The U.S. House of Representatives voted to censure Representative Al Green in a session that quickly turned chaotic as Democrats broke into song in protest. The final vote, which passed with 213 Republican votes and nine Democrats siding with them, led to a tense scene on the House floor.

A Contentious Vote

The censure, a formal reprimand, required Rep. Green to stand in the well of the House for the public reading of the resolution by Speaker Mike Johnson. However, as the process unfolded, House Democrats disrupted the chamber, encircling Green and singing in defiance. The disorder prompted Speaker Johnson to call a recess before the reprimand could be delivered.

Reports indicate that Democratic leadership, including Hakeem Jeffries, Catherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar, did not direct members on how to vote. This lack of guidance led to a split vote, with some Democrats siding with Republicans and others voting “present.”

Democratic Protest and Fallout

What was intended to be a straightforward censure vote quickly became an unexpected spectacle. As Democrats surrounded Green, their singing prevented the formal reading of the resolution. The chamber descended into disorder, forcing a temporary halt in proceedings.

Following the vote, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise confirmed that Green had been officially censured, making him the fourth Democratic lawmaker in the past two years to face such a reprimand.

A Divided Response

While some Democrats silently protested with placards, others expressed frustration over the lack of a clear party stance. Some Democratic lawmakers admitted to being “embarrassed” by the disruption, stating they had hoped for a more strategic response.

Meanwhile, Republicans remained firm in their decision, with some calling out the chaotic protest as a distraction from the censure’s intent.

The episode highlights the deepening divisions in Congress and raises questions about how both parties will navigate internal dissent moving forward.