A fiery exchange unfolded Tuesday during the House Oversight Committee’s first hearing of the 119th Congress, as Republican South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace and Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett clashed over civil rights and gender issues. The contentious debate highlighted the growing polarization around biological men in women’s spaces, particularly locker rooms and bathrooms.
The hearing, chaired by Rep. James Comer, started as a general session but took a sharp turn when Crockett urged the committee to reinstate a subcommittee focused on civil rights.
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“I’m asking you to do the courageous thing today and just institute a subcommittee that would make sure that we are looking out for those protections of everyone in this country,” Crockett said, emphasizing the need for oversight on civil rights issues to ensure freedom and equity for all Americans.
Rep. Mace responded strongly, accusing Democrats of hypocrisy regarding women’s rights and privacy. RELATED: South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace Spars With ABC Reporter Pressing Her Trans Bathroom Bill
“It’s rich to hear Democrats scream about rights while they push policies that undermine women,” Mace said. She criticized the Democratic stance on allowing biological men into women’s spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms, framing it as a violation of women’s privacy and safety.
“You want women to be forced to undress in front of men in locker rooms,” Mace stated. She also highlighted her perspective as a rape survivor, arguing that women who have experienced sexual trauma should not have to share spaces with biological men.
As Mace concluded, Crockett reclaimed the floor and attempted to respond. Crockett accused Mace of leveraging divisive rhetoric, stating, “Somebody’s campaign coffers really are struggling right now, so she’s gonna keep saying trans, trans, trans, so that people will feel threatened.”
The remark prompted Mace to interject forcefully, declaring, “I am no child! I am a grown woman who’s 47 years old. I have broken more glass ceilings than you have.”
The tension reached its peak when Mace offered to “take it outside” as the heated argument momentarily disrupted the committee proceedings.
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The exchange occurred on the same day the House passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a bill aimed at restricting participation in women’s sports to biological females. The measure passed with a vote of 218-206, with only two Democrats joining Republicans in support.
Rep. Mace praised the bill as a necessary step to protect women’s opportunities in sports, while critics argued it marginalizes transgender individuals.
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