Democrat Rep. Bill Keating erupted in rage during a House hearing after Republican Rep. Keith Self referred to transgender Rep. Sarah McBride as “Mister.” The fiery exchange led to an abrupt adjournment of the important national security hearing before any substantive issues could be discussed.
At a glance:
- Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) addressed Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE) as “Mr. McBride” during a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing
- Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) demanded Self properly recognize McBride, asking “have you no decency?”
- Self adjourned the hearing after Keating refused to proceed without a proper introduction
- The hearing was meant to discuss nuclear nonproliferation and U.S. support for European allies
- Self later defended his actions by citing Trump-era policy recognizing only two biological sexes
Democrats Meltdown Over Gender Protocol
The dramatic scene unfolded during what was supposed to be a routine House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on nuclear nonproliferation and European security matters. Instead, it devolved into chaos when Rep. Keith Self, the Republican subcommittee chairman, recognized “Mr. McBride” to speak.
Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, responded to Self’s introduction by addressing him as “Madam Chair.” The exchange quickly escalated when Democrat Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts erupted in outrage over Self’s choice of words.
Rep. Keith Self’s ‘Mister’ Jab at Sarah McBride Sparks Epic Democrat Meltdown on Compound Censored!
Latest chaos hitting the political scene on March 11, 2025, at 09:50 PM CET! The spotlight’s on a heated congressional clash that’s got everyone talking. Rep. Keith Self, a… pic.twitter.com/OIJ13re0Zi
— Off Topic Show (@OffTopicShow2) March 11, 2025
Hearing Abruptly Adjourned After Confrontation
“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 shouted. The Massachusetts Democrat continued his tirade, refusing to allow the hearing to proceed unless Self changed his introduction of McBride.
“You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way,” Keating insisted. Self promptly adjourned the hearing rather than yielding to Keating’s demands.
Republican Defends Traditional Gender Classification
Following the incident, Self took to social media to explain his position, citing a long-standing federal policy. “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” Self wrote, referencing a Trump-era Executive Order that Democrats have been unable to overturn.
This is not the first time McBride has faced similar situations from Republican colleagues. Previously, Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced McBride as “the gentleman from Delaware,” adhering to biological reality rather than gender identity claims.
McBride has been at the center of several controversies since joining Congress. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution to ban biological males, including transgender women, from using female bathrooms in the Capitol, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has implemented bathroom policies affecting transgender individuals.
The abrupt adjournment prevented discussion of critical national security matters, with McBride later expressing disappointment that the Committee couldn’t address the scheduled topics.
Self’s supporters insist he has a First Amendment right to speak as he sees fit.
