Rep. Bera Joins GOP In Censuring Fellow Democrat Al Green Over Trump Speech

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – In a rare rebuke within party lines, ten House Democrats joined their Republican colleagues in voting to censure Representative Al Green for his protest during former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Among the Democrats navigating the controversy was California Representative Ami Bera, who has often positioned himself as a centrist voice in the party.

Green, a Texas Democrat, interrupted Trump’s speech, shouting, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!” while waving his cane. Security swiftly removed him, making Green the first member of Congress to be ejected during a presidential address.

Defending his actions the next day, Green told reporters, “I did it from my heart, and I will suffer whatever the consequences are. But truthfully, I would do it again.” His protest underscored deep concerns over Trump’s aggressive Medicaid cuts, a key issue for progressive Democrats.

However, the disruption also exposed fractures within the Democratic Party. House Democratic leadership had urged restraint, warning that high-profile protests could be weaponized by the GOP. Despite this, Green’s actions drew swift retaliation from Republicans. Representative Dan Newhouse introduced the censure resolution, which Democrats were unable to block.

On February 6, the House voted 224 to 198 in favor of censuring Green. While censure carries no formal penalty beyond public admonition, it marks a serious condemnation of a lawmaker’s conduct. Once a rare disciplinary measure, censures have become increasingly common in recent years.

Bera, known for his pragmatic approach, has yet to publicly comment on his stance regarding the censure. His response could signal where he and other moderate Democrats stand as internal party tensions continue to surface over how best to counter Trump and the Republican agenda.