In the ever-escalating culture war Republicans have chosen to wage, their latest battle—one against basic respect—has exposed a glaring hypocrisy. While the GOP claims to champion decorum and tradition in Congress, their selective outrage reveals that their real priority is bullying those they oppose rather than upholding any consistent standard of conduct.
The latest flashpoint came on February 6, 2025, when Representative Mary Miller (R-IL) repeatedly misgendered Representative Sarah McBride (D-DE) on the House floor. Though the official transcript initially reflected the correct form of address, it was later changed to accurately document Miller’s words: “the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. McBride).”
Despite the fact that the transcript was simply corrected to reflect what was actually said, the right-wing outrage machine immediately kicked into high gear. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) took to Twitter to rage: “This is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE!!! (…) No one should change Rep. Miller’s words!!! Are we not Republican controlled?????” Miller herself doubled down on her intentional disrespect, posting: “This is absolutely appalling and a blatant disregard for the truth I have spoken. The Congressional Record is an official publication and should accurately reflect my words. I refuse to participate in this lie. Tim ‘Sarah’ McBride is a MAN!”
While Miller and Greene insist on their right to be disrespectful, they simultaneously demand the enforcement of decorum—at least when it suits them. Just weeks earlier, the GOP-led House voted to censure Representative Al Green (D-TX) for interrupting President Donald Trump’s March 4th State of the Union address. Green had stood and shouted, “No mandate to cut Medicaid!” while waving his cane, a move that led to his removal from the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms. In response, the House passed a censure resolution against Green by a vote of 224-198, with ten Democrats joining the Republican majority.
Apparently, the Republican Party’s commitment to decorum and the dignity of Congress only applies when it comes to silencing those who dare to protest policies that harm the vulnerable. Meanwhile, when their own members openly mock and dehumanize a fellow lawmaker, they rush to defend that behavior as some kind of righteous stand against “wokeness.”
This hypocrisy is further evident in their handling of the so-called “bathroom bill” filed by Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) in November 2024. Mace’s bill, aimed at banning transgender women from using female restrooms in the U.S. Capitol, came mere days after McBride was elected, making it painfully clear that it was a targeted attack rather than a response to any legitimate concern. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) chimed in to support the effort, issuing a statement that “all single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office buildings—such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms—are reserved for individuals of that biological sex.” McBride, taking the high road, agreed to follow these rules, stating, “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms.”
The Bottom Line
Republicans’ treatment of McBride is not about enforcing rules or protecting tradition—it’s about maintaining dominance through bullying. It’s about showing their base that they will punch down at any opportunity, especially when it comes to the rights and dignity of transgender Americans. Yet when it comes to a Democratic lawmaker making a passionate protest against Medicaid cuts—something that would actually affect millions of Americans—they are suddenly the arbiters of order and respect.
Their actions paint a clear picture: they do not care about civility. They do not care about respect. They care only about maintaining power and control, using every tool at their disposal to silence dissent while amplifying their own most toxic voices.
This is the Republican Party in 2025—one that claims to defend tradition while undermining basic respect for their own colleagues. One that punishes those who stand up for the vulnerable but rewards those who engage in open cruelty. And, most of all, one that will talk a big game about “decorum”—until they’re the ones breaking it.
