Congresswoman Lauren Boebert faces a censure resolution following her characterization of Democratic Al Green’s walking cane as a “pimp cane” during a televised interview. This escalation follows a heated political climate where Green himself was recently censured for disrupting President Trump’s address to Congress. What precedent might this set for policing speech among members of Congress?
Censure Resolution Against Boebert
Representative Chrissy Houlahan has introduced a formal resolution to censure Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for comments made on Real America’s Voice News regarding fellow lawmaker Al Green. Boebert, a prominent MAGA supporter, characterized Green’s actions during President Trump’s address as “abhorrent” and referred to Green’s walking cane as a “pimp cane,” language that quickly drew widespread criticism.
The resolution specifically accuses Boebert of breaching the proper conduct and decorum expected of House members through her televised statements. If passed, the measure would require Boebert to stand in the well of the House chamber to be formally censured before her colleagues, marking a significant rebuke of the Colorado representative.
.@RepHoulahan has been getting torn apart by her fellow Democrats for voting to censure Rep. Al Green.
Now she’s trying to deflect by introducing a resolution to censure ME because I mocked Green for shaking his PIMP CANE at President Trump.
I STAND BY WHAT I SAID! 😂 pic.twitter.com/vdIciDxBj6
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) March 12, 2025
Background of the Controversy
The dispute stems from recent events where Representative Al Green was himself censured by the House for disrupting Trump’s congressional address while protesting potential Medicaid cuts. Green reportedly stood with his cane raised during the president’s speech, an action that Republicans deemed disrespectful and worthy of formal censure.
Boebert’s comments came during a follow-up interview where she condemned Green’s behavior in strong terms, stating: “Al Green was given multiple opportunities to stand down, to sit down, to behave, to show decorum. For him to go and shake his pimp cane at President Trump was absolutely abhorrent.”
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO): For Al Green to shake his pimp cane at President Trump was absolutely abhorrent.
Pimp Cane??!! 😂😂pic.twitter.com/OZZZDZfDUU
— Cash Loren (@CashLorenShow) March 6, 2025
Political Reactions and Implications
Houlahan, who voted to censure Green for his actions, nevertheless criticized what she perceives as a double standard in congressional discipline. She pointed out that Republicans who disrupted President Biden’s State of the Union address faced no similar consequences, suggesting inconsistent application of decorum rules.
Boebert has responded to the censure threat with dismissive humor on social media rather than addressing the substance of the allegations. “A. Who is Houlahan? B. Can I wear a purple mink coat in the well?” she posted, signaling her intent to treat the resolution as political theater rather than a serious matter of congressional ethics.
The incident highlights growing tensions in Congress, where accusations of improper language and behavior have become increasingly common political weapons. Many conservatives view the censure attempt as politically motivated rather than a genuine concern about racial sensitivity, while critics maintain that Boebert’s language crosses a line that demands a formal reprimand.
With the House narrowly divided, the resolution’s fate remains uncertain as leadership decides whether to bring it to a vote. The controversy adds another layer to an already contentious election season where issues of race, decorum, and political speech occupy center stage in national discourse.