A new wave of discontent is building in the House of Representatives, centered around Representative Al Green of Texas. Following his removal from President Trump’s address for the second consecutive year, a censure resolution is now circulating among GOP lawmakers.
The incident unfolded swiftly during Tuesday night’s address. As the President entered the House chamber, Green dramatically displayed a sign bearing the stark message: “Black people are not apes,” immediately disrupting the proceedings.
Representative Mike Rulli of Ohio is spearheading the effort to censure Green, describing the protest as “shenanigans” and “uncalled for.” He’s actively seeking bipartisan support, arguing that such conduct undermines the dignity of Congress.
Rulli’s proposed resolution frames Green’s actions as a clear “breach of conduct,” emphasizing this isn’t an isolated event. It highlights that this marks the second time in under a year Green has been forcibly removed from the chamber for disruptive behavior.
This echoes a previous censure vote in March of last year, when Green waved his cane and vocally protested during another presidential address. Notably, ten Democrats joined Republicans in that earlier rebuke, signaling a potential for cross-party condemnation.
After being escorted from the House floor this week, Green defended his actions, stating he “refuses to tolerate this level of hate” emanating from the President’s policies. He claimed his message was received, observing a reaction on Trump’s face.
Speaker Mike Johnson, while not committing to a vote on the censure resolution, acknowledged the gravity of Green’s actions. He suggested the act itself may have already brought sufficient shame, but ultimately deferred to the judgment of his colleagues.
The unfolding situation underscores the deep political divisions within Congress and raises questions about the boundaries of protest during high-profile events. The debate over appropriate decorum and the expression of dissent is likely to intensify in the coming days.
The censure resolution represents a significant escalation in the response to Green’s protests, potentially setting a precedent for future disciplinary actions against lawmakers who disrupt congressional proceedings.
