2:35Sen. Jeff Merkley speaks on the Senate floor in Washington, Oct. 22, 2025.Senate TV
Following a duration surpassing 22 hours, Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley concluded his extended discourse on the Senate floor this Wednesday. His address emphasized concerns regarding the perils of authoritarianism, which he attributes to the Trump government.
He finished his address at 5 p.m., having spoken for 22 hours and 36 minutes. This duration was less than fellow Democratic Sen. Cory Booker’s record of 25 hours and 5 minutes from earlier in the year. However, he surpassed the duration for the longest speech given by a senator representing Oregon. In 1953, independent Sen. Wayne Morse had established that benchmark at 22 hours and 26 minutes.
He was greeted with applause from those present, including numerous Democrats who occupied seats within the chamber.
Previously, Merkley indicated that he felt “on the edge of collapsing” while speaking, as he neared his 22nd hour.
Sen. Jeff Merkley speaks on the Senate floor in Washington, Oct. 22, 2025.Senate TV
The 68-year-old Merkley displayed evident signs of weariness Wednesday afternoon.
On occasion, he clutched onto chairs and desks for steadiness or took slight steps to and fro. However, he has maintained a standing position since commencing his address at 6:24 p.m. Tuesday. Furthermore, he has spoken continuously, barring brief pauses when Democratic senators present on the floor posed questions to him.
Merkley stated in a post-speech press gathering that he made the determination to speak midway through the week “after the atmosphere had been cultivated” by the No Kings gatherings from the weekend prior.
“I didn’t desire for that impetus to diminish,” he mentioned.
“I felt it held such import at this particular juncture to accentuate the unparalleled moment we find ourselves in, marked by an aggressive authoritarian seizure of our republic,” he expressed.
Throughout the majority of the address, Merkley remained adjacent to a sign bearing the message “Sound the alarm: Authoritarianism has arrived!” His address centered on issuing cautions against authoritarianism under the Trump governance.
“If we do not confront tyranny during its initial year and if we fail to devise a means of delivering a forceful counter in the subsequent election, it will become entrenched,” he conveyed. “And it falls upon us, our solemn pledge to the Constitution, to prevent that occurrence.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer succeeded Merkley and lauded his endeavors.
Immediately subsequent to Schumer’s concise statements, Republican Whip John Barrasso addressed the floor to condemn Merkley’s undertaking.
“I rise on the Senate floor today to pose a straightforward inquiry: What, in fact, did Democrats achieve?” Barrasso questioned. “The government remains shut down, Capitol Police personnel and Senate auxiliary staff who remained on duty for the entire 22 hours are still without compensation.”
Senate floor personnel were obligated to remain present overnight to oversee proceedings. These individuals are presently not receiving pay during the government closure.
The senator conveyed that he abstained from consuming food or water, as well as forgoing restroom breaks during the address.
“It revolves around dehydration,” he articulated, informing reporters that he had his concluding intake of sustenance and drink on Monday morning.
“I harbored uncertainties regarding its feasibility,” he shared. “And I contemplated, ‘I trust I am not enduring this fast to no avail.’ I derive pleasure from eating.”
“The dehydration serves its purpose effectively,” he elaborated, clarifying that he experienced a moment of lightheadedness on the floor.
The shutdown progressed into its 22nd day on Wednesday, devoid of headway toward an accord that would finance the government.
The Senate may proceed to vote for the 12th occasion on the succinct, unconditional funding statute sanctioned by the House, yet no ballots can be cast as long as Merkley maintains occupancy of the floor.
All 11 prior votes pertaining to the continuing resolution have been unsuccessful.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer contends that Trump ought not to embark on his Asia excursion on Friday without engaging in negotiations with Democrats concerning funding, but Trump asserted he will not convene with Democratic leadership until the government resumes its operations.
ABC News’ Justin Gomez and Lauren Peller furnished contributions to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
