Rep. Al Green’s 2025 censure vote explained: What censure means in Congress, who voted yes, and its impact. Updated March 6, 2025.
What Does Censure Mean in Congress?
Censure is when the House formally disapproves of a member’s actions, like disrupting proceedings, without kicking them out. It’s read aloud in the chamber, marking their record, but they keep their job and voting rights. This can affect their political standing, especially in future elections.
Recent Event: Al Green’s Censure
On March 4, 2025, Rep. Al Green interrupted President Trump’s speech, shouting about Medicaid cuts, and was removed. Two days later, the House voted 224-198 to censure him, with 10 Democrats joining Republicans. Green stood in the chamber as the censure was read, and Democrats sang in support, showing party tension.
Who Voted to Censure Al Green?
The 10 Democrats included Jim Costa (CA), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Laura Gillen (NY), Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Marcy Kaptur (OH), and Jim Himes (CT), among others. Their reasons aren’t fully clear, but it may relate to maintaining House decorum or political strategy, especially in swing districts.
Unexpected Detail: Bipartisan Support
It’s notable that despite party lines, some Democrats backed the censure, reflecting broader concerns about institutional integrity, which isn’t always expected in such partisan times.
Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Censure in Congress and the Al Green Case
In the dynamic landscape of U.S. Congress, maintaining order is crucial, and disciplinary actions like censure play a key role. This report delves into the meaning of censure, its historical context, and the recent, high-profile case of Representative Al Green’s censure on March 6, 2025, following his disruption during President Donald Trump’s address. We’ll explore the process, the vote, and its implications, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in congressional proceedings.
Understanding Censure in Congress
Censure is a formal and public reprimand issued by the House of Representatives to express strong disapproval of a member’s actions or behavior. It is rooted in Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows each House to “punish its Members for disorderly Behavior.” Unlike expulsion, which requires a two-thirds vote and removes the member from office, censure does not affect tenure or voting rights but leaves a lasting mark on the member’s record.
The process typically involves:
- A member introducing a resolution detailing the misconduct.
- Possible referral to the Committee on Ethics for review, though it can go directly to the floor.
- A simple majority vote for passage, requiring at least 218 votes in a full House.
- If passed, the censured member stands in the well while the Speaker reads the resolution aloud, a public and symbolic act of disapproval.
This action, while not legally punitive, can have significant political consequences, such as damaging the member’s reputation, affecting party standing, or influencing future elections. It’s a middle ground between a reprimand, which is less severe and doesn’t involve a public reading, and expulsion, the most severe measure.
Historical instances of censure are rare but notable. The first occurred in 1832 when Representative William Stoughton (D-NY) was censured for assaulting another member. Other significant cases include:
- 1983: Representatives Gerry Studds (D-MA) and Daniel Crane (R-IL) were censured for sexual misconduct with House pages.
- 2002: Representative James Traficant (D-OH) was censured for violating House rules and federal law, later expelled.
- 2010: Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY) was censured for financial misconduct, including tax evasion and misuse of position.
These cases illustrate censure’s role as a tool for maintaining institutional integrity, reserved for serious breaches that don’t warrant expulsion.
The Al Green Censure Case: A Recent Example
On March 4, 2025, during President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, Representative Al Green (D-TX) disrupted the proceedings. Green shouted, “He has no mandate to cut Medicaid!” and waved his cane, protesting Trump’s claims of a mandate following his electoral victory. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) ordered Green to take his seat and maintain decorum, but when Green refused, he was escorted out by the House Sergeant-at-Arms, marking a rare removal during such an address.
In response, Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced a resolution to censure Green for a “breach of proper conduct,” accusing him of violating House rules by disrupting the president’s speech. The resolution, detailed in its language, stated:
“Whereas Representative Al Green of Texas, during the President’s address on March 4, 2025, engaged in disruptive behavior by shouting and waving his cane, thereby breaching the proper conduct expected of a Member of the House of Representatives; Whereas such behavior is contrary to the rules and traditions of the House and undermines the dignity of the institution; Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives does censure Representative Al Green for his breach of proper conduct.”
On March 6, 2025, at 10:28 AM, the House voted on this resolution, passing it 224-198, with two members, including Green, voting present, and eight not voting. Notably, 10 Democrats joined all Republicans in favor, highlighting a bipartisan, yet controversial, stance. The vote breakdown was:
- Republicans: 214-0
- Democrats: 10-198-2 (yes-no-present)
Post-vote, Green was required to stand in the well while Speaker Johnson read the censure aloud. In a show of solidarity, many Democrats, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, surrounded him and sang “We Shall Overcome,” leading to a heated exchange with Republicans calling for order. This moment underscored the emotional and political tension surrounding the event.
Who Voted to Censure Al Green and Why?
The 10 Democrats who voted for the censure included:
- Jim Costa (D-CA, 21st District)
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA, 3rd District)
- Laura Gillen (D-NY, District TBD)
- Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA, 6th District)
- Marcy Kaptur (D-OH, 9th District)
- Jim Himes (D-CT, 4th District)
The exact list of the remaining four Democrats is not fully detailed in available reports, but these names align with those mentioned in news coverage, suggesting they hail from swing or moderate-leaning districts, possibly influencing their decision. Their reasons for voting yes are not explicitly stated, but potential factors include:
- Maintaining institutional integrity, viewing Green’s actions as a breach of decorum.
- Political pragmatism, especially for those in swing districts, to distance themselves from disruptive behavior that could alienate voters.
- Disagreement with Green’s protest method, preferring more conventional forms of dissent.
This bipartisan support, unusual in today’s polarized climate, reflects a shared concern for House proceedings, though it also highlights internal Democratic divisions, as evidenced by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ opposition, stating, “The censure resolution put forth by extreme MAGA Republicans is not worth the paper that it was written on.”
Reactions and Implications
Representative Al Green defended his actions, saying, “I did it from my heart, and I will suffer whatever the consequences are. But truthfully, I would do it again. The president claimed a mandate, and I wanted to make it clear that he does not have a mandate to cut Medicaid.” Speaker Johnson, conversely, criticized Green’s behavior as “shameful and egregious,” arguing it disrespected Congress and necessitated a swift response to maintain integrity.
The censure’s impact on Green includes a tarnished record, potential reputational damage, and possible effects on future elections, especially in his predominantly Black Houston district. Within the Democratic Party, it may influence his standing for committee assignments or leadership roles. The event also sparked debate about protest boundaries in Congress, with some seeing Green’s action as justified dissent, while others viewed it as inappropriate.
Comparative Analysis: Censure vs. Other Protests
Protest and dissent are integral to Congress, with members using various methods like wearing symbolic attire, staging sit-ins, or introducing resolutions. However, disrupting official proceedings, like the president’s address, crosses into territory warranting discipline. Green’s case highlights the fine line between acceptable dissent and disorderly behavior, with censure serving as a middle ground to address such incidents without expulsion.
Historical Context and Trends
Censure, once rare, has been used more frequently in recent years, reflecting heightened political tensions. The Al Green case is the 28th instance in House history, following others like Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) in 2023 for criticism of Israel. This trend suggests censure is becoming a tool for managing partisan conflicts, though it remains controversial, as seen in the mixed reactions to Green’s censure.
Detailed Table: Democrats Who Voted to Censure Al Green
| Democrat | State | District | Notes (if available) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Costa | CA | 21st | Represents Central Valley, swing district |
| Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | WA | 3rd | From rural district, often competitive |
| Laura Gillen | NY | TBD | New York representative, details pending |
| Chrissy Houlahan | PA | 6th | Suburban Philadelphia, moderate lean |
| Marcy Kaptur | OH | 9th | Long-serving, Toledo area representative |
| Jim Himes | CT | 4th | Fairfield County, financial expertise |
| [Name TBD] | [State TBD] | [District TBD] | Details pending |
| [Name TBD] | [State TBD] | [District TBD] | Details pending |
| [Name TBD] | [State TBD] | [District TBD] | Details pending |
| [Name TBD] | [State TBD] | [District TBD] | Details pending |
Note: The exact names and details for the remaining four Democrats are not fully available in current reports, but they likely share similar district characteristics.
Conclusion
The censure of Representative Al Green on March 6, 2025, underscores the House’s commitment to maintaining order, even amidst partisan divides. It highlights the tension between individual expression and institutional norms, with lasting implications for Green and broader discussions on congressional conduct. As Congress navigates such events, understanding censure’s role remains essential for stakeholders and the public.
FAQ: Censure in Congress and Al Green’s 2025 Vote Explained
1. What is censure in Congress?
A. Censure in Congress is a formal resolution passed by a majority vote to publicly reprimand a member for misconduct, such as Rep. Al Green’s 2025 outburst. It’s a disciplinary action under Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, signaling disapproval without removing the member from office.
2. Why was Rep. Al Green censured in 2025?
A. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) was censured on March 6, 2025, for disrupting President Trump’s March 4 address to Congress. He shouted, “He has no mandate to cut Medicaid!” and waved his cane, refusing to sit despite Speaker Mike Johnson’s orders, leading to his removal by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
3. What does it mean when a congressman is censured?
A. When a congressman like Al Green is censured, as in 2025, it means the House formally condemns their behavior. They must stand in the chamber’s well for a public reading of the resolution, facing reputational damage but retaining their seat and voting rights.
4. Which Democrats voted to censure Al Green in 2025?
A. Ten Democrats voted to censure Al Green on March 6, 2025: Jim Costa (CA), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Laura Gillen (NY), Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Jim Himes (CT), Ami Bera (CA), Ed Case (HI), Jared Moskowitz (FL), and Tom Suozzi (NY), reflecting bipartisan support.
5. What happens after a censure vote in Congress?
A. Post-censure, as with Al Green in 2025, the member stands for a public reading of the resolution, like Speaker Johnson did on March 6. No legal penalties follow, but political consequences—like damaged reputation or party friction—can impact their career.
6. How did the Al Green censure vote unfold in 2025?
A. The House voted 224-198 on March 6, 2025, to censure Al Green, with 10 Democrats joining all Republicans. After the vote, Green stood in the well as Democrats sang “We Shall Overcome,” sparking a shouting match with Republicans, highlighting partisan tensions.
7. What’s the difference between censure and expulsion in Congress?
A. Censure, like Al Green’s 2025 case, is a majority-vote reprimand with no removal, while expulsion requires a two-thirds vote and ousts the member from Congress. Censure is less severe, focusing on public shaming rather than ending tenure.
8. Can a censured congressman still serve?
A. Yes, a censured congressman, such as Al Green after March 6, 2025, retains their seat, voting rights, and committee roles unless the party imposes further discipline. Green continues to serve despite the censure.
9. How rare is censure in Congress?
A. Censure is uncommon, with Al Green’s 2025 case marking the 28th instance in House history. Recent years have seen more frequent use, like Jamaal Bowman (2023), showing it’s a growing tool for addressing misconduct.
10. What was the reaction to Al Green’s censure?
A. After the 224-198 vote on March 6, 2025, Democrats rallied around Green, singing “We Shall Overcome” in the House well, while Republicans shouted for order. Green defended his actions, saying he’d “do it again” to protect Medicaid, intensifying debate over congressional decorum.
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