Sen. Booker Delivers Marathon Speech on Senate Floor in Protest

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New Jersey Senator Cory Booker has launched an extended speech on the Senate floor in protest of actions taken by President Trump’s administration, asserting he will continue as long as he can physically endure.

This speech is not characterized as a filibuster because Booker is not obstructing any legislation or nominations. His remarks will keep the Senate floor open, requiring floor staff and U.S. Capitol police to remain attentive, even though lawmakers had concluded voting prior to his address, which began at 7:00 p.m. ET.

“I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” Booker stated at the opening of his remarks. “I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.”

Booker’s decision to take the floor comes amid growing pressure from the Democratic base for leaders in Washington to confront President Trump more forcefully. As a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, his words reflect increasing concerns about the administration’s impact on Americans.

“In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, and democracy,” Booker continued, emphasizing his belief that these challenges warrant serious consideration. “These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.”

Over recent years, the Senate has witnessed other lengthy speeches, including notable protests against Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and debates surrounding the Affordable Care Act in 2013. The record for the longest speech still belongs to the late Strom Thurmond, who spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

In a parallel development, Senator Richard Blumenthal, the leading Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, pledged to reform the benefits process concerning families of veterans who commit suicide, after an investigation exposed the Veterans Administration’s (VA) rejection of numerous applications. “Denying benefits to veteran families who lose their lives to suicide is absolutely unconscionable,” Blumenthal stated.

The investigation revealed that despite the VA’s considerable investment in addressing the veteran suicide crisis, families of veterans who had taken their lives often face significant obstacles when claiming benefits. Blumenthal’s fellow Democrat, Senator Ruben Gallego, echoed these sentiments, labeling the denial of benefits as “a betrayal of the government.”

Significantly, nearly 500 families had their claims rejected, often because they were unable to produce medical evidence linking their loved one’s death to military service. This has sparked outrage amongst lawmakers from both parties, who are now working to ensure access to benefits is easier and fairer for survivors.

Emily Evans, a widow featured in CNN’s investigation, recounted her difficulties navigating the VA’s application process. “It’s hard to put it out there, but I’m hopeful that by doing that, people will start paying attention – especially to the combat-related PTSD vets – and do something about it,” she remarked.

The VA has acknowledged its failings, with Secretary Doug Collins promising to address necessary changes. As proposals for budget cuts loom, lawmakers express concern these changes could further complicate the benefits process for families.