Texas congressman introduces Rep. Sarah McBride as 'Mister' during Foreign Affairs Subcommittee meeting

"I now recognize the representative from Delaware, Mr. McBride."

With those words by House Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) while introducing Delaware's Rep. Sarah McBride, Tuesday's Subcommittee on Europe meeting about nuclear proliferation went nuclear in a difference sense.

First, McBride, the first openly transgender female to serve in Congress, tried to sarcastically play off Self's introduction.

"Thank you, Madam Chair, Ranking Member Keating, also wonderful... I'm sorry."

At that point, Rep. Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts) interjected.

"Mr. Chairman, could you repeat your introduction please?"

Self then doubled down, first saying "We have set the standard at the floor of the House, and I simply...", and then repeated calling McBride "Mr. McBride."

Keating then told Self he was out of order, "I've come to know you a little bit, but this is not decent. You will not continue it with me, unless you introduce a duly-elected representative the right way."

Self then gaveled the meeting adjourned, without McBride making any commentary.

When reached for comment by WDEL, McBride's response via email deflected away from Self's introduction.

"I’m not here to fight about pronouns, I’m here to make progress for Delawareans by lowering the cost of living and building a safer America. I was disappointed that the Chair decided to end a committee hearing early. I was prepared to move forward with my questions for the Subcommittee on nuclear nonproliferation and U.S. support for Democratic allies in Europe. Extremists in the House are hoping people don’t take notice that they voted to slash funding for farmers today.”

Following the meeting, Self went to X, formerly known as Twitter, to showcase the altercation, with a header "It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female."

McBride has faced an uphill battle with Republicans acknowledging her status even before she first stepped foot into her Congressional Office.

"Sarah McBride doesn’t get a say. I mean, this is a biological man," Rep. Nancy Mace (R-N.C.) said when introducing a November 2024 resolution banning transgender women from women's restrooms. "This is a biological man trying to force himself into women’s spaces, and I’m not going to tolerate it."

McBride did not push back against the ban at that point, choosing to focus on other issues.

"This is a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing," McBride said in a response posted on X following Mac's comments. "We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care, and child care, not manufacturing culture wars. Delawareans sent me here to make the American dream more affordable and accessible and that’s what I’m focused on."