House Moves to Censure Rep. Al Green for ‘Childish’ Disruption During Trump’s Speech

The House is set to vote this week on a resolution to formally censure Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas following his outburst during President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.

Shortly after Trump began his remarks, emphasizing the scale of his election victory, Green stood and shouted, “You don’t have a mandate!” He then refused to sit down, continuing to yell from the House floor.

House Speaker Mike Johnson reminded Green of the chamber’s decorum rules, but after the congressman refused to comply, Johnson instructed the House sergeant-at-arms to remove him.

Censure Resolution Introduced

On Wednesday, Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington introduced a formal resolution to censure Green for his actions.

“Whereas, the conduct of the Representative from Texas disrupted the proceedings of the joint address and was a breach of proper conduct; and whereas, after numerous disruptions the representative from Texas had to be removed from the chamber by the Sergeant-at-arms; Now, therefore, be it resolved that Representative Al Green be censured,” the resolution states.

Following Trump’s speech, Fox News questioned Speaker Johnson about Green’s behavior.

“I suspect that there will be a censure resolution brought on the floor to discipline him,” Johnson responded. “We have to do that inside the House. We have to maintain decorum.”

According to The Hill, the resolution is expected to be addressed this week.

Green Defends His Actions

After being escorted from the chamber, Green spoke with reporters, insisting that his protest was aimed at Trump’s policies.

“I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green stated.

He continued, “He needs to save Medicaid. We need to raise the cap on Social Security. There’s a possibility it’s going to be hurt. And we’ve gotta protect Medicare.”

Despite Trump’s repeated assurances that he will not cut Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security, Green stood by his claims.

A reporter asked whether shouting during Trump’s speech was the best way to make his point.

“It is the best way to get it across to a person who uses his incivility … against our civility,” Green responded.

He further defended his actions, saying, “I am willing to suffer whatever punishment that is available to me. I didn’t say to anyone, ‘Don’t punish me.’ I’ve said I’ll accept the punishment, but it’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.”

Push for Impeachment

Green also reiterated that he is working on new articles of impeachment against Trump.

Last month, the congressman announced plans to file impeachment articles over what he called “dastardly deeds proposed” by Trump, including a reported proposal for the U.S. to take control of the Gaza Strip.

Green previously filed three separate impeachment articles against Trump during his first term.

Meanwhile, a CNN poll conducted on Tuesday night found that 80 percent of respondents believed Green’s conduct during Trump’s address was inappropriate.