Democratic Division: Censure of Rep. Al Green Highlights Party Rift

Ten Democratic members joined House Republicans on Thursday to formally censure Rep. Al Green for his protest during President Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress. This formal rebuke against the Texas Democrat reflects internal conflicts within the Democratic Party concerning the methods employed by some members to object to the president’s speech.

With little power in Washington, the Democrats are grappling with finding a united and effective strategy to counter President Trump’s administration. This internal struggle is evident not only on Capitol Hill but across the nation. During Tuesday night’s address, the divide was clear: some Democrats held protest signs, walked out, or did not attend, while others, following the leadership’s advice, chose more discreet forms of dissent. Leadership had recommended restraint to avoid providing the GOP with ammunition to criticize the party’s conduct.

The use of censure, once a rare disciplinary tool in the House, has become more prevalent recently. Although it represents a serious public admonition of a legislator, it does not impose any severe consequences like expulsion. It remains uncertain if Green will face additional punishment, as a faction of conservative lawmakers is preparing to push a measure to remove him from his committee assignments, anticipating a vote the following week.

In a 224-198 vote, Green’s censure was supported, with both he and freshman Rep. Shomari Figures of Alabama opting to vote “present.” As House Speaker Mike Johnson moved to formalize Green’s censure, the congressman led fellow Democrats in singing “We Shall Overcome” on the House floor, causing unrest among Republican members and leading Johnson to call a recess to clear the chamber.

The ten Democrats who sided with Republicans were Ami Bera of California, Ed Case of Hawaii, Jim Costa of California, Laura Gillen of New York, Jim Himes of Connecticut, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Jared Moskowitz of Florida, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, and Tom Suozzi of New York. Most of these Democrats are seen as centrists and affiliates of groups like the Blue Dog Coalition, the New Democrat Coalition, or the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, with many representing districts won by Trump last November.

The unexpected level of Democratic support for Green’s censure surprised party members who had anticipated greater unity. However, some legislators expressed growing frustration with Green’s actions, which they believe have attracted undue media attention and diverted focus from significant issues, like Trump’s plans to dismantle the Department of Education.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries conveyed that the decision carried no official guidance from the Democratic whip. “People made a choice based on what they deemed appropriate for their district,” he stated after the vote.

Addressing the House later, Green expressed no personal upset regarding the vote to censure him. Earlier in the week, Green, 77, interrupted Trump’s address, leading Speaker Johnson to eject him from the chamber. Green has clarified that his protest targeted Trump’s stance on Medicaid, amidst Democratic warnings of potential threats to Medicaid as Republicans contemplate major budget cuts to advance the president’s legislative goals.