Washington state Republicans are taking swift action to hold Texas Democrat Rep. Al Green accountable for his disruptive behavior during President Donald Trump’s speech, with GOP Rep. Daniel Newhouse introducing a censure resolution against Green. The resolution comes after Green was removed from the House chamber for repeatedly interrupting Trump’s address to Congress by shouting and standing up.
Newhouse denounced Green’s behavior as unacceptable, emphasizing the need to maintain decorum and respect for the House of Representatives. The move to censure Green, a rare form of formal condemnation within the House chamber, has sparked controversy within the Republican Party, with some conservatives questioning Newhouse’s motives and loyalty to the party.
Despite facing criticism, Newhouse defended his decision, stating that the resolution is about upholding the rules of decorum in Congress rather than appeasing Trump supporters. The censure resolution is expected to receive special procedural powers that require a floor vote within two legislative days, indicating that House officials are taking the matter seriously.
In response to the censure resolution, Green expressed acceptance of the consequences of his actions, emphasizing that his outburst was motivated by genuine concerns about issues such as Medicaid. While some centrist Democrats may find themselves in a difficult position defending Green’s actions, party leadership has indicated that members will be allowed to vote according to their discretion.
The House Freedom Caucus and other conservative groups have also signaled their intent to address disruptions during the president’s speech, warning that the “heckler’s veto” will not be tolerated. This development underscores the ongoing tensions within both parties over how to respond to acts of protest and defiance during key congressional events.
Overall, the censure resolution against Rep. Al Green highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and civility in the House of Representatives, setting the stage for a contentious debate over the limits of political expression and decorum in Congress.