On Monday at around 7 PM, U.S. Senator Cory Booker took the floor of the Senate and began delivering a speech that would go down in history. He spoke continuously for 25 hours and four minutes, setting a new record for the longest speech in the U.S. Senate. His speech surpassed the previous record, which was set in 1957. Booker finally ended his remarks at 8:05 PM on Tuesday, visibly exhausted but emotional.
Who Is Cory Booker?
Cory Booker, 55, is a Democratic senator from New Jersey. Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in New Jersey and later attended Stanford University and Yale Law School. Before entering national politics, he served as a city council member and mayor of Newark. In 2013, he was elected to the U.S. Senate in a special election following the death of Frank Lautenberg. Booker later won a full term in 2014 and was re-elected in 2020. He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019 but dropped out due to financial constraints.
Booker has made a name for himself through his advocacy for social justice, healthcare, and public welfare programs. His record includes sponsoring a 2019 bill to improve access to clean drinking water. He also chairs the Democratic Strategic Communications Committee and has been vocal about protecting the Affordable Care Act.
Why Did Booker Deliver This Marathon Speech?
Booker’s speech was a response to the Trump administration’s policies and the role of Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency.” Taking the floor, Booker said, “I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.” He warned that the actions of the Trump administration were endangering American democracy and public welfare.
Throughout his speech, he highlighted what he called “grave and urgent” threats to the country, arguing that “bedrock commitments” were being broken under Trump’s leadership. He criticized the administration for harming Americans’ safety, financial stability, and the foundations of democracy.
The Key Moments of His Speech
- Invoking Civil Rights Icon John Lewis: Booker referenced the late Congressman John Lewis, recalling his famous words, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, help redeem the soul of America.” He questioned whether he was living up to Lewis’ legacy and urged others to take action.
- Reading Letters from Constituents: Booker shared stories from Americans struggling due to Trump’s policies.
- Discussing Sports and Poetry: To keep the speech engaging, he incorporated diverse topics, including sports and poetry.
- Taking Questions from Colleagues: In an unusual move, he allowed fellow senators to engage in dialogue during his speech.
- His Emotional Ending: After 25 hours, Booker closed with Lewis’ words, “Let’s be bolder in America, with a vision that inspires with hope.” He placed his hand over his heart, and many colleagues in the Senate were seen tearing up.
How Did Booker Prepare for the Speech?
Delivering a speech for more than a full day requires immense physical preparation. Booker revealed that he stopped eating on Friday and even avoided drinking liquids the night before to prevent bathroom breaks. Reports also suggest he kept pain medicine in his desk drawer in case he needed it. When questioned about how he managed without a break, he sidestepped questions about whether he used a catheter or other measures.
Was This a Filibuster?
Technically, no. A filibuster is a tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill. Booker’s speech was not aimed at blocking legislation but rather to draw attention to his concerns about Trump’s administration and rally support for the Democratic cause.
Breaking a Controversial Record
Booker’s speech broke the record previously held by Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 in an attempt to block the Civil Rights Act. Booker acknowledged that surpassing this record was particularly meaningful for him. Speaking to MSNBC, he said, “The longest speech on our great Senate floor was someone who was trying to stop people like me from being in the Senate. So to surpass that was something I didn’t know if we could do, but it was something that was really—once we got closer, became more and more important.”
What Happens Next?
Booker’s speech was more than just a political statement—it was a call to action. Whether it has a lasting impact on policy decisions remains to be seen, but it has certainly energized his supporters and placed him at the center of national political discussions. His words will likely continue to resonate as debates over Trump’s governance and Musk’s involvement in government policies unfold.
