WASHINGTON — While most on the East Coast were waking up to their morning alarms and preparing for the day, Sen. Cory Booker was still at the Capitol from the night before. He was in the midst of an extended speech on the Senate floor that had already lasted more than 12 hours by Tuesday morning.
Booker displayed remarkable energy and enthusiasm even after 7 a.m., using expressive gestures to criticize the Trump administration.
“I’ve been on my feet for twelve hours, and I’m still here because this president is wrong; he’s violating the principles we cherish, principles that are made clear in this document,” Booker stated, holding up a copy of the Constitution.
The New Jersey Democrat took the floor at 7 p.m. Monday, declaring his intention to disrupt “the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able.”
“I rise tonight because I genuinely believe that our nation is facing a crisis,” Booker expressed.
Throughout the subsequent hours, he framed his words as a serious warning regarding the “grave and urgent” threats posed to Americans by the Trump administration, asserting that “bedrock commitments” to the country “are being violated.”
“Unnecessary hardships are inflicted upon Americans from all walks of life, and our cherished institutions are being recklessly — and in my view, unconstitutionally — targeted, damaged, or even destroyed,” he proclaimed.
The White House did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
Booker maintained his standing throughout the entirety of his address, knowing that leaving his desk or sitting down would cause him to lose control of the Senate floor. At times, other lawmakers joined him to contribute short remarks or questions, allowing him brief moments of rest.
As of early Tuesday morning, Booker’s speech had not halted the consideration of any bills or nominations on the floor. However, its duration might influence Senate activities. The chamber was scheduled to vote that day on Matthew Whitaker’s nomination for U.S. ambassador to NATO, contingent on whether Booker’s address extended beyond 10 a.m., when the Senate typically convenes.
During his discourse, Booker recounted letters from constituents and shared news articles. He paid tribute to Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights leader who passed away in 2020, referring to him as “one of my greatest heroes.”
“I begin tonight thinking of him; I’ve reflected on him a lot over these past 71 days. ‘Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, help redeem the soul of America,’” Booker recounted, quoting Lewis. “And I had to ask myself, if he is my hero, how am I living up to his words?”
He further remarked that he was delivering the speech “with the intention of getting into some ‘good trouble.’”
Historically, lengthy speeches have elevated other senators to national prominence. For instance, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, spoke for 21 hours and 18 minutes in opposition to the Affordable Care Act in 2013. Similarly, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., delivered an eight-and-a-half hour speech in 2010 that significantly boosted his political profile.
This marks Booker’s inaugural marathon speech, although he previously participated in a nearly 15-hour filibuster led by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., advocating for gun control in 2016.
