House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made history by speaking for 8 hours and 44 minutes on the House floor, delivering an impassioned critique of a proposed bill supported by former President Donald Trump. The speech, which now holds the record for the longest continuous address in the history of the House of Representatives, was part of a broader strategy by Democratic lawmakers to voice their opposition to the legislation.
Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, used the marathon speech to highlight what he described as severe threats posed by the bill to democratic institutions, civil rights, and the integrity of the legislative process. His remarks included a detailed breakdown of provisions that he argued would disproportionately impact marginalized communities and erode long-standing legal protections.
Throughout the speech, Jeffries invoked historical references, quoted civil rights leaders, and addressed issues ranging from voting rights to judicial independence. The lengthy address drew comparisons to past filibusters and protest speeches, including the 2018 eight-hour speech by then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in support of Dreamers, which up until now held the record.
Jeffries’ record-setting speech underscores growing tensions in Congress as lawmakers prepare for heated debates in the run-up to key legislative deadlines. While the exact contents of Trump’s supported bill have not been released in full, Democratic leaders have signaled strong resistance, warning of lasting implications should it pass.
The speech was received with mixed reactions. Supporters praised Jeffries for his stamina and dedication to advocacy, while critics dismissed the address as a political stunt. Regardless of the perspectives, the speech has sparked national attention and reignited debate about the boundaries of executive influence and the role of Congressional leadership in safeguarding democratic norms.
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