A heated exchange unfolded during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Wednesday, sparked by Rep. Nancy Mace's (R-S.C.) use of a derogatory term for transgender individuals while questioning the allocation of USAID funds.
The contentious moment arose during a discussion about a $2 million USAID grant aimed at supporting transgender-led organizations providing gender-affirming healthcare in Guatemala. Mace questioned the use of taxpayer money for this purpose, employing offensive language that drew immediate criticism from Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the committee's ranking member.
Connolly raised a point of parliamentary inquiry, condemning Mace's language as a slur against the transgender community. Mace responded defiantly, repeating the term and expressing her opposition to transgender individuals' use of public restrooms. The exchange escalated, with Mace making further disparaging remarks about transgender people and mental health.
Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) intervened, allowing Connolly to complete his objection. Connolly reiterated his concern about the use of slurs and emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum during committee proceedings. He requested that Mace be advised against using such language.
Mace retorted that she would not be lectured by Connolly, reiterating her stance on transgender bathroom access. This incident follows Mace's previous efforts to restrict bathroom access for transgender individuals in the U.S. Capitol, prompted by the election of Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender woman elected to the House.
Comer admitted unfamiliarity with LGBTQ+ terminology, stating that he would review the matter. The hearing, focused on government efficiency, also featured testimony from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Citizens Against Government Waste president Thomas A. Schatz.
Connolly further called for a subpoena of Elon Musk, leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), in connection with USAID’s alleged financial mismanagement and corruption, issues predating the current administration.
Musk has been critical of USAID, advocating for reduced government spending. USAID is an independent agency established during the Kennedy administration to provide economic assistance to foreign countries.
