Senator Cory Booker made history by delivering the longest recorded speech in Senate history, surpassing the previous record set by segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957. This marathon address, lasting over 25 hours, occurred during a live-streamed event with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries outside the U.S. Capitol on April 27. The senators condemned the Trump administration’s proposed 2026 budget, which they claim threatens vital programs such as Medicaid, Head Start, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, while also providing substantial tax breaks for the wealthy.
Beginning his address early in the morning, Booker criticized Republican leaders for a “reckless budget scheme” that could adversely affect millions of Americans, particularly seniors, children, and families. He emphasized that the proposals would result in significant cuts to essential services in housing, health care, and education, thereby exacerbating the struggles faced by low-income households.
The lawmakers highlighted the urgent need for public engagement, urging citizens to voice their concerns as Congress prepares to discuss the budget following a two-week recess. Preliminary budget documents revealed billions in cuts to various essential services, including child care and health research, raising alarms about the potential widening of the federal deficit due to accompanying tax cuts.
Trump’s budget plan, aiming to reduce government spending on programs deemed non-essential, has garnered both support and criticism from various sectors, including Trump allies suggesting tax increases on the wealthy. Despite concerns over its impact, Trump’s administration maintains a stance against excessive government expenditure. The Democratic sit-in was also shared across multiple social media platforms, emphasizing its significance as a day of “faith, spirituality, and moral reflection.”
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