• Rep. Al Green was formally censured by Speaker Mike Johnson for disruptive behavior during President Trump’s speech, sparking chaos in the House.
• The censure vote (224-198) highlighted growing partisan divides, with Democrats singing “We Shall Overcome” to disrupt the proceedings.
• Congress faces increasing challenges in maintaining decorum, with censures turning into political battlegrounds rather than solemn disciplinary actions.

Congress witnessed yet another stormy session this week as Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was formally censured by House Speaker Mike Johnson for his actions during President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress. Despite the significant consequences of the censure, the event itself was overshadowed by growing chaos in the House, marking a trend of increasing discord during disciplinary actions.

What Happened?

On Thursday morning, the House passed a resolution to censure Green in a 224-198 vote, with two members voting present. This disciplinary measure stemmed from Green’s disruptive behavior during President Trump’s speech earlier in the week. The resolution required Green to stand in the House well as Speaker Johnson read the censure aloud, symbolically reprimanding him for his actions.

When I say the modern Democrat Party exists solely to be an obstacle to Trump, this is what I mean. When the House voted to censure Al Green, Democrats surrounded him in the well and sang, “We Shall Overcome,” a hymn made famous by its association with the Civil Rights movement.… pic.twitter.com/kOm9jXBT64

— Natalie Jean Beisner (@NJBeisner) March 7, 2025

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

However, the moment was far from orderly. A group of Democratic colleagues surrounded Green, singing “We Shall Overcome” and effectively drowning out Johnson’s reading of the resolution. Though Johnson banged the gavel and called for order, the disruption diluted the impact of the censure.

A Trend of Growing Disruptions

This latest incident highlights a troubling pattern in Congress. Censures, once solemn and significant moments, have increasingly become partisan spectacles. Historically, censures were rare and treated with gravity. For example, when former Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., was censured in 2010, the House chamber sat in profound silence as then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi read the resolution. Contrast that with this year’s censures, such as those of Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., which were marked by shouting matches and unruly protests.

The discipline process appears to have lost much of its solemnity, turning into a partisan battleground. Green’s censure is the latest example of this shift, highlighting the growing challenges in maintaining decorum in the House.

Green’s Actions and Growing Consequences

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Green’s behavior during President Trump’s speech has sparked calls for further action. Some Republicans, such as Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., have suggested expelling Green, while Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., is preparing a resolution to strip committee assignments from the Democrats who joined Green in the well.

These moves underscore the intensifying partisan divides in Congress. While Democrats argue that such actions are overreactions, Republicans view them as necessary to uphold the rules of decorum in the House.

How Did We Get Here?

The roots of this growing tension trace back to September 2009, when Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., shouted “You lie!” at President Barack Obama during a joint session of Congress. This unprecedented outburst led to a resolution of disapproval, a symbolic reprimand less severe than a censure. While Wilson apologized privately, his refusal to apologize publicly fueled a deeper divide.

Since then, partisan skirmishes have escalated. From censures to committee assignments, disciplinary measures have increasingly been wielded as political weapons. For instance, in 2021, the House censured Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., for posting an anime video depicting violence against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and President Joe Biden. Similarly, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., was removed from her committees for promoting conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric.

What’s Next?

Speaker Johnson now faces a critical decision. Should he pursue further disciplinary actions against Green and his colleagues? Or should he focus on restoring order and reducing partisan tensions in the House?

These questions come as Congress grapples with broader issues of incivility and decorum. As divisions deepen, finding a path forward will require balancing accountability with the need to repair relationships across the aisle.

Join the Conversation

What do you think about the recent censure of Rep. Al Green? Is Congress becoming too partisan, or are these actions necessary to maintain order? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your perspective in the comments below!

For more in-depth analysis and updates on key political events, visit The Dupree Report. Don’t forget to share this article with your network and help spread the word!

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10