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Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has engaged in a remarkable all-night speech on the Senate floor, aiming to challenge the policies of the Trump administration. His extended remarks, which began around 7 p.m. EDT on Monday, continued into Tuesday, showing no signs of slowing down as he reached the early afternoon.
If he maintains his speech until at least 7:19 p.m. EDT, Booker will surpass the record for the longest speech in Senate history.
“These are not normal times in our nation,” Booker stated, emphasizing the urgency of the current political climate and the need for serious discussion within the Senate.
While his lengthy address disrupted the Senate’s scheduled business, it does not qualify as a filibuster. The disruptions occurred following the usual meeting time of noon on Tuesday.
Historical Context of Booker’s Speech
1) Senator Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) – 1957
Thurmond set the record during a civil rights debate, speaking for an impressive 24 hours and 18 minutes. He commenced his address at 8:54 p.m. one day and concluded at 9:12 p.m. the next, a feat that remains unmatched.
Thurmond’s marathon speech eclipsed the previous record set by Senator Wayne Morse, who had spoken for 22 hours and 26 minutes in 1953.
2) Senator Alfonse D’Amato (R-N.Y.) – 1986
D’Amato’s speech in 1986 concerning the Defense Authorization Act is the second longest, lasting 23 hours and 30 minutes.
3) Senator Wayne Morse (I-Ore.) – 1953
Morse’s prior record for the longest speech was established during discussions of the Submerged Lands Act, where he spoke for 22 hours and 26 minutes.
4) Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) – 2013
Cruz made headlines in 2013 with his 21-hour and 18-minute address regarding the Continuing Appropriations Act. His speech included a unique moment where he read “Green Eggs and Ham” to his daughters, adding a whimsical note to a typically serious political discourse.
5) Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) – 2025
Booker, at present with over 18 hours of speaking time, is poised to claim the fifth longest speech in Senate history if he persists until the designated time this evening. His remarks have largely focused on concerns from Democrats about potential cuts to Medicaid and Social Security by the GOP.
Throughout his speech, Democratic colleagues have engaged with him by asking questions. In a bid to maintain his stamina, Booker humorously requested that a staff member remove his chair to discourage him from sitting down. Additionally, he has read letters from constituents impacted by recent administration cuts, further illustrating the real-world effects of policy changes.
Booker expressed his intent to “disrupt the normal business” of the Senate for as long as he is physically capable, showcasing his commitment to raising awareness about the issues he believes are critical for the nation.
Source
thehill.com