Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez joined Republicans to pass a key procedural vote for the House floor.
Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez took the unusual step of voting with Republicans to pass a key procedural rule.
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This vote was necessary for House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring several bills to the floor, including a priority bill for Golden supporting Maine lobstermen. The bill has White House support and is expected to be a priority for the year. By voting with the majority, the two Democrats allowed Johnson to proceed with messaging votes that their party opposes, such as a resolution to condemn socialism. The defection surprised House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who stated that the two lawmakers did not provide a user heads-up to the Democratic leadership, creating a breach of trust. Jeffries, along with Reps. Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, asked the Committee on Caucus Rules to address the action. Golden stated he voted for the rule to protect Maine lobstermen from new regulations. He noted that his constituents do not care about the team sports of Congressional procedure. The vote prevented a Republicans' potential embarrassment and a forced recess for the House.