Rep. Al Green of Texas isn’t backing down. He doubled down on impeaching Trump after being removed from the president’s speech.
A longtime critic, Green defended his outburst. He told reporters he’s working on impeachment articles.
"This president is unfit," Green said. "He should not hold the office."
Green said being removed was worth it. He objected to Trump claiming he had a "mandate."
"I was making it clear to the president that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid," Green said. "I have people who are very fearful. These are poor people, and they have only Medicaid in their lives when it comes to their health care."
"But it's worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president's desire to cut Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security," he added.
Green’s outburst was loud and direct. He waved his walking cane and shouted as Republicans drowned him out. "USA! USA!" they chanted.
House Speaker Mike Johnson banged the gavel. "Take your seat, sir!" he ordered. When Green refused, Johnson called in the Sergeants-at-Arms.
Reporters pressed Green on his tactics. He stood firm.
"It is the best way to get that across to a person who uses his incivility, who uses his incivility against our civility," Green said. "He is a person who has consistently used incivility against civility."
Johnson was outraged. He said Green should face censure.
"He’s made history in a terrible way," Johnson told reporters.
"If they want to make a 77-year-old heckling congressman the face of their resistance, if that’s the Democrat Party, so be it," Johnson said. "But we will not tolerate it on the House floor."
Green didn’t flinch. He’s ready for whatever comes next.
"I didn't say to anyone, don't punish me," Green said. "I've said, I'll accept the punishment."