WASHINGTON — Sen. Cory Booker, who represents New Jersey, went onto the Senate floor Monday night and began his marathon speech with distaste for U.S. President Donald Trump’s agenda. His speech would extend into Tuesday and concluded after 25 hours and five minutes. He aimed to show that everything is being done to contest the current Trump agenda.
When starting his speech, Booker stated he would stand there as long as he was “physically able.” After the 20 hour mark, the senator showed signs of exhaustion but stayed strong.
Launching his speech, Booker stated, “These are not normal times in our nation, and they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate. The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them."
Despite Republican lawmakers stating that cuts led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency would not affect the Social Security offices, Booker still protested the matter. He listed the impacts of Trump’s early orders in office and how they can progressively move to cuts to the social safety net.
As Tuesday went on, Booker would get help from his Democratic colleagues to take a break, ask him questions, and praise the performance led by the senator. To comply with the Senate rules, Booker refused to sit down to give up the floor.
Similar situations have occurred in the past, where the Senate floor was held for hours. Those times were often filibusters, speeches meant to halt the advance of a piece of legislation. However, Booker was to draw attention to what Democrats are doing to contest the president’s agenda. Democrats have lately been locked out of legislative power due to having no majorities in either congressional chamber.
As Democrats search for a next generation of leadership, Booker cemented his status as an opposing voice to President Donald Trump.
“I may be afraid — my voice may shake — but I’m going to speak up more,” Booker stated.
The previous record was 24 hours and 18 minutes held by Strom Thurmond. Thurmond's filibuster was in opposition of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
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