Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas.

Bill Number: H.Res. 189
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-03-06: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-03-02T17:53:16Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 189) aims to formally reprimand (censure) Representative Al Green from Texas for disrupting a joint session of Congress where the President was delivering remarks. The resolution addresses his interruption of the President's speech on March 4, 2025, which breached House decorum and required his removal by the Sergeant at Arms (the House's security officer).

Key Provisions

Censure of Representative Green: The resolution declares that Representative Al Green is officially censured for his disruptive actions.
Required Appearance: Representative Green must immediately present himself in the "well" of the House (the area in front of the Speaker's platform) for the formal announcement of the censure.
Public Reading: The Speaker of the House must read the resolution aloud in public as part of the censure process.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend or create new laws. It is an internal disciplinary action under the House's longstanding authority to regulate its members' conduct, as outlined in House rules and precedents. No statutory changes are introduced.

Potential Impacts

On House Proceedings: Reinforces decorum during high-profile events like joint sessions, potentially deterring future disruptions and streamlining future congressional addresses.
On Representative Green: Results in a formal mark on his record, which could affect his reputation, influence within the House, and political standing, though it does not impose fines or removal from office.
On Citizens and Broader Congress: May influence public perception of congressional professionalism but has limited direct effects on everyday citizens or international relations, as it is an internal matter.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Representative Al Green: Directly targeted as the subject of censure, facing personal and professional repercussions.
House of Representatives Leadership: Including the Speaker (who reads the resolution) and the Sergeant at Arms (involved in the prior removal), responsible for enforcing the action.
Members of Congress: All House members are indirectly affected, as this upholds collective standards of behavior during joint sessions.
The President and Joint Session Participants: Benefits from restored order in future addresses, though not directly involved in the resolution.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional Basis: Draws 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 set its own rules, making this a valid internal enforcement without judicial review.
Legal Precedent: Aligns with historical uses of censure (a non-punitive rebuke short of expulsion) in Congress, such as for ethical or procedural violations, but does not set new legal standards.
Political Implications: Could highlight partisan tensions in the House, as disruptions during presidential addresses often carry political undertones; however, it emphasizes unity in maintaining institutional norms over individual politics.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]

Cosponsors (34)

Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Begich, Nicholas [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. McGuire, John [R-VA-5], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Womack, Steve [R-AR-3], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. Timmons, William R. [R-SC-4], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert [R-PA-8], Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham [R-AZ-8], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Onder, Robert [R-MO-3], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]

Recent Actions

2025-03-06: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-03-06: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 198, 2 Present (Roll no. 62). (text: 03/05/2025 CR H998) (Roll call 62)
2025-03-06: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 198, 2 Present (Roll no. 62). (text: 03/05/2025 CR H998) (Roll call 62)
2025-03-06: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1019-1020)
2025-03-05: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 189, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2025-03-05: The previous question was ordered without objection.
2025-03-05: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 189.
2025-03-05: On motion to table Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 211, 1 Present (Roll no. 60). (Roll call 60)
2025-03-05: Ms. Clark (MA) moved to table the measure.
2025-03-05: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H998-1004)
2025-03-05: QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE - Mr. Newhouse rose to a question of the privileges of the House and offered the resolution. The Chair directed the Clerk to report the resolution. Upon examination of the resolution, the Chair determined that the resolution did constitute a question of the privileges of the House.
2025-03-05: NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO OFFER RESOLUTION - Mr. Newhouse notified the House of his intent to offer a privileged resolution pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX. The Chair announced that a determination will be made at the time designated for consideration of the resolution.
2025-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
2025-03-05: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas. — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (2 pages)
Censuring Representative Al Green of Texas. — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (2 pages)