**Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride Condemns House Republicans' Bathroom Ban as a Distraction Tactic**

In a recent appearance on CBS News’s "Face the Nation," Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first transgender individual elected to Congress, criticized House Republicans' new bathroom policy. McBride argued that the ban is a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from the legislative actions of the incoming administration.

"This is a pattern we see repeatedly," McBride stated during her interview with anchor Margaret Brennan. "Whenever Republicans speak about any vulnerable group, it is to distract from their actual agenda. Each mention of 'trans' issues should make us scrutinize their other actions."

The controversy centers around a policy introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), which prohibits transgender individuals from using bathrooms in the Capitol that align with their gender identity. Johnson justified the policy by stating that all single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings should correspond to biological sex. He further noted that there are private and unisex restrooms available throughout the Capitol complex.

Additionally, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has put forward legislation aimed at restricting transgender individuals from accessing gender-appropriate facilities in federal buildings. These moves have drawn sharp criticism from McBride, who emphasized the unity within the Democratic caucus on matters of equal rights.

"I've engaged in discussions with a diverse range of my colleagues," McBride said. "We may have different views on numerous issues, but we unanimously agree that every American deserves equal rights. Attacking a vulnerable community is not just mean-spirited; it’s an attempt to misguide the public."

Amid the rising tensions, The Hill has reached out to the offices of Mace, Johnson, the Republican National Committee, the House Republican Conference, and the Trump transition team for their comments on the unfolding debate.