Democrats Launch Bizarre Musical Protest on House Floor as Rep. Al Green Is Officially Censured

On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to formally censure Democratic Representative Al Green over his interruption of President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress earlier this week.

The final vote stood at 224 to 198, with ten Democrats siding with Republicans in favor of the censure resolution. Additionally, two Democrats opted to vote “present.”

As Speaker Mike Johnson announced the resolution’s passage, a group of Democratic members gathered around Green at the front of the House chamber, near the speaker’s podium, and began singing “We Shall Overcome” — a song closely tied to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Despite Johnson’s repeated attempts to restore order by banging the gavel, the singing Democrats refused to stop or disperse.

Ultimately, Johnson called for a recess.

According to Politico, standard procedure following a censure requires the censured lawmaker to stand in the well while the text of the resolution is read aloud — but the protest prevented that step from being carried out.

Green’s disruption took place early in Trump’s address on Tuesday night, when the Texas congressman stood and shouted, “You don’t have a mandate!” Even after being asked to sit down, Green persisted in shouting from the House floor.

Speaker Johnson reminded Green that members must follow rules of decorum during such addresses, but when Green refused to comply, Johnson instructed the House sergeant at arms to physically remove him from the chamber.

Speaking to reporters after his removal, Green said, “I am willing to suffer whatever punishment that is available to me. I didn’t say to anyone, ‘Don’t punish me.’ I’ve said I’ll accept the punishment, but it’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president’s desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.”

While Trump has consistently vowed not to slash those programs, he has promised to crack down on fraudulent claims.

On Wednesday, Republican Representative Dan Newhouse from Washington officially introduced the censure resolution against Green.

“Whereas, the conduct of the Representative from Texas disrupted the proceedings of the joint address and was a breach of proper conduct; and whereas, after numerous disruptions the representative from Texas had to be removed from the chamber by the Sergeant at arms; Now, therefore, be it resolved that Representative Al Green be censured,” the resolution declared.

A CNN poll conducted on Tuesday night revealed that 80 percent of respondents viewed Green’s behavior during Trump’s speech as inappropriate.

Last month, Green announced plans to file articles of impeachment over what he described as the “dastardly deeds proposed” by Trump — referencing, among other things, Trump’s idea for the U.S. to seize control of the Gaza Strip.

This isn’t the first time Green has pursued impeachment against Trump — during Trump’s initial term, the congressman introduced three separate impeachment resolutions.