House Minority Leader Jeffries Breaks Longest Speech Record in Failed Delay of Trump Bill

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a historic speech lasting over eight hours to oppose and delay the passage of President Donald Trump’s sweeping $4.5 trillion tax and spending bill, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Republicans and the “big, ugly bill” by Democrats. Jeffries broke the previous record held by former House Leader Kevin McCarthy, using the House tradition of the “magic minute” that allows party leaders unlimited speaking time before a vote. Throughout his marathon address, Jeffries criticized the bill’s significant cuts to Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other social services, describing them as harmful to vulnerable Americans and an assault on their quality of life. He shared personal stories of those affected by the cuts and accused the Trump administration and some Republicans of cruelty and corruption. Despite Jeffries' efforts and Democratic opposition, the bill passed the House narrowly and was expected to be signed into law by President Trump. The speech was both a procedural delay and a strategic move to frame the bill negatively ahead of upcoming elections.