By Amanda Castro, Shane Croucher, and Hannah Parry
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Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has been speaking on the Senate floor for nearly 20 hours, warning that “tyranny has arrived” in America as the government shutdown stretches into its fourth week. His marathon speech, invoking constitutional threats and democratic erosion, marks the latest in a series of extended floor remarks by Democrats aiming to spotlight what they describe as authoritarian tactics by the Trump administration.
The current filibuster record is held by Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, who spoke for more than 25 hours in a speech that began in March and ended in April this year.
What To Know
- Merkley began speaking after 6 p.m. Tuesday, reading extensively from How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt.
- He accused President Trump of trying to “trample” the Constitution and replace representative government with rule by the powerful.
- Topics included alleged attacks on the press, politicization of the Justice Department, military deployments in U.S. cities, and GOP-led health care cuts.
- The speech follows Sen. Cory Booker’s 25-hour floor speech in April, the longest in Senate history.
- Republicans condemned the move, citing unpaid Capitol staff forced to work overnight during the shutdown.
- The shutdown shows no signs of resolution, with partisan tensions escalating on the Senate floor.
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Oct 22, 2025 at 03:12 PM EDT
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Oct 22, 2025 at 02:45 PM EDT
Recap: Merkley’s marathon speech blocks Senate vote as shutdown hits day 22
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has held the Senate floor since 6:24 p.m. Tuesday in a marathon speech condemning what he calls President Donald Trump’s “growing authoritarianism.” Standing beside a sign reading “Ring the alarm bells: Authoritarianism is here now,” Merkley continues to speak with no end in sight.
His extended remarks have stalled Senate proceedings, preventing a vote on a House-passed funding bill as the government shutdown enters its 22nd day. Merkley remains short of the 25-hour record set by Sen. Cory Booker earlier this year, but is following a similar format by yielding briefly to colleagues for supportive comments.
With all 11 prior votes on the continuing resolution having failed, Senate Democrats are urging Trump to negotiate before his scheduled trip to Asia. Trump has said he will not meet with Democratic leaders until the government is reopened.
Oct 22, 2025 at 02:12 PM EDT
Merkely calls Trump an ‘incredible threat’ to the US and Constitution
Senator Jeff Merkley is continuing in his filibuster speech on the Senate floor, opposing President Donald Trump and what the Oregon Democrat describes as a shift towards authoritarianism in the U.S. under the Republican administration.
"Trump's plan is to replace government by and for the people with government by and for the powerful," he said during his marathon speech.
"This is an incredible threat to our nation, to the entire vision of our Constitution," he added. "I don't believe there's a single senator here in the United States Senate who wants to see freedom crushed and authoritarian rule established here in the United States of America ... Our founders did not want the president to be a king."
Oct 22, 2025 at 02:10 PM EDT
Military pay uncertain for October 31 as shutdown stalls federal salaries
With the government shutdown entering its fourth week, active-duty military personnel face uncertainty over their next scheduled payday on Oct. 31. While service members received pay on Oct. 15 following a directive from President Donald Trump to use remaining funds, it’s unclear whether that order extends to the end-of-month disbursement.
Most federal workers are paid biweekly, with the following general payday set for Oct. 24. Only select Department of Homeland Security employees are slated to receive a “super check” on Oct. 22, while others continue working without pay.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) introduced the Shutdown Fairness Act to ensure military pay during funding lapses, but the bill has yet to gain the support of Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized the proposal as politically selective and insufficient to reopen the government.
According to the Office of Personnel Management, all federal employees will receive retroactive pay once the shutdown ends, provided they document their hours worked in accordance with agency guidelines.
Oct 22, 2025 at 01:39 PM EDT
Hotel industry urges Congress to end shutdown as $650M in business lost
As the U.S. government shutdown enters its fourth week, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is urging Congress to restore federal operations essential to travel and tourism. The industry has already lost an estimated $650 million in hotel revenue, with each day of the shutdown costing $31 million in potential bookings, according to AHLA.
More than 30 hotel associations nationwide signed a letter urging lawmakers to reach a compromise and reopen the government. AHLA President Rosanna Maietta warned that economic uncertainty and declining consumer confidence are driving cancellations and stalling holiday travel plans.
The shutdown stems from a dispute over Affordable Care Act subsidies, which could affect healthcare access for 24 million Americans. As open enrollment nears, the hospitality sector continues to absorb mounting losses. Industry leaders say swift congressional action is crucial to protect jobs and stabilize communities that rely on tourism.
Oct 22, 2025 at 01:37 PM EDT
Chuck Schumer praises Merkley’s ‘incredible’ filibuster
Sen. Chuck Schumer has praised fellow senator Jeff Merkley for his "incredible" filibuster.
Schumer said that Merkley had been speaking for hours to "fight to protect American families from Trump's reckless and corrupt administration."
Oct 22, 2025 at 01:22 PM EDT
Merkley is less than seven hours away from breaking Booker’s record
Senator Jeff Merkley passed the 18-hour mark in his filibuster speech on the Senate floor, but he still has some way to go to beat Sen. Cory Booker's historic 25-hour and 5-minute speech, made earlier this year.
Merkley is just under seven hours away from the breaking the record as he speaks about what he describes as a shift towards authoritarianism in the U.S. under the Trump administration. Booker surpassed the previous record set by Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1957.
If the Oregon senator continues, he will beat Booker's record at shortly before 8 p.m. ET.
Oct 22, 2025 at 01:07 PM EDT
Shutdown delays heating aid for New Yorkers as winter costs rise
New Yorkers facing high heating costs this winter may be left waiting for assistance as the government shutdown stalls funding for the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Gov. Kathy Hochul warned that applications, typically available in early November, are now delayed until mid-month at the earliest.
Last winter, HEAP supported nearly 1 million households in New York City and 70,000 on Long Island, with maximum benefits reaching $996. This year, heating costs are expected to climb, with average natural gas bills projected at $936 and electricity at $1,205, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
HEAP eligibility is determined by citizenship status, Social Security numbers, and income thresholds. Emergency benefits may be available for households at risk of losing heat. Local agencies have been instructed to pause application processing until further notice, and SNAP benefits may also be disrupted if the shutdown continues past October 27.
Oct 22, 2025 at 12:46 PM EDT
Merkley’s 18-hour speech halts Senate action amid shutdown standoff
Sen. Jeff Merkley’s (D-Ore.) marathon speech has surpassed 18 hours, effectively pausing all Senate votes—including action on a continuing resolution to fund the government. Merkley began speaking Tuesday evening and has yet to signal when he’ll conclude.
His office said the senator intends to speak “as long as he is able” to protest what he views as President Trump’s erosion of constitutional norms and democratic institutions. The extended shutdown has stalled legislative movement as it stretches deeper into its fourth week.
Oct 22, 2025 at 12:17 PM EDT
SNAP benefits at risk in November as shutdown threatens food aid for millions
Millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may face food insecurity if the government shutdown continues into November. While October benefits were distributed as scheduled, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that funding will fall short for November, potentially affecting up to 42 million recipients.
SNAP, administered federally and managed by state agencies, provides monthly food assistance to low-income families. Without new appropriations, states may be unable to issue full benefits. Recipients are advised to check with their state agencies for alternative support and to use any remaining funds on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
Food banks are preparing for an expected increase in demand. George Matysik of Philadelphia’s Share Food Program said his organization is expanding its efforts, but cautioned that food banks cannot fully replace the reach of SNAP. The shutdown, now the second longest in U.S. history, continues to strain federal services and deepen hardship nationwide.
Oct 22, 2025 at 11:55 AM EDT
Shutdown threatens access to national parks, GOP lawmakers warn
Republican Reps. Bruce Westerman (Ark.) and Mike Simpson (Idaho) raised alarms Wednesday over the government shutdown’s growing impact on national parks and public lands. Speaking at a press conference alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson, Westerman warned that continued funding delays could lead to closures, despite current efforts to keep parks open with limited staffing.
“This can’t continue indefinitely,” Westerman said, citing risks to park ecosystems and public access. Simpson added that families are canceling long-planned vacations due to uncertainty, calling the situation “very damaging.”
Both lawmakers credited the Trump administration for maintaining partial park access, contrasting it with the full closures seen during the 2013 shutdown.
Oct 22, 2025 at 11:22 AM EDT
House Democrats spotlight shutdown’s toll as GOP absence draws fire
House Democratic leaders and members of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee convened Wednesday morning to spotlight the growing impact of the government shutdown, now in its fourth week. The meeting focused on testimony from federal employees affected by the funding lapse.
“Today’s Day 22 of the Trump-Republican shutdown of the federal government, and all across the country, everyday Americans are hurting,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in his opening remarks.
Democrats criticized House Republicans for remaining away from Washington, arguing that their absence is prolonging the crisis and deepening hardship for workers and families nationwide.
Oct 22, 2025 at 10:57 AM EDT
Shutdown stalls bipartisan Breast Cancer bill as lawmakers urge action
Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) voiced frustration Wednesday over the government shutdown’s impact on bipartisan health legislation, including their Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act. Both lawmakers stressed that the funding lapse is blocking progress on early detection efforts.
“We’re not doing work on bills that should be getting done,” Dingell said at a public event, citing the growing toll on federal workers and public health initiatives.
Van Duyne echoed the urgency, calling the shutdown “ridiculous” and urging Congress to find a solution to pay essential staff. Dingell shared stories from furloughed workers, including a mother who was forced to choose between buying gas and groceries, as the shutdown entered its 22nd day.
Oct 22, 2025 at 10:35 AM EDT
Speaker Johnson blames Democrats as shutdown becomes second-longest in U.S. history
At a Capitol press briefing, House Speaker Mike Johnson marked October 22 as a new milestone in the ongoing government shutdown, now the second-longest in U.S. history.
Johnson criticized Democrats and blamed them for prolonging the impasse, calling it “shameful," accusing them of making history “for all the wrong reasons.”
The shutdown, which has already surpassed previous records for the longest government closure, continues to stall federal operations and leave hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid.
Oct 22, 2025 at 10:16 AM EDT
Senate to hold 12th vote on funding bill as shutdown stalemate continues
The Senate is set to vote Wednesday on a House-approved bill to fund the government through Nov. 21, marking the twelfth attempt to advance the measure amid a prolonged shutdown. Monday’s vote fell short of the 60-vote threshold, with no additional support from Democrats despite GOP hopes following weekend protests dubbed “No Kings.”
All but one Republican back the bill, joined by two Democrats and one independent aligned with Democrats. Five more Democratic votes are needed to break the impasse. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday that Republicans remain united and optimistic that the measure will pass this week.
Oct 22, 2025 at 09:50 AM EDT
What triggers a government shutdown? History and legal shifts explained
A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass legislation to fund federal agencies. Before 1980, agencies often continued operating during funding gaps, assuming swift congressional action would follow. That changed after Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti issued legal opinions in 1980 and 1981 stating that agencies must cease operations during a lapse unless funding is authorized.
President Ronald Reagan experienced eight shutdowns, none of which lasted more than three days. Between 1990 and 1995, three brief funding gaps occurred, followed by a long pause until 2013. The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days, from late 2018 into early 2019. The current shutdown has now surpassed the 21-day mark set in 1995, deepening concerns over stalled federal services.
Oct 22, 2025 at 09:28 AM EDT
Merkley delivers overnight Senate speech protesting Trump policies – Surpasses 14 hours
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) took to the Senate floor Tuesday at 6:21 p.m. to protest President Trump’s policies, continuing his remarks through the night in a marathon address. The extended speech marks Merkley’s latest act of resistance, aimed at drawing attention to what he views as threats to democratic norms and constitutional principles.
While the content of his speech has not yet been fully released, Merkley’s overnight presence signals a deepening divide in the chamber as debates over government funding and executive authority intensify. His protest joins a growing list of long-form Senate speeches used to spotlight partisan standoffs and national concerns.
Oct 22, 2025 at 09:09 AM EDT
Shutdown furloughs 750,000 federal workers while essential staff remain on duty
Approximately 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed amid the ongoing government shutdown, as they have been instructed not to report to work until funding is restored. The furlough affects a wide range of civilian roles across federal agencies, halting many routine operations and services.
Despite the widespread closures, essential personnel remain on duty. Military members, law enforcement officers, border patrol agents, and air traffic controllers are required to continue working to maintain public safety and national security.
Oct 22, 2025 at 08:48 AM EDT
Booker broke Senate speech record with 25-hour stand against Trump policies
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) made history with a 25-hour and 5-minute speech on the Senate floor, the longest individual address ever delivered in the chamber. Beginning at 7 p.m. on March 31 and ending the following night, Booker surpassed the previous record set by Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1957.
Booker’s marathon remarks aimed to spotlight the personal stories of Americans affected by what he described as the Trump Administration’s attacks on democratic institutions and the rule of law. He read from 1,164 pages of prepared material and shared more than 200 accounts from constituents and citizens across the nation.
The speech served as a symbolic protest and a call to action, underscoring Booker’s commitment to amplifying voices he says are being silenced by federal policy.
Oct 22, 2025 at 08:25 AM EDT
Merkley speaks over 13 hours in Senate protest against Trump’s threats to democracy
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has been speaking on the Senate floor for more than 12 hours in a protest he says is aimed at defending democracy from what he called “grave threats” posed by President Donald Trump. Merkley began his remarks at 6:24 p.m. ET and continued into Wednesday morning, warning of what he described as the most dangerous moment for the republic since the Civil War.
Citing halted university research grants, indictments of political opponents, and the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Merkley accused the administration of undermining constitutional norms. “If there’s a rebellion, he can use that to strengthen his authoritarian grip,” Merkley said.
The speech marks a symbolic stand by Senate Democrats, who have blocked Republican attempts to reopen the government 11 times amid a standoff over health care subsidies. The shutdown has now entered its fourth week.
Merkley’s marathon speech follows similar efforts by other senators in recent years, including Cory Booker’s 25-hour floor speech earlier this year and Merkley’s own 15-hour protest in 2017 against a Supreme Court nomination.
Oct 22, 2025 at 08:18 AM EDT
Fetterman backs filibuster carve-out to end shutdown, fund snap
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said Tuesday he would support a Republican-led effort to bypass the Senate filibuster and pass a bill reopening the government with a simple majority. As the shutdown entered its 21st day, Fetterman warned that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is running out of funds, leaving vulnerable Americans at risk.
“There are no winners here,” Fetterman told reporters, calling the impasse “bad political theater” and urging immediate action to restore federal services and paychecks, including for Capitol Police.
He endorsed a carve-out to the 60-vote filibuster threshold, arguing it would prevent future shutdowns and align with Democratic campaign promises to reform Senate rules. Most Senate Democrats had previously backed a similar carve-out for voting rights legislation in 2022, although it failed due to opposition from two centrist senators.
Oct 22, 2025 at 07:52 AM EDT
Federal shutdown freezes key state funds as agencies brace for extended impact
The U.S. government shutdown, which began on October 1, has sidelined approximately 750,000 federal employees and disrupted operations nationwide. Sparked by a budget impasse, the shutdown’s ripple effects are now reaching state-level programs, with funding delays and legal constraints complicating the picture.
Discretionary grants—including education and cybersecurity—face immediate freezes, although highway funding remains largely intact, mainly due to long-term contract authority. Title I and IDEA allocations for K-12 schools are expected to hold steady, having been awarded before the shutdown.
Mandatory programs are split: some, like the Children’s Health Insurance Program, continue uninterrupted, while others—such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and community health centers—lost authorization on September 30. States may temporarily tap carryover funds, but reimbursement hinges on future legislation.
Federal employees are entitled to back pay under a 2019 law, but agencies have been instructed to consider workforce reductions for unfunded programs that fall outside presidential priorities. The longer the shutdown lasts, the deeper the uncertainty for states relying on federal support.
Oct 22, 2025 at 07:40 AM EDT
Shutdown hits 22 days as paychecks halt and health care deadlines loom
The federal government shutdown reached a grim milestone Wednesday, becoming the second longest in U.S. history at 22 days—surpassing the 1995–96 standoff under President Clinton. The most extended lapse remains the 35-day shutdown of 2018–19.
By Friday, over 1.8 million civilian federal workers will miss their first full paychecks, as scheduled payments on October 24, 28, or 30 will be withheld. While partial checks were issued Oct. 10 and military pay was covered Oct. 15, civilian compensation has stalled, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Looking ahead, November 1 marks the start of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act. Without an extension of expiring subsidies, premiums could more than double. Senate Democrats are holding firm on linking the reopening of the government to health care negotiations, while Republicans argue that funding should resume before policy talks begin.
Oct 22, 2025 at 07:27 AM EDT
How a filbuster works
In the Senate, filibusters serve as a strategic barrier to swift legislation. Senators can prolong debate to stall a bill, often without speaking on the floor—a modern twist known as the "stealth filibuster."
Ending one requires a cloture vote, initiated by 16 senators and passed with a three-fifths majority. Historically, cloture rules shifted from a two-thirds threshold in 1917 to a 60-vote threshold in 1975.
The filibuster remains a contentious fixture, shaping negotiations and highlighting deep divisions in Congress.
Oct 22, 2025 at 07:19 AM EDT
What is a filibuster?
A filibuster is a procedural tactic used in the U.S. Senate to delay or block legislation by extending debate indefinitely. Unlike the House, the Senate allows unlimited debate, enabling a single senator or group to prevent a final vote.
To end a filibuster, the Senate must invoke cloture—a formal motion requiring 60 votes to proceed.
Although not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the filibuster has evolved into a powerful tool for minority parties to negotiate, signal opposition, or influence legislative prioritization.
Oct 22, 2025 at 07:06 AM EDT
Who is Jeff Merkley?
Senator Jeff Merkley is Oregon’s “roots and boots” lawmaker, known for his deep ties to the state and hands-on approach to public service. Born in Myrtle Creek and raised in blue-collar communities across Oregon, Merkley was the first in his family to graduate from college. His early work in affordable housing and nuclear policy laid the groundwork for a career focused on championing ordinary Americans.
Merkley entered politics in 1998, representing his childhood neighborhood in the Oregon legislature. As Speaker in 2007, he led efforts to expand healthcare access, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and regulate predatory lending. In 2008, he won a U.S. Senate seat once held by his mentor, Mark Hatfield.
Today, Merkley serves on key Senate committees and chairs subcommittees on environmental justice and chemical safety. He’s known for his annual town halls in all 36 Oregon counties and his legislative focus on healthcare, housing, education, and jobs.
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Oct 22, 2025 at 06:59 AM EDT
Jeff Merkley calls Trump “authoritarian president” who uses violence
Merkley said he is here "to ring the alarm bells that there is a full authoritarian assault on our constitutional values, our separation of powers, and a full assault on our liberties…on due process, on free speech, on free press, on free assembly."
He also accused Trump of the "weaponization" of the Department of Justice to go after a "political enemies list," referring to prosecutions of former officials who spearheaded investigations into him, such as ex-FBI Director James Comey.
The DOJ accuses these officials of politically motivated fabrications against Trump, which they deny.
"It is the effort to mobilize the military to go after peaceful protestors and to create violent interactions that would justify even more authoritarian power," Merkley said in his speech.
Trump deployed federal troops to cities across the U.S. to quell what he said were rioters not properly dealt with by state and local law enforcement and who posed a threat to federal agents carrying out their jobs, particularly around immigration.
Merkley called Trump an "authoritarian president emboldened by a rubber stamp Congress, emboldened by a deferential Supreme Court, sending military troops against American citizens who are peacefully protesting."
"This is un-American," Merkley said. "It is a fundamental violation of the purpose of our military."
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