### House Speaker Declines to Define Transgender Representative's Gender Amidst Restroom Debate

House Speaker Mike Johnson sidestepped a reporter's query regarding the gender of transgender Rep-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., during a House GOP press conference on Tuesday. When asked directly whether McBride is a man or a woman, Johnson responded by emphasizing respectful treatment for all members and dismissing the question as a frivolous debate.

"We welcome all new members with open arms who are duly elected representatives of the people," Johnson stated. He stressed the importance of treating everyone with "dignity and respect" and declared his refusal to participate in what he deemed "silly debates" about gender identity.

The conversation took a turn to a resolution proposed by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., which aims to prohibit transgender women from using women's restrooms at the U.S. Capitol. When questioned whether he would bring this resolution into the House rules package, Johnson responded, "I'm not going to address the plans on any of that." He reiterated his stance on dignity and respectful treatment for all members and assured that appropriate accommodations would be provided.

The proposed resolution from Mace seeks to ensure that House members, officers, and employees use facilities corresponding to their biological sex. Mace argues that allowing biological males into women's facilities jeopardizes the safety and dignity of female members.

Reacting to the resolution, McBride condemned it as a distraction from addressing real issues facing Americans. "Every day, Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully. I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness," McBride said in a social media post.

Mace, in defense of her proposal, positioned herself as a defender of women's rights. "If being a feminist makes me an extremist or bigot or a monster, I am totally here for it because I am going to fight like hell for every woman and every little girl across this country to protect you and to keep you safe," she asserted in a follow-up video message.

Adding to the conservative voices, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., called for stricter measures. She criticized McBride and voiced her dissatisfaction with Mace's resolution, arguing it did not go far enough in addressing the issue.

Countering these views, Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., expressed strong support for McBride, condemning the resolution as "disgusting." Garcia highlighted bipartisan disgust over the matter and urged for the focus to shift back to legislative work.

As the debate continues, Johnson's commitment to dignified treatment for all members remains clear, while the resolution proposed by Mace stirs ongoing contention about restroom policies within the Capitol.