Hakeem Jeffries creates chaos with record-breaking speech against Trump’s spending bill
- Hakeem Jeffries delivered an eight-and-a-half hour speech to delay President Trump's spending bill.
- His colleagues expressed frustration over not being informed about the filibuster, affecting their travel plans for July 4.
- The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions within Congress regarding budgetary priorities and welfare policies.
In a dramatic turn of events, Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, conducted an extensive filibuster intended to delay the passage of President Donald Trump's spending bill, known as the "Big, Beautiful Bill." This eight hours and 44 minutes speech, which took place in the House on a Thursday, shattered the previous record set by Kevin McCarthy in 2021. Starting early in the morning before 4 a.m. and concluding around 1:30 p.m., Jeffries' discourse addressed significant concerns regarding Medicaid coverage that could be affected under Trump’s budget proposal. The Democrats, preparing for the upcoming July Fourth holiday break, were left feeling blindsided by Jeffries' lack of communication about his plans, as shown by anonymous comments from two House Democrats who expressed their frustration. The surprise nature of the speech meant that many members had to scramble to adjust their travel schedules, complicating their holiday plans. Jeffries had reportedly given Speaker Mike Johnson a brief warning that his speech might take longer than initially anticipated, but this did not extend to informing other party members. The speech was not only notable for its record-setting duration but also for its content, where Jeffries passionately advocated against the spending bill. Citing concerns over social welfare, he pointed out the contrast between the federal contracts of billionaires and the minimal daily support provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for everyday citizens. Such statements aimed to highlight perceived injustices within Trump's budgetary priorities, particularly directing attention towards the impact on vulnerable populations. Ultimately, the proceedings led to the passage of the spending bill later that Thursday afternoon, which now awaits the president's signature. Jeffries' lengthy speech not only showcased his oratory skills but also exemplified the deep divisions within Congress regarding budget and welfare policy, revealing significant differences in approach among party lines and setting the stage for future debates on fiscal matters.