WASHINGTON, D.C. — Massachusetts Representative Bill Keating was involved in a fiery exchange with a Republican lawmaker over how to address the first openly transgender member of Congress.
Texas Republican chair of the House Foreign Relations Subcommittee, Rep. Keith Self, started the confrontation during a Tuesday hearing on arms control, international security, and United States assistance to Europe when he addressed Rep. Sarah McBride, of Delaware, as “Mr. McBride.”
“I now recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride,” Self said.
McBride responded, “Thank you, Madame Chair.”
As McBride began to speak, Keating interrupted, asking, “Mr. Chairman, could you repeat your introduction again, please?”
Self countered, “We have set the standard on the floor of the House.”
Keating, a Democratic lawmaker who represents the Bay State’s 9th District including the Cape and Islands, South Coast, and South Shore, then urged Self to repeat himself.
“Would you repeat what you just said when you introduced a duly elected representative from the United States of America, please?” Keating asked.
Self again said, “I will. The representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride.”
“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 fired back.
Self responded, “We will continue this hearing.”
Keating objected.
“You will not continue it with me, unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way,” Keating said.
Self then adjourned the meeting and took to X to defend his comments, writing, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
McBride said she is proud to serve Delaware and wants to make the world a better place.
Keating hasn’t commented on the back-and-forth.
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