Overview
- Merkley began speaking around 6:24–6:30 p.m. ET Tuesday and was still on the floor early Wednesday after more than 12 to 13 hours.
- He cast Trump as a "grave" threat to democracy, pointing to halted research grants, indictments of political opponents, and National Guard deployment to Portland.
- The floor push is part of Democrats’ strategy to block a Republican continuing resolution until ACA subsidies are included, with the shutdown reaching its 22nd day.
- Senate Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer, praised the effort, and several Democratic senators voiced support from the chamber.
- Republicans criticized the overnight session for keeping unpaid Capitol staff and police on duty during the funding lapse.