Welcome back to the Manhattan Express blog! Today, we’re diving into a remarkable moment unfolding in Washington, D.C., where Senator Cory Booker has taken the Senate floor by storm. The New Jersey Democrat has been speaking for over 19 hours straight as of Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025, in a powerful protest against the policies of the Trump administration. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how this marathon speech is making waves across the nation.
A Senator’s Stand: The Marathon Begins
Cory Booker, a prominent Democratic senator from New Jersey, began his speech at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 31, 2025. Now, more than 19 hours later, he’s still going strong, vowing to continue “for as long as I am physically able.” This isn’t a filibuster in the traditional sense—Booker isn’t blocking a specific vote or piece of legislation—but rather a bold move to disrupt the Senate’s usual business and draw attention to what he calls a “crisis” in America. “These are not normal times in our nation, and they should not be treated as such,” Booker declared as he kicked off his address.
Booker, who has served in the Senate since 2013 and is the fourth-ranking Democrat, has a history of passionate advocacy. Before his Senate career, he was the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, and a Rhodes Scholar with degrees from Stanford and Yale Law School. At 55, the former college football tight end is showing incredible stamina, standing for hours without a break to sit or leave the floor, as Senate rules require him to remain at his desk to maintain control of the speaking time.
What’s Driving Booker’s Protest?
Booker’s speech is a fiery critique of the Trump administration’s policies, which he says have caused significant harm in just 71 days since the president took office. He’s focusing on a wide range of issues, including potential cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, immigration crackdowns, education policy changes, and broader threats to democracy. Booker has accused the administration, along with Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), of showing a “complete disregard for the rule of law, the Constitution, and the needs of the American people.”
Throughout his speech, Booker has shared emotional stories from constituents who have written to him about the impact of these policies. From families worried about losing healthcare access to seniors concerned about Social Security, he’s using these personal accounts to highlight what he sees as the real-world consequences of the administration’s actions. At one point, he invoked the late Senator John McCain, reflecting on McCain’s 2017 vote against a healthcare overhaul, and called for a similar moral stand today. “I know you wouldn’t sanction this, John McCain,” Booker said, his voice filled with emotion. “I’ve seen you tear people apart on this floor for doing the same stupid thing over and over again.”
A Team Effort: Support from Fellow Democrats
Booker hasn’t been alone in this endeavor. Several Democratic senators, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, have joined him on the floor, asking questions to give Booker brief moments to rest his voice while still retaining control of the floor. Schumer praised Booker’s “strength and conviction,” while Markey noted that the speech is drawing national attention to the administration’s plans. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York also chimed in, telling Booker, “You’re on fire because the American people are very, very angry about what’s happening.”
The speech has also received support from outside the Senate. Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia representative, took to social media to cheer Booker on, writing, “My friend Sen. Cory Booker is literally standing up and speaking out—for our safety, our democracy, and our shared decency. Keep going, Senator. We’re with you.”
How Long Can This Go On?
Booker’s speech is already one of the longest in Senate history, surpassing the 15-hour filibuster by Senator Chris Murphy in 2016 on gun control—a speech Booker himself supported by staying on the floor with Murphy. However, the record for the longest Senate speech still belongs to Senator Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes in 1957 to oppose the Civil Rights Act. As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Booker had crossed the 19-hour mark, showing no signs of slowing down despite visible exhaustion. “I shall not complain,” he said with a laugh when asked how he was holding up after 17 hours.
To keep going, Booker has employed some clever strategies. He’s had his chair removed to avoid the temptation to sit, and he’s been sustained by little more than a couple of glasses of water. Senate rules allow him to yield for questions from colleagues, which gives him brief pauses without losing the floor, but he must remain standing the entire time.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Booker’s marathon speech comes at a critical time for Democrats, who are under pressure from their base to push back more forcefully against the Trump administration’s sweeping changes, from mass deportations to federal workforce cuts. While Democrats lack the majority in Congress to block legislation outright, moves like Booker’s speech are a way to rally public support and highlight their opposition. The speech also positions Booker as a leading voice in the party’s resistance, especially as Democrats look for the next generation of leadership.
The White House, however, has dismissed the speech as a publicity stunt. A spokesperson referenced Booker’s past dramatic moments, like his “I am Spartacus” comment during Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, suggesting this is just another attempt to grab attention. But for Booker and his supporters, this is about more than headlines—it’s about standing up for what they believe in during a time of national crisis.
What’s Next for Booker and the Senate?
As Booker continues, his speech could impact Senate business. A planned vote on a resolution by Senator Tim Kaine to undo Trump’s tariffs on Canada, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been delayed to Wednesday due to Booker’s hold on the floor. Additionally, the Senate was set to confirm Matthew Whitaker as the U.S. ambassador to NATO, but that vote may also be pushed back depending on how long Booker speaks.
Looking ahead, Booker’s speech is a reminder of the power of persistence in politics. Whether he breaks the Senate record or not, his message is clear: he’s not backing down. As he said early in his remarks, quoting the late civil rights leader John Lewis, “This is the time to get in some good trouble, to get into necessary trouble.” And that’s exactly what he’s doing.
Stay tuned to the Manhattan Express blog for more updates on this story and other trending topics!
