Sen. Cory Booker’s Historic Senate Speech Declares: ‘These Are Not Normal Times’

U.S. Senator Cory Booker set a new record for the longest floor speech in Senate history on Tuesday, exceeding the previous mark of 24 hours and 18 minutes established by Strom Thurmond in 1957. The record was originally set during a filibuster against the Civil Rights Act.

Beginning his address on Monday at 7 p.m., Booker sought to bring attention to President Donald Trump’s “complete disregard for the rule of law.” By the time he concluded on Tuesday at 8 p.m., he was hoarse but visibly emotional, wearing a shirt he described as “ripe.”

During the address, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer hailed Booker’s achievement, interrupting him to announce that he had surpassed Thurmond’s record. “Do you know how proud this caucus is of you? Do you know how proud America is of you?” Schumer asked, greeting Booker with applause and a standing ovation from many in attendance.

Booker cited Thurmond’s 1957 speech as an attempt to hinder the fight for civil rights. “I’m not here because of his speech. I’m here despite his speech,” he emphasized, underscoring the power of the people’s voice over individual political maneuvers. One of the few Republicans present, Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, joined her Democratic colleagues in applauding Booker’s achievement.

Guests and staff typically cannot express approval or disapproval during speeches, but Republican Senator John Curtis, who was overseeing the chamber, allowed such displays that evening.

Booker’s marathon speech highlighted concerns from voters who feel the Democratic leadership is insufficiently responding to Trump’s actions, which many believe contradict legal norms. “These are not normal times in our nation,” he declared. “The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent.”

In his address, Booker discussed various issues, including healthcare, Social Security, and immigration policies. He shared constituents’ letters, quoted the late Congressman John Lewis, and echoed the sentiments of the late Senator John McCain. “This is not right or left. It is right or wrong,” he added, urging unity in addressing moral issues rather than partisan debates.

Former Newark Mayor Booker also criticized the Trump administration’s immigration actions, emphasizing their inhumane nature. He referred to instances where individuals have reportedly been wrongfully detained and deported, raising serious legal and ethical concerns. “The government can’t walk up to a human being and grab them off the street,” he stated, stressing the importance of respecting individual rights and the Constitution.

Jennifer Shutt contributed to this article.