Is Cory Booker allowed to eat or to take bathroom breaks during his Senate marathon speech? These are the rules

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey made history on Tuesday evening by breaking the record for the longest speech ever delivered on the Senate floor. This remarkable achievement did not come without its challenges, as Senator Booker was not allowed to use the restroom, among other restrictions.

At this point, he has been speaking for nearly twenty-five hours. His dedication to raising awareness about what he perceives as the dangers of the Trump administration’s agenda has brought him to this historic moment.

After reaching this significant milestone, which had ironically been previously held by the Southern segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond, he lightheartedly acknowledged the toll that such a lengthy speech had taken on his body by referencing his “biological needs.” With a playful tone, he indicated that he would need to step away briefly to attend to these needs. However, Booker continued to speak, making it clear he had more to share even after a full day of discourse.

Was Cory Booker allowed to drink water or eat?

In addition to his restriction on using the bathroom—since that would mean leaving the Senate floor—he is also not permitted to sit down. Senate rules further prohibit a speaker from eating while delivering their speech, which means that this vegan has gone without a bite of food to sustain him throughout this marathon event.

He was, however, allowed to drink water.

To provide some relief for their colleague, many Democratic senators have posed questions to Senator Booker. This allows him to yield while maintaining control of the floor, pausing his speech to rest for a moment.

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