The U.S. House of Representatives has officially censured Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Houston, with a vote tally of 224-198. This action follows Green’s disruption during President Donald Trump’s recent Joint Address to Congress.

Details of the Disruption

During the commencement of Trump’s address, Green stood up and interrupted the President, asserting that he lacked a mandate to cut Medicaid funding. Following this interruption, Green was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms.

Vote Breakdown

In the voting process for the censure:

• 224 members voted for the censure, while 198 opposed it.
• Among the Democrats, ten voted for the censure—none of whom were from Texas.
• Green cast a vote of “present,” while a majority of Republican members backed the censure measure.

Understanding Censure

A censure is a formal disapproval of a member’s behavior by the House. This action carries no punitive measures beyond the official rebuke. Green now stands as the 28th member censured in U.S. history, joining the ranks of other notable figures such as Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who was censured recently for pulling a fire alarm in a congressional office.

Implications of the Censure

In response to his censure, Green expressed his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions, emphasizing that his protest was a necessary stand against potential cuts to critical programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. He noted that House Republicans recently passed a budget that could lead to such reductions, signaling deep concerns for low-income and disabled populations.

House Dynamics During the Vote

As Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana announced the final vote, approximately 30 Democratic lawmakers gathered in solidarity with Green on the House floor, with some singing in support.

At 77 years old, Green has represented Texas in Congress since 2005, making his act of defiance a significant aspect of his legislative journey.