The Republican-led US House of Representatives began proceedings on Wednesday that could result in a censure of Democrat Al Green, who was removed from the chamber after interrupting President Donald Trump’s speech.
Green, a Texas Democrat who has served in Congress for two decades and has frequently advocated for Trump’s impeachment, is facing a censure resolution after he shouted at the president, waved his black cane, and refused to sit down during Trump’s address on Tuesday night.
Though Green’s remarks were drowned out by Republican boos, he later told reporters that he was protesting Trump’s lack of an electoral mandate to cut Medicaid funding—a government healthcare program assisting low-income individuals.
Chamber staff, responsible for maintaining order and security, eventually escorted Green out.
Republican Representative Dan Newhouse of Washington, known for his moderate stance, introduced the resolution to censure Green for a “breach of proper conduct.”
A vote by the full House chamber is expected in the coming days, during which Green will be required to be present. While censure is a formal reprimand, it does not impose fines or other penalties.
Though historically rare, the censure process has gained prominence in recent years, with four lawmakers facing public reprimands in the past four years for inappropriate social media behavior, actions deemed problematic by the majority, or disruptions during congressional proceedings.
In 2009, Republican Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina received a resolution of disapproval—a milder form of punishment—after shouting “You lie!” at Democratic President Barack Obama during a joint congressional address.
At the time, Wilson’s outburst shocked lawmakers, but on Tuesday, similar behavior was commonplace throughout Trump’s speech. Republicans loudly applauded the president and jeered at Democrats, while some House Democrats held up signs to fact-check Trump and vocally expressed their opposition.
Green’s actions, along with some Democrats who walked out in protest, contrasted sharply with party leaders who had urged members to maintain decorum. Democratic leadership had selected a moderate senator from Michigan to deliver their official rebuttal.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon displayed a blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag as Trump addressed the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
