In a striking show of congressional disharmony, Representative Al Green (D–TX) has been officially censured for his disruptive conduct during President Trump’s joint address to Congress. This action has stirred up chaos on the House floor and further widened the partisan divide. The censure vote, held less than two days after Green was forcefully removed from the chamber due to his outburst, passed with a vote of 224-198 on Thursday morning. It marks another significant episode in the ongoing struggle over proper behavior in Congress.
A Disruption That Ignited a National Discussion
During President Trump’s 90-minute speech, which reflected on his administration’s past accomplishments and laid out an ambitious future plan, Representative Green made the news for all the wrong reasons. As the president passionately talked about various topics, from border security to economic reforms, Green, a 20-year veteran of the House known for his passionate speeches, suddenly stood up in protest. Shaking his cane and loudly challenging the president’s authority, Green’s actions violated the established rules and quickly angered House Speaker Mike Johnson (R–LA).
Speaker Johnson’s response was immediate and firm. “Members are required to uphold and maintain order in the House,” he boomed, striking his gavel forcefully. Despite repeated warnings, Green persisted with his vocal protest, leading Johnson to instruct the Sergeant at Arms to escort him out of the chamber. The removal was greeted with loud “USA” chants from Republicans, while some Democrats watched in silence or expressed their dissatisfaction in hushed whispers.
The Censure Vote: A Sign of Congressional Discipline
After the incident, Speaker Johnson was straightforward when addressing the House. While reading the resolution, Johnson criticized Green’s actions as “utterly disgraceful” and clearly stated that the congressman should be censured. “He’s made history in a very bad way, and I hope he takes pleasure in it,” Johnson declared. His words sent a clear message: disrupting a presidential address is not only unacceptable but will also be met with formal disciplinary measures.