NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C. March 6, 2025: Indian American Congressman Ami Bera of California was among the 10 Democrats who voted alongside House Republicans on Thursday to censure Rep. Al Green for his protest during former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress earlier this week.
According to CNN, lawmakers voted 224-198 in favor of censuring Green, with Green himself and freshman Democrat Rep. Shomari Figures of Alabama voting “present.” The censure, which amounts to a public rebuke without direct penalties, has become more frequent in recent years, says CNN.
Ami Bera, a physician by training, has served in Congress since 2013 and represents California’s 6th District. He has long positioned himself as a centrist and a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group that advocates for moderate policies and bipartisan cooperation. His vote to censure Green aligns with his consistent calls for civility and institutional respect in Congress.
“I don’t mind being one of 10 Democrats who said, no, there’s a deeper principle at stake here, which is reverence for this institution,” Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut told CNN.
Green, 77, was removed from the chamber by House Speaker Mike Johnson after interrupting the address and later stated that he would “suffer the consequences” and would protest again if given the opportunity.
Following Trump’s address to the Congress, Bera issued a press release criticizing the President’s speech, stating:
“Last night’s address was unlike any other I’ve witnessed in my 12 years as a Member of Congress. It is clear that President Trump has no interest in tackling the real challenges facing the American people. Instead of offering solutions to unite us, he doubled down on a divisive and harmful agenda that will leave our nation weak, vulnerable and isolated.”
Bera emphasized his commitment to bipartisanship but expressed disappointment in the direction taken by many of his Republican colleagues, adding:
“After last night, it is clear that the Republican majority now owns every part of his agenda. The president’s actions erode our global standing and undermine the very values that define our nation.”
He concluded with a call to defend democratic values: “As the son of immigrants, I have lived the American dream and know its promise. But that promise is only as strong as our commitment to protect it. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to stand up for our values, defend our democracy and keep the American dream alive for generations to come.”
