Cory Booker’s speech passed the record set by South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, who filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
Senator Cory Booker wrapped up the longest speech in Senate history, surpassing a record that has stood since 1957.
The New Jersey Democrat’s marathon address was a protest against President Donald Trump and Republican-led efforts to curtail voting rights and immigration protections.
Booker’s speech edged past the previous high mark set by South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond, who filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1957 for 24 hours and 18 minutes.Why It Matters
Booker, 55, took the Senate floor on Monday evening at 7 p.m. ET to protest what he deemed an assault on democratic values by President Donald Trump. He stated that he would remain on the Senate floor for as long as he was « physically able. »
« This is not just about policy, this is about principle », Booker said, as reported by the Associated Press. « We are standing here because we know that the future of this country depends on the moral choices we make today. »
Technically, Booker’s speech was not a filibuster as it was not an attempt to stall or block legislation.Who is Cory Booker?
Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013. He is a former mayor of Newark and was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.
Known for his progressive views, Booker has championed issues ranging from criminal justice reform to climate action and economic justice.
