On Thursday, Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader of the US House of Representatives, delivered a lengthy speech fiercely criticizing the Republican’s comprehensive tax cut and spending bill, also known as the “Big and Beautiful Bill”, ultimately preventing the final vote on the bill.
Using the “Magic Minute” procedure to kick off his extended speech, ensuring that the Democratic Party’s criticism of the bill could be aired on popular morning news programs, the New York Congressman began speaking at 5 a.m. and has already exceeded 5 hours of speaking time, far beyond the expected one-hour speech. Of course, the longer he speaks, the more likely he is to gain attention.
“This reckless Republican budget is an unethical document,” Jeffries said on the podium, “This legislation will put an end to our familiar Medicaid program.”
The delay by the Democratic leader frustrated Republican leaders, but they were unable to stop it. However, Jeffries’ speech is unlikely to affect the final vote on the bill, according to Punchbowl report, the White House is preparing for a signing ceremony for the Big and Beautiful Bill on Friday.
If the bill passes on Thursday, it will be submitted for the President’s signature on Friday. The Republican Party had previously delayed the final voting action by several hours in order to secure the votes needed to advance the bill within the party.
If Jeffries wants to break the House leader’s speech record, he must continue to speak until around 1:30 p.m. Former Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of California once gave a speech lasting 8 hours and 32 minutes opposing the “Build Back Better” Act signed by then-President Biden in 2021.
The use of the “Magic Minute” procedure – allowing leaders to speak for as long as possible consecutively – is a common practice among minority parties.
Jeffries has used this tactic multiple times in the past, initially suggesting he might stop speaking soon, only to say, “I’m still here, let me continue slowly.”
As Jeffries’ speech showed no signs of ending soon, most Republican lawmakers left the chamber, but some still remained, listening to Jeffries slowly articulate his reasons for opposing this massive bill.
Vice President JD Vance tweeted around 8 a.m. that due to Jeffries’ prolonged “performance,” a Republican House member decided to change their voting stance on the bill from “undecided” to “support.”
In this current Congress, Democrats have repeatedly utilized procedural delays and extended speaking time to counter the Republicans. With the Republicans controlling both Congress and the White House, this is one of their few available choices.
Democratic Senator Cory Booker broke the record for the longest speech in the Senate earlier this year, delivering over 25 hours of speech against the policies of the Trump administration.
Jeffries had watched part of Booker’s speech in the Senate and later engaged in a 12-hour sit-in with the New Jersey Senator on the steps of the Capitol.