Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey set a new record for the longest speech in Senate history, surpassing the previous record held by the late Strom Thurmond. His speech, which lasted over 25 hours, was in protest of President Trump’s economic and social policies. The speech began on Tuesday and was marked by applause in the chamber as Booker surpassed Thurmond’s 1957 record. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged the achievement by interrupting to ask if Booker was aware he had broken the record, to which Booker responded that he was now aware but planned to continue speaking.
Booker’s lengthy address centered around what he termed “a moral moment” for the nation, calling upon his Republican and Democratic colleagues to support investments and agencies he described as vital to social and scientific progress. These agencies face significant budget cuts under the Trump administration. Humorously, Booker mentioned that he planned to address some “biological urgencies” after resuming his speech.
The address officially lasted just over 25 hours, eclipsing Thurmond’s anti-Civil Rights Act filibuster that lasted 24 hours and 18 minutes, and also surpassing Senator Ted Cruz’s 21-hour speech against Obamacare in 2013. Throughout his remarks, Booker read messages from Americans who expressed concerns about economic hardships and potential cuts to programs like Medicaid.
Booker encouraged Republicans opposed to Trump’s economic plans to challenge them, referencing positions from conservative groups such as the Cato Institute and the Manhattan Institute. He emphasized the importance of the Senate’s role in checks and balances and overseeing executive power, stating that decisions made during this time would shape the country for years to come.
While reflecting on notable figures from the Civil Rights Era, Booker contrasted Thurmond with the late Congressman John Lewis, who was known for advocating for justice through “good trouble.” Booker mentioned a story relayed by Lewis about a man who had once attacked him during a protest, but later sought forgiveness.
Schumer later asked Booker to confirm that he had indeed broken Thurmond’s record. Booker expressed relief that a high-profile Senate record previously held by Thurmond, known for his opposition to civil rights, was now surpassed. Booker shared that as someone who grew up hearing about the Civil Rights Movement, it felt wrong for Thurmond to hold that record for so long.
