After more than two decades in Congress, Texas Rep. Al Green is reflecting on his time in office and vowing to continue advocating for marginalized communities through his final day.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, Green discussed the Republican-led redistricting that placed him and fellow Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee in the same congressional district.
Menefee defeated Green in the Democratic primary runoff in May after Texas' new congressional map moved much of Green's former 9th Congressional District into the 18th District. Green has represented the Houston area in Congress since 2005.
Green criticized the redistricting process and warned that similar efforts could reduce Black representation in Congress and remove veteran lawmakers whose decades of service have allowed them to gain seniority and leadership positions.
He also raised concerns about money in politics, pointing to millions of dollars in outside spending by the crypto industry during his primary race. Protect Progress, a crypto-aligned super PAC, spent more than $4 million independently supporting Menefee's candidacy.
Looking ahead to his remaining time in Congress, Green discussed his continued push to impeach President Donald Trump and argued that lawmakers can address economic concerns while also pursuing what he views as constitutional accountability.
Green also reaffirmed his support for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico and discussed several of his racial justice priorities, including reparations, expanding the Supreme Court, establishing a cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation and awarding Congressional Gold Medals to enslaved people.
Green has previously called for Congressional Gold Medals honoring enslaved people, arguing that their contributions to the foundation of the United States deserve federal recognition.
As he prepares to leave Congress, Green said his advocacy isn't over, pledging to remain an "unbossed" voice for marginalized communities until his final day in office.
Listen to the full conversation below.
For more of our interviews from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, check out Our Voices!
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