Sen. Cory Booker delivered a marathon speech on the Senate floor, speaking for over 12 hours in protest of the Trump administration’s policies. The speech, which began Monday evening at around 7 p.m., continued into Tuesday morning as Booker vowed to speak "for as long as I am physically able."
Booker, a 55-year-old senator from New Jersey who has served since 2013, is currently the fourth-ranking Democrat in the Senate. As he spoke through the night, he invoked the legacy of civil rights leaders like the late Congressman John Lewis, who encouraged people to "get in good trouble" when fighting for justice.
"I rise today in an unusual manner," Booker said as he began his speech. "I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis… These are not normal times in America, and they should not be treated as such."
Throughout his speech, Booker read letters from constituents who said they had suffered due to Trump administration policies. He criticized a wide range of issues, including trade wars, mass firings, deportations, and threats to Medicaid. His remarks aimed to highlight the impact of these policies on everyday Americans.
During his speech, Booker occasionally yielded the floor to his Democratic colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, as well as Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Andy Kim of New Jersey, Peter Welch of Vermont, Dick Durbin of Illinois, and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. They echoed his concerns and voiced their support for his effort.
As the sun rose on Tuesday morning, Booker acknowledged how long he had been speaking but showed no signs of stopping. "I'm wide awake," he said. "I will stand here for as many hours as I can."
Booker’s speech marked a dramatic demonstration of opposition to the administration, drawing attention to policies that Democrats argue are harming Americans. While it remains unclear how long he will continue speaking, his protest has already sent a strong message from the Senate floor.
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