By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrats are trying everything in their power to push back against the Trump administration. That includes a very long, potentially record-breaking speech on the Senate floor at this hour.
As of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Senator Cory Booker (D- NJ) has been standing and speaking on the Senate floor for over 20 hours — since 7:00 p.m. Monday.
Booker’s speech is not a filibuster, which is used to halt the advancement of legislation. Instead, it’s more of a protest or “marathon” speech to criticize President Donald Trump’s agenda. It’s essentially meant to hold up the Senate’s business and draw attention to what Democrats are doing to contest the President.
“I rise with the intention of getting in some good trouble. I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” said Booker Monday evening.
With absolutely no power in Washington, Democrats are trying to display their objection and contempt with President Trump through this show of endurance. Their hope is that the endurance resonates with the American people.
Throughout the 20+ hour speech, Booker has blasted the current administration over cuts to Social Security offices, downsizing and federal layoffs, immigration and deportation and other components of Trump’s agenda.
“In just 71 days, the President of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy,” said Booker. “These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.”
Booker continues to receive some help and short breaks from his Democratic colleagues in the Senate who continue to “ask him a question,” in the form of a short speech, while also praising his performance.
“I’ve been listening to this debate all night, and I got to say, you’re on fire and you’re on fire because the American people are very, very angry about what is happening. They are not happy with what this administration has done,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY) on the Senate floor Tuesday.
According to Senate records, former Republican Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, holds the record for the longest individual speech. Thurmond filibustered for 24 hours and 18 minutes against the Civil Rights Act of 1957. Sources said Tuesday afternoon, Booker will try to break that record, as long as he is physically able.
