### Hakeem Jeffries Sets Historic Record with Marathon Speech Against Trump's Policy Bill On July 3, 2025, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered an unprecedented speech lasting **8 hours and 44 minutes**, utilizing the House's "magic minute" rule to oppose President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill, often referred to as the "big, beautiful bill." This marathon address not only delayed the final vote on the legislation but also marked the longest uninterrupted speech in the history of the House of Representatives. Jeffries began his speech at **4:53 a.m. EDT**, passionately arguing against the bill's implications for American citizens, particularly those reliant on government programs like Medicaid and SNAP [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/03/us/politics/hakeem-jeffries-house-speech-magic-minute-trump-bill.html][https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/03/trump-megabill-house-vote.html?__source=newsletter%7Cbreakingnews]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Context of the Speech** - Jeffries' speech was a strategic move to delay the vote on Trump's policy agenda. - The "magic minute" rule allowed him unlimited speaking time, which he utilized to its fullest extent. 2. **Content of the Speech** - Jeffries criticized the bill as "immoral," highlighting its potential negative impact on vulnerable populations. - He read letters from constituents affected by government program cuts, emphasizing the human cost of the legislation. 3. **Political Implications** - The speech served as a rallying point for Democrats, showcasing their opposition to the Republican agenda. - It highlighted the ongoing partisan divide in Congress regarding fiscal policy and social welfare. 4. **Historical Significance** - Jeffries' record-breaking speech underscores the evolving tactics used in legislative debates. - It reflects a growing trend of using extended speeches as a form of protest in the House. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Duration of Speech**: 8 hours and 44 minutes, breaking the previous record for the longest House speech [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hakeem-jeffries-sets-record-with-85-hour-speech-before-vote-trump-tax-bill-2025-07-03]. - **Start Time**: 4:53 a.m. EDT, concluding at 1:37 p.m. [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/jeffries-sets-record-floor-speech-before-vote-trump-tax-bill-2025-07-03]. - **Legislation Impact**: Jeffries argued that the bill would adversely affect millions of Americans relying on government assistance [https://www.apnews.com/video/jeffries-sets-record-for-longest-floor-speech-slams-trumps-massive-budget-bill-86a3bf3df40f4eb4b2241b8d1f2c628b]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Record-Breaking Speech**: Hakeem Jeffries delivered the longest speech in House history, lasting **8 hours and 44 minutes**. 2. **Strategic Delay**: His speech effectively delayed the vote on Trump's tax and spending bill, showcasing a tactical use of legislative rules. 3. **Critique of Legislation**: Jeffries framed the bill as detrimental to vulnerable populations, using personal stories to illustrate its impact. 4. **Partisan Dynamics**: The event highlighted the deepening partisan divide in Congress, with Jeffries' speech serving as a unifying moment for Democrats against the Republican agenda. In conclusion, Hakeem Jeffries' marathon speech not only set a new record but also served as a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse surrounding fiscal policy and social welfare in the United States [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-03/jeffries-delays-gop-vote-on-trump-tax-bill-with-marathon-speech][https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2025-07-03/hakeem-jeffries-sets-record-with-8-5-hour-speech-before-vote-on-trump-tax-bill].