On March 31, 2025, Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey delivered a historic speech in the U.S. Senate. It lasted 25 hours and 5 minutes. This set a new record for the longest individual floor speech in Senate history. This surpassed the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957.
Purpose of the Speech
Senator Booker aimed to protest against President Donald Trump’s policies and actions during his second term. He expressed concerns over efforts to eliminate the Department of Education, disregard judicial mandates, and deport participants of the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses. Booker criticized the administration for showing “a complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the needs of the American people.”
Key Issues Addressed
Throughout his speech, Senator Booker highlighted several critical issues:
- Education Department Elimination: Booker opposed efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, highlighting the importance of federal support for schools.
- Social Security Cuts: He opposed proposed cuts to Social Security, emphasizing the negative impact on vulnerable citizens.
- Tariffs and Economic Policies: Booker discussed concerns about the administration’s tariff plans and their potential effects on the economy.
- Immigration Policies: He criticized the deportation of individuals involved in peaceful protests, viewing it as an infringement on civil liberties.
Historical Context
Booker’s speech carried symbolic weight by surpassing Strom Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster against the Civil Rights Act. Thurmond’s speech was aimed at opposing civil rights. Booker’s speech defended civil rights. If you have the time to read, I dropped below the actual Congressional record of Thurmond’s filibuster.
Support and Reactions
Fellow Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Chris Murphy, supported Booker during his speech. The speech garnered significant public attention, with tens of thousands watching live online.
Conclusion
Senator Cory Booker’s marathon speech was a significant protest against the Trump administration’s policies. By addressing key issues and invoking the legacy of civil rights leaders, Booker aimed to rally opposition and focus on possible dangers to American democracy
For those interested in viewing highlights from Senator Booker’s speech, you can watch the following video: