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- Rep. Al Green censured by the House for disrupting President Trump’s joint address to Congress.
- Green shouted at President Trump during the speech, prompting his removal from the House chamber.
- The censure was supported by all Republicans and 10 Democrats, marking a rare punitive measure.
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Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
On March 7, 2025, the House of Representatives voted 224-198 to censure Rep. Al Green (D-TX) for disrupting President Trump’s joint address to Congress. Green’s actions involved shouting at President Trump and refusing to take his seat despite warnings from House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Core Players
- Rep. Al Green – Democratic Representative from Texas
- President Donald Trump – President addressing Congress
- House Speaker Mike Johnson – Republican Speaker of the House
- Rep. Dan Newhouse – Republican Representative from Washington who introduced the censure resolution
Key Numbers
- 224-198: The vote tally in favor of censuring Rep. Al Green.
- 10: Number of Democrats who voted with Republicans to censure Green.
- 28: Rep. Al Green is the 28th lawmaker in U.S. history to be censured by the House.
- 25 minutes: The duration of the House recess after the censure vote due to continued bickering.
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The Catalyst
During President Trump’s joint address to Congress on March 6, 2025, Rep. Al Green stood up and shouted at President Trump, prompting a significant disruption. Green raised his cane and expressed opposition to Trump’s policies, particularly concerning Medicaid cuts.
“The president indicated that he had a mandate. I said to the president, ‘You do not have a mandate to cut Medicaid.’ I have constituents who need Medicaid. They will suffer and some will die if they don’t get Medicaid,” Green explained.
Inside Forces
The incident led to immediate action by House Republicans, with Rep. Dan Newhouse introducing a resolution to censure Green. Democratic leaders did not formally oppose the measure, and 10 Democrats voted in favor of the censure. This split within the Democratic Party highlights the internal dynamics and divisions present in the chamber.
After the vote, Green and several colleagues stood in the well of the House chamber, singing “We Shall Overcome,” rather than proceeding with the formal reading of the censure. This act of defiance underscored the ongoing tensions and disagreements within Congress.
Power Dynamics
The censure reflects the power dynamics at play in the House, where Republicans hold the majority and have been more aggressive in using punitive measures against Democratic members. This is part of a broader trend of increased use of censure and other disciplinary actions in recent years.
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s role in ordering Green’s removal and the subsequent censure highlights the Speaker’s authority and the Republican majority’s control over House proceedings.
Outside Impact
The censure has broader implications for Congressional decorum and the political environment. It sets a precedent for how disruptions will be handled in the future and may influence other members’ behavior during significant events.
The move also reflects the heightened partisanship and polarization in Congress, where such actions are increasingly common. This tensions could affect future legislative efforts and the overall functioning of the House.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, the House Freedom Caucus has announced plans to introduce a measure to strip Green of his committee assignments on the Financial Services and Homeland Security Committees. This could further escalate the situation and deepen the divide within the House.
Green has also indicated his intention to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump, a move that could add to the ongoing political tensions and battles within Congress.
Data Points
- March 6, 2025: Date of President Trump’s joint address to Congress disrupted by Rep. Al Green.
- March 7, 2025: Date the House voted to censure Rep. Al Green.
- 2009: Year Rep. Joe Wilson was reprimanded for interrupting President Barack Obama’s speech.
- 2023: Year other Democrats like Adam Schiff, Rashida Tlaib, and Jamaal Bowman were censured.
- 13: Number of members censured during the Civil War and Reconstruction era.
The censure of Rep. Al Green underscores the deep-seated divisions and rising tensions within the U.S. Congress. As political polarization continues to intensify, such incidents are likely to become more frequent, shaping the legislative landscape and public discourse.
