Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) rebelled against House Democrat leaders on Tuesday when he voted for a GOP bill to avoid government shutdowns.
Certainly Golden's “yes” vote was inconclusive. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) – with the help of President Trump – has brought in enough Republicans to pass the measure, with or without lonely Democrats.
However, support from Golden, representing Trump's district, where Trump won in 2024, took a minor blow to accommodate Democratic leaders. It wanted its members to formally urge them to vote against the measure and to show a unified opposition to the ongoing resolution.
“We're working to make sure all Democrats vote no and are on the floor here,” House Democrat Caucus Speaker Pete Aguilar (Calif.), ahead of voting Tuesday.
In a statement Following the vote, Golden – Golden, a medium Democrat in Maine with a history of invading the party, argued that GOP laws were not ideal, but closures were more harmful.
“This CR is not perfect, but the shutdown will be even worse,” Golden said using abbreviations for continuous resolution (CR). “Even a short shutdown will introduce more confusion and uncertainty when our country can make it worse.”
“Funding the government is our most fundamental duty as a member of Congress,” he added. “My vote today reflects my commitment to making tough choices and working for the people of Maine.”
The lawmaker continued, “To be clear, this CR is not the CR I would have written.” “But there are consequences for elections.”
Golden's sentiment goes against that of House Democrat leaders. Top Democrats, led by House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY), have consistently denounced the suspension for allegedly cutting healthcare, nutrition assistance and veterans' benefits.
However, Golden criticized his party members for “messaging devices,” pointing to allegations about veterans. According to Democrats on the Approval Committee, the bill is It cuts almost $800 million From the construction of a veteran facility Not included The $22.8 billion 2026 Toxic Exposures Fund's advanced funding includes $6 billion in forced funding to address immediate funding shortages.
“I'm disappointed to messaging messages from some of the parties, especially insisting that this CR is not true that veteran services will be cut,” Golden said. “The truth is, there will be no reductions in veteran care during the period covered by this CR. There will be six months to ensure that funds continue in the next fiscal year. To say that cuts are included is, at best, a misreading that creates unnecessary fear among veterans.”
“In the worst case scenario, Dems employs the same ironic GOP political tactics that we justified, using the wrong direction to justify the vote,” he added. “This may seem politically convenient, but it lowers us to a level that we shouldn't accept.”
Golden kept his card close to his best in the lead-up to Tuesday's vote and refused to show how he'll break in the famous referendum. When asked by the hill on Monday night if he planned to support the bill, Maine Democrats would say.
“I'm going to make a statement about it,” he said.
Senate Democrats will face the same decision Golden had to make: oppose a halt against cuts or swallow measures to prevent government shutdowns. A small number of Democrats say they will vote against the measure, but a few moderates have kept the door open to support it.
Lawmakers are staring at the deadline for the shutdown Friday morning.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) did not show how he would advise members before Tuesday's House vote.
“We're going to wait to see what the house does first,” Schumer told reporters.
Mike Lilith contributed.
