.
His leadership on the Oversight Committee and his decades in public life leave behind a legacy noted by both allies and political opponents.
Although Representative Connolly and I differed on many issues, I always appreciated his respectful attitude and the way he conducted himself in debate in Oversight.
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) May 21, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they are mourning through this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/0fQTxBLNh9
Continue Scrolling for the Comments