Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) defied Home Democratic management on Tuesday when he voted for the GOP’s invoice to avert a authorities shutdown — the one one within the caucus to assist the stopgap.
Golden’s “yes” vote, to make certain, was not decisive, since Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) — with assist from President Trump — rallied sufficient Republicans to move the measure with or with out the lone Democrat.
However the assist from Golden — who represents a district Trump received in 2024 — dealt a minor blow to Home Democratic management, which formally urged its members to vote in opposition to the measure and hoped to showcase united opposition to the persevering with decision.
“We’re working to make sure that every Democrat votes no and is here and present on the floor,” Home Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (Calif.) mentioned forward of the vote on Tuesday.
In an announcement following the vote, Golden — a reasonable Democrat from Maine who has a historical past of breaking from the get together — argued that whereas the GOP’s laws was not very best, a shutdown could be extra dangerous.
“This CR is not perfect, but a shutdown would be worse,” Golden mentioned, utilizing an abbreviation for persevering with decision (CR). “Even a brief shutdown would introduce even more chaos and uncertainty at a time when our country can ill-afford it.”
“Funding the government is our most basic obligation as members of Congress,” he added. “My vote today reflects my commitment to making tough choices and doing my job for the people of Maine.”
The congressman continued, “To be clear, this CR is not the one I would have written,” earlier than including: “But elections have consequences.”
Golden’s sentiment runs counter to that of Home Democratic leaders. Led by Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), prime Democrats persistently slammed the stopgap for alleged cuts to well being care, dietary help and veterans’ advantages.
Golden, nonetheless, criticized members of his get together for “messaging gimmicks,” pointing to the claims concerning veterans. Whereas the invoice, in accordance with Appropriations Committee Democrats, cuts nearly $800 million from Veterans Affairs facility building and doesn’t embody $22.8 billion in fiscal 2026 superior funding for the Poisonous Exposures Fund, it does embody $6 billion in obligatory funds to deal with a direct funding shortfall.
“I am disappointed by messaging gimmicks from some in my party, particularly the untrue claim that this CR cuts veterans services,” Golden mentioned. “The truth is: There are no cuts to veterans care in the period covered by this CR & we have six months to ensure funding continues in the next fiscal year. To say it contains cuts is, at best, a misreading that creates unnecessary fear among veterans.”
“At worst, Dems are adopting the same cynical GOP political tactics that we have rightfully denounced — using misdirection to justify a vote,” he added. “This may seem politically expedient, but it only lowers us to a level we shouldn’t accept.”
Golden saved his playing cards near his vest within the lead-up to Tuesday’s vote, refusing to sign how he would break on the high-profile referendum. Requested by The Hill on Monday evening if he deliberate to assist the invoice, the Maine Democrat wouldn’t say.
“I know I’m going to put a statement out about it,” he mentioned.
Senate Democrats will now be confronted with the identical choice Golden needed to make: oppose the stopgap out of opposition to the cuts, or swallow the measure to forestall a authorities shutdown. Whereas a handful of Democrats have mentioned they’ll vote in opposition to the measure, a handful of moderates are protecting the door open to supporting it.
Lawmakers are staring down a Friday-at-midnight shutdown deadline.
Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) didn’t point out how he would advise his members earlier than the Home vote on Tuesday, solely noting that he was watching to see what would occur within the decrease chamber.
“We’re going to wait to see what the House does first,” Schumer advised reporters.
Mike Lillis contributed.
