US Senator Breaks Record for Longest Speech in Congress with Over 25 Hours of Debate
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an extraordinary display of endurance, Senator Corey Booker has set a new record for the longest speech in Congress, speaking for over 25 hours against President Trump and his policies, while invoking the spirit of civil rights.
Key Takeaways
- Senator Corey Booker spoke for over 25 hours, setting a congressional record.
- He opposed President Trump’s policies during his lengthy speech.
- Booker utilized Senate rules allowing unlimited speaking time.
- He invoked civil rights leader John Lewis in his address.
- Booker highlighted economic challenges under Trump’s presidency.
New York, April 2 (NationPress) Speaking against President Donald Trump for over 25 hours straight in the Senate, a Democrat senator has achieved a new record for the longest congressional speech. Senator Corey Booker commenced his address on Monday evening and concluded it the following evening, maintaining a continuous stand at the podium, even forgoing bathroom breaks in a remarkable demonstration of endurance.
Utilizing a Senate rule that permits senators to speak indefinitely, he aimed to challenge Trump’s policies and enhance his political image.
Having previously run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 2020, he eventually endorsed former President Joe Biden.
Other Democrats supported him by asking questions as allowed by the rules, providing him brief moments to recuperate.
He surpassed the previous record set in 1957 by Senator Strom Thurmond, who had obstructed Senate proceedings for 24 hours and 18 minutes in an effort to block the Civil Rights Act, which affirmed voting rights for all Americans.
The Senate subsequently passed this landmark civil rights legislation shortly after Thurmond concluded his speech, with President Dwight Eisenhower signing it into law.
At the time of his lengthy address, Thurmond was a Democrat, a party that then upheld racist policies like segregation of African Americans in the South, before transitioning to a more progressive stance.
Thurmond joined the Republican Party in 1964, coinciding with a shift in policy positions between the two parties.
Booker remarked about Thurmond, “To hate him is wrong”, adding, “I’m not here though because of his speech. I’m here despite his speech. I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful”.
Referencing civil rights leader John Lewis throughout his address, he echoed his words towards the conclusion: “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America”.
In contrast to Thurmond, Booker was not attempting to stall legislation but was merely expressing his dissent against Trump.
At the age of 55, an athletic Booker was a champion in American football during his time at Stanford University, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, studied at Oxford University, and obtained a law degree from Yale University.
Representing New Jersey, the senator criticized Trump, questioning whether Americans were in a better position now or 72 days prior to Trump’s inauguration.
He pointed out that prices were higher, the stock market—where many Americans have their retirement investments—was declining, and consumer confidence was faltering.
He argued that contrary to his campaign promise to lower prices, Trump was implementing policies such as increasing tariffs that would exacerbate price hikes, while also attacking Canada and discussing the acquisition of Greenland.
