Al Green
Congressman Green recently vocalized his dissent during President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress when he exclaimed, “You don’t have a mandate to cut Medicaid!” which led to him being censured. This statement brought national attention to his fight to safeguard Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
As a testament to his exceptional service to the community and in recognition of his outstanding professional achievement as well as his superior leadership ability, Congressman Al Green has received numerous awards. He was also honored by the City of Houston with “Al Green Day,” named as such to applaud his continued commitment to communities and people across the Greater Houston area.
His impeccable character has gained him the respect of his colleagues, community leaders, and people of diverse backgrounds as he continues to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. As evidence of how truly blessed Congressman Al Green believes he is, when asked, “How are you?” he often responds, “Better than I deserve.”
Congressman Al Green has served the people of Texas’ 9th Congressional District for 20 years in the United States House of Representatives. He has fought for those in society whose voices, too often, are not heard.
Congressman Green serves on the House Committees on Financial Services, including the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, and he is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana and reared in Florida, he attended Florida A&M University, Howard University, and the Tuskegee Institute. Before receiving an undergraduate degree, he enrolled in the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 1973.
Congressman Green co-founded and co-managed the law firm of Green, Wilson, Dewberry, and Fitch. In 1977, he was elected Justice of the Peace in Harris County, Texas, where he served for 26 years before retiring in 2004. During his time as judge, Congressman Al Green served as president of the Houston Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for approximately ten years. During that time, the organization grew to unprecedented heights, increasing membership from a few hundred to many thousands and expanding the staff from one to more than ten. He also helped orchestrate the purchase of the branch’s headquarters building.
Members of the House are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing the interests of their constituents, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Key powers include drafting bills, serving on committees, approving the federal budget, and voting on matters of national policy, including declarations of war and presidential impeachments.