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Al Green (politician)

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Not to be confused with the musician Al Green.

Al Green
Official portrait, 2011
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 9th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2005
Preceded byChris Bell (redistricting)
Personal details
Born (1947-09-01) September 1, 1947 (age 77)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationTexas Southern University (JD)
Signature
WebsiteHouse website
Al Green's voice
Al Green speaks on Slavery Remembrance Day
Recorded September 28, 2022

Alexander N. Green[1] (born September 1, 1947) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative from Texas's 9th congressional district since 2005. A member of the Democratic Party, Green served as the justice of the peace of Harris County, Texas, from 1977 to 2004.

Throughout his tenure, Green has focused on issues such as abortion rights and expanding social programs. Green is a member of the United States House Committee on Financial Services, where he has advocated for stronger banking regulations and corporate accountability.

During President Donald Trump's first address to a joint session of Congress of his second term on March 4, 2025, Green came to national attention for repeatedly interrupting the event and being escorted out of the chamber by staff for breaking with decorum. Two days later, he was censured for "breach of conduct".

Early life, education, and early career

Green was born on September 1, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana.[2] He is African-American.[3] He attended Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Tuskegee Institute, but did not receive an undergraduate degree from any of these institutions. Despite this, Green earned a Juris Doctor in 1973 from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.[2] He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.[4][5]

In 1974, Green co-founded the law firm of Green, Wilson, Dewberry, and Fitch.[2][5] He has served as president of the Houston National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.[4]

In 1977, Green was elected justice of the peace in Harris County, Texas. He held this position until 2004.[6][5]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

In 2004, following redistricting, Green defeated incumbent Rep. Chris Bell by 35 percentage points in a Democratic primary in Texas' 9th congressional district. Green received the support of Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters.[7] Green then won the 2004 general election.[8] As of 2025, Green has been re-elected a total of 10 times.[6]

Tenure

In Congress, Green has focused on issues such as fair housing and fair hiring practices for the poor and minorities.[9]

Representative Al Green meets Dayton NAACP President Derrick L. Foward during Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Luncheon during the NAACP National Convention in 2017.

After the 2012 election, Green held a press conference in Houston at which he emphasized the need for the lame duck Congress to work together to reform the national budget. He also announced a plan for infrastructure investments across the country intended to create jobs and unify the country and improve the economy.[10]

Green has supported the Federal Reserve's program of quantitative easing and claims it has led to economic recovery since the financial crisis of 2007–2008.[11]

Representative Al Green's Floor Speech on the Impeachment of President Trump

On May 17, 2017, Green presented articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, citing Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey. Immediately after his speech, he shelved the document without calling for a vote, but continued to call for impeachment.[12] He reintroduced articles of impeachment on July 16, 2019, citing Trump's attacks on four Democratic congresswomen of color. As a privileged resolution, the House was required to vote on it.[13][14][15] On July 17 the House voted to table the resolution, effectively killing it. The vote was 332–95, with 95 Democrats (40%) voting in favor of the resolution and all Republicans against it.[16]

During the House Financial Services Committee hearing on April 10, 2019, at which the CEOs of all the major banks and investment institutions of the United States were sworn to testify, Green presented several questions that were regarded as controversial. He began by asking why all the executives were white men, then asked whether they hypothetically saw themselves succeeded in the future by men of color or women, repeatedly asking them to raise and lower their hands. Green then asked J. P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon whether the institution he chaired had profited from slavery, to which Dimon responded that it had taken place more than two centuries ago.[17]

On February 6, 2024, he left a hospital for a short time to vote from a wheelchair against the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas. The House failed to impeach Mayorkas that day, and the final vote was 214–216.[18][19][20]

2025 Donald Trump address

On March 4, 2025, during President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, in response to Trump calling his victory in the 2024 presidential election "a mandate", Green stood up, pointing his cane at the dais and shouted, "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid."[21] Green was escorted out of the House Chamber by the sergeant-at-arms after repeatedly interrupting the address.[22] The following day, Representative Dan Newhouse introduced, and the House moved forward a motion to censure Green for his actions the previous evening. Democrats failed to block the motion with a 209–211–1 vote.[23] He was censured the next day on a vote of 224–198–2, with ten Democrats joining every Republican in voting in favor of the censure.[24] During the aftermath of the vote's proceedings, he and several other Democrat representatives took to the House well to sing the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome", which resulted in Speaker Mike Johnson calling for order and, later, a recess.[25]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Green supports abortion rights, and consistently votes against restrictions on abortion. On October 13, 2011, he voted against an amendment to the Affordable Care Act, which prevented insurance programs created by the Act from covering abortions.[31] He has voted against eight other bills proposed in the House that would if enacted prevent the federal government from covering the cost of abortions.[32]

Green also supports gun control. He spoke out after the Trayvon Martin shooting, asking members of the African-American community to show faith in the justice system and let the courts do their job and convict George Zimmerman.[33]

Green voted for Obama's bailout of the Auto Industry in 2009.[31] On December 10, 2008, he wrote a statement supporting the auto bailout, saying, "The auto bailout is really about bailing out people, and the people of this country... I think that [how tax dollars are spent] is a legitimate concern for the American people, but I do think, with the proper strings attached, we can bail out the people...who may lose their jobs."[34]

Green is a member of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. He is a strong supporter of holding Pakistan as an ally in South Asia. After the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007, which initially destabilized the country as riots erupted, Green issued a statement condemning the assassination as a "dastardly effort to circumvent the democratic process." He announced his support of the US's continued alliance with Pakistan, and urged Pakistanis to continue their push towards true democracy, "knowing that freedom, justice, and democracy are difficult to achieve."[35]

On December 6, 2017, Green denounced Trump for "casting contempt on transgender individuals, inciting hate and hostility, and sowing discord among the people of the United States on the basis of gender."[36] Green is a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. On February 25, 2021, Green gave an impassioned speech on the floor of the House in support of the Equality Act, comparing the use of religion to support homophobia by representatives opposed to the bill to the use of religion to support racist policies, saying, "You used God to enslave my foreparents. You used God to segregate me in schools. You used God to put me in the back of the bus. Have you no shame?"[37]

On October 25, 2023, Green and eight other Democrats (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Andre Carson, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, Delia Ramirez, and Rashida Tlaib), along with Republican Thomas Massie, voted against congressional bi-partisan non-binding resolution H. Res. 771 supporting Israel in the wake of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The resolution stated that the House of Representatives: "stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists" and "reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security"; the resolution passed by an overwhelming 412-10-6 margin.[38][39]

Electoral history

US House election, 2004: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green 114,462 72.2 +13.6
Republican Arlette Molina 42,132 26.6 −13.7
Libertarian Stacey Bourland 1,972 1.2 +0.2
Majority 72,330 45.6
Turnout 158,566
Democratic hold Swing +13.7
US House election, 2006: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 60,253 100 +27.8
Majority 60,253 100
Turnout 60,253
Democratic hold Swing +54.4
US House election, 2008: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 143,868 93.65 −6.35
Libertarian Brad Walters 9,760 6.35 +6.35
Majority 134,108 87.30 −12.70
Turnout 153,628
Democratic hold Swing
US House election, 2010: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 80,107 75.74 −17.91
Republican Steve Mueller 24,201 22.88 +22.88
Libertarian Michael W. Hope 1,459 1.38 −4.97
Majority 55,906 52.86 −34.44
Turnout 105,767
Democratic hold Swing
US House election, 2012: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 144,075 78.49 +2.75
Republican Steve Mueller 36,139 19.69 −3.19
Green Vanessa Foster 1,743 0.95 +0.95
Libertarian John Wieder 1,609 0.88 −0.50
Majority 107,936 58.80 +5.94
Turnout 183,566
Democratic hold Swing
US House election, 2014: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 78,109 90.82 +12.33
Libertarian Johnny Johnson 7,894 9.18 +8.30
Majority 70,215 81.64 +22.84
Turnout 86,003
Democratic hold Swing
US House election, 2016: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 152,032 80.64 −10.18
Republican Jeff Martin 36,491 19.36 +19.36
Majority 115,541 61.28 −20.36
Turnout 188,523
Democratic hold Swing
US House election, 2018: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 136,256 89.06 +8.42
Libertarian Phil Kurtz 5,940 3.88 +3.88
Independent Benjamin Hernandez 5,774 3.77 +3.77
Independent Kesha Rogers 5,031 3.29 +3.29
Majority 130,316 85.18 +23.90
Turnout 153,001
Democratic hold Swing
US House election, 2020: Texas District 9[40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 172,938 75.5
Republican Johnny Teague 49,575 21.6
Libertarian Joe Sosa 6,594 2.9
Total votes 229,107 100.0
Democratic hold
US House election, 2022: Texas District 9
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 125,446 76.7
Republican Jimmy Leon 38,161 23.3
Total votes 163,607 100.0
Democratic hold
US House election, 2024: Texas District 9[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Al Green (incumbent) 184,141 100.0
Total votes 184,141 100.0
Democratic hold

Personal life

Green is a Baptist Christian. He is divorced.[42]

Green underwent intestinal surgery in 2024.[43]

Lucinda Daniels controversy

In 2008, former staffer Lucinda Daniels accused Green of sexual assault. Daniels filed a lawsuit against Green and then withdrew it. Green filed a counter-lawsuit, alleging Daniels had threatened to sue Green for workplace discrimination if Green did not pay her money. Green subsequently withdrew his suit too. The Hill reported that a spokesman for Green said the two had had a "romantic encounter" in 2007, but that the allegations of sexual harassment were untrue.[44] In 2017, at a time when several other congressmen were facing accusations of sexual misconduct, Green and Daniels released a joint statement saying that both regretted having "hastily made allegations and charges against one another that have been absolutely resolved". The statement added that the two were "friends".[45]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Directory of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Congress". Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Castro, Danilo (June 7, 2017). "Congressman Al Green: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy Sports.
  3. ^ "Houston Democrat Al Green explains his decision to interrupt Trump address: 'I did not obey'". Houston Chronicle. March 7, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Ramirez, Fernando (May 18, 2017). "Things to know about U.S. Rep. Al Green of Houston". chron.com.
  5. ^ a b c "Full Biography". algreen.house.gov. October 30, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Gavin, Mike (March 4, 2025). "Who is Al Green? Congressman forcibly removed from Donald Trump's address". nbcdfw.com.
  7. ^ Cillizza, Chris; Billings, Erin (March 10, 2004). "Bell Forced Into Early Retirement". Roll Call.
  8. ^ Nalepinski, Kate (February 5, 2025). "Who is Congressman Al Green? Texas Democrat pushes to impeach Donald Trump". Newsweek.
  9. ^ Hannah-Jones, Nikole (January 16, 2013). "Congressman Introduces Bill to Prod Administration on Fair Housing Enforcement". ProPublica. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  10. ^ "Congressman Al Green speaks at post-election news conference". yourhoustonnews.com. November 14, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  11. ^ "Hearing – Domestic Monetary Policy & Technology". House Committee on Financial Services. February 9, 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2011.
  12. ^ Seitz-Wald, Alex (October 11, 2017). "Democrat Unveils, Then Shelves, Articles of Impeachment Against Trump". NBC News. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  13. ^ "House Democrat introduces articles of impeachment against Trump". ABC News. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  14. ^ "Rep. Green read impeachment articles on House floor in bid to force vote". NBC News. July 17, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2019.
  15. ^ "READ: Rep. Al Green's impeachment resolution Politics". CNN. July 17, 2019. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023.
  16. ^ "House kills solo Democrat's bid to impeach Trump Politics". CNN. July 17, 2019. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023.
  17. ^ "Big Bank CEOs Testify to House Financial Services Committee — Wednesday, April 10 2019". YouTube. April 10, 2019.
  18. ^ Guo, Kayla (February 7, 2024). "Al Green, in Hospital Garb, Delivers Vote to Kill Mayorkas Impeachment". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  19. ^ Yousif, Nadine (February 7, 2024). "Al Green leaves hospital to cast vote against Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment". BBC News. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  20. ^ Wendling, Mike (February 6, 2024). "Alejandro Mayorkas: House Republicans fail to impeach US homeland security secretary". BBC News. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  21. ^ Moore, Jack; Peller, Lauren; Parkinson, John (March 5, 2025). "Democratic Rep. Al Green removed from chamber after outburst during Trump address". ABC News. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
  22. ^ "Democratic Rep. Al Green removed after disrupting Trump's speech". NBC News. March 5, 2025. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
  23. ^ Parkinson, John; Peller, Lauren (March 5, 2025). "House to hold censure vote against Democrat Al Green after he disrupted Trump's address". ABC News. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
  24. ^ Stewart, Kyle; Wong, Scott (March 6, 2025). "House votes to censure Rep. Al Green for disrupting Trump's speech to Congress". WNBC. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  25. ^ Peller, Lauren; Parkinson, John; Hutzler, Alexandra; O'Brien, Jay (March 6, 2025). "Screaming match breaks out in House after vote to censure Democrat Al Green". ABC News. Retrieved March 7, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ "Membership". Congressional Black Caucus. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  27. ^ "Members". Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  28. ^ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  29. ^ "Congressional Caucuses". Afterschool Alliance. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  30. ^ "Members". U.S. – Japan Caucus. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  31. ^ a b "Al Green's Voting Records – The Voter's Self Defense System – Vote Smart". Project Vote Smart.
  32. ^ "Al Green's Ratings and Endorsements – The Voter's Self Defense System – Vote Smart". Project Vote Smart.
  33. ^ Kasperowicz, Pete (April 12, 2012). "Rep. Wilson calls for debate on racial profiling in wake of Zimmerman arrest". The Hill. Archived from the original on April 13, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  34. ^ "Auto Bailout Is Really About Bailing Out People (Rep. Al Green)". The Hill. December 10, 2008.
  35. ^ "Democratic Pursuits Vital to Pakistan's Future (Rep. Al Green)". The Hill. January 17, 2008.
  36. ^ "H. Res. 646: Resolution. Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, of high misdemeanors" (PDF). Congress.gov. December 6, 2017.
  37. ^ Wade, Peter (February 25, 2021). "'Have You No Shame?' Rep. Al Green Delivers Impassioned Speech on Equality Act". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
  38. ^ Metzger, Bryan. "These 16 lawmakers did not vote for a House resolution supporting Israel after the Hamas attacks". Business Insider.
  39. ^ "H. Res. 771: Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists" (PDF). United States House of Representatives. October 23, 2023.
  40. ^ "Texas Election Results – Official Results". Texas Secretary of State. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  41. ^ "U.S. Representative District 9". Texas Secretary of State. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  42. ^ Vote Smart - Facts For All
  43. ^ Killion, Nikole; Watson, Kathryn (February 7, 2024). "Why Rep. Al Green left his hospital bed to tank the Mayorkas impeachment". www.cbsnews.com.
  44. ^ O'Brien, Michael (December 2, 2008). "Woman Withdraws Assault Claim Against Rep. Green". The Hill. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
  45. ^ Tillett, Emily (November 28, 2017). "Texas Democrat Al Green and former employee sign joint statement about relationship". CBS News. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
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Al Green
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 9th congressional district
2005–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
50th 		Succeeded by
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