Washington, D.C. – On March 6, 2025, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted 224-198 to formally censure Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) for his disruptive behavior during President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on March 4. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), accused Green of a “breach of proper conduct” after he shouted at Trump, waved his black cane, and refused to sit down, leading to his removal from the chamber by staff.
Green, a 20-year veteran of Congress known for his vocal opposition to Trump—including past calls for impeachment—interrupted the speech to protest Trump’s proposed cuts to Medicaid, a program critical for low-income Americans. His outburst was met with boos from Republicans, and he was escorted out, but not before drawing significant attention. Green later told reporters he was emphasizing that Trump lacked an “electoral mandate” for such cuts, a claim that resonates with some Democrats who argue Trump’s policy priorities overreach his public support.
The censure, a symbolic reprimand without fines or penalties, marks a rare but increasingly common disciplinary action in the House—four lawmakers have faced similar measures in the last four years. The final vote followed a procedural vote on March 5, where Republicans rejected a Democratic motion to table the resolution, reflecting the deep partisan divide in the chamber. Green was required to be present on the floor as the resolution was read aloud, a public admonition meant to underscore the House’s disapproval.
Sentiment on social media platforms like X shows a polarized response. Some users celebrated the censure, calling Green’s actions “tasteless” and a “new low” for Democrats, while others see it as a Republican overreach, arguing that Green’s protest was a valid expression of dissent against Trump’s policies. Critics of the censure point to the timing—coming amidst Trump’s early executive actions and a Republican push to codify budget cuts—suggesting it’s a distraction from broader policy debates.
Unlike the earlier procedural vote, the censure resolution does not require Senate approval to take effect, as it is a House-specific action. Historically, censures have done little to alter a lawmaker’s career, and Green, a steadfast Trump critic, is unlikely to back down. This episode underscores the ongoing tension in a narrowly divided Congress, where Republicans hold a slim majority, and every vote amplifies partisan friction. As the 119th Congress unfolds, this censure may set the tone for how dissent is handled in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
