Tensions ran high in a House hearing on Tuesday when Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) engaged in a fiery exchange over civil rights and transgender issues, culminating in Mace challenging Crockett with the remark, “If you want to take it outside, we can do that.”
The heated discussion began as Crockett criticized Mace’s repeated comments about transgender people, accusing her of exploiting the issue for political gain.
“I can see that somebody’s campaign coffers really are struggling right now,” Crockett said. “So [Mace] is gonna keep saying ‘trans, trans, trans, trans’ so that people will feel threatened, and child, listen—”
Mace interrupted sharply: “I am no child, do not call me a child, I am no child.”
The back-and-forth quickly escalated, with House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) attempting to restore order to the room, albeit unsuccessfully.
The Remark That Sparked Controversy
Mace’s challenge to “take it outside” was met with swift reactions from both sides of the aisle. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) accused Mace of inciting violence against Crockett. Comer, however, dismissed the allegation, suggesting that Mace’s remark could have been an invitation to have a conversation outside, such as “a cup of coffee or perhaps a beer.”
Mace later clarified her statement on X (formerly Twitter), posting multiple times to defend her intentions.
“Let me be clear: I wanted to take the conversation off the floor to have a more constructive conversation, not to fight. At no point was there any intention of causing harm to anyone,” she wrote.
Crockett, however, stood firm, saying she felt threatened by Mace’s remark. She responded on X, calling Mace “an attention-seeking loser” and adding, “Last I checked, threatening members in a committee room doesn’t exactly reduce the cost of eggs.”
Mace’s History on Transgender Issues
The clash comes as Mace has gained notoriety for her actions toward transgender people. Following the election of Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress, Mace introduced a resolution to ban transgender women from using female bathrooms on Capitol Hill.
Mace admitted the measure was “absolutely” aimed at McBride, and she has since toured her district to promote the initiative. This move has further fueled criticism from her Democratic colleagues, who accuse her of using the issue for political gain.
A Committee Room Known for Chaos
Tuesday’s heated exchange isn’t the first time the House Oversight Committee room has descended into chaos. Last year, a meeting erupted into insults when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) accused Crockett of struggling to read, quipping, “I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading.”
In response to Comer ruling that Greene’s comments didn’t violate committee rules, Crockett retorted, “If someone on this committee then starts talking about somebody’s bleach blond, bad-built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct?”
What’s Next?
As Tuesday’s incident continues to draw widespread attention, both lawmakers appear determined to defend their actions. Mace’s comments and legislation targeting transgender rights have sparked heated debates, while Crockett’s sharp critiques have resonated with progressives.
This latest clash underscores the deep divisions within Congress as cultural and social issues dominate the political landscape.
