1 day ago
Last Updated:April 02, 2025, 08:06 IST
New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker took to the Senate floor on Monday evening, saying he would remain there as long as he was "physically able".
US Senator Cory Booker sets record with 25-hour senate speech. (Image: Reuters)
New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker held the Senate floor with a record-breaking marathon speech, which started Monday evening and continued more than 25 hours before wrapping up Tuesday night, in a protest against President Donald Trump administration’s policies.
The 55-year-old Senator took to the Senate floor on Monday evening, saying he would remain there as long as he was “physically able".
Booker, a former tight end of football, spoke for over 25 hours before he finished speaking and walked off the floor. With this, he set the record for the longest continuous Senate floor speech in the chamber’s history.
Notably, Booker was assisted by fellow Democrats who gave him a break from speaking by asking him questions on the Senate floor.
At 25 hours and five minutes, the speech now marks the longest on Senate record, surpassing Senator Strom Thurmond’s 24-hour and 18-minute address in 1957.
It was a remarkable show of stamina as Democrats try to show their frustrated supporters that they are doing everything possible to contest Trump’s agenda.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first Black party leader in Congress, slipped into the Senate chamber to watch Booker on Tuesday afternoon and called it “an incredibly powerful moment".
Booker Sets Record With 25-Hour Senate Speech
While delivering his speech gave a call for his party to find its resolve, saying, “We all must look in the mirror and say, We will do better."
“These are not normal times in our nation," Booker said as he began the speech Monday evening. “And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate. The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them."
He further listed the impacts of Trump’s early orders and spoke to concerns that broader cuts to the social safety net could be coming, though Republican lawmakers say the program won’t be touched.
On Tuesday afternoon, tens of thousands of people were watching on Booker’s speech on YouTube, as well as on other live streams.
As Democratic colleagues made their way to the Senate chamber to help Booker by asking him questions, he also made heartfelt tributes to his fellow senators, recalling their personal backgrounds and shared experiences in the Senate. Booker also called on Americans to respond not just with resistance to Trump’s actions but with kindness and generosity for those in their communities.
Booker said, “I may be afraid — my voice may shake — but I’m going to speak up more."
Location :United States of America (USA)
First Published:April 02, 2025, 08:06 IST
News world Democrat Cory Booker Sets Record With 25-Hour Marathon Senate Speech To Protest Trump Policies
