Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., took to the Senate floor Tuesday to deliver a fiery objection to a package of new police legislation, accusing his fellow Democrats of failing to stop President Donald Trump from using federal funding as leverage to pressure jurisdictions. The senator’s remarks, which came during a heated debate, painted a stark picture of internal party tensions, with Booker calling on Democrats to ‘have a backbone’ and ‘fight’ against what he sees as Trump’s authoritarian tactics.
Booker’s objection to the bill, which he argues still allows Trump to pick winners and losers through federal funding, was particularly striking given that the legislation was passed despite the senator’s efforts to block it. The package, which includes resources for police officers, mental health support, and child exploitation prevention, was approved through a bipartisan committee process. However, Booker’s criticism focused on the absence of amendments aimed at limiting the president’s ability to use federal funds as a tool for political influence. He claimed that the absence of these provisions was evidence of his party’s complicity in Trump’s agenda.
Democrat leaders, including Sens. Catherine Cortez-Masto and Amy Klobuchar, defended the legislative package, stating that it had undergone proper bipartisan procedures and was supported by both parties. ‘We have committees for a reason, and we have hearings for a reason,’ Klobuchar said, emphasizing the need to support law enforcement. Cortez-Masto, who helped sponsor the legislative package, also criticized Booker for attempting to derail the process, arguing that the bills were essential and urgent.
Booker’s outrage was further fueled by recent developments in the political landscape, including former President Barack Obama’s remarks at a fundraising event where he urged Democrats to focus on winning competitive races in key states like New Jersey and Virginia. Obama’s comments suggest the party is grappling with internal divides, with tensions between more radical and moderate wings of the Democratic Party.
As the debates over federal funding and law enforcement resources continue, Booker’s objection has highlighted the growing political divide within the Democratic Party. His call for unity and defiance against Trump’s perceived authoritarian tactics signals a deepening rift in the party’s strategy as they prepare for critical upcoming elections.