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• The U.S. House of Representatives voted to censure Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, for disrupting President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
• Green protested President Trump’s potential cuts to Medicaid, shouting “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid” during the speech.
• The censure vote was 224 to 198, with 10 Democrats supporting the measure alongside all Republicans except four who abstained.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Rep. Al Green, an 11-term Democrat from Houston, Texas, was censured by the House for his outburst during President Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday night. Green’s protest centered on President Trump’s mention of his electoral victory as a mandate, which Green argued did not justify cuts to Medicaid.

Core Players

• Rep. Al Green – Democrat from Texas, serving since 2005
• President Donald Trump – Addressed a joint session of Congress
• House Speaker Mike Johnson – Republican from Louisiana, called for Green’s removal and censure
• Rep. Dan Newhouse – Republican from Washington, introduced the censure resolution

Key Numbers

• 224-198: Vote tally in favor of censuring Rep. Al Green
• 10: Number of Democrats who supported the censure
• 4: Number of Republicans who abstained from voting
• 28: Green becomes the 28th member of the House to be censured in U.S. history

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

Rep. Al Green’s outburst occurred when President Trump mentioned his electoral victory as a mandate. Green stood up, pointed his cane, and shouted, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid.”

This action was in response to recent Republican-approved budget plans that could lead to cuts in Medicaid, a program providing health insurance to low-income and disabled individuals.

Inside Forces

Green’s protest was not isolated; several other Democrats also expressed their discontent during President Trump’s address. Some Democrats walked out, while others displayed signs or wore symbolic clothing to protest President Trump’s policies.

Despite warnings from House Speaker Mike Johnson to maintain decorum, Green continued his protest, leading to his removal from the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms.

Power Dynamics

The censure vote reflects the political divide in the House. All Republicans, except for four who abstained, supported the censure. Ten Democrats also voted in favor, while the rest opposed it.

Johnson emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum, stating that any member’s refusal to adhere to the speaker’s direction would be reprimanded regardless of party.

Outside Impact

The censure has broader implications for congressional decorum and the ongoing debate over healthcare funding. It highlights the intense political polarization and the willingness of some members to disrupt proceedings to make a point.

After the vote, around 30 Democratic members gathered on the House floor in solidarity with Green, singing “We Shall Overcome” and forcing the House into recess.

Future Forces

Green has indicated he is prepared to face the consequences of his actions and has stated he would do it again if necessary. He also plans to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump, a move he has made twice before during President Trump’s first term.

The incident sets a precedent for future protests and censures, potentially influencing how members express dissent in the House.

Data Points

• March 6, 2025: The House voted to censure Rep. Al Green.
• March 5, 2025: Green disrupted President Trump’s address to Congress.
• 2005: Al Green began serving in Congress.
• 2024: President Trump mentioned his electoral victory as a mandate during the address.
• 1989: The last year a member was censured before this decade (Rep. Barney Frank).