- A House subcommittee hearing ended early Tuesday after a GOP lawmaker purposely misgendered a colleague, leading to a heated exchange. Committee Chair Keith Self referred to Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride as “Mr. McBride” when ceding the floor.
- Ranking Member Bill Keating, also a Democrat, challenged Self on his use of the term “mister,” saying the meeting would not continue until Self addressed McBride in her preferred way.
- Self immediately adjourned the meeting and it is unclear if it will be rescheduled for a later date.
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A congressional hearing ended abruptly Tuesday, March 11, after a Republican lawmaker purposely misgendered Delaware Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride. McBride made history as the first openly transgender member of Congress.
What happened?
During a meeting of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Chairman Keith Self, R-Texas, referred to the Delaware lawmaker as “Mr. McBride.”
McBride thanked Self by referring to him as madam chair. Later, a fellow Democrat called Self out publicly.
“Mr. Chairman, you are out of order,” Ranking Member Bill Keating, D-Mass., said. “Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I have come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent. You will not continue with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.”
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“This hearing is adjourned,” Self immediately replied before banging his gavel and the group dispersed.
Here’s that full exchange:
What happened after?
Self responded to a video of the confrontation on X, doubling down on his comments.
“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes: male and female,” Self said.
Self’s comments reference an executive order signed by President Donald Trump just hours after his inauguration in January 2025. The order declares people cannot transition from one gender to another or be considered something other than male or female, such as nonbinary, which describes people who don’t identify as strictly men or women, or intersex.
McBride also commented on the exchange on X.
“No matter how I’m treated by some colleagues, nothing diminishes my awe and gratitude at getting to represent Delaware in Congress,” McBride said. “It is truly the honor and privilege of a lifetime. I simply want to serve and to try to make this world a better place.”
In an official statement later Tuesday night, McBride said she was “disappointed” Self ended the meeting early.
So, what about that meeting?
The committee had been gathered to discuss the State Department and policies on arms control, international security and U.S. assistance to Europe.
No word yet on if or when that meeting will be rescheduled.
