House Republicans are escalating their response to Democratic Rep. Al Green’s (D-TX) latest outburst, moving to strip him of his committee assignments following his dramatic disruption of President Donald Trump’s congressional address.
The chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), announced the move Thursday. Harris said that Green’s behavior warrants further disciplinary action beyond the bipartisan censure vote that passed earlier.
“The House Freedom Caucus is filing a resolution to strip disruptive and disrespectful Democrat Rep. Al Green from his committee assignments, and we expect Speaker Johnson to bring it to the House floor for a vote next week,” Harris stated.
The latest controversy erupted when Green (D-TX) shouted and shook his cane at President Trump during the joint congressional session, prompting House security to remove him from the chamber. The behavior, widely condemned by Republicans and even some Democrats, led to a censure vote Thursday morning.
The measure passed 224-198, with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) struggling to maintain order as Democrats gathered on the House floor in protest, singing and shouting in defiance of the resolution. C-SPAN footage captured Speaker Johnson repeatedly gaveling for order, but after Democrats refused to disperse, he was forced to call a recess.
House Republicans are escalating their response to Democratic Rep. Al Green’s (D-TX) latest outburst, moving to strip him of his committee assignments following his dramatic disruption of President Donald Trump’s congressional address.
The chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), announced the move Thursday. Harris said that Green’s behavior warrants further disciplinary action beyond the bipartisan censure vote that passed earlier.
“The House Freedom Caucus is filing a resolution to strip disruptive and disrespectful Democrat Rep. Al Green from his committee assignments, and we expect Speaker Johnson to bring it to the House floor for a vote next week,” Harris stated.
The latest controversy erupted when Green (D-TX) shouted and shook his cane at President Trump during the joint congressional session, prompting House security to remove him from the chamber. The behavior, widely condemned by Republicans and even some Democrats, led to a censure vote Thursday morning.
The measure passed 224-198, with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) struggling to maintain order as Democrats gathered on the House floor in protest, singing and shouting in defiance of the resolution. C-SPAN footage captured Speaker Johnson repeatedly gaveling for order, but after Democrats refused to disperse, he was forced to call a recess.
Despite his removal and formal rebuke, Green doubled down on his stance, taking to social media to defend his actions. “Last night I stood up for those who need Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” Green wrote. “Democrats will never abandon the fight to make sure every American has a safe, healthy, and financially secure life. #ISaidWhatISaid.”
The censure marks the third formal rebuke of a Democratic lawmaker since Johnson assumed the speakership in October 2023. In December, former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) was censured after pulling a fire alarm to delay a House vote, and in November, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MN) faced censure for chanting antisemitic slogans at an anti-Israel rally.
Republicans argue that Green’s repeated disruptions merit more than just a symbolic punishment.
The Democratic response to Trump’s address was already marred by internal division. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) had reportedly warned his caucus against interruptions and theatrics, but his calls for decorum were ignored. Several Democrats donned shirts and held signs protesting Trump’s policies, while Green’s outburst became the most extreme display of opposition.
Public perception also appears to be against Green’s antics. A CNN report released Wednesday revealed that 80% of viewers found his behavior inappropriate.
Green, who has represented Texas’s 9th Congressional District since 2005, has long been one of Trump’s most vocal congressional opponents, having introduced multiple impeachment resolutions against him. His latest disruption, however, may cost him more than just a slap on the wrist.
For now, as the House braces for another showdown, Green’s political future remains uncertain.
