On March 6th, 2025, Congressman Al Green attended President Trump’s address to Congress. President Trump spoke on his plans to cut Medicaid and Congressman Green interrupted and began to protest. Green represents Texas’s 9th Congressional District, which includes parts of Houston, and has spent years fighting for civil rights and social justice. His outburst caused Congress to make a decision to censure him. A censure is an official public scolding, one of the most serious punishments a member of Congress can get short of being kicked out. It does not remove them from office, but it stays on their record and is meant to be a warning.
Medicaid is a government program that helps low income Americans afford healthcare. Trump plans to cut it and Green argued that Trump had no right to take healthcare away from vulnerable people. Their banter quickly became intense & House Speaker Mike Johnson told Green to stop, but he refused, keeping up his protest until he was physically removed him from the room. Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse introduced a resolution to censure Green, saying that interrupting a president’s speech like that broke the rules of Congress and was disrespectful. The vote passed 224-198, with ten Democrats joining Republicans in punishing Green.
Green began to shout at Trump after Trump said the Nov. election delivered a governing mandate that had not been seen for many decades. Green then shouted and pointed his cane saying, “You have no mandate!” Rep. Dan Newhouse said it was a “necessary but difficult step,” “This resolution is offered in all seriousness, something that I believe we must do in order to get us to the next level of conduct in this hallowed chamber.”
Green has become the 28th censured member of the house. Many stand in solidarity with Green, others not so much. Texas Senator Ted Cruz said Green made a “complete ass” of himself and censuring him would be a “natural remedy.” According to the Houston Chronicle, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu referred to Green as an “American Hero.” Dr. Eric Christopher Webb, Director of Communications for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. gave a statement on behalf of the organization supporting Green’s actions.
The statement said, “Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. applauds Alpha Brother Rep. Al Green’s courage and conviction to take a stand against President Donald J. Trump’s barrage of recent harmful and discriminatory policies during the President’s address to a joint session of Congress last night despite facing ejection.” Green is a member of the organization.
Congressman Green has been an advocate for the betterment of underserved communities. His fight for justice despite the consequences is a true testament to his character and commitment to the Houston community.
[Photo: YouTube]
