Democratic Representative Al Green from Texas stirred controversy during President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night. Green was removed from the chamber after repeatedly interrupting the President’s speech, leading to a split reaction among lawmakers.
The incident occurred shortly after Trump began speaking, prompting a swift response from House leadership. Following the disruption, Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican from Washington, introduced a resolution to censure Green, accusing him of violating the House’s decorum rules. This resolution is expected to pass, despite the Republican Party’s slim majority in the House.
Newhouse’s resolution highlights the tension within the GOP regarding how to address the situation. While some members support Newhouse’s approach, others, particularly from the House Freedom Caucus, are backing a competing censure resolution led by Rep. Eli Crane from Arizona. This division reflects broader disagreements within the party about the best way to handle disciplinary actions against fellow lawmakers.
Green, after being ejected from the House chamber, expressed his willingness to accept any punishment for his actions. He stated that he felt it was important to voice opposition to Trump’s policies, particularly concerning cuts to Medicare and Social Security. His defiance may resonate with some Democrats who support his stance.
The House GOP’s response to Green’s actions has also been complicated by Newhouse’s history. He is one of the few Republicans who voted to impeach Trump following the January 6 Capitol riot, which has led some party members to question the appropriateness of his resolution. Despite this, House GOP leaders appear to be leaning towards supporting Newhouse’s censure effort.
The unfolding drama highlights the ongoing political tensions in Washington, particularly as lawmakers navigate their responses to disruptive behavior during significant events like the President’s address. With differing opinions on how to proceed, the situation is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the coming days.