A Democratic senator has been speaking for over 21 hours in an overnight marathon against US President Donald Trump’s “recklessness”.
Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey began speaking at 7pm local time on Monday and has continued on through 4pm local time on Tuesday, in an effort to place the spotlight on what he called a “crisis” facing the US.
In his speech he tore into the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants and its cuts to government services.
He said on Tuesday afternoon: “This is not right or left, it is right or wrong. This is not a partisan moment, it is a moral moment. Where do you stand?”
The speech was aimed at helping the Democrats regain the initiative and more actively challenge President Trump.
Booker organised his remarks into sections, addressing various aspects of the administration’s policies, such as healthcare, education, immigration, and national security.
He criticised what he described as Trump’s plans to reduce funding for Medicaid and other programs.
While the White House has denied any intention to cut Medicaid benefits, the president and his allies have criticised Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, citing concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse.
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At the start of his speech, Booker said: “I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able. I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our nation is in crisis.”
As dawn approached on Tuesday morning, Booker continued, declaring he was “rip-roaring and ready” to continue.
“I’m wide-awake,” he said. “I’m going to stand here for as many hours as I can.”
Hovering over the lectern and speaking in a commanding voice, he paused frequently to take questions from fellow Democrats, including Senators Chuck Schumer of New York, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Raphael Warnock of Georgia, all while maintaining control of the floor.
The speech was not a filibuster — a tactic often used to block legislation on various issues, including civil rights — since it was not delivered during a debate on a specific bill or nominee.
Before taking the floor, the former presidential candidate took to social media to say he was taking action due to Trump and Elon Musk showing what he called “a complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution and the needs of the American people.”
In his speech he said: “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 and even our aspirations as a people for — from our highest offices — a sense of common decency.”
“These are not normal times in America, and they should not be treated as such.”
Booker is nearing the all-time Senate record. In 1957, Strom Thurmond held the floor for 24 hours and 18 minutes to filibuster the Civil Rights Act of that year.
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Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey began speaking at 7pm local time on Monday and has continued on through 4pm local time on Tuesday, in an effort to place the spotlight on what he called a “crisis” facing the US.
In his speech he tore into the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants and its cuts to government services.
He said on Tuesday afternoon: “This is not right or left, it is right or wrong. This is not a partisan moment, it is a moral moment. Where do you stand?”
The speech was aimed at helping the Democrats regain the initiative and more actively challenge President Trump.
Booker organised his remarks into sections, addressing various aspects of the administration’s policies, such as healthcare, education, immigration, and national security.
He criticised what he described as Trump’s plans to reduce funding for Medicaid and other programs.
While the White House has denied any intention to cut Medicaid benefits, the president and his allies have criticised Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, citing concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse.
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At the start of his speech, Booker said: “I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able. I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our nation is in crisis.”
As dawn approached on Tuesday morning, Booker continued, declaring he was “rip-roaring and ready” to continue.
“I’m wide-awake,” he said. “I’m going to stand here for as many hours as I can.”
Hovering over the lectern and speaking in a commanding voice, he paused frequently to take questions from fellow Democrats, including Senators Chuck Schumer of New York, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Raphael Warnock of Georgia, all while maintaining control of the floor.
The speech was not a filibuster — a tactic often used to block legislation on various issues, including civil rights — since it was not delivered during a debate on a specific bill or nominee.
Before taking the floor, the former presidential candidate took to social media to say he was taking action due to Trump and Elon Musk showing what he called “a complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution and the needs of the American people.”
In his speech he said: “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 and even our aspirations as a people for — from our highest offices — a sense of common decency.”
“These are not normal times in America, and they should not be treated as such.”
Booker is nearing the all-time Senate record. In 1957, Strom Thurmond held the floor for 24 hours and 18 minutes to filibuster the Civil Rights Act of that year.
Find Out More...