Democratic Rep. Al Green Makes Surprise Appearance in Hospital Garb to Cast Decisive Vote
In a surprising turn of events, Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas made a last-minute appearance on the House floor while still recovering from intestinal surgery. His unexpected presence came just as the Republican-led House was about to vote on impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Green’s colleagues were taken aback as he showed up in what appeared to be his hospital garb.
Green revealed that once he learned about the impending impeachment vote, he sought clearance from his doctors to go to the Capitol. To ensure his safety, medical staff accompanied him during his visit. Ultimately, Green’s vote proved pivotal, with the outcome being 214 in favor of impeachment and 216 against. Before Green’s arrival, three Republicans had voted against impeachment, resulting in a narrow tally of 215-214. Green’s vote acted as a tiebreaker, ultimately defeating the impeachment resolution.
Following Green’s vote, Republican Representative Blake Moore of Utah switched his vote to allow GOP leaders the opportunity to bring up the vote again when there are enough Republicans present to pass the measure. The three Republican defectors who opposed impeaching Mayorkas, namely Rep. Tom McClintock of California, Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, and Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, believe that Mayorkas’ conduct does not reach the threshold for an impeachable offense.
Despite the setback caused by the failed vote, Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence that the articles would pass when Republicans hold another vote in the future. Rep. Ken Buck suggested that the House could vote again once House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment and working remotely, returns to work. Johnson emphasized the importance of addressing this issue due to the razor-thin margin in votes.
Green insisted that he was not pressured by any Democrats on Capitol Hill to attend the vote. He informed House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of his decision to head to the Capitol, but Jeffries did not try to convince him otherwise. Green’s motivation to return and cast his vote stemmed from his belief that Secretary Mayorkas is a good man. He acknowledged Mayorkas’ efforts beyond what is reported in the newspapers, highlighting that he is doing his best with the laws enacted by Congress.
Green expressed his understanding of the limitations faced by Mayorkas, as the necessary laws to benefit his department have not been passed. A bipartisan agreement on border security, which had been extensively negotiated by senators, fell apart on Capitol Hill due to Republican opposition. Green, who will remain in the hospital for a few more days as he recovers, is optimistic about his condition.
In conclusion, Representative Al Green’s surprise appearance in hospital garb and subsequent tie-breaking vote had a significant impact on the impeachment resolution against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Despite the failed vote, there is anticipation that the articles will pass in the future when Republicans hold another vote. Green’s decision to return and cast his vote was driven by his belief in Mayorkas as a good man and his understanding of the constraints faced by the Homeland Security Department.
