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United States Senator Cory Booker has made history by delivering the longest speech ever on the Senate floor, speaking for over 25 hours in a powerful stand against the policies of former President Donald Trump.

Booker, a Democratic senator from New Jersey, broke the previous record held by the late Senator Strom Thurmond, who famously filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1957 for 24 hours and 18 minutes. By surpassing that mark, Booker not only etched his name into Senate history but also used his extended remarks to voice deep concerns about the direction of the country under the Trump administration.

With only brief pauses to respond to questions from fellow senators, Booker spoke for an astounding 25 hours and 4 minutes. His speech, which began on Monday evening, was framed as a call to action inspired by the late civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis, who urged Americans to engage in “good trouble, necessary trouble” in the fight for justice.

A Speech Rooted in Civil Rights and Protest

Booker, a former mayor of Newark who has served in the Senate since 2013, opened his speech by reflecting on the urgency of the political moment.

“What has happened in the last 71 days is a clear demonstration of a time where John Lewis’s call to everyone has become more urgent and more pressing,” Booker declared. “And if I think it is a call for our country, I have to ask myself how I am living these words. So, tonight, I rise with the intention of getting in some ‘good trouble.’ 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 sincerely believe that our country is in crisis.”

Throughout the marathon speech, Booker sharply criticized the Trump administration’s policies, calling them reckless and harmful to everyday Americans. He specifically condemned what he described as an assault on the nation’s institutions, including cuts to federal agencies that provide essential services to millions of people.

One of his major points of contention was the Trump administration’s reduction of staff at the Social Security Administration, a move he argued put undue strain on elderly and disabled citizens who rely on those services.

“You don’t spread fear among vulnerable communities, you don’t create anxiety for our elders who deserve our respect and deserve to retire with dignity,” Booker asserted passionately.

Political Reactions and Criticism

The lengthy speech quickly drew both praise and criticism. Supporters applauded Booker’s commitment to standing up against policies they believed were harmful, viewing his speech as an act of political courage. However, critics dismissed it as a political stunt.

A White House spokesperson was quick to mock Booker’s effort, referencing a moment from his past.

“When will he realize he’s not Spartacus—he’s a spoof?” said Harrison Fields, in a statement, alluding to Booker’s self-described “I am Spartacus” moment during the 2018 Senate hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Despite the criticism, Booker remained resolute in his message. As he concluded his speech on Tuesday evening, he returned to the legacy of John Lewis and the importance of speaking out in times of crisis.

“John Lewis said he had to do something that he would not normalize a moment like this. He would not just go along with business as usual,” Booker stated. “And neither will I.”

A Historic Moment in the Senate

Booker’s speech is now part of Senate history, surpassing previous filibusters and marathon speeches. His stand highlights the ongoing tensions in American politics, particularly in moments of fierce partisan divide. Whether viewed as an act of principle or political theater, his record-breaking address underscores the power of the Senate floor as a platform for dissent and activism.

As the nation grapples with its political future, Booker’s speech will likely be remembered as a defining moment in his career—one that reflects his commitment to fighting for what he believes is right, regardless of the obstacles in his path.

News Source: www.aljazeera.com