Marathon Speech Showdown: Jeff Merkley Takes the Stage

Democratic U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley from Oregon took a stand against Republican President Donald Trump's policy agenda with a marathon speech on the 22nd day of a government shutdown. Speaking for more than 22 and a half hours, Merkley critiqued Trump's perceived autocratic tendencies.

Merkley's lengthy speech broke the previous Oregonian record held by former Senator Wayne Morse, clocking in just two minutes shorter at 22 hours and 24 minutes. Merkley's initiative follows a tradition of Democratic legislators using extended speeches to delay legislative proceedings.

In a political climate where Democrats hold minimal power due to Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, lengthy speeches allow Democrats to highlight key issues. Senator Merkley's speech adds to a series of recent notable filibusters in an effort to block Republican legislation.