“We need more of this kind of energy from every Democrat,” a progressive commentator cheered as the New Jersey senator persisted in his marathon speech on the Senate floor, surpassing 25 hours.
In response to a rising demand from voters for Democrats to confront the aggressive Republican tactics threatening the federal structure, led by President Donald Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, Senator Cory Booker began a monumental speech on the Senate floor at 7:00 PM Eastern Time on Monday. He continued speaking for over 25 hours, breaking the record for the longest speech in Senate history.
At the start of his lengthy discourse, Booker (D-NJ) referenced the late Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), a revered figure in civil rights history, who in 2020 urged people to “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
Booker, a 2020 presidential candidate, shared his reflection, questioning, “If he’s my hero, am I living up to his legacy?”
“The past 71 days have showcased a clear need for John Lewis’ appeal to action, which has become more urgent and pressing,” Booker expressed. He continued, “I am here tonight to cause some good trouble. I intend to disrupt the routine operations of the U.S. Senate for as long as I physically can.”
“I stand here tonight because I truly believe our nation is facing a crisis—not in a partisan way, because many of those reaching out to my office in distress or fear, whose lives have been disrupted, identify as Republicans,” he explained further.
Booker emphasized, “Fundamental promises are being broken, Americans from all walks of life are facing unnecessary hardships, and our nation’s cherished institutions are under reckless, unconstitutional attacks.”
“In just 71 days, the President has caused significant damage to Americans’ safety, financial stability, the foundational principles of our democracy, and even our collective aspirations for basic decency from our highest offices. These are not normal times, and we should not treat them as such,” Booker argued. “I cannot stand by and allow business as usual in this chamber without advocating for change. The threats to our people and our democracy are severe and immediate, and we must all do more.”
Booker accused the President of “betraying” the country by initiating a broad dismantling of various programs, led by Trump’s Musk-directed Department of Government Efficiency, while pushing for tax cuts favoring the wealthy and corporations.
Over the hours, Booker covered several topics including Republican efforts to undermine healthcare, attempts to dismantle the Social Security Administration and the Department of Education, a wide-scale deportation agenda, and national security policies that compromise the safety of Americans and the stability of global alliances.
Throughout his extended time at the podium—where he reportedly had the chair removed to prevent any temptation to sit—Booker occasionally paused to answer questions from Democratic colleagues, allowing him brief moments to rest his voice and transition between topics.
As reported by The Associated Press, Democratic aides and Senator Chris Murphy, who stayed by Booker during his speech, supported him throughout. Murphy’s presence reciprocated the support Booker provided during Murphy’s nearly 15-hour gun control filibuster in 2016.
Other Democrats participating in the dialogue included Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) and Senators from across the country, highlighting the widespread Democratic support for Booker’s actions.
Many praised Booker’s endurance and commitment, as did numerous Trump critics on social media, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA) and Representative Ilhan Omar (MN), who remarked, “this is the kind of relentless resistance our democracy demands.”
Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) noted, “Proud of Cory Booker! It would be poetic justice if he surpasses Strom Thurmond’s record of speaking 24 hours and 18 minutes to block the 1957 Civil Rights Act. Yes, the longest filibuster in our nation’s history was to block civil rights.”
Just before surpassing the record on Tuesday night, Booker, who is Black, acknowledged Thurmond’s notorious filibuster, stating, “I’m here despite his speech… The people were more powerful.”
The call for Schumer to step down as minority leader grew louder after perceived concessions to Republicans during the recent government shutdown crisis. Polls indicate that a significant majority of registered Democrats and independents leaning Democratic are discontent with the party’s lack of vigorous opposition against Trump and support for working people.
The American Federation of Teachers shared the livestream, praising Booker: “Since last night, Senator Booker has been standing on the Senate floor, speaking powerfully on behalf of families and our nation. Thank you for your unwavering leadership, Sen. Booker.”
Matt Royer of Young Democrats of America asserted that Booker’s actions were “heroic and courageous and exactly what we need from Washington right now. If you aren’t paying attention to this, you definitely should.”
Podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen echoed the sentiment, urging, “More of this energy from every Democrat, please.”
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