<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>US senator Cory Booker is holding the Senate floor into Tuesday afternoon local time, as the New Jersey Democrat continues his marathon speech protesting actions taken by President </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/donald-trump" rel="" target="_blank" title="Donald Trump's"><span>Donald Trump's</span></a><span> administration.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Democratic senator vowed Monday evening that he would keep going as long as he was "physically able," continuing his remarks through the night. As of 7pm ET Tuesday (10am AEDT Wednesday), he had spoken for 24 hours, having begun at 7pm ET Monday. Booker now holds the record for the second-longest Senate floor speech, according to the Senate historical office.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The marathon speech from Booker, who is a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team, comes as his party face increasing pressure from their voters to take a harder line against Trump.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/missing-person-tayla-spies-queensland-mother-of-three-missing-in-outback-for-two-months/02480e8f-703c-4f67-8004-05cdbf1cd434" target="_blank"><strong><span>'People don't just disappear out here': Young mum still missing in Queensland outback</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Locked out of power in Washington, Democrats have limited options and have struggled to find a unified strategy to counter the administration, but Booker's speech stands out as one of the most high-profile forms of protest by a Democratic lawmaker so far in Trump's second term.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The speech effectively delayed any legislative business in the Senate on Tuesday as it stretched late into the day, though it amounts to a primarily symbolic rebuke as Booker was not attempting to hold up any specific piece of legislation.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Booker, 55, warned in his remarks that the "country is in crisis" as he railed against a wide-range of issues, from castigating Elon Musk's efforts to overhaul the federal government under Trump to warning of potential cuts to key health care programs for millions of Americans.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/world/cory-booker-gives-24-hour-speech-in-us-senate-denouncing-donald-trump/d40e4259-314f-41a1-a7d2-dc440a149b27" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/what-will-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs-mean-for-australia-and-how-should-we-respond/bdaf3ae6-d17a-4dc3-b84e-3f81919a4a2b" target="_blank"><strong><span>Trump's 'Liberation Day' looms: What does it mean for Australia?</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able," Booker said at the outset of his remarks.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans' safety; financial stability; the core foundations of our democracy.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/andre-rebelo-life-sentence-for-son-who-killed-mother-and-tried-to-claim-insurance-money/aa30e8a7-80f1-451e-833e-140e06b68076" target="_blank"><strong><span>Life sentence for son who killed mother and tried to claim insurance money</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Booker took questions at various points from Senate Democratic colleagues as a number, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, joined him for stretches of time on the floor in a show of support.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Democrat cannot yield the floor for a break, to sit down or to use the restroom because doing so would allow the presiding officer to move on with Senate business. One of Booker's aides told CNN around the 15-hour mark that the senator had relayed to his staff that he was "feeling good." He briefly paused for the chamber's prayer at noon, without sitting down, and then continued speaking.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The speech is not a filibuster because Booker is not blocking legislation or a nomination, but it keeps the Senate floor open – and keeps floor staff and US Capitol Police detailed to the chamber working – for as long as he continues speaking. Lawmakers had concluded voting on Monday before Booker began his remarks.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>Booker warns of harm under Trump</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In his remarks, Booker touched on a wide range of issues and at times appeared to grow emotional as he warned of the potential impact of Trump's legislative agenda and policies.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>During the speech, Booker raised alarm over the potential for cuts to Medicaid by congressional Republicans, describing the harm that would cause to his constituents and Americans across the country.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Republicans have insisted that they will not cut Medicaid, but have said they will go after waste, fraud and abuse and have proposed deep spending cuts – without specifying exactly what programs the cuts could come from – as part of their legislative agenda.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>At one point, Booker invoked the late senator John McCain, reflecting on the Arizona Republican's pivotal health care vote in 2017, and drawing parallels to this moment.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It is maddening in this country to create greater and greater health care crisis and for us not to solve it but to battle back and forth between trying to make incremental changes or to tear it all down with no plan to make it better, leaving more Americans suffering," Booker said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Loudly raising his voice and speaking with emotion, Booker said, "Senator McCain, I know you wouldn't sanction this, I know you would be screaming, I've seen how angry you can get, John McCain. I've seen you tear people apart on this floor, Democrat and Republican, for doing the same stupid thing over and over again."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Listen to John McCain explain why he voted 'no' the last time the Republican Party tried to unite and tear down health care with no idea how to fix it, threatening to put millions of Americans in financial crisis and health care crisis. I can't believe we are here again."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><strong><span>Democrats praise Booker's effort</span></strong></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Booker thanked each of his Democratic colleagues for their help as he continued speaking, repeatedly expressing his love for them. He noted that senator Chris Murphy had stayed with him all night – a role reversal from when the Connecticut Democrat spoke for 14 hour and 52 minutes following the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 and Booker stuck by him.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I want to thank senator Murphy in particular because he's been with me the whole night. He hasn't left my side, and in some ways the debt is repaid," Booker said, adding: "His debt is paid, but I've got fuel in the tank."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Murphy has seemingly smoothed out the process by discussing the effort with senators as they arrive on the floor and arranging speakers to ask Booker questions.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>As Democrats step on to the floor, many have given Booker a thumbs-up or, as Hawaii senator Brian Schatz did, a brief hug. During their questions, Booker has bounced from one foot to the other, shifting his weight as the hours of standing take their toll, and read notes passed to him by staff.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Booker and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer briefly sparred over New York sports teams during their exchange, though they could agree that they both support the Giants.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Schumer had been the first to pose a question to his New Jersey colleague, and he praised Booker for his "strength and conviction."</span></div></div><div class="styles__Wrapper-sc-2o34ro-0 cmwkBV"><div class="styles__Column-sc-2o34ro-3 jJDKrX"><a href="/content/2025/04/01/10/33/today-in-history-april-2-what-happened-on-this-day-oscars-streaker"><img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 636px, (min-width: 768px) 396px, 100vw" src="https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/hJtwL0D7nFCffZtOfAUS2GrV3jQ=/396x223/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fa13aaeca-143b-4eab-bb36-bfebb568aeea" srcset="https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/hJtwL0D7nFCffZtOfAUS2GrV3jQ=/396x223/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fa13aaeca-143b-4eab-bb36-bfebb568aeea 396w, https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/LdcHX2izXxgqWxvmfAHkZSnSVnM=/636x358/https%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2Ffs%2Fa13aaeca-143b-4eab-bb36-bfebb568aeea 636w"/></a></div><div class="styles__Column-sc-2o34ro-3 jJDKrX"><div class="styles__Headline-sc-2o34ro-4 hpbOlz">The tragic end of the naked man who stunned the Oscars</div><div class="styles__Button-sc-2o34ro-1 eBjlmW"><a class="styles__ButtonLink-sc-2o34ro-2 hqpklJ" href="/content/2025/04/01/10/33/today-in-history-april-2-what-happened-on-this-day-oscars-streaker">View Gallery</a></div></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"You're taking the floor tonight to bring up all these inequities that will hurt people, that will so hurt the middle class, that will so hurt poor people, that will hurt America, hurt our fiscal conditions, as you document," the New York Democrat said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Just give us a little inkling of the strength – give us a little feeling for the strength and conviction that drive you to do this unusual taking of the floor for a long time to let the people know how bad these things are going to be."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Booker then yielded to senator Lisa Blunt Rochester for further questions, noting that before he began speaking, the Delaware Democrat prayed with him on the Senate floor.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"My sister came over and prayed with me that I could stand for a long time, because she knew what we were trying to do, which was to try to create with who we serve, with John Lewis-type good trouble in this institution, to not do things normal," he said, adding that Blunt Rochester had "asked God to give me words of love today."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In recent years, the chamber has seen a number of marathon speeches mounted by senators, including: Jeff Merkley against Neil Gorsuch in 2017; Murphy on gun control in 2016; Rand Paul over National Security Agency surveillance programs in 2015; and Ted Cruz against the Affordable Care Act 2013.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Cruz, whose 2013 speech lasted 21 hours, said his advice for Booker was simply: "Wear comfortable shoes and don't drink water."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The late Strom Thurmond holds the record for the longest speech when he spoke on the floor for 24 hours and 18 minutes to oppose the Civil Rights Act of 1957.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Booker invoked Thurmond on Tuesday.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"You think we got civil rights one day because Strom Thurmond – after filibustering for 24 hours – you think we got civil rights because he came to the floor one day and said, 'I've seen the light.' No, we got civil rights because people marched for it, sweat for it and John Lewis bled for it," Booker said, referring to the late civil rights leader and longtime congressman John Lewis.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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