In a historic display of political dissent, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker has embarked on an extended speech on the Senate floor, criticizing President Donald Trump’s policies and actions. Booker began his remarks at 7 p.m. ET on Monday evening, vowing to continue speaking “as long as I am physically able.” This marathon speech is a powerful statement from the Democratic senator, who is a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team. His actions come at a time when Democratic leaders are under increasing pressure from their base to take a stronger stance against the Trump administration.
Senator Booker’s speech is not a filibuster, as he is not blocking any specific legislation or nomination. Instead, it serves as a platform to disrupt the normal business of the Senate, keeping the floor open and floor staff working throughout the night. By doing so, Booker aims to draw attention to what he perceives as a crisis in America. “I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis,” he declared at the outset of his remarks. He cited numerous issues, including potential cuts to Medicaid by congressional Republicans, which he warned would harm his constituents and Americans nationwide.
Throughout his speech, Booker has passionately addressed a range of topics, emphasizing the urgent need for action. He criticized the Trump administration for inflicting harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, and the core foundations of democracy. “In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm,” he said. “These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.” His words reflect a deep concern for the future of the country and the well-being of its citizens.
Booker also invoked the memory of the late GOP Sen. John McCain, drawing parallels between the current situation and McCain’s pivotal health care vote in 2017. “It is maddening in this country to create greater and greater health care crisis and for us not to solve it but to battle back and forth,” he said. He urged his colleagues to listen to McCain’s reasoning for voting “no” on the Republican Party’s attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a viable replacement. “I can’t believe we are here again,” he lamented, highlighting the ongoing struggle to secure healthcare for millions of Americans.
During his speech, Booker took questions from Senate Democratic colleagues, allowing him brief breaks while maintaining control of the floor. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Booker for his “strength and conviction,” noting that his actions were driven by a desire to highlight the inequities that would hurt the middle class and the poor. “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,” Schumer said.
This marathon speech is part of a tradition in the Senate, where senators have previously used extended floor time to make powerful statements. Recent examples include Jeff Merkley’s speech against Neil Gorsuch in 2017, Chris Murphy’s gun control speech in 2016, Rand Paul’s NSA surveillance speech in 2015, and Ted Cruz’s opposition to the Affordable Care Act in 2013. The late Strom Thurmond holds the record for the longest speech, speaking for 24 hours and 18 minutes to oppose the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Senator Booker’s speech stands as a testament to the enduring power of political discourse and the importance of standing up for what one believes in.
