Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called for Rep. Al Green (D-TX) to be censured for his “shameful” protest during President Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday night.
Johnson’s remarks came just minutes after Trump concluded his speech, during which Green was forcibly removed from the House chamber for his disruptive outburst.
“Absolutely shameful. He should be censured,” Johnson said when asked by The Hill about the protest. “It’s a spectacle that was not necessary. He’s made history in a terrible way, and I hope he enjoys it.”
“If they want to make a 77-year-old heckling Congressman the face of their resistance, if that’s the Democrat party, so be it,” he added. “But we will not tolerate it on the House floor.”
Johnson stated he was “quite certain” that many House Republicans would introduce a resolution to censure Rep. Al Green (D-TX) for his disruptive protest, adding that he would “absolutely” bring it to the floor for consideration, the report said.
The incident occurred just minutes into Trump’s speech on Tuesday night, as the president was discussing his “mandate” to serve. Green, a 20-year House veteran, suddenly stood up and began shouting in defiance, insisting Trump had no mandate. In response, Republicans erupted into chants of “USA” as security moved to remove Green from the chamber.
After continued shouting by Green, Johnson slammed his gavel and said “members are directed to uphold and maintain decorum in the House and to cease any further disruptions. That’s your warning.”
“Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session,” he added.
“Mr. Green, take your seat,” Johnson said. “Take your seat sir.”
When Green refused to be quiet and sit down, Johnson ordered the sergeant at arms to remove Green from the chamber. Republicans started singing “Hey, hey, hey, goodbye” to Green.
The Democratic lawmaker was unrepentant when questioned about his behavior after being led out of the chamber.
“It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up” to Trump, Green said.
House Republicans are expected to swiftly introduce a resolution to censure Rep. Al Green (D-TX) following his disruptive outburst during President Trump’s address, The Hill added.
Prior to the speech, the House Freedom Caucus board had already warned that any Democratic lawmaker who disrupted the president’s remarks could face censure.
“The President’s address to tonight’s joint session of Congress is a constitutional obligation — not a sideshow for Democrats to use noisemakers, make threats, throw things or otherwise disrupt. Our colleagues are on notice that the heckler’s veto will not be tolerated,” the group wrote. “You will be censured. We expect the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police to take appropriate action against any Members of Congress or other persons violating House rules.”
Johnson, in a post-speech interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, also predicted that a censure vote would be forthcoming.
Criticism of Green’s protest was not limited to Republicans. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) told The Hill after the speech that the Texas Democrat’s outburst was “counterproductive.”
“I think to stand up and say, you know, he doesn’t have a mandate to cut Medicare, fine, but I think he, I think it went beyond decorum,” he said.