Washington, D.C. – In a decisive move to uphold the decorum of legislative proceedings, the House of Representatives voted 224-198 on Thursday to censure Representative Al Green (D-Texas) following his disruptive outburst during President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress earlier this week.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when Rep. Green interrupted President Trump’s speech by standing and shouting that the president lacked a mandate to cut Medicaid funding. Despite repeated warnings from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to cease his interruptions, Green continued his protest, leading to his removal from the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms.
The censure resolution, introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), stated that Green’s actions constituted a “breach of proper conduct” during a joint session of Congress. The resolution garnered support from all present Republicans and ten Democrats, underscoring a bipartisan acknowledgment of the need to maintain order and respect within the legislative body.
“This resolution is offered in all seriousness, something that I believe we must do in order to get us to the next level of conduct in this hallowed chamber,” Rep. Newhouse remarked, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Rep. Green, who has a history of opposing President Trump, including filing multiple articles of impeachment during Trump’s previous term, remained unrepentant. He defended his actions by expressing his opposition to potential cuts to Medicaid, a program vital to many of his constituents. “This is a matter of principle. This is a matter of conscience,” Green stated, accepting the consequences of his protest.
The censure serves as a formal reprimand but does not remove Green from office. This action marks the 28th time in U.S. history that a House member has been censured, reflecting the seriousness with which the House regards breaches of decorum.
The incident has sparked discussions about the appropriate conduct expected of elected officials during formal proceedings. While passionate debate is a cornerstone of democratic governance, maintaining respect and decorum within the halls of Congress is essential for productive discourse and the integrity of the institution.
As the nation continues to navigate complex policy discussions, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the standards of conduct that facilitate respectful and effective legislative deliberation.
Photo Courtesy of US House of Representatives
