UPDATE: 9:26 am. We are in hour 18 now.
UPDATE: 8:34 am. Senator Rubio, Senator Rand Paul and Senator Pat Roberts have all been on the floor this morning asking questions. Rubio explained why Obamacare is a threat to the American Dream. Senator Rand Paul reminded us Obamacare was passed without a single Republican vote and now, Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid won't allow for amendments to be offered. Senator Roberts thanked Cruz for showing respect to his Senator colleagues, especially to those who disagree with them.
6:00 am: After sixteen hours on the Senate Floor, Texas Senator Ted Cruz is still standing after a long overnight filibuster of Obamacare.
By 5 a.m. Wednesday, the length of Cruz’s marathon discourse had surpassed more traditional talking filibusters delivered by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in March and a roughly 14-hour filibuster delivered by the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-W. Va.) in 1964.
As he outlined his opposition to the health-care law, Cruz’s hours of oratory touched a broad mix of subjects and sources, ranging from lyrics from a song by country music star Toby Keith; excerpts from the book, “Atlas Shrugged,” a favorite of libertarians; quotations from the popular reality television show, “Duck Dynasty;” the unemployment rate among African American teenagers; how his father, Rafael Cruz, used to make green eggs and ham for breakfast; a recent acceptance speech by actor Ashton Kutcher at an awards show; and the restaurants Denny’s, Benihana and White Castle.
Cruz has been getting some help from Senators Paul, Lee and Rubio overnight and many Americans stayed up all night to watch.
I might try to sneak him some candy. #MakeDCListen @SenTedCruz
— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) September 24, 2013
I feel like all the all-nighters tonight should get a special Twibbon. lol
— Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) September 25, 2013
A lesson by @senmikelee on the Commerce Clause & gov't over-reach. Bet it's not in the Common Core curriculum. #KeepCruzing @michellemalkin
— Michael Jaffe (@michael_jaffe) September 25, 2013
Mike Lee & Ted Cruz still speaking...when is a tax a tax or a penalty...or...I don't know where their strength is coming from but me punchy.
— Kitty4#Benghazi (@Kitty4Benghazi) September 25, 2013
Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have taken over the heart of the party. Christie going to have uphill battle against emotion...
— MATT DRUDGE (@DRUDGE) September 24, 2013
Cruz has said he will speak until he can no longer stand, but Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to call for a vote around noon.You can watch live here.
H/T Twitchy