Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1085
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-09T13:23:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 1085) aims to formally censure Representative Al Green of Texas for disrupting the State of the Union Address on February 24, 2026, during a joint session of Congress. It highlights his actions as a breach of decorum and notes this as his second such incident in under a year, leading to removal from the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms.
Key Provisions
- Censure of Representative Green: The House declares Representative Al Green censured for his disruptive and "unpatriotic" conduct, which violated House rules on decorum.
- Formal Presentation: Requires Representative Green to appear in the "well" of the House (the area in front of the Speaker's rostrum) for the pronouncement of the censure.
- Public Reading: Mandates that the Speaker publicly read the resolution aloud as part of the censure process.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. As a House resolution, it is an internal disciplinary measure under the House's authority to govern its own proceedings, rather than a binding law affecting the broader legal framework.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies and Congress: Reinforces House rules on decorum during joint sessions, potentially leading to stricter enforcement of conduct standards for members during high-profile events like the State of the Union Address. It may influence internal House procedures but has no direct effect on executive agencies or international relations.
- On Citizens: Minimal direct impact, though it could affect public perception of congressional professionalism and trust in government institutions.
- On Representative Green: Could damage his political reputation, limit his influence within the House, and serve as a formal record of misconduct, though it does not impose fines, expulsion, or legal penalties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Representative Al Green: Directly targeted as the subject of censure, facing reputational and procedural consequences.
- House of Representatives: As the body issuing the resolution, including the Speaker (who reads it) and the Committee on Ethics (to which it was referred).
- Other Members of Congress: Indirectly affected through reinforced expectations of conduct, potentially setting precedents for future disciplinary actions.
- Sergeant at Arms: Involved in prior enforcement of rules against disruptions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional Basis: Relies on Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants each chamber of Congress the power to "punish its Members for disorderly Behavior" and determine its own rules. Censure is a non-binding rebuke, less severe than expulsion (which requires a two-thirds vote).
- Legal Implications: No criminal or civil penalties; it is purely symbolic and internal to the House, with no enforceable effect outside Congress.
- Political Implications: Highlights partisan tensions, as censures are often used for political signaling rather than routine discipline. This could escalate divisions within the House, especially given the reference to "unpatriotic disruptions," and may influence future debates on member conduct during presidential addresses.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas. — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (2 pages)