TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz issued a glowing statement Thursday praising U.S. Senator Cory Booker for delivering a marathon 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, calling it a powerful act of defiance and unity.

Key Points

Senator Cory Booker delivered a 25-hour speech on the U.S. Senate floor in protest of federal policies.
Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz publicly commended Booker for his “courage and resolve.”
Ruiz highlighted Booker’s leadership in confronting national threats to education, healthcare, and civil rights.

“For the past 25 hours, our nation has witnessed the resolute power and passion of Newark and New Jersey,” Ruiz said. “Senator Cory Booker has stood with unwavering purpose, defending our democracy and fighting to protect the rights of the people against injustice.”

Booker’s speech marked a record-breaking protest on the Senate floor. Though not officially labeled a filibuster, the lengthy address was part of a broader Democratic effort to highlight concerns over federal policies affecting vulnerable populations, including cuts to public services and perceived threats to civil liberties.

Ruiz, who represents Newark in the state legislature, reflected on her long-standing relationship with Booker, praising his history as both mayor and senator. “I have witnessed his dedication, tenacity, and boldness as my Mayor, my Senator, and most importantly, my friend,” she said.

The Senate Majority Leader emphasized that Booker’s speech was more than symbolic, framing it as a moral stand during a politically volatile time. “He broke a record that was based in division and hate, flipping the narrative towards inclusion and love,” Ruiz stated.

Booker has not commented publicly on Ruiz’s statement but acknowledged during his speech that he was motivated by what he called growing threats to democratic norms and the rights of marginalized communities.

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