On Thursday, the Republican-controlled House voted to censure Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, for his disruptive behavior during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress earlier this week. The censure resolution passed with a vote of 224-198, with 10 Democrats joining their Republican colleagues in support of the motion. Notably, Rep. Green opted to vote present during the proceedings.
As the censure vote unfolded, Rep. Green was seen sitting alone along the center aisle of the chamber. Following the conclusion of the vote, he was required to stand in the well of the House while Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana read the censure resolution aloud. This incident marks a continuation of tensions that have existed since Trump’s first term, as Green has been a vocal advocate for impeachment, making it known that he may pursue this path once more this year.
The censure against Rep. Green was introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse from Washington. Prior to the censure vote, a Democratic attempt to table the resolution was defeated in a narrow vote of 209-211. It is important to note that a censure serves as a formal expression of disapproval from the House regarding a member’s conduct, though it does not strip the censured member of any rights or privileges associated with their position.
During President Trump's address, which was delivered to a joint session of Congress, Democrats participated in both silent and vocal protests. However, Rep. Green escalated the situation by standing up from his seat towards the front of the chamber, shaking his cane at Trump, and loudly proclaiming that the president had "no mandate" to cut Medicaid. This outburst came in direct response to Trump’s assertion that the voters had granted him a mandate to reduce federal spending.
Green's actions were met with jeers and boos from Republican members, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. In a rare display of frustration, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso from Wyoming shouted at Green to sit down. Despite multiple warnings from Speaker Johnson, Green remained defiant, leading to the Speaker’s decision to instruct the sergeant-at-arms to remove him from the chamber. Green complied without resistance, leaving as Republicans chanted, "Na-nah, na-na-nah-na ... goodbye!"
In the aftermath of the censure, Rep. Green, a prominent member of the Congressional Black Caucus, reflected on his actions and their implications. He expressed that he had the privilege of participating in peaceful protests alongside the late civil rights icon and former Rep. John Lewis, who instilled in him the significance of standing up for one's beliefs. Green stated, "I’m not angry with the speaker. I’m not angry with the officers. I’m not upset with the members who are going to bring the motions or resolution to sanction. I will suffer the consequences."
He further elaborated on the motivations behind his disruptive actions: "What I did was from my heart. People are suffering, and I was talking about Medicaid... I will suffer whatever the consequences are, but truthfully, I would do it again."
This incident underscores the ongoing political tensions in Congress and highlights the deep divisions over healthcare policy and the Trump administration’s agenda.
