#Speaker Johnson R-LA

[govtshutdown]

No surprise there

[theonion]

As part of an effort to ensure the benefits were only allocated to those in “true need,” a new federal law went into effect Thursday requiring all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to balance food on their nose until they receive the command to eat it. “There’s no reason why working-age, able-bodied food stamp recipients can’t show us that they’re very good boys,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who demonstrated how the new SNAP requirement would work by carefully placing a block of cheddar cheese onto a constituent’s nose before backing away and holding out an open palm. Full Story

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Morgan Stephens at Daily Kos:

When asked if he would reconvene the House to vote on additional FEMA aid for Hurricane Helene across the southeast U.S. and Hurricane Milton victims in Florida, Speaker Mike Johnson declined—for the second time this week.  “To be clear: Congress will act again upon its return in November to address funding needs and ensure those impacted receive the necessary resources,” Athina Lawson, a spokesman for Johnson, said in a statement to POLITICO on Thursday.

Talk about hypocrisy.  Johnson visited Helene disaster sites in North Carolina, and had the audacity to attack FEMA, all while refusing to bring the House back together for a vote for more aid. On Thursday, he posted on X: “Congress is fully prepared to provide additional disaster relief funding as soon as states submit their damage assessments. Our prayers and support are with every American community across the broad swath of these historic storms.” U.S. military deliveries of emergency supplies in Western North Carolina’s “unreachable areas” are still being dropped by air to isolated residents due to unusable roads, lack of water supply, and power outages. FEMA has spent $9 billion already, nearly half of its allocated $20 billion budget in just eight days. 

[...]

This comes after President Joe Biden sent a letter last Friday formally asking Congress for more funding and to reconvene in the wake of the natural disaster. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) does not want to help Hurricane Helene and Milton victims. Vote Democratic if you want reliable disaster relief instead of it becoming a political football.

[wilwheaton]

According to a deep dive into how House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) managed to get most of his caucus and Donald Trump to agree on a budget package that kept the government working until March, the Washington Post is reporting that Johnson "blindsided" the president-elect by also negotiating with Democrats. That, in turn, led Trump to prompt billionaire adviser Elon Musk to launch a war on the House leadership in a flurry of attacks on X that derailed the proposed deal at the time.

'Blindsided' and 'furious' Trump turned Elon Musk loose on House leadership: insider

This is hilarious.

There is no way Trump instructed Leon to do anything, and anyone who has been paying attention to Trump for more than four seconds knows this.

This is a transparent effort by Trump’s Haigrographers to shape a story that is deeply humiliating to him, because it exposes how weak and pathetic he is.

“Yeah, that thing Leon did that blew everything up and was deeply humiliating to me? I did that! It was me! I sent him!” *fills diapers again* “I did it! Now let’s stare into the middle distance for 25 minutes while I continue shitting myself.”

[sayruq]

Two months ago, this is what Schumer was saying

[mariacallous]

Democrats unite to protect the first openly transgender member of Congress against GOP measures

Political landscapes are often contentious, but the recent uproar surrounding Representative-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.) has sparked fierce debates and solidified support across party lines. McBride is making history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, yet her historic win has come with challenges and Republican pushback.

During recent Democratic caucus meetings, Rep. Becca Balint expressed how colleagues rushed to show their support for McBride. “We have your back,” Balint recalls being told by her peers. This strong support was evident during the orientation event for new House members, where McBride's name was met with thunderous applause.

But not everyone was thrilled with McBride's election. Just days after her victory, Republican lawmakers initiated moves targeting her right to use women's restrooms at the Capitol, labeling their measures as protective of women's spaces. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced legislation aimed at banning transgender women from these facilities. Following suit, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced similar rules covering bathrooms across Capitol Hill.

Kate Redburn, co-director of the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law at Columbia Law School, articulated the current climate within the GOP, stating, “They have laser-focused on transgender inclusion as something they want to roll back.” It appears this focus on discrimination and exclusion against McBride is reflective of broader societal attitudes toward transgender individuals.

The pushback from Republicans has compelled Democrats to rally publicly around McBride. Many see this as not merely supporting her, but also as defending the dignity of the entire LGBTQ community. Balint emphasized the need for Democrats to loudly express their support, ensuring they send the message to Republicans: defiance against discrimination and bigotry is firm.

Johnson and Mace’s actions have stirred heated discussions on civil rights and gender equality. Critics, including Balint, argue these actions are cruelly targeted at McBride, aiming to dehumanize her before even taking her oath of office. McBride's colleagues made clear they’ll unite against this tide of discrimination, and they recognize the wider repercussions for queer representation and safety on Capitol Hill.

The incoming representative has taken the scrutiny and allegations against her in stride, framing her role not as one to focus on these confrontations but rather as implementing solutions for Delawareans. “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families,” McBride stated, reiteratively impressing her constituents’ basic needs above partisan disputes.

Though McBride acknowledges the intense scrutiny she faces, she is determined to not let it distract her from her goals. McBride's steadfast resolve is also shared by her supporters back home, who feel disappointed by how she has been welcomed to her new role. They maintain confidence in her ability to navigate difficult situations within Congress.

Conversely, reactions to her handling of the Republican measures have not been entirely supportive among some members of the LGBTQ community. Some activists criticized her compromise as capitulation, worrying it might send the wrong message to both the Republican Party and the trans community. The anxiety stems from fears of greater future repercussions stemming from Republican advances, most recently discussed by influential trans figures and journalists.

Specifically, Natalie Boedecker, who identifies as transgender, expressed disappointment with McBride's approach. “Her capitulation sends the wrong message to the GOP and to the larger trans community,” Boedecker indicated. Others echoed her sentiment, expressing feelings of betrayal as they witnessed perceived succumbing to bullying tactics from the Republican leadership.

Balint and other supportive representatives highlight the importance of McBride's presence as part of the legislative process not only for trans rights but for all constituents. They argue continued dialogue and expression of solidarity are the best paths forward. Meanwhile, McBride herself aims to engage positively with both allies and opponents, hoping to demonstrate her effectiveness as a legislator beyond identity politics.

This challenging situation reflects the broader divisions within America today—where identity politics intersects with traditional party lines, bringing to light the urgent need for dignity and respect across all political spectrums. It sheds light on how one representative, emblematic of broader struggles for equality, remains steadfast, even as she navigates the tumultuous waters of American politics.

Democratic leaders contend these tactics against McBride reflect not only targeted bullying but also broader systemic issues of discrimination. Despite the incoming Congress facing numerous pressing matters, such as the economy and social safety nets, the focus laid by the GOP on McBride highlights their strategic emphasis on divisive identity politics.

Moving forward, Republican efforts to curtail transgender rights might not only affect McBride but potentially influence the wider LGBTQ community. It signifies to many the challenges still faced by transgender individuals, particularly those trying to navigate political spaces traditionally dominated by conservative ideologies.

Yet, even amid such adversity, McBride continues to inspire others. Advocates from across the spectrum remain hopeful, viewing her role as pivotal not just for her constituents but for future representation. The continuous fallout from her election attests to the complexity of social justice movements and the resilience required to navigate them effectively.

The mix of overwhelming support and vocal opposition highlights the delicate balance McBride must strike at every turn. Her approaches, whether through strategic compliance or outspokenness, reflect the tough line politicians walk between principle and pragmatism. And as she prepares to take her seat, the real story may well be how she will influence the dynamics of power and representation moving forward.

With eyes on her, the story of Sarah McBride serves as both a challenge and beacon for change, demonstrating the significant societal shifts underway as previously marginalized groups gain voices and visibility.

The stakes are high—how will McBride navigate this uncharted territory? What will her leadership look like amid scrutiny? For now, only time will tell how her tenure will shape the future of queer representation within the halls of Congress.

Nevertheless, the stage is set for what many hope will be a reformation of engagement within the political system. The vigor of civil rights protections and the legitimacy of marginalized identities will likely remain at the forefront of discussion as McBride embarks on her mission to serve Delaware and the trans community at large.

[saywhat-politics]

Johnson says House Republicans will investigate Jan. 6 committee

BY TARA SUTER - 01/02/25 9:54 PM ET

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday that House Republicans will investigate the disbanded House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Johnson hit President Biden in a post on the social platform X for awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal to former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), both of whom were Jan. 6 committee members.

Responding to another post from the New York Post about Cheney and Thompson, the Louisiana Republican said the president “is foolishly giving an award to members of Congress who intentionally and repeatedly lied to the American people.”

“The Jan 6 Select Committee manipulated AND destroyed evidence – created a fake, phony narrative all to try and hurt Trump,” Johnson added. “They even hired a TV producer from the legacy media in a desperate attempt to legitimize what Americans knew was a total hoax and complete waste of time.”

“Be assured of this: House Republicans WILL continue our investigation into this corrupt committee and it will be FULLY FUNDED so it can continue next Congress,” he continued.

In mid-December, Republicans released a report evaluating the “failures and politicization” of the Jan. 6 committee, rounding off their investigation by recommending a criminal investigation into Cheney.

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5064773-johnson-says-house-republicans-will-investigate-jan-6-committee/

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Every editorial board must do the same. Bravo, Charlotte Observer. This is how it’s done.

+

THE PARTY TOLD YOU TO REJECT THE EVIDENCE OF YOUR EYES AND EARS. IT WAS THEIR FINAL, MOST ESSENTIAL COMMAND.

TCinLA

Oct 07, 2024

Brian Beutler described this perfectly this morning:

When Donald Trump started telling conspicuous lies about the federal response to Hurricane Helene, all of MAGA understood the assignment.

His supporters understood they should spread rumors or fabricate anecdotes consistent with Trump’s claims. They should portray their own confusion as government malice or incompetence. They should claim to have witnessed FEMA abandoning Republican-heavy regions and illegal immigrants walking away with relief money first hand. They should even use artificial intelligence technology to fabricate images that reinforce these lies.

Elon Musk and Trump’s other ultra-wealthy supporters understood it as their solemn duty to draw as much attention to these lies as possible.

Its also a trial run for the chaos they intend to sow through the election.

David Simon expressed disgust on behalf of many: “For the chance to gain some political advantage, the Republican nominee for U.S. president is willing to lie, and in doing so, actually impair the ongoing efforts to help the Americans made vulnerable by this hurricane. That level of sociopathy simply astonishes.”

(The old astonishing has been astonishingly surpassed by the new astonishing.)

From The Hill today:

SPEAKER JOHNSON CALLS FEDERAL RESPONSE TO HELENE ‘A MASSIVE FAILURE’

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called the federal response to Hurricane Helene a “massive failure” and pointed to the hundreds of people still missing.

“At the federal level, this has been a massive failure. And you can just ask the people there on the ground. I have been there. I was in Georgia. I was in Florida, where Hurricane Helene made landfall, there on the coast. And then we’ll be going to the hardest hit parts of North Carolina on Wednesday of this week,” Johnson told Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday.”

Johnson said the federal government had advance notice of the hurricane and should have been better equipped to respond.

“When you talk to the people who are directly affected, they will tell you this has been an abject failure. FEMA has lost sight of its core mission, I think, in so many cases, and the administration has not shown that they were prepared for this, this eventuality, and this terrible disaster.

“They had more than a week’s notice of this, and yet we still have people who have not been served and even rescued,” Johnson added. “In North Carolina, it is a heartbreaking, tragic and infuriating situation to have the federal government fail, as they have well.”

The remarks come as Republicans have sharpened their attacks on the federal response to Hurricane Helene, just one month ahead of Election Day.

The federal government and other local and federal officials have fought back against claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is inept.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said recently that he was impressed with the federal response, noting North Carolina’s impact was not expected to be as severe as it was.

“For anybody who thinks that any level of government, anybody here, could have been prepared precisely for what we’re dealing with here, clearly are clueless,” Tillis said. “But right now, I’m out here to say that we’re doing a good job.”

The federal government has also sought to dispel rumors about the lack of federal funding available to residents affected by the national disaster.

FEMA has set up a designated “rumor response page” to fight misinformation and inform residents of available funding.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates responded to Johnson’s criticism by pointing to “a wide range of leaders in both parties and from every affected state” who “have praised the bipartisan response to Hurricane Helene.”

Bates pointed to Tillis’s remarks, as well as to comments made by other GOP officials, including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who called the federal response “superb,” and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), who said he “appreciated” Biden’s offer to “call him directly” if the governor needed further assistance.

Bates also quoted Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who said, “This is an incredible experience for me. So, to President Biden, thank you for coming. Thank you for paying attention to our needs. We have had a good working relationship between the federal government.”

[liberalsarecool]

Fcuk Speaker Mike Johnson [R-LA]

[reading-writing-revolution]

(via The World’s Richest Man Wants to Burn It All Down)

What a piece of shit!

Musk helped lead a revolt Wednesday to try to stop a bipartisan funding bill in a direct challenge to the authority of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and others in Republican leadership who helped craft the measure. And in a remarkable turn, the revolt appeared to succeed at least for a day, throwing budget negotiations into chaos and increasing the odds of a government shutdown this weekend, . . .

Musk posted to X about the funding bill more than 100 times over the course of the day. He repeatedly called the bill “criminal” and asked his followers to call their representatives . . . Musk also issued a midday warning: “Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in two years!”

[govtshutdown]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/speaker-touts-gop-wins-on-migrant-detention-in-funding-deal

Bloomberg will make you pay to read the whole thing, but here's the salient text:

“Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday promoted a funding boost for migrant detention and cuts to diversity and climate programs to try to sell his restive Republican conference on a $1 trillion spending deal.” “The Republican leader told reporters he plans to hold a vote Friday on the still-secret text of the spending package, which he negotiated with the White House and Democratic congressional leaders.”

[gusty-wind]

“It does not actually articulate or force the articulation of a strategy for how to end the conflict to begin with. So you basically have a blank check — or a near blank check — for a strategy that’s completely gone off the rails.”

Lee called out his Republican colleagues for sending aid to Ukraine at the expense of America’s own interests.

“By voting yes and passing this bill now, it empowers drug cartels, it dissolves our borders, it spends insane amounts of money that we don’t have on the priorities of foreign countries all at the same time,” he said.

Lee also slammed the bills’ proponents for defeating an effort led by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to increase accountability and oversight of the aid to the notoriously corrupt Ukrainian government through appointment of an inspector general.

“These are not choir boys,” Lee said. “These are not Boy Scouts. These are not Girl Scouts. These are people who have really set world records for corruption. It’s an art form over there.”

Vance laid out the arguments from Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for rushing the aid through without further accountability measures.

“The basic argument is that we have to rush resources to Ukraine immediately, or they’re liable to fall to Russian aggression,” he said. “And it’s all basically an argument made under the gun that unless you approve this appropriation of resources and weapons, then you will allow Russia to win. So it’s a kind of moral blackmail.”

Supporters of yet more aid to Ukraine can not admit the reality that the war is not winnable for Ukraine, Vance continued. “They can’t admit that this isn’t going well because if they admitted that, it would cause too much psychological harm, and they’d have to cut bait.”

Johnson added that proponents argue that it is in politicians’ naked political interests to support the aid because “it’s helping build our industrial base, and so it’s creating jobs in your state. And I call that a depraved justification.”

Musk, who noted his contributions to Ukraine’s war efforts, echoed the assessment of the trio of senators that the war is ultimately not winnable and that a peace deal is in their best interests.

Ukraine is “losing people every day,” he said. “And if you’re going to spend lives, it must be for a purpose.”

Musk continued:

There is no way in hell that Putin is going to lose. If he would back off, he would be assassinated. And for those who want regime change in Russia, they should think about: Who is the person that could take out Putin? And is that person likely to be a peacenik? Probably not. They’re probably gonna be even harder, even more hardcore than Putin if they took him out.  Ramaswamy detailed additional “unacceptable” risks to American and global interests from continued “endless funding” of the fighting in Ukraine, arguing that Americans see “daily strengthening of the military alliance between Russia and China, which, when combined, is the single greatest increase for the risk of World War III that we’ve seen in the post-World War II era.”

If the foreign aid passes the Senate, as is expected, the House must still act. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) would likely face a rebellion from members of the Republican conference if he brought the bill to the floor.

Monday night, after the conclusion of the X Space, Johnson seemed to throw cold water on the Senate’s package, echoing earlier statements that Congress must address American border security first.

“In the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,” a Johnson statement read. “America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.”

The timing before Monday night’s vote is important, sending the message to any on-the-fence Republican senators that a vote on the unpopular aid package would imperil their political standing for legislation that will not become law.

Some Democrats have insisted they will use all the parliamentary tools at their disposal to bring the bill to the floor, although a path forward for the legislation in the House is unclear.

Bradley Jaye is a Capitol Hill Correspondent for Breitbart News. Follow him on X/Twitter at @BradleyAJaye.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Eddie Fu at Consequence:

And so it begins. During a recent appearance on Fox News, House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed he was in favor of defunding PBS (along with Planned Parenthood) as preparations for Donald Trump’s second presidency and a fully Republican-controlled Congress begin.

During Trump’s first administration, he repeatedly proposed federal budgets calling for the elimination of government-funded arts programs, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The latter provides funding for PBS, NPR, and other public TV and radio outlets. At the time, these proposals stalled in Congress — even when Republicans held both chambers. Just this summer, however, the House Appropriations Committee went as far as proposing zero funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting effective in 2027. It’s well worth pointing out that funding for national arts endowments doesn’t even make up a full percentage point of the federal budget. Of the $6.75 trillion spent in the fiscal year 2024, the NEA and NEH each received $207 million. Meanwhile, the CPC received $535 million. That amounts to 0.003% each for the NEA and NEH and 0.008% for the CPC. Meanwhile, the 2024 federal budget provided $824.3 billion to the Department of Defense, or roughly 12%.

Appearing on Wednesday’s edition of The Story With Martha MacCallum on Fox “News”, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) endorses the defunding of NPR, PBS, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and Planned Parenthood.

Speaker Johnson’s call to defund NPR, PBS, and Planned Parenthood are clinically insane ideas.

From the 12.04.2024 edition of FNC's The Story With Martha MacCallum:

[wilwheaton]

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Sunday morning left several observers stunned when he heaped praise on former President Donald Trump's physical prowess. During an interview on "Meet the Press," Johnson was asked about the former president repeating debunked claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Johnson responded by lavishing Trump with compliments about his physical and mental capabilities. "He has more stamina and mental acumen and strength than any political figure probably in the history of the country that I can remember," Johnson said at one point. Johnson further went on to dismiss concerns about Trump not releasing his medical records by saying that the former president "doesn't require as much sleep as the average person" and that he's "an unusual figure." Johnson's obsequious flattery of Trump left many observers on Twitter appalled. "I remain amazed at the number of people psychologically hard wired for cultism," marveled national security expert Steve Metz. "We’re approaching North Korea level of sycophancy when the speaker of the House of Representatives describes Trump in words that the typical internet rando might be slightly ashamed to post," observed Georgetown Law professor Aderson Francois.

'Hard wired for cultism': Mike Johnson's gushing praise of Trump leaves observers stunned

[darkmaga-returns]

House Speaker Mike Jonhson (R-LA) says he will block lame-duck President Joe Biden from sending any more taxpayer-funded aid to Ukraine for the remainder of his presidency.

It comes in response to Biden’s last-minute request to send another $24 billion to perpetuate Ukraine’s endless war with Russia.

The Democrats have been scrambling to funnel as much taxpayer cash to Ukraine as possible before President Donald Trump is sworn into office with a plan to secure peace in the region.

However, Johnson’s move complicates Biden’s efforts to inflame the conflict and sabotage Trump’s plan for a peaceful settlement.

While Johnson has supported Ukraine, he said Biden’s request is inappropriate with Trump set to take office and shift foreign policy in a new direction.

Trump has pledged to quickly end the almost three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The looming end of the conflict has left Biden desperate to arm Ukraine with as much lethal weaponry as possible before he steps down.

The lame-duck president has backtracked on supplying Ukraine with deadly anti-personnel mines, which can harm civilians.

He has also authorized long-range strikes into Russian territory, raising the risk of escalation.

[mariacallous]

Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), soon to be the first transgender member of Congress, was targeted by multiple Republican measures to bar transgender women from using Capitol bathrooms that align with their gender identity.

Democrats have rallied to McBride’s defense, accusing Republicans of bullying McBride and attacking other LGBTQ+ people who work at and visit the Capitol.

Democrats have tried to refocus the conversation on other issues important to voters, such as healthcare and the high cost of living — taking a page from McBride’s own political playbook.

At a Democratic caucus meeting Tuesday, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) watched as colleagues approached and offered their support to Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), who will soon be sworn in as the first out transgender member of Congress.

“We have your back,” Balint recalled her fellow representatives telling McBride. “We stand with you.”

At a Thursday event where incoming House freshmen got assigned offices, McBride’s name was met with the loudest applause.

According to Balint, co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, many Democratic members are excited to welcome and meet McBride — not just as a queer history-maker, but as a new colleague whose reputation as an effective state legislator in Delaware preceded her to Washington.

The support has been intentionally loud, Balint said, because Democrats also want to send an unequivocal message to House Republicans who have targeted McBride with comments and actions in recent days that Democrats “are not going to retreat” on transgender rights.

“We have to absolutely recommit ourselves to this fight, for protecting everyone’s inherent dignity,” Balint said.

On Monday, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) filed a resolution that would prohibit transgender women from using Capitol bathrooms that align with their gender identity. On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced a similar policy for Capitol bathrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms. The same day, Mace filed a bill that would expand such bans to federal facilities across the country.

Mace said her measures, which would require approval, are to protect women and girls, then launched a new line of merchandise to profit off her stance. She has previously espoused support for LGBTQ+ rights.

In issuing his bathroom rule, which falls under his purview as speaker, Johnson said, “Women deserve women’s-only spaces.” He also noted that all members have private bathrooms within their offices — though those can be far from the House floor.

The day prior, Johnson had responded to a question about the issue by stressing the need to “treat all persons with dignity and respect.”

Access to bathrooms has long been an issue for women at the Capitol, which originally operated on the presumption that legislators were men. Only after more and more women won seats in Congress and called out the dearth of facilities for them did the issue get resolved.

With the latest measures targeting McBride, Democrats say they are struggling to combat fresh discrimination in the same sphere — a backsliding they view as particularly cruel for its targeting of a single incoming legislator, and extra alarming for its potential to harm other queer people who visit or work in the Capitol.

“This incredibly craven and cruel attack directed at [McBride] was certainly intended to dehumanize her before she has even been sworn in, but it actually doesn’t just affect our first trans member of Congress,” Balint said. “It impacts all of the people who work on Capitol Hill who identify as trans and nonbinary. It impacts the reporters who cover the Hill that identify as trans and nonbinary. And it also impacts every single one of our constituents who come into the halls of Congress to meet with us.”

Speaking out in opposition to the measures is about supporting McBride, who is “a serious legislator” and wants to get to work on a range of tough issues without having to worry about where she can get to a toilet, Balint said. But it is also about “showing the LGBTQ community across the country that we are standing up for them and pushing back.”

The debate follows an election cycle steeped in anti-transgender rhetoric, when many Republicans — including President-elect Donald Trump — took to ridiculing Democrats over their support for transgender equality as a central campaign message, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in collective ad spending.

“The Republican Party has laser-focused on transgender inclusion as something that it wants to roll back, and so the exciting addition of the first openly trans member of Congress has prompted a hideous response — which is [for them] to participate in an ad hominem attack that takes the form of exclusion,” said Kate Redburn, co-director of the Center for Gender and Sexuality Law at Columbia Law School.

Democrats have at times struggled to respond to the barrage of Republican attacks. However, in the last week, they seem to have landed on an approach out of McBride’s own playbook in Delaware — where she won a statewide congressional seat not by running away from her transgender identity and support for queer rights, but by contextualizing them alongside other important issues, such as the cost of living and access to healthcare.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) wrote on X on Tuesday that she is proud to serve alongside McBride, and that it was “disappointing to see Republicans pull stunts” attacking her.

“They should take a page out of Rep-Elect McBride’s book,” Pressley wrote, “and focus on actually governing.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) similarly questioned Republicans’ decision to start the next Congress by “bullying” McBride instead of focusing on real issues. “This is what we’re doing?” he said.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), who has a transgender grandson and has been outspoken against past anti-LGBTQ+ measures, hit a similar note in an interview Thursday, in which she called the Republican measures attacking McBride “absolutely outrageous” and “completely out of line.”

“What a ridiculous focus this is,” she said. “There are needs of many, many Americans who don’t have the healthcare that they need, seniors who can’t afford their medications. Those are the things that we should get to work on, that I’m sure Sarah would want to get to work on — and this is just off the deep end.”

In her own remarks, McBride has acknowledged what many view as the bigotry at the root of the Republican measures, but also tried to refocus the conversation on getting things done for her constituents.

“I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families,” she said in a statement Wednesday. She said Johnson’s rules were an “effort to distract from the real issues facing this country,” but that she wouldn’t let them distract her — even as she follows them.

On Thursday, she made clear that she will work to ensure Capitol Hill is safe for everyone, including her LGBTQ+ constituents, but doesn’t plan on allowing “a right wing culture war machine” to turn her identity “into the issue.”

Lisa Goodman, a longtime LGBTQ+ activist in Delaware and friend of McBride’s, said the representative-elect’s family and friends back home “are disappointed that this is how people who are going to be her colleagues are greeting her.”

But they aren’t worried, Goodman said, because they know McBride is capable of navigating such waters.

“She can handle these attacks and keep focused on what is the big picture — what is important in the big picture — like no one I have ever met,” Goodman said.

Goodman said McBride has a rare talent for winning over people, which will serve her well in the coming months, as she gets to know her new colleagues — Democrats and Republicans alike.

“She’s just a deeply good person, and my hope is that, as her Republican colleagues in Congress get to know her, they will see her as a person and not as some unknown member of the trans community who they feel it’s OK to attack,” Goodman said.

Balint said several Republican House members have told her in private that they support the LGBTQ+ community and don’t support divisive policies. She said she hopes McBride’s kindness and humanity in the face of such attacks will bring those Republicans to her side — and maybe even inspire them to take a stand for her.

“It is their time to finally show some courage,” Balint said. “I’m asking them to stand up for the basic, inherent dignity of all of us here in this building.”