Al Green censure resolution over Trump protest clears House hurdle
A resolution to reprimand Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, has survived a procedural hurdle late Wednesday afternoon, setting the measure up for a House-wide vote. Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., introduced a censure resolution against the Texas Democrat earlier in the day in response to widespread GOP anger at Democrats who protested President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday.
Democrats attempted to table the resolution, which would have effectively killed it, but their efforts failed. As a result, a vote on the measure itself is expected to take place sometime this week.
House Speaker Mike Johnson asked Rep. Al Green to leave the chamber after he disrupted President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on March 4, 2025. The 77-year-old Democrat was removed from the joint address after repeatedly interrupting the beginning of the president’s speech. He shouted, “You have no mandate,” at Trump as he highlighted Republican victories in the House, Senate, and White House. House Speaker Mike Johnson had Green removed by the U.S. Sergeant-At-Arms.
Newhouse’s resolution appears to have the blessing of House GOP leaders, as it was the first one out of the gate following Trump’s speech. Multiple resolutions were circulating among House Republicans to censure Green, but Newhouse’s gained traction.
In a defiant response to his removal, Green stated, “I’m willing to suffer whatever punishment 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.”
In addition to Newhouse’s resolution, Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, has his own measure with over 30 House GOP co-sponsors. The House Freedom Caucus is also backing a third censure resolution led by Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz.
The censure resolution against Rep. Al Green is expected to be a focal point in the coming days, as House Republicans seek to address the disruption caused during President Trump’s address to Congress. The outcome of the House-wide vote will determine the next steps in this ongoing controversy.
