House Leaders May Punish Lawmakers Who Obstructed Al Green’s Censure Resolution

"Behold, for this may be the cringiest moment in House floor history..."

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has introduced a resolution to remove committee assignments from House Democrats who disrupted proceedings during the censure of Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) on Thursday.

The resolution, filed after Democrats gathered around Green and sang “We Shall Overcome” in protest, directs the House Sergeant-at-Arms to identify those who defied the Speaker’s directive and calls for them to be stripped of their committee roles for the remainder of the 119th Congress.

Behold, for this may be the cringiest moment in House floor history:

Ogles said that while lawmakers can disagree on policy, they must respect the rules of the chamber.

“We have a country to run,” he said, blaming the disruption on Democrats struggling to accept political losses. He plans to designate the resolution as “privileged,” requiring House leadership to address it within two legislative days, with a potential vote as early as next week.

The disruption occurred as the House moved to censure Green for interrupting President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress on Tuesday night. During the speech, Green repeatedly shouted at the president, accusing him of lacking a mandate. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) ultimately had Green removed from the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms. When given the chance to defend himself, Green remained unapologetic, stating that he acted with “intentionality” and was prepared to face any consequences.

House floor tensions escalated when nearly all Democrats opposed Green’s censure, with only 10 crossing party lines to support it. Johnson was forced to call a recess after multiple unsuccessful attempts to restore order as members from both parties exchanged words. Ogles argues that the protest crossed a line, saying that lawmakers who refuse to respect House procedures should face repercussions.

The resolution reflects ongoing debates over decorum in Congress and the limits of political protest on the House floor. While the measure has yet to be addressed by House leadership, it signals Republican frustration with what they view as obstructionist tactics from Democratic lawmakers unwilling to follow the rules.

The House resolution can be read here.