Politics
Keating said the hearing would not continue if Rep. Keith Self misgendered McBride. Self then adjourned the meeting.
A subcommittee hearing was adjourned Tuesday after Massachusetts Rep. Bill Keating defended Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride after a Republic lawmaker purposely misgendered her.
During a hearing on arms control, international security, and U.S. assistance to Europe, Europe Subcommittee Chair Keith Self, of Texas, referred to McBride as “Mr. McBride” when calling on her to speak.
McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, fired back with a professional tone, saying “Thank you, Madame Chair.” As she began to speak, Keating, the top Democrat on the subcommittee, interrupted.
“Mr. Chairman, could you repeat your introduction again, please?” Keating, who represents the Cape and Islands, and parts of the South Coast and South Shore, said.
Keating and Self go back and forth before Self adjourns meeting
Self, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, responded by saying “we have set the standard on the floor of the House.” Keating asked him to explain the standard.
“Would you repeat what you just said when you introduced a duly elected representative from the United States of America, please?” Keating asked.
Self obliged and repeated the slight, introducing McBride with “mister” again.
“Mr. Chairman, you are out of order. Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I’ve come to know you a little bit but this is not decent,” Keating said.
“We will continue this hearing,” Self said, but Keating objected.
“You will not continue it with me, unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way,” Keating said angrily. Self next immediately adjourned the meeting.
Self doubles down on X
Self took to X to continue to defend his position, writing “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
On social media, McBride subtly referenced her gender identity once again making headlines. Earlier this year, Rep. Nancy Mace and other Republicans waged a campaign to ban her from the women’s bathrooms at the Capitol.
“Now that I have your attention…” McBride wrote on X. “Our economy is tanking because of Trump’s tariffs.”
Keating’s office did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening.
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