According to the Daily Mail, the inappropriate touching occurred during late-night proceedings as lawmakers considered the landmark $3.3 trillion legislation.
The footage shows a lawmaker firmly grabbing another member's backside during an expired amendment vote that had failed. The perpetrator appeared to laugh off the incident with a wave after the victim was visibly startled by the unwanted contact.
Neither the groper nor the victim has publicly addressed the incident that was captured on House floor cameras and later circulated on social media. The footage emerged amid marathon sessions to pass Trump's sweeping tax cut and spending package ahead of the July 4th holiday.
Late Night Drama Unfolds in House Chamber
The groping incident took place during heated overnight debates featuring hours-long filibustering by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The House remained in session well into the early morning hours as members argued over amendments and procedural moves related to the massive legislation.
When time expired on one failed amendment vote, two members could be seen in discussion on the floor. That's when a third lawmaker approached and grabbed the posterior of one colleague, who was only visible from behind in the footage.
The perpetrator appeared to make light of the inappropriate contact, offering a chuckle and casual wave after the victim was noticeably jolted by the groping. The incident quickly spread across social media platforms where it drew both humor and condemnation.
Trump's Signature Bill Passes Despite Controversy
The groping scandal emerged as Congress finally approved President Trump's sweeping "Big, Beautiful Bill" containing many of his key campaign promises. The $3.3 trillion package includes major tax cuts, border security funding, and significant changes to social programs.
Trump celebrated the legislative victory, declaring "I think I have more power now. More gravitas, more power." He praised House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Leader John Thune for shepherding the bill through despite resistance from both conservative and moderate Republicans.
The behemoth 900-page bill extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts while eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. It also doubles the child tax credit and creates $1,000 "Trump investment accounts" for newborns.
Spending Cuts Draw Mixed Reactions
The legislation includes steep reductions to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and renewable energy initiatives expanded under Biden. While Republicans tout $1.2 trillion in spending cuts to help offset costs, the tax cuts alone will add $4.5 trillion to deficits over 10 years according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticized the massive price tag, comparing it to "political suicide." However, the White House celebrated delivering on Trump's agenda of tax relief, border security and military funding.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the bill will "fuel an economic boom like we've never seen before" as Trump prepares to sign it on Independence Day, between military flyovers including B-2 bombers.
Major Legislative Package Takes Effect
The incident marks an unsavory footnote in the passage of President Trump's signature legislative achievement, combining tax cuts with spending reforms. While the groping sparked outrage on social media, the focus remains on implementing the sweeping changes in the massive bill.
Trump plans to sign the legislation during the July 4th celebrations featuring military displays. The package delivers on key promises like middle-class tax relief and border security while drawing criticism over its impact on social programs and the deficit. Despite the controversy over both the inappropriate touching and partisan policy battles, the "Big, Beautiful Bill" represents a major victory for Trump and Congressional Republicans ahead of the holiday weekend.
