5 Shocking And Impactful Actions US Senator Cory Booker Has Taken In 2025

U.S. Senator Cory Booker, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and the senior senator for New Jersey, continues to be one of the most active and passionate voices on Capitol Hill. As of December 15, 2025, his legislative agenda and public statements reflect a deep commitment to social justice, government transparency, and progressive reforms, often leading to high-stakes political confrontations.

The former Mayor of Newark has spent the year making headlines, from introducing groundbreaking legislation aimed at historical injustices to setting a historic record in the Senate chamber. This article dives into the five most recent and significant actions that define Senator Booker's role in the current political landscape, providing a fresh look at his enduring influence.

Senator Cory Booker: A Complete Biography and Political Timeline

Cory Anthony Booker was born on April 27, 1969, in Washington, D.C., and was raised in Harrington Park, New Jersey. His parents, Cary and Carolyn Booker, were among the first Black executives at IBM, instilling in him a strong work ethic and commitment to civil rights.

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• Education: Booker is an academic powerhouse, having graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Sociology. He was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, which took him to The Queen's College, Oxford, where he earned an honors degree in U.S. History. He later received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School.
• Early Career: After law school, Booker moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he worked as a staff attorney for the Urban Justice Center and later became a community organizer.
• Newark City Council (1998–2002): His political career began with a successful run for the Newark City Council, where he gained a reputation for his hands-on approach to community issues.
• Mayor of Newark (2006–2013): Booker served as the 38th Mayor of Newark, focusing on public safety, economic development, and educational reform. His tenure was marked by significant attention for his personal involvement in community rescues and daily life.
• U.S. Senator (2013–Present): He won a special election to the U.S. Senate in 2013, becoming the first African-American U.S. Senator from New Jersey. He has since been re-elected and currently serves as the senior senator.
• Presidential Campaign: Booker was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
• Personal Life: He was previously in a high-profile relationship with actress Rosario Dawson.

The Five Most Important Actions and Legislative Initiatives of Senator Booker in 2025

The year 2025 has been pivotal for Senator Booker, seeing him take on major legislative battles and deliver impassioned speeches that have resonated across the nation. His focus remains squarely on systemic change, from military accountability to historical reparations.

1. Setting a Senate Record with a Marathon Floor Speech

In one of the most dramatic moments of 2025, Senator Cory Booker set a new record for the longest speech in the history of the U.S. Senate. This marathon session, which began late on a Monday and stretched into Tuesday night, was a powerful act of protest against certain controversial actions being pushed through the chamber.

This filibuster-style speech—a rare move in modern Senate politics—was a clear demonstration of his willingness to use every procedural tool available to draw national attention to issues he deems critical. The sheer endurance and passion displayed during the speech cemented his reputation as a fierce debater and a tireless advocate for his principles, capturing the attention of political analysts and the American public.

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2. Introducing the Crucial NOTICE Act for Military Transparency

A central piece of Booker's 2025 legislative efforts is the Notification of Troop Involvement and Congressional Engagement (NOTICE) Act. This legislation is a direct response to concerns about executive overreach and the deployment of military forces without proper consultation.

The NOTICE Act aims to restore congressional authority by requiring the executive branch to formally notify and engage with Congress before deploying the National Guard or other U.S. forces in certain domestic and international scenarios. This bill highlights Senator Booker's commitment to government checks and balances, ensuring that major military decisions are subject to democratic oversight and transparency.

3. Renewed Push for the Reparations Commission Bill (S. 40)

Senator Booker continues to champion S. 40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act. The bill seeks to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequent racial and economic discrimination against African Americans, and the impact of these forces on society.

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This legislation is a cornerstone of his social justice agenda, aiming to address the "fundamental injustice, cruelty, and brutality" of slavery and its enduring legacy. By pushing this bill, Booker is forcing a national conversation on historical accountability and the potential for federal reparations proposals, a highly sensitive and nationally significant topic.

4. Taking a Stand on the Government Funding Bill and Healthcare

Senator Booker was vocal in his response to the final passage of the latest government funding bill in 2025. While expressing his views on the necessity of keeping the government operational, he used the moment to pivot to broader issues, particularly healthcare.

He delivered passionate floor speeches railing against the opposition's proposals, accusing the GOP of "declaring war" on Americans' health care. This stance underscores his belief that access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental right and demonstrates his willingness to engage in aggressive rhetoric to protect programs like the Affordable Care Act and push for more comprehensive coverage.

5. Involvement in the New Jersey U.S. Attorney Nomination

In a move that highlights his influence in New Jersey state politics, Senator Booker, along with Senator Andy Kim, sent a crucial letter to the White House regarding the nomination of the next U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Booker plays a direct role in vetting and confirming judicial and prosecutorial nominees. This collaborative effort with Senator Kim to urge collaboration and discuss a "suitable" replacement for the role demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that key federal positions in his home state are filled by qualified and appropriate candidates who reflect the interests of New Jersey residents.

Topical Authority: Cory Booker’s Enduring Legislative Focus

Senator Booker’s legislative portfolio is extensive, but several key areas consistently define his work, cementing his topical authority on issues of reform and justice. Beyond the major actions of 2025, his long-term focus includes:

• Criminal Justice Reform: Booker has been a leading proponent of bipartisan efforts to reform the U.S. criminal justice system, including his work on the First Step Act. He advocates for reduced mandatory minimum sentences and measures to improve re-entry for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Drug Policy Reform: He is a strong advocate for cannabis legalization and has sponsored bills to deschedule the substance at the federal level, arguing that current laws disproportionately harm minority communities.
• Animal Welfare: Booker is a known vegetarian and a fervent supporter of animal rights. His recent co-sponsorship of a bill to prohibit NIH funding for activities using live animals is consistent with his long-standing commitment to this cause.
• Economic Justice: Initiatives like baby bonds and expanding the earned income tax credit are frequent topics in his proposals, designed to close the racial wealth gap and boost economic opportunity for low-income families.

From his record-breaking filibuster to his persistent efforts on reparations and military transparency, Senator Cory Booker remains an essential and dynamic force in the U.S. Senate. His 2025 actions confirm his status as a national leader dedicated to progressive change, accountability, and justice for all Americans.