Tensions erupted on the House floor Thursday, as Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) introduced a resolution aimed at disciplining Democratic lawmakers involved in a disruptive protest during the censure proceedings of Rep. Al Green (D-TX). If enacted, the resolution would strip these Democrats of their committee assignments for the remainder of the 119th Congress.
The chaos unfolded after a group of House Democrats, protesting Green’s removal from the chamber, gathered on the floor and began singing “We Shall Overcome.” This demonstration prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to call for a recess as he attempted to restore order.
🚨Today, a group of House Democrats broke decorum during the censure of Rep. Al Green and, after multiple warnings, refused to heed @SpeakerJohnson's order.
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) March 6, 2025
I am drafting privileged resolutions to remove each of them from their committees. If you want to act like a child in the…
Background on the Censure
The escalated tensions stemmed from an incident earlier in the week when Rep. Green was ejected from the chamber for repeatedly interrupting President Donald Trump’s speech. As he was escorted out, Green defiantly shouted, “You have no mandate!” His actions were met with widespread backlash, leading to his formal censure by the House.
JUST IN: Dems sing "We shall overcome" after House censures Rep Al Green (D). pic.twitter.com/6nKiPezMrN
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) March 6, 2025
In a statement to Fox News, Ogles justified his proposed disciplinary action, asserting the need for decorum within Congress. “We have a country to run,” he said, attributing the recent electoral losses faced by Democrats to the Biden administration’s policies. He criticized the behavior of some Democrats, stating, “They can lick their wounds all day, but they still have to behave on the House floor.”
A Show of Solidarity
Before the formal censure of Green, House Democrats staged a coordinated demonstration in support of him, remaining on the floor despite multiple warnings from leadership to disperse. Their protest drew sharp criticism from Republicans, some of whom labeled it “embarrassing.” Ultimately, the censure passed with ten Democrats joining Republicans in reprimanding Green, while two members, including Green himself, voted “present.”
WATCH: Rep Al Green is removed from the House chamber for heckling President Trump. pic.twitter.com/MvOEYRMKew
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) March 5, 2025
After the incident, Green defended his actions, expressing that he intentionally chose not to cease his interruptions. “On some questions, questions of conscience, you have to be willing to suffer the consequences,” he stated.
Ogles’ Resolution and Its Implications
Following the turmoil, Ogles moved to propose a resolution that instructs the House Sergeant-at-Arms to compile a list of those who defied the Speaker’s directive. The implications of this resolution could be significant; those identified would lose their committee assignments, effectively sidelining them from key legislative responsibilities.
HAPPENING NOW: Rep Al Green (D) speaks after being removed from the House chamber. pic.twitter.com/wnQVVDJIYP
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) March 5, 2025
“This isn’t about policy disagreements; it’s about decorum,” Ogles emphasized. He further stated that if members choose to act disruptively after receiving warnings, “then actions need to be taken.” The resolution is classified as “privileged,” meaning House leadership must address it within two legislative days. Ogles has expressed intentions to urge Speaker Johnson to schedule it for a vote next week.
While Speaker Johnson has not publicly commented on Ogles’ measure, he has been recognized for his attempts to maintain order during the protest. Ogles praised Johnson as a “good man” and noted his Christian values.
Potential Impact on Partisan Tensions
If Ogles’ resolution passes, it could create a new standard for addressing similar disruptions in Congress and may exacerbate existing partisan rifts. Democrats have already framed their action as a form of civil disobedience, indicating strong opposition to any punitive measures.
As the resolution moves forward, the coming days will reveal whether House Republicans will pursue disciplinary action against their Democratic colleagues and how those lawmakers might react to the imminent threat of losing their committee roles.
