Sen. Booker 25 Hours Record Filibuster!
@senbooker25hrs.bsky.social
This is in no way official. I just want to make sure these moments are never forgotten.
And maybe i can amplify the amazing thing he did for us even if just a little.
Thank you Sen Booker!!
And maybe i can amplify the amazing thing he did for us even if just a little.
Thank you Sen Booker!!
Pinned
This is a special BlueSky account to immortalize Sen Booker's Record Breaking 25 Hour Filibuster in the US Senate.
It will post one of dozens of radical, and righteous
stands—each packed with deep references, context, and receipts.
🧵
It will post one of dozens of radical, and righteous
stands—each packed with deep references, context, and receipts.
🧵
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 10:25 PM
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 10:04 PM
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 9:27 PM
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
# 68) A New Legacy for the Longest Speech
Booker’s achievement stands in stark contrast to the previous record-holder’s aim. Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster was a bid to deny Black Americans equal rights. 🧵
Booker’s achievement stands in stark contrast to the previous record-holder’s aim. Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster was a bid to deny Black Americans equal rights. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 5:41 PM
# 68) A New Legacy for the Longest Speech
Booker’s achievement stands in stark contrast to the previous record-holder’s aim. Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster was a bid to deny Black Americans equal rights. 🧵
Booker’s achievement stands in stark contrast to the previous record-holder’s aim. Thurmond’s 1957 filibuster was a bid to deny Black Americans equal rights. 🧵
# 67) Not Technically a Filibuster
Interestingly, Booker’s marathon speech was not, in the strict sense, a filibuster. *“Filibuster”* in Senate rules means attempting to delay a specific vote—but Booker wasn’t blocking any bill. 🧵
Interestingly, Booker’s marathon speech was not, in the strict sense, a filibuster. *“Filibuster”* in Senate rules means attempting to delay a specific vote—but Booker wasn’t blocking any bill. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 5:40 PM
# 67) Not Technically a Filibuster
Interestingly, Booker’s marathon speech was not, in the strict sense, a filibuster. *“Filibuster”* in Senate rules means attempting to delay a specific vote—but Booker wasn’t blocking any bill. 🧵
Interestingly, Booker’s marathon speech was not, in the strict sense, a filibuster. *“Filibuster”* in Senate rules means attempting to delay a specific vote—but Booker wasn’t blocking any bill. 🧵
# 66) The Final Steps
When it was finally over—when Booker uttered his last lines and voluntarily yielded the floor—he had trouble even moving. The 55-year-old former football player limped off on stiff legs, assisted by colleagues. 🧵
When it was finally over—when Booker uttered his last lines and voluntarily yielded the floor—he had trouble even moving. The 55-year-old former football player limped off on stiff legs, assisted by colleagues. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 5:40 PM
# 66) The Final Steps
When it was finally over—when Booker uttered his last lines and voluntarily yielded the floor—he had trouble even moving. The 55-year-old former football player limped off on stiff legs, assisted by colleagues. 🧵
When it was finally over—when Booker uttered his last lines and voluntarily yielded the floor—he had trouble even moving. The 55-year-old former football player limped off on stiff legs, assisted by colleagues. 🧵
# 65) A Deliberate Pace
Booker spoke in measured tones to conserve energy. At times, he slowed his cadence or read documents (like letters) to rest his voice. Still, the sheer amount of words was immense—transcripts ran over 100,000 words. 🧵
Booker spoke in measured tones to conserve energy. At times, he slowed his cadence or read documents (like letters) to rest his voice. Still, the sheer amount of words was immense—transcripts ran over 100,000 words. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM
# 65) A Deliberate Pace
Booker spoke in measured tones to conserve energy. At times, he slowed his cadence or read documents (like letters) to rest his voice. Still, the sheer amount of words was immense—transcripts ran over 100,000 words. 🧵
Booker spoke in measured tones to conserve energy. At times, he slowed his cadence or read documents (like letters) to rest his voice. Still, the sheer amount of words was immense—transcripts ran over 100,000 words. 🧵
# 64) Never Sitting, Even During “Breaks”
Importantly, even during those Q&A “breaks,” Booker had to remain standing. *“They usually cannot be forced to cede the floor… without their consent,”* the Senate rules say, *“but the speaking senator must remain standing.”* So Booker stood at 🧵
Importantly, even during those Q&A “breaks,” Booker had to remain standing. *“They usually cannot be forced to cede the floor… without their consent,”* the Senate rules say, *“but the speaking senator must remain standing.”* So Booker stood at 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM
# 64) Never Sitting, Even During “Breaks”
Importantly, even during those Q&A “breaks,” Booker had to remain standing. *“They usually cannot be forced to cede the floor… without their consent,”* the Senate rules say, *“but the speaking senator must remain standing.”* So Booker stood at 🧵
Importantly, even during those Q&A “breaks,” Booker had to remain standing. *“They usually cannot be forced to cede the floor… without their consent,”* the Senate rules say, *“but the speaking senator must remain standing.”* So Booker stood at 🧵
# 63) Tag-Teaming with Allies
One clever way Booker endured was by occasionally yielding for questions from friendly senators. Under Senate rules, a speaker can pause if another senator asks a question—but Booker had to remain standing and could reclaim the floor after answering. 🧵
One clever way Booker endured was by occasionally yielding for questions from friendly senators. Under Senate rules, a speaker can pause if another senator asks a question—but Booker had to remain standing and could reclaim the floor after answering. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 5:29 PM
# 63) Tag-Teaming with Allies
One clever way Booker endured was by occasionally yielding for questions from friendly senators. Under Senate rules, a speaker can pause if another senator asks a question—but Booker had to remain standing and could reclaim the floor after answering. 🧵
One clever way Booker endured was by occasionally yielding for questions from friendly senators. Under Senate rules, a speaker can pause if another senator asks a question—but Booker had to remain standing and could reclaim the floor after answering. 🧵
# 62) “Not Much Gas Left”
By Tuesday afternoon (approaching 20 hours in), Booker did acknowledge, *“I don’t have that much gas in the tank.”* He said this in response to a colleague’s light-hearted query. Indeed, he looked weary. 🧵
By Tuesday afternoon (approaching 20 hours in), Booker did acknowledge, *“I don’t have that much gas in the tank.”* He said this in response to a colleague’s light-hearted query. Indeed, he looked weary. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
# 62) “Not Much Gas Left”
By Tuesday afternoon (approaching 20 hours in), Booker did acknowledge, *“I don’t have that much gas in the tank.”* He said this in response to a colleague’s light-hearted query. Indeed, he looked weary. 🧵
By Tuesday afternoon (approaching 20 hours in), Booker did acknowledge, *“I don’t have that much gas in the tank.”* He said this in response to a colleague’s light-hearted query. Indeed, he looked weary. 🧵
# 61) Second Wind of Passion
Strikingly, as fatigue set in, Booker’s voice grew stronger with emotion. By Tuesday evening—hour 24—viewers noted his voice was not weaker but more impassioned. He channeled the energy of the moment to drive him. 🧵
Strikingly, as fatigue set in, Booker’s voice grew stronger with emotion. By Tuesday evening—hour 24—viewers noted his voice was not weaker but more impassioned. He channeled the energy of the moment to drive him. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:47 PM
# 61) Second Wind of Passion
Strikingly, as fatigue set in, Booker’s voice grew stronger with emotion. By Tuesday evening—hour 24—viewers noted his voice was not weaker but more impassioned. He channeled the energy of the moment to drive him. 🧵
Strikingly, as fatigue set in, Booker’s voice grew stronger with emotion. By Tuesday evening—hour 24—viewers noted his voice was not weaker but more impassioned. He channeled the energy of the moment to drive him. 🧵
# 60) Staying on His Feet
Observers saw Booker shifting from foot to foot and leaning on his podium at times to relieve the strain. He would stretch one leg, then the other, subtly, to keep blood flowing. He occasionally gripped the podium to steady himself. 🧵
Observers saw Booker shifting from foot to foot and leaning on his podium at times to relieve the strain. He would stretch one leg, then the other, subtly, to keep blood flowing. He occasionally gripped the podium to steady himself. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:47 PM
# 60) Staying on His Feet
Observers saw Booker shifting from foot to foot and leaning on his podium at times to relieve the strain. He would stretch one leg, then the other, subtly, to keep blood flowing. He occasionally gripped the podium to steady himself. 🧵
Observers saw Booker shifting from foot to foot and leaning on his podium at times to relieve the strain. He would stretch one leg, then the other, subtly, to keep blood flowing. He occasionally gripped the podium to steady himself. 🧵
# 59) Pain and Perseverance
As the hours piled up, the toll on Booker’s body grew. He later admitted his muscles began cramping as Tuesday wore on. *“There’s just a lot of tactics I was using to make sure that I could stand for that long,”* he said, describing how he shifted posture. 🧵
As the hours piled up, the toll on Booker’s body grew. He later admitted his muscles began cramping as Tuesday wore on. *“There’s just a lot of tactics I was using to make sure that I could stand for that long,”* he said, describing how he shifted posture. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:46 PM
# 59) Pain and Perseverance
As the hours piled up, the toll on Booker’s body grew. He later admitted his muscles began cramping as Tuesday wore on. *“There’s just a lot of tactics I was using to make sure that I could stand for that long,”* he said, describing how he shifted posture. 🧵
As the hours piled up, the toll on Booker’s body grew. He later admitted his muscles began cramping as Tuesday wore on. *“There’s just a lot of tactics I was using to make sure that I could stand for that long,”* he said, describing how he shifted posture. 🧵
# 58) Only Water
Throughout the marathon, Booker allowed himself just a few sips of water. In total, he drank only a couple of glasses of water over 25+ hours. He eschewed any food or energy drinks. Capitol staff placed water and throat lozenges nearby, but he used them sparingly. 🧵
Throughout the marathon, Booker allowed himself just a few sips of water. In total, he drank only a couple of glasses of water over 25+ hours. He eschewed any food or energy drinks. Capitol staff placed water and throat lozenges nearby, but he used them sparingly. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
# 58) Only Water
Throughout the marathon, Booker allowed himself just a few sips of water. In total, he drank only a couple of glasses of water over 25+ hours. He eschewed any food or energy drinks. Capitol staff placed water and throat lozenges nearby, but he used them sparingly. 🧵
Throughout the marathon, Booker allowed himself just a few sips of water. In total, he drank only a couple of glasses of water over 25+ hours. He eschewed any food or energy drinks. Capitol staff placed water and throat lozenges nearby, but he used them sparingly. 🧵
# 57) Physical Preparation
Such an effort wasn’t improvised—Booker prepared his body for the ordeal. He revealed afterward that he had eaten nothing for several days prior to the speech. He essentially fasted to condition himself, knowing digestion could weaken him or force breaks. 🧵
Such an effort wasn’t improvised—Booker prepared his body for the ordeal. He revealed afterward that he had eaten nothing for several days prior to the speech. He essentially fasted to condition himself, knowing digestion could weaken him or force breaks. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:36 PM
# 57) Physical Preparation
Such an effort wasn’t improvised—Booker prepared his body for the ordeal. He revealed afterward that he had eaten nothing for several days prior to the speech. He essentially fasted to condition himself, knowing digestion could weaken him or force breaks. 🧵
Such an effort wasn’t improvised—Booker prepared his body for the ordeal. He revealed afterward that he had eaten nothing for several days prior to the speech. He essentially fasted to condition himself, knowing digestion could weaken him or force breaks. 🧵
# 56) No Breaks, No Rest
Under Senate rules, a senator can speak as long as they remain standing and do not leave. Booker carefully abided by those rules—he never took a bathroom break, never sat down, not even once. 🧵
Under Senate rules, a senator can speak as long as they remain standing and do not leave. Booker carefully abided by those rules—he never took a bathroom break, never sat down, not even once. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:36 PM
# 56) No Breaks, No Rest
Under Senate rules, a senator can speak as long as they remain standing and do not leave. Booker carefully abided by those rules—he never took a bathroom break, never sat down, not even once. 🧵
Under Senate rules, a senator can speak as long as they remain standing and do not leave. Booker carefully abided by those rules—he never took a bathroom break, never sat down, not even once. 🧵
# 55) A 25-Hour Marathon
Booker’s speech began at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, and he did not yield the floor until 8:05 p.m. Tuesday. In total, he spoke for **25 hours and 5 minutes** straight—the longest continuous Senate speech by a lone senator in history. 🧵
Booker’s speech began at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, and he did not yield the floor until 8:05 p.m. Tuesday. In total, he spoke for **25 hours and 5 minutes** straight—the longest continuous Senate speech by a lone senator in history. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM
# 55) A 25-Hour Marathon
Booker’s speech began at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, and he did not yield the floor until 8:05 p.m. Tuesday. In total, he spoke for **25 hours and 5 minutes** straight—the longest continuous Senate speech by a lone senator in history. 🧵
Booker’s speech began at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, and he did not yield the floor until 8:05 p.m. Tuesday. In total, he spoke for **25 hours and 5 minutes** straight—the longest continuous Senate speech by a lone senator in history. 🧵
# 54) Grassroots Cheers
It wasn’t just officials—activists and citizens across the country were cheering Booker on. Civil rights activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham noted that Booker *“is reminding all of America and his own party … to stand up for what we believe in.”* She lauded his 🧵
It wasn’t just officials—activists and citizens across the country were cheering Booker on. Civil rights activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham noted that Booker *“is reminding all of America and his own party … to stand up for what we believe in.”* She lauded his 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
# 54) Grassroots Cheers
It wasn’t just officials—activists and citizens across the country were cheering Booker on. Civil rights activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham noted that Booker *“is reminding all of America and his own party … to stand up for what we believe in.”* She lauded his 🧵
It wasn’t just officials—activists and citizens across the country were cheering Booker on. Civil rights activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham noted that Booker *“is reminding all of America and his own party … to stand up for what we believe in.”* She lauded his 🧵
# 53) “Sticking Up for Ordinary Americans”
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), who came to the floor to support Booker, told the press he was “very proud” of him. 🧵
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), who came to the floor to support Booker, told the press he was “very proud” of him. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM
# 53) “Sticking Up for Ordinary Americans”
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), who came to the floor to support Booker, told the press he was “very proud” of him. 🧵
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), who came to the floor to support Booker, told the press he was “very proud” of him. 🧵
# 52) “An Act of Resistance”
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)—a close friend of the late John Lewis—said Booker’s speech was *“an act of resistance.”* *“The American people want to see us do everything we can to resist the encroachment on our liberties and the taking away of benefits,”* Johnson 🧵
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)—a close friend of the late John Lewis—said Booker’s speech was *“an act of resistance.”* *“The American people want to see us do everything we can to resist the encroachment on our liberties and the taking away of benefits,”* Johnson 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM
# 52) “An Act of Resistance”
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)—a close friend of the late John Lewis—said Booker’s speech was *“an act of resistance.”* *“The American people want to see us do everything we can to resist the encroachment on our liberties and the taking away of benefits,”* Johnson 🧵
Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)—a close friend of the late John Lewis—said Booker’s speech was *“an act of resistance.”* *“The American people want to see us do everything we can to resist the encroachment on our liberties and the taking away of benefits,”* Johnson 🧵
# 51) “An Incredibly Powerful Moment”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had been watching from the back, called Booker’s stand *“an incredibly powerful moment.”* Booker was *“fighting to preserve the American way of life and our democracy,”* Jeffries said. 🧵
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had been watching from the back, called Booker’s stand *“an incredibly powerful moment.”* Booker was *“fighting to preserve the American way of life and our democracy,”* Jeffries said. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:29 PM
# 51) “An Incredibly Powerful Moment”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had been watching from the back, called Booker’s stand *“an incredibly powerful moment.”* Booker was *“fighting to preserve the American way of life and our democracy,”* Jeffries said. 🧵
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had been watching from the back, called Booker’s stand *“an incredibly powerful moment.”* Booker was *“fighting to preserve the American way of life and our democracy,”* Jeffries said. 🧵
# 50) Tears & Tribute
Not only were there cheers; there were tears. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) was seen wiping away a tear during the standing ovation. The emotion of the moment moved even seasoned lawmakers to cry openly. Across the aisle, Sen. 🧵
Not only were there cheers; there were tears. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) was seen wiping away a tear during the standing ovation. The emotion of the moment moved even seasoned lawmakers to cry openly. Across the aisle, Sen. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:27 PM
# 50) Tears & Tribute
Not only were there cheers; there were tears. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) was seen wiping away a tear during the standing ovation. The emotion of the moment moved even seasoned lawmakers to cry openly. Across the aisle, Sen. 🧵
Not only were there cheers; there were tears. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) was seen wiping away a tear during the standing ovation. The emotion of the moment moved even seasoned lawmakers to cry openly. Across the aisle, Sen. 🧵
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:27 PM
# 49) A Standing Ovation in the Senate
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
When Booker finally surpassed Thurmond’s 68-year-old record, the Senate chamber exploded in applause. In a body known for decorum, this was highly unusual—spontaneous clapping on the Senate floor is virtually unheard of. 🧵
# 48) “You Broke the Record!”
As the clock passed the 24-hour, 18-minute mark, Schumer returned to ask, *“Do you know you have just broken the record? Do you know how proud this caucus is of you? 🧵
As the clock passed the 24-hour, 18-minute mark, Schumer returned to ask, *“Do you know you have just broken the record? Do you know how proud this caucus is of you? 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:16 PM
# 48) “You Broke the Record!”
As the clock passed the 24-hour, 18-minute mark, Schumer returned to ask, *“Do you know you have just broken the record? Do you know how proud this caucus is of you? 🧵
As the clock passed the 24-hour, 18-minute mark, Schumer returned to ask, *“Do you know you have just broken the record? Do you know how proud this caucus is of you? 🧵
# 47) Bipartisan Praise from Schumer
Even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer took the floor—not to stop Booker, but to encourage him. Schumer used a procedural question to give Booker a short respite, but in so doing, he lavished praise: *“Your strength, your fortitude, your clarity 🧵
Even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer took the floor—not to stop Booker, but to encourage him. Schumer used a procedural question to give Booker a short respite, but in so doing, he lavished praise: *“Your strength, your fortitude, your clarity 🧵
April 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
# 47) Bipartisan Praise from Schumer
Even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer took the floor—not to stop Booker, but to encourage him. Schumer used a procedural question to give Booker a short respite, but in so doing, he lavished praise: *“Your strength, your fortitude, your clarity 🧵
Even Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer took the floor—not to stop Booker, but to encourage him. Schumer used a procedural question to give Booker a short respite, but in so doing, he lavished praise: *“Your strength, your fortitude, your clarity 🧵