U.S. Senator Cory Booker delivers a passionate speech on the Senate floor during his historic filibuster.
Share
April 1, 2025
Sen. Cory Booker made headlines with an over 25-hour filibuster protesting major policy proposals he said threatened democracy and social programs. Citing letters from constituents and civil rights leaders like John Lewis, Booker used his speech to spotlight the power of peaceful protest, civic engagement, and storytelling in shaping public policy.
Share
U.S. Senator Cory Booker delivered a passionate speech on the Senate floor during his historic filibuster.
Sen. Cory Booker made headlines with a over 25-hour filibuster protesting major policy proposals he said threatened democracy and social programs. Citing letters from constituents and civil rights leaders like John Lewis, Booker used his speech to spotlight the power of peaceful protest, civic engagement, and storytelling in shaping public policy.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) delivered a marathon speech on the Senate floor, surpassing 25 hours by Tuesday evening. Beginning his address on Monday evening, Sen. Booker voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s policy actions, particularly those involving significant cuts to social programs, as well as the proposed annexation of Greenland and Canada. Booker emphasized that these developments posed urgent threats to American democracy and the well-being of its citizens.
Throughout his speech, Booker shared letters from constituents expressing concerns about the administration’s agenda, highlighting the real-life impact on everyday Americans. He invoked historical figures like the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), underscoring the importance of civic engagement and, as Lewis put it, "getting in good trouble" to effect change. This extended address aimed to rally lawmakers and the public to actively oppose policies that could undermine democratic institutions and social safety nets.
Filibuster—The Senate tradition of unlimited debate has allowed for the use of the filibuster, a loosely defined term for action designed to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill, resolution, amendment or other debatable question.
Throughout his speech on the Senate floor, Booker emphasized the importance of standing up for what’s right through nonviolent protest and storytelling that connects with people's values and experiences. How can peaceful protest and the power of storytelling influence public opinion and government decisions?
Media Literacy: How can we evaluate whether media coverage of Booker’s speech—and the events he referenced—is fair, accurate and unbiased? What sources would you trust, and why
Learn how the legislative process became a tool to delay, delay, delay—starting with a pivotal rule change in 1806. Watch below.
