In a significant development within the halls of the U.S. Capitol, the House of Representatives is poised to vote on a resolution to censure Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, following a fervent outburst during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. The incident began when House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, had Green removed shortly after Trump’s speech began on Tuesday night. Green, representing Houston, stood and interrupted when Trump asserted that the recent November 5 election had resulted in a mandate unparalleled in recent history. Green’s retort, “You have no mandate,” drew immediate attention and prompted Johnson to order him to take his seat, an order Green refused.
In swift reaction, Republicans initiated a censure resolution to officially express the House’s disapproval of Green’s conduct. If approved by majority vote, the censure would require Green to stand in the well of the House while the resolution is formally read by the Speaker or another presiding officer. Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington, sponsored the resolution, emphasizing its seriousness as a necessary measure to uphold decorum within the Chamber. Newhouse remarked that this step is crucial for maintaining the necessary conduct expected in such illustrious surroundings.
This censure proposal signifies another instance of the heightened tensions and spirited behavior that have characterized presidential addresses to Congress in recent times, impacting both sides of the political spectrum. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts, pointedly recalled that Republican members remained silent when their counterparts interrupted President Joe Biden during his speech last year. During that occasion, some members had vocally shouted “say her name,” referring to the tragic demise of nursing student Laken Riley amidst ongoing discussions about immigration legislation.
The censure resolution accuses Green of a “breach of proper conduct” and notes his removal after persistent disruptions. Efforts by Democrats to delay the resolution with a motion to table it fell short on a party-line vote. Despite facing this official reprimand, Green displayed no remorse when addressing the House floor, stating that he would not hesitate to repeat his actions. He crossed the aisle to shake Newhouse’s hand, asserting that his outburst was rooted in principle and conscience, particularly regarding Trump’s healthcare policies, which he argued threaten Medicaid beneficiaries.
Emphasizing the criticality of the issue, Green proclaimed, “This is a matter of principle. This is a matter of conscience. There are people suffering in this country because they don’t have healthcare.” He concluded his statement with a defiant note, “On some issues that are matters of conscience, it is better to stand alone than not stand at all.” The incident occurred in a session where some Democratic legislators opted to skip Trump’s address altogether, while others exited the proceedings in protest. In response to the prevailing tensions, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries urged colleagues to remain composed, determined, and dignified during the session.
Rep. Jennifer McClellan, a Democrat from Virginia, remarked on the challenging nature of Trump’s speech, particularly for Green, who had witnessed the Civil Rights movement and now faced a Republican-led rebuke on matters of diversity and equity. Rep. Mark Takano, a Democrat from California, expressed support for Green, maintaining that Trump did not have the mandate to cut Medicaid. Many Democrats conveyed their dissent by holding signs declaring “False” and other messages during the presidential address.
On the other end of the spectrum, critics such as Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, derided Green and his fellow Democrats, suggesting that they exhibited a “level of derangement” during the proceedings. Lawler further criticized Democratic leadership for not addressing the situation, characterizing their silence as an embarrassment.
The debate harks back to a memorable moment involving Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California and former House Speaker, who famously tore up a copy of President Trump’s speech following one of his addresses during his first term. Pelosi reiterated the need for personal expression, underscoring that the focus should remain on the president’s message.
