Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) broke the record for the longest filibuster on the floor in Senate history, speaking for over 25 hours straight, only interrupted by time for questions to give himself a break.
Booker did so to protest the actions of the Trump administration, holding up the business of the Senate for those hours to send out a myriad of warnings about the administration, from their tariffs to their threats to free speech.
“In just 71 days, the president has inflicted harm after harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, the foundations of our democracy and any sense of common decency,” he said. “These are not normal times in our nation. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate” Booker warned.
The speech was done standing, without interruption, without food or water, and without any bathroom breaks. It broke the previous record set by Republican senator Strom Thurmond while blocking the Civil Rights Act, just over 24 hours. Booker had to dehydrate himself and prepared with his aides for several days in the run up to the speech.
Booker also received help from other senators, who took their time to ask questions (permitted under filibuster rules) to give him time to catch his breath, drink water, and prepare new material.
While the speech wasn’t blocking any specific bill or act, it was a symbolic gesture to protest the actions of the Republican party and Donald Trump, who have caused public outcry due to their disruptive cuts and controversial policies.
Supporters say this speech was an example of real resistance to the administration, proving the willingness of the Democrats to provide opposition to the functions of the Republican majority. Critics say their actions are symbolic, providing no real resistance and just posturing to look good to voters, while they allow the majority to carry on Trump’s vision.
Overall, Booker’s speech is an example of legislative pushback to the Trump agenda, alongside the defiance of Republican representatives in stopping tariffs on Canada. While it’s not a lot on its own, we’ll be yet to see if it signals a change to real resistance.
