Washington, D.C. – Tensions flared on Capitol Hill Tuesday when a House committee hearing spiraled into chaos after Republican Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first openly transgender member of Congress. The situation escalated further when Self abruptly shut down the hearing upon being challenged, The New York Times reported.
“The Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs panel was in the middle of a hearing on arms control and U.S. assistance to Europe when its chairman, Representative Keith Self of Texas, introduced his colleague by calling her ‘Mr. McBride,'” reported Annie Karni. “Ms. McBride, who entered Congress knowing she would present a unique target for Republicans who have politicized and attacked transgender people, has generally chosen to let such moments slide.
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On Tuesday, she briefly registered her displeasure by returning Mr. Self’s slight, responding, ‘Thank you, Madam Chair,’ before proceeding with her remarks.” While McBride attempted to move forward, Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) took a firm stand in her defense, expressing his outrage.
“Mr. Chairman, you are out of order,” said Keating. “Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I’ve come to know you a little bit. But this is not decent.” Keating continued his protest, demanding proper recognition for McBride. “You will not continue [this hearing] with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way,” he declared, prompting Self to adjourn the session altogether.
Following the heated exchange, Self took to social media to justify his actions, writing, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.” McBride, who identifies as female, has yet to issue a formal response to the controversy.
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The incident highlights ongoing tensions over gender identity issues in Congress. Many Republicans, emboldened by former President Donald Trump’s attacks on transgender rights during the 2024 campaign, have ramped up efforts to challenge what they call “gender ideology.” This includes imposing strict restroom policies in Capitol Hill facilities and signing orders affirming only two sexes.
Some critics argue that these policies could have unintended consequences, such as inadvertently classifying all Americans as female based on the language of the orders. Meanwhile, legal challenges to federal funding restrictions for gendered sports leagues continue to unfold in the courts.
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