Texas Congressman Al Green Escorted Out of Trump’s Congressional Address – Here’s Why

Texas Representative, Al Green (D), was escorted out of the chamber last night while President Donald J Trump gave his address to congress.

Who is Al Green?

Al Green represents the 9th Congressional District of Texas. Green was a justice of the peace from 1977 - 2004 prior to being a congressman. Representative Al Green has served in congress since he was elected in 2005.

What is a Congressional Address?

In 1918, Woodrow Wilson began the practice of the State of the Union which consisted of the President of the United States giving a speech to a joint session of congress. This speech is usually given a year after the president takes office. Shortly after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated in 1981, he gave an address to a joint session of congress which has continued to be a standard practice ever since.

Why was Al Green Removed from the Congressional Address?

During President Trumps speech, Rep. Al Green stood up and began shouting. He interrupted the president twice before the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, ordered the Sergeant at Arms to remove Rep. Green from the chambers. It was at that point that William McFarland, Sergeant at Arms, escorted the congressman from the Presidents address to Congress.

What Will Happen to the Texas Congressman?

As of now, there have been no repercussions to Rep. Green's protest other than his removal from the event. However, Dan Newhouse, a republican from Washington, has submitted a resolution to have Green censured. The house will vote on that resolution this week. If the censure receives a majority vote the congressman does not lose any rights or powers. The censure is simply a formal statement of disapproval.