WASHINGTON – A House subcommittee hearing abruptly ended on Tuesday after a Republican lawmaker was confronted over misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware and the first openly transgender member of Congress. 

McBride, a transgender woman, had been the subject of attacks from Republicans since starting her term in January. She was previously misgendered by other members, including Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.

The exchange on Tuesday occurred during a hearing by the Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs on arms control and international security. Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas., the chairman of the subcommittee, recognized McBride to speak and addressed her as “Mr. McBride.”

In response, McBride said, “Thank you, Madam Chair,” before beginning her remarks. She was soon cut off by the subcommittee’s ranking member Rep. William Keating, D-Mass., who asked Self to repeat his introduction. He then called McBride “mister” again.

“Mr. Chairman, you are out of order,” Keating shot back. “Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I’ve come to know you a little bit. But this is not decent.”

Though Self said it was time to continue the hearing, Keating replied, “You will not continue it with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way.” Self then adjourned the hearing.

Self later explained himself in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying that “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” referring to President Donald Trump executive order in January.

McBride later wrote on X that “No matter how I’m treated by some colleagues, nothing diminishes my awe and gratitude at getting to represent Delaware in Congress.”

“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,” she wrote. 

Shortly after she won the 2024 race, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced a policy banning transgender people from using restrooms in parts of the Capitol that correspond with their gender – directly targeting McBride. McBride said in a statement at the time that she will follow the policy outlined by Johnson.

“I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families,” she said.