Jeffries breaks House speech record opposing Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made headlines on Thursday by shattering a speech record in the House of Representatives. As lawmakers grappled with President Donald Trump’s controversial bill, Jeffries took advantage of a special privilege known as the “magic minute.” This privilege allows party leaders to speak for as long as they want, and Jeffries used it to delay the final vote on the bill.
The marathon session began on Wednesday morning, and Jeffries started speaking just before 4 a.m. on Thursday. He went on to break the previous record held by ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who spoke for eight hours and 36 minutes in opposition to Democrats’ Build Back Better bill in 2021.
During his speech, Jeffries focused on the potential impact of the bill on Medicaid coverage and federal benefits. He expressed concerns about the bill rewarding billionaires with tax breaks while cutting benefits for vulnerable populations. Jeffries accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for wealthy individuals like Elon Musk over the needs of children, seniors, and veterans.
Jeffries’ speech was wide-ranging and passionate, with him emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations and holding the wealthy accountable. He urged Republicans to reconsider their priorities and focus on addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending.
House Republicans were expected to proceed with the vote despite Jeffries’ efforts to delay it. The ongoing debate over the bill highlights the deep divide between Democrats and Republicans on key issues such as taxation, immigration, and social welfare programs.
In conclusion, Jeffries’ record-breaking speech in the House of Representatives underscores the intense political battles taking place in Washington. As lawmakers continue to grapple with President Trump’s agenda, the future of key legislative initiatives remains uncertain.
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This article is written by Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the House of Representatives. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
