Al Green censure: Vulnerable Dems on opposing punishment for anti-Trump protest
Two moderate Democrats, Reps. Jared Golden of Maine and Josh Riley of New York, stood out among the ten Democratic lawmakers who broke from their party to vote against censuring Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas. The House GOP-led resolution aimed to formally admonish Green for protesting during President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.
Golden and Riley, along with other frontline Democrats in moderate districts, expressed their reservations about Congress focusing on censuring Green. Golden stated that he believes censure only gives a greater platform to the censured legislator and tends to lean in favor of free speech unless a clear red line is crossed. He also referenced his vote in favor of censuring Rep. Rashida Tlaib for her anti-Israel comments but emphasized that he did not believe Green crossed that line.
Riley, on the other hand, did not directly address Green but criticized attention-seekers in Washington and expressed a desire for Congress to focus on lowering costs, creating jobs, and ensuring fair opportunities for constituents. He won his seat by unseating a Republican incumbent in a district that covers central New York state.
Green was ultimately censured in a 224-198 vote after repeatedly disrupting Trump’s speech by shouting and shaking his cane in the air. Despite the consequences, Green remained unrepentant and vowed to continue speaking out against injustice.
The 10 Democrats who voted to censure Green included Reps. Ami Bera, Ed Case, Jim Costa, Laura Gillen, Jim Himes, Chrissy Houlahan, Marcy Kaptur, Jared Moskowitz, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Tom Suozzi. Green himself voted “present” during the censure vote.
The differing opinions among Democrats on censuring Green highlight the complexities within the party. As Congress navigates through such contentious issues, it is clear that lawmakers like Golden and Riley prioritize different aspects of their responsibilities to their constituents and the country as a whole.
