After more than 22 hours of continuous speech, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) concluded his exhaustive filibuster at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, during which he voiced deep concerns about the rise of what he termed “authoritarian control” under the Trump administration. This protest on the Senate floor began at 6:21 p.m. the previous day, marking a determined effort by Merkley to underscore the gravity of the current political climate, which he described as the “most perilous moment” since the Civil War.

Merkley’s speech, aimed at drawing attention to several contentious issues including the deployment of the National Guard in Portland and alleged pressures exerted by the administration on the Justice Department, is now the fourth-longest in the history of the U.S. Senate. It exceeded his own record set during Trump's first term and even surpassed a legendary filibuster by fellow Oregonian Wayne Morse in 1953.

Throughout his long hold of the floor, Merkley was supported by questions from Democratic colleagues such as Senators Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer, and Dick Durbin, which provided him brief respites from speaking. Despite these breaks, Senate rules required him to remain standing, maintaining control over the chamber proceedings.

Senator Cory Booker joined Merkley during the marathon session, praising his efforts and reminding those watching that “democracy is not a spectator sport.” This sentiment underscored the moment's significance as more than just a political statement, but a moral stand in a deeply divided America.

The prolonged speech also occurred amidst the backdrop of a more than 20-day-long government shutdown, adding strain on unpaid Capitol staff and police. This point was not lost on critics such as Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), who lambasted Democrats on social media platform X for what he saw as a hypocritical move that burdened Capitol workers unnecessarily.

As the session wrapped up, Merkley vowed to continue his fight, emphasizing the need for collective vigilance as the next election looms. “We all have taken an oath to the constitution,” Merkley stated, rallying for continued attention and action from the public to safeguard democratic processes.

This dramatic congressional episode highlights the stark ideological divides and the lengths to which lawmakers will go to champion their causes, reflecting the heightened tensions within American politics today.