The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives has initiated a process to censure Democrat Al Green after he disrupted President Donald Trump’s recent address. Green, a Texas lawmaker known for advocating Trump’s impeachment, shouted at the president while waving his black cane and refusing to sit, prompting chamber staff to remove him.
His protest, which was drowned out by Republican boos, was aimed at Trump's proposal to cut Medicaid funding. Representative Dan Newhouse, a moderate Republican from Washington, introduced the censure resolution, citing Green’s "breach of proper conduct." A full House vote is expected soon, with Green required to be present.
Censure is a formal reprimand without financial penalties but serves as a symbolic rebuke. While rare in the past, the practice has become more frequent, with four lawmakers censured in the last four years for disruptive behavior or controversial social media posts.
A similar incident occurred in 2009 when Republican Joe Wilson shouted "You lie!" at then-President Barack Obama during a congressional address. Wilson received a resolution of disapproval, a less severe reprimand than censure.
Tuesday’s address saw heightened tensions as Republicans cheered Trump and taunted Democrats, some of whom held protest signs or walked out. Democratic leaders had urged restraint, with a Michigan senator delivering a formal rebuttal. Meanwhile, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon unfurled a Ukrainian flag as Trump addressed Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Green’s censure vote will test party divisions as political confrontations in Congress become increasingly common.