Senator Cory Booker has set a new record in modern Senate history by delivering the longest floor speech, surpassing the 24-hour, 18-minute record set by the late Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957. Speaking from New Jersey, Booker embarked on his lengthy address on Monday evening as a protest against policies enacted by the Trump administration.
A Record-Breaking Stand
Booker began his marathon speech at 7 p.m. ET with a resolute message. “I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” he declared. “I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.” His commitment to remain on the floor throughout the night underscored the symbolic nature of his protest.
Continuing for several hours into Tuesday, Booker’s remarks were not aimed at blocking specific legislation but were intended as a powerful statement of dissent. His decision to forgo breaks—apart from brief pauses for the chamber’s prayer and questions—ensured that the Senate floor remained occupied by his extended address.
Highlighting National Concerns
Throughout his speech, Booker warned that “in just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans’ safety; financial stability; the core foundations of our democracy.” He emphasized that these actions have placed the nation in an unprecedented crisis, asserting that “these are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.”
The senator detailed his concerns regarding potential cuts to Medicaid and other essential health care programs. He framed these proposals as part of a broader strategy that, in his view, would compromise the well-being of millions of Americans, particularly those in marginalized communities.
In his address, Booker also reflected on civil rights history. “You think we got civil rights one day because Strom Thurmond — after filibustering for 24 hours — you think we got civil rights because he came to the floor one day and said, ‘I’ve seen the light’?” he said from the floor Tuesday. “No, we got civil rights because people marched for it, sweat for it and John Lewis bled for it.”
Booker’s speech further touched on legislative inaction, drawing attention to the repeated struggles over health care reform. At one point, he invoked the memory of Senator John McCain, stating, “Sen. McCain, I know you wouldn’t sanction this, I know you would be screaming, I’ve seen how angry you can get, John McCain. I’ve seen you tear people apart on this floor, Democrat and Republican, for doing the same stupid thing over and over again.” He continued, “Listen to John McCain explain why he voted ‘no’ the last time the Republican Party tried to unite and tear down health care with no idea how to fix it, threatening to put millions of Americans in financial crisis and health care crisis. I can’t believe we are here again.”
Solidarity on the Senate Floor
The speech was bolstered by visible support from fellow Senate Democrats. Several colleagues, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, joined Booker on the floor at various points to lend their solidarity. Booker expressed his appreciation for the continuous support, notably thanking Senator Chris Murphy. “I want to thank Sen. Murphy in particular because he’s been with me the whole night. He hasn’t left my side, and in some ways the debt is repaid,” Booker remarked, adding: “His debt is paid, but I’ve got fuel in the tank.”
Senate Majority Leader Schumer, who was among the first to pose a question to Booker, praised his “strength and conviction.” “You’re taking the floor tonight to bring up all these inequities that will hurt people, that will so hurt the middle class, that will so hurt poor people, that will hurt America, hurt our fiscal conditions, as you document,” he said. “Just give us a little inkling of the strength – give us a little feeling for the strength and conviction that drive you to do this unusual taking of the floor for a long time to let the people know how bad these things are going to be.”
At one point during the proceedings, Schumer asked Booker, “Do you know how proud this caucus is of you?” This moment underscored the unity among Senate Democrats even as the prolonged speech delayed other legislative business.
Booker’s record-setting address has resonated as both a symbolic protest and a clarion call for legislative action amid growing national concerns. His persistent stand in the Senate serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing American democracy and the ongoing debate over federal policies.
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