Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to censure Al Green, a Democratic congressman from Houston, for disrupting former President Donald Trump's joint session address. The censure, which passed with a 224-198 vote, marked a significant moment of partisan tension, as ten Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the measure. The formal condemnation accused Green of a "breach of proper conduct," though it did not strip him of his voting rights or remove him from Congress.
Al Green, 77, represents a predominantly Black district in Houston and has been a vociferous opponent of Trump since 2017. He made headlines as the first congressman to call for Trump's impeachment and recently filed new impeachment articles against the former president. Despite the censure, Green remains undeterred in his advocacy for social safety nets such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
The censure highlights the increasing use of this once-rare measure as a partisan tool, wielded by the party in power. In the past five years, five censures have occurred, reflecting a shift from its historical rarity.
In response to the censure, Green emphasized his commitment to his constituents and his persistent opposition to policies he views as detrimental to their welfare. The censure has not diminished his resolve to advocate for social justice and equitable policy-making in Washington.