The Republican chair of a U.S. House subcommittee ended a hearing after facing backlash for misgendering Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress.
McBride, a first-term Democratic representative from Delaware, who was elected last November, responded to the chair’s comment, and a senior Democrat on the committee also stepped in to confront the inappropriate remark.
During Tuesday’s foreign affairs hearing, panel chair Keith Self of Texas introduced McBride by mistakenly referring to her as “Mr. McBride” when it was her time to speak.
McBride humorously replied, “Thank you, Madam Chair.”
Bill Keating, a Democrat from Massachusetts, defended his fellow congresswoman.
“This is not decent,” Keating remarked to Self.
Under the Trump administration, Republicans have made attacking transgender rights a significant focal point of their platform, particularly regarding healthcare for transgender youth, transgender military personnel, and the official acknowledgment of gender. Trump stated in his inauguration speech that his administration would only recognize two genders, male and female, and backed this up with an executive order.
McBride has faced repeated misgendering on the House floor by Republican members and has been targeted by legislation, such as a bill from Nancy Mace of South Carolina aimed at banning transgender women from using women’s restrooms on Capitol Hill. This ban was enacted in November.
After her “Madam Chair” quip, McBride began her remarks, but Keating interrupted to address Self: “Mr. Chairman, could you please reiterate your introduction?”
Self acknowledged: “Yes. We have established a standard on the House floor. And I’m simply –”
Keating interjected again, striking the dais: “What is that standard, Mr. Chairman? Would you please repeat your introduction of the duly elected representative from the United States of America?”
“I will,” Self replied. “The representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”
Keating responded: “Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I have come to know you somewhat, but this isn’t right.”
Self replied: “We will continue this hearing.”
Keating raised his voice, gesturing toward McBride: “You will not continue this hearing with me unless you properly introduce a duly elected representative.”
Self struck the gavel, declaring: “This hearing is adjourned.”
Keating closed his binder with a clap, and the committee exited the room.
The hearing aimed to discuss “arms control, national security, and U.S. assistance to Europe: review and reforms for the State Department,” amidst growing concerns over the Trump administration’s approach to European allies and ongoing negotiations with Russia regarding the Ukraine war.
Later that evening, McBride issued a statement.
“I was disheartened by the chair’s decision to prematurely adjourn the committee hearing,” she stated. “I was ready to ask my questions about nuclear nonproliferation and U.S. support for democratic allies in Europe.”
Keating did not offer further comments.
Self shared a video of the confrontation and reiterated a Trump executive order, stating: “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
McBride has expressed her intention to “choose her battles” and avoid reacting to Republican provocations, arguing that their attacks are meant to distract from policies that harm everyday Americans.
“I believe we can all agree that targeting a vulnerable community is not only cruel but also an attempt to misdirect attention,” she told CBS. “Each time we hear the incoming administration or Republicans in Congress speak about any vulnerable group, we must recognize that it is an attempt to divert our focus.
“Every time they mention the word ‘trans,’ observe what they are doing with their right hand. Watch how they attempt to exploit American workers and undermine seniors by privatizing Social Security and Medicare.”
Speaking with the New York Times, McBride noted that some Republicans have been “warm and welcoming” behind the scenes, though they have not publicly supported her.
