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Democratic leaders blast Golden for ‘blindside’ vote with Republicans
The Portland Press Herald • • nation
Key Points:
- Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine and Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez of Washington were the only Democrats to vote with Republicans on a procedural rule that passed narrowly 210 to 208, enabling several GOP-led bills to advance.
- One key bill supported by Golden delays fishing regulations aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale, extending the deadline for new rules from 2028 to 2035.
- Democratic House leaders condemned Golden and Glusenkamp Perez for breaking party ranks, calling their votes a "significant breach of trust" and requesting the Committee on Caucus Rules to address the matter.
- Golden defended his vote, stating he supported the rule because it included legislation he co-sponsored for his constituents, emphasizing the responsibility to stand by bills they introduce.
- The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association praised the lobstering bill, arguing it balances protecting fishermen from harsh regulations while allowing time for better data collection and technology to protect whales.
