**Speaker Johnson Faces Scrutiny Over Transgender Policy Amid Capitol Bathroom Debate**

House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly expressed his backing for a Republican initiative to restrict Democrat Sarah McBride, who will become the first transgender member of Congress, from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol. McBride is set to be sworn into office next year, representing Delaware.

"We're not going to have men in women's bathrooms," Johnson stated to The Associated Press, maintaining a stance he claims to have consistently held. Despite this, earlier remarks from Johnson stressed the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. He acknowledged that Congress is treading new ground with this issue and highlighted the importance of a deliberative approach guided by member consensus.

The proposed resolution, introduced by GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina on Monday, aims to bar lawmakers and House employees from using single-sex facilities that do not correspond with their biological sex. Mace, a staunch supporter of the motion, specified that the bill directly targets McBride. The debate around transgender bathroom access has been a contentious issue across the United States, becoming a significant point of contention during President-elect Donald Trump's campaign. So far, at least 11 states have enacted laws preventing transgender girls and women from using bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity in public schools and certain government facilities.

"I'm absolutely, 100% gonna stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women's restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms," Mace asserted, reaffirming that Johnson assured her the bathroom provision would be a part of any rule changes in the upcoming Congress. Mace insisted she would persist with the initiative if it were not included in the new rules.

Democratic members of Congress, including McBride herself, have condemned the GOP's move as a diversion and a form of harassment. McBride argued that the efforts by right-wing extremists are a tactic to detract from their lack of solutions to real issues facing Americans, such as housing, healthcare, and childcare costs. She urged that the focus should be on substantial policy matters rather than culture wars.

Massachusetts lawmakers also criticized the Republican focus on the issue, questioning the necessity of prioritizing a debate over where one member out of 435 should use the bathroom. McBride, who garnered national attention as an LGBTQ+ advocate, made headlines in 2016 by speaking at the Democratic National Convention, becoming the first openly transgender person to do so.

Following her election victory, McBride emphasized that her success showcases the values of Delawareans, who prioritize candidates’ ideas over their identities.