Key Points:
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Sen. Cory Booker spoke for over 24 hours, breaking Strom Thurmond’s 1957 Senate speech record.
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Booker protested Trump administration policies, warning of dangers to democracy and healthcare programs.
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His speech was not a filibuster but delayed Senate business as he held the floor.
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Booker invoked John Lewis and John McCain, emphasizing the fight for civil rights and healthcare.
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Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, supported Booker throughout, with many joining him on the floor.
Sen. Cory Booker has made history by delivering the longest floor speech in modern Senate history, breaking a record set by the late Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1957. The New Jersey Democrat took the Senate floor at 7 p.m. ET on Monday and continued speaking well into Tuesday evening, surpassing Thurmond’s 24-hour and 18-minute speech. Booker’s marathon address was a protest against actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration, aiming to highlight what he described as a national crisis.
At the start of his speech, Booker vowed to speak as long as he was “physically able,” channeling the spirit of the late civil rights leader John Lewis. Unlike Thurmond, who filibustered against the Civil Rights Act of 1957, Booker spoke in defense of civil rights, healthcare, and democracy. Throughout his speech, Booker warned of potential cuts to Medicaid and the dangers of Trump’s policies, claiming they threaten the financial stability and safety of millions of Americans.
“I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis,” Booker declared. “These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.”
His speech effectively halted Senate business for the entire day on Tuesday, though it was not a filibuster since no specific legislation was being blocked. Still, it served as a high-profile protest, drawing national attention.
Throughout the night and into the next day, Booker’s Democratic colleagues showed their support, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Chris Murphy, and others joining him on the floor at different times. Murphy, who had previously delivered a 14-hour speech on gun control in 2016, stayed by Booker’s side, reversing their past roles.
Booker invoked the late Sen. John McCain, recalling his pivotal vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act in 2017. He criticized congressional Republicans for attempting to cut Medicaid and dismantle healthcare programs without a viable replacement. “Sen. McCain, I know you wouldn’t sanction this,” Booker said, his voice rising with emotion. “I know you would be screaming.”
As the speech continued, Booker never yielded the floor for a break, only pausing briefly for the Senate’s prayer and to take questions from fellow Democrats. When Schumer asked him if he knew he had broken the record, Booker received a standing ovation from his colleagues in the chamber.
Although Booker’s speech was primarily symbolic, it underscored the Democratic Party’s struggle to counter the Trump administration while being locked out of power in Washington. It also demonstrated a growing pressure from Democratic voters for their representatives to take a stronger stance against Republican policies.
Republicans, on the other hand, dismissed Booker’s speech as political theater. Sen. Ted Cruz, who spoke for 21 hours in a 2013 speech against the Affordable Care Act, offered lighthearted advice: “Wear comfortable shoes and don’t drink water.”
As Booker concluded his speech, he thanked his Democratic colleagues for their support, noting that Murphy had stayed with him the entire time. “His debt is paid, but I’ve got fuel in the tank,” Booker remarked, hinting that he would continue fighting for the issues he raised on the Senate floor.
TL;DR: Sen. Cory Booker delivered the longest floor speech in modern Senate history, speaking for over 24 hours in protest of Trump’s policies. He warned of threats to democracy, healthcare, and civil rights, while receiving strong support from Democratic colleagues. Although largely symbolic, his speech highlighted the urgency of the issues facing the nation.
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
April 01, 2025
Rating:
