WASHINGTON – Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon is currently engaged in a marathon speech on the Senate floor, protesting policies of the Trump administration and highlighting the ongoing government shutdown, now the second-longest in U.S. history. As of Wednesday afternoon, Merkley had been speaking for over 20 hours, surpassing his previous longest speech in 2017 which lasted 15 hours and 27 minutes.
Merkley’s extended address comes as Democrats increasingly employ assertive tactics to gain leverage in Congress amid a stalemate with Republicans over funding and healthcare policy. The shutdown, entering its 22nd day, is largely fueled by Democratic demands regarding healthcare and the GOP’s reluctance to negotiate under a funding deadline.
The tactic of prolonged Senate speeches to draw attention to issues isn’t new. Earlier this year, Senator Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, delivered a 25-hour speech, breaking the record previously held by segregationist Senator Strom thurmond in 1957.Booker’s speech also focused on opposing the trump administration’s actions.
Merkley has received support from fellow Democratic lawmakers who have intermittently asked him questions and offered brief breaks during his speech. He acknowledged the physical strain of the endeavor, noting at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday, “I want to untie my shoelace because standing in one place for this much time, well, made my shoes a little tight. That feels a little better. I don’t reccommend standing through the night and talking.Not a healthy pursuit.”