Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey took to the Senate floor in a marathon speech that extended late into the night, vowing to speak "as long as I am physically able" in protest against actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Booker, a key member of the Senate Democratic leadership team, began his speech at 7:00 pm ET on Monday evening, delivering passionate remarks as Democratic leaders face growing pressure from their base to take a stronger stand against the administration’s policies.
His speech, though not technically a filibuster since it did not block any legislation or nomination, ensured the Senate floor remained open and kept floor staff and Capitol Police engaged while he continued speaking. As of midnight ET, Booker remained on the floor, addressing a wide range of issues, including potential Medicaid cuts and the broader impact of Republican policies on American citizens.
“These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate,” Booker said according to CNN.
“I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.” He further accused the administration of inflicting harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, and the nation’s democratic foundations within just 71 days.
Among his many points, Booker warned about potential reductions in Medicaid funding, highlighting the devastating consequences such cuts could have on millions of Americans. He expressed frustration over the ongoing health care battles, criticising the cycle of policy reversals that fail to provide long-term solutions. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2017, he invoked the late Senator John McCain, recalling his dramatic vote against the Republican health care repeal effort.
“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 between trying to make incremental changes or to tear it all down with no plan to make it better, leaving more Americans suffering,” Booker stated.
Raising his voice with emotion, he continued, "Senator 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. 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."
Throughout the speech, Booker engaged in dialogue with Democratic colleagues, briefly pausing to take their questions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was the first to question Booker and commended him for his 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,” Schumer remarked. “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.”
Booker later acknowledged Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware, who had prayed with him before he started speaking. “My sister came over and prayed with me that I could stand for a long time, because she knew what we were trying to do, which was to try to create with who we serve, with John Lewis-type good trouble in this institution, to not do things normal,” he said, emphasising the moral and spiritual motivation behind his decision. He added that she had “asked God to give me words of love today.”
The Senate has witnessed similar lengthy speeches in the past. Among them, Senator Jeff Merkley’s speech against Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch in 2017, Senator Chris Murphy’s extended address on gun control in 2016, Senator Rand Paul’s protest against NSA surveillance in 2015, and Senator Ted Cruz’s well-known speech against the Affordable Care Act in 2013. The record, however, remains with the late Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Booker’s speech underscored the growing tensions in Washington, as Democrats seek to push back against the administration’s agenda while also facing calls for bolder action from their supporters. His decision to take the Senate floor for an extended period highlights the deepening partisan divide and the ongoing struggle over health care and economic policies shaping the country’s future.
Booker, a key member of the Senate Democratic leadership team, began his speech at 7:00 pm ET on Monday evening, delivering passionate remarks as Democratic leaders face growing pressure from their base to take a stronger stand against the administration’s policies.
His speech, though not technically a filibuster since it did not block any legislation or nomination, ensured the Senate floor remained open and kept floor staff and Capitol Police engaged while he continued speaking. As of midnight ET, Booker remained on the floor, addressing a wide range of issues, including potential Medicaid cuts and the broader impact of Republican policies on American citizens.
“These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate,” Booker said according to CNN.
“I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.” He further accused the administration of inflicting harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, and the nation’s democratic foundations within just 71 days.
Among his many points, Booker warned about potential reductions in Medicaid funding, highlighting the devastating consequences such cuts could have on millions of Americans. He expressed frustration over the ongoing health care battles, criticising the cycle of policy reversals that fail to provide long-term solutions. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in 2017, he invoked the late Senator John McCain, recalling his dramatic vote against the Republican health care repeal effort.
“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 between trying to make incremental changes or to tear it all down with no plan to make it better, leaving more Americans suffering,” Booker stated.
Raising his voice with emotion, he continued, "Senator 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. 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."
Throughout the speech, Booker engaged in dialogue with Democratic colleagues, briefly pausing to take their questions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was the first to question Booker and commended him for his 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,” Schumer remarked. “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.”
Booker later acknowledged Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware, who had prayed with him before he started speaking. “My sister came over and prayed with me that I could stand for a long time, because she knew what we were trying to do, which was to try to create with who we serve, with John Lewis-type good trouble in this institution, to not do things normal,” he said, emphasising the moral and spiritual motivation behind his decision. He added that she had “asked God to give me words of love today.”
The Senate has witnessed similar lengthy speeches in the past. Among them, Senator Jeff Merkley’s speech against Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch in 2017, Senator Chris Murphy’s extended address on gun control in 2016, Senator Rand Paul’s protest against NSA surveillance in 2015, and Senator Ted Cruz’s well-known speech against the Affordable Care Act in 2013. The record, however, remains with the late Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Booker’s speech underscored the growing tensions in Washington, as Democrats seek to push back against the administration’s agenda while also facing calls for bolder action from their supporters. His decision to take the Senate floor for an extended period highlights the deepening partisan divide and the ongoing struggle over health care and economic policies shaping the country’s future.
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