Over the course of 25 hours and five minutes, Senator Cory Booker completed the longest speech in Senate history. The record, previously held by Strom Thurmond, was once used to block the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. During Sen. Booker’s impassioned speech, he championed the opposite, and left anyone watching with the firm belief of hope and optimism in America.
The process of completing a multi-hour speech is taxing on the body. In order to hold the floor, the member cannot lean against a podium, wall or any surface. They are not allowed food or water. They cannot yield their time to another member, and must have continuous, relevant speech on their topic.
Booker’s senate address was the first acknowledgement of fears brought on by the current administration’s policies, and actions over the last three months. After speaking for 20 hours, he reminds us why he is foregoing restroom breaks or a night’s rest: ‘‘We’re senators with all this power, but in this democracy, the power of the people is greater than the people in power. This is a moral moment that more Americans need to stand up and say enough is enough.’’
Booker’s speech began with the evocation of his personal hero John Lewis.
Lewis, a former congress member, freedom fighter, and leader in the American civil rights movement paved his legacy with the ideals of good trouble. Throughout his lifetime Lewis faced discrimination, harassment and physical violence for the color of his skin.
His ideals guided him to fight for racial equity and equality. This fight for basic freedom, and breaking rules that hold inequity in place, was good trouble from Lewis’ viewpoint.
‘‘The actions of Martin Luther King Jr, and Rosa Parks inspired me to find a way, to get in the way,’’ said Lewis.
Booker, no doubt had these words heavy in his foreview. At only 1 minute and 29 seconds into his debate, Booker crossed his arms, looked down and pondered, ‘‘How am I living up to his words?’’
Booker carries the torch further. During his speech he commiserates with the American public. He addresses a multitude of issues over the course of 25 hours. First among them was elder care, and the death rate among pregnant women. Booker slams both as ‘shameful.’ He cites bills and contracts being overturned after they were approved. Specifically the recently approved community violence intervention bill, being ‘clawed back’ by the current administration.
He criticizes cuts to health care, and social security. He cites a message from a New Jersey Social Security Administration employee, detailing how their work has been overtaken by growing fears from these changes.
He tackles tax breaks to billionaires, condemning American billionaires for their economic hoarding practices. He addresses financial insecurity with high grocery prices, and stock market fluctuations. He condemns mistreatment of judges, revocation of student visas and threats to the department of education.
Ultimately, Booker’s speech did not block any upcoming bill or nominations, and may not be historically recorded as a filibuster. However, the impact of Booker’s stance cannot be understated. News of the speech was reported on all major news outlets.
Inside the senate floor, comments from Sen Chuck Schumer describe the uplifted atmosphere throughout the country. Schumer said, ‘‘Do you know how proud this caucus is of you? Do you know how proud America is of you?’’
This statement is met with minute-long applause.
However looming these problems may seem, Booker leaves us with the following reminder, “… I know who does have the power. The people of the United States of America…Go out cause necessary trouble… to redeem the soul of our nation.”
