An Open Letter to Democrats in the House of Representatives: Stand Up or Step Aside

Move Around…

To the Democrats in the House of Representatives,

We write to you today as constituents, voters, and advocates for justice, equality, and democracy. We are angry, fed up, and disillusioned. The events of recent days have left us feeling betrayed, not just by the usual suspects in the Republican Party, but by some of you—our supposed allies.

The censure of Congressman Al Green (D-Texas) for his courageous stand against President Donald Trump’s draconian agenda is a stark reminder of the failure of leadership within your ranks. This is not just a moment of disappointment; it is a clarion call to action. We will not stand idly by while our democracy is dismantled piece by piece.

Congressman Al Green (D-Texas) interrupting President Donald Trump’s speech at The Joint Session of Congress 03/04/25

Congressman Green’s act of defiance during President Trump’s speech to the Joint Session of Congress was not just a moment of bravery; it was a necessity. When Trump claimed a mandate to cut Medicaid and Social Security—programs that are lifelines for millions of Americans—Green stood up and said, “No.” He spoke for the millions of us who are tired of watching our elected officials capitulate to the whims of a fascist president and his authoritarian regime. He gave voice to the outrage and fear that has been simmering in the hearts of Americans who see their country slipping into the abyss of tyranny.

And what was the response from some of you? You joined the Republicans in censuring him. You voted to silence a man who dared to speak truth to power. Let us be clear: this was not just a vote against Congressman Green. It was a vote against the constituents who elected him, and against the millions of Americans who are desperate for bold, fearless leadership.

The list of Democrats who voted for the censure is a shameful one: Ami Bera (CA), Jim Himes (CT), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Ed Case (HI), Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Tom Suozzi (NY), Jim Costa (CA), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Laura Gillen (NY), and Jared Moskowitz (FL). These names will not be forgotten. To those who voted to censure Congressman Green, we ask: What are you afraid of? Are you so beholden to the status quo, so terrified of being labeled “uncooperative,” that you would betray the very people who sent you to Washington to fight for them?

Make no mistake: we are in scary times. The Trump Administration has declared war on marginalized communities, dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, abolishing federal agencies, and imposing tariffs that are strangling our economy. We are the laughingstock of the world, and yet, some of you seem more concerned with maintaining a veneer of bipartisanship than with standing up for what is right.

This is not a time for compromise. This is not a time for civility. This is a time for action. As my ancestor, the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass once said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” We demand that you stand up to the Trump Administration with the same courage and conviction that Congressman Green showed. We demand that you stop playing politics with the lives of the American people. We demand that you lead.

To the Democratic leadership, we issue this warning: If you do not come up with a stronger plan, a clearer message, and a bolder vision, we will not hesitate to vote you out. We will find leaders who are willing to fight, who are willing to take risks, and who are willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This is not a threat; it is a promise.

Congressman Al Green

And to Congressman Green, we say: Thank you. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for giving us hope. Thank you for reminding us that there are still elected officials who are willing to stand up for the people, even when it is hard. We salute you, and we will continue to fight alongside you.

To the rest of you, we say: The time for hesitation is over. The time for compromise is over. The time for action is now. If you cannot muster the courage to stand up to Donald Trump and his administration, then perhaps it is time for you to step aside and let someone else take your place.

We are tired. We are angry. We are fed up. And we will not be silenced.

Sincerely,

The Democrat Voters Who Elected You—and Who Will Vote You Out If You Fail Us.