url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-vote-lift-debt-ceiling-prevent-default,"Golden Statement on Vote to Lift Debt Ceiling, Prevent Default",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) issued the following statement after his vote for legislation to lift the debt ceiling and prevent default by the federal government:

""Just as members of Congress have done nearly 100 times since World War II, under presidents of both parties, I voted yesterday to protect the full faith and credit of the United States,"" said Golden. ""Let's be clear: a default on our country's debt would be catastrophic for our economy. I'm glad that leaders from both parties stepped back from the brinkmanship and hostage-taking and allowed this measure to move forward with majority votes in both the House and Senate for the good of the country. As I have done consistently throughout this year, I will continue to push for fiscal responsibility as Congress considers the actual legislation that governs spending and revenue.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-us-service-academy-nominees,Golden Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominees,2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today his nominees to the United States Service Academies—the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.

""This group represents some of Maine's most talented, skilled, and accomplished students. They have all shown exceptional leadership, high academic achievements, and most importantly, a strong commitment to serving others,"" said Golden. ""Whatever happens from here, they should all be proud of themselves. We are lucky that they have chosen to offer their talents in service to the country, and it's an honor to nominate them.""

The nominees were interviewed by a panel on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and desire to serve their country.

The full list of nominations is below. Several students were nominated to multiple service academies. Contact information is available upon request.

United States Military Academy – West Point

Nathaniel Shearer- Hampden, Homeschooled (Hampden Academy)

Katelynn Kinney- Sebec, Bangor Christian High School

United States Naval Academy – Annapolis

Claire Holman- Mount Vernon, Maranacook Community High School

Katelynn Kinney- Sebec, Bangor Christian High School

Judson Nash- Hampden, Hampden Academy

United States Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs

Kaitlyn Smith- Perry, Washington Academy

James Jones- Oakland, Messalonskee High School

Marshall Burt- Monson, Foxcroft Academy

Katelynn Kinney- Sebec, Bangor Christian High School

Judson Nash- Hampden, Hampden Academy

Fallon Eggett- Veazie, Bangor High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy-Kings Point

Dawson Joseph-Waterford, Oxford Hills High School",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/big-win-bath-shipbuilders-golden-announces-authorization-three-ddg-51,"In Big Win for Bath Shipbuilders, Golden Announces Authorization for Three DDG-51 Destroyers in Final Defense Bill",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that a provision he fought for and guided through Congress to authorize the construction of three new DDG-51 destroyers has been included in the final version of the annual defense bill, the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). DDG-51 destroyers, the workhorses of America's naval fleet, are the ships built at Bath Iron Works (BIW).

""Eight months ago, the idea that we would be able to secure three ships in this year's defense bill seemed impossible. The Biden Administration had proposed just one destroyer next year, breaking their multi-year procurement contract with the shipyard and leaving BIW without certainty they'd get even a single ship,"" said Golden. ""It could have led to significant layoffs at BIW. In the House Armed Services Committee, we not only reversed the administration's harmful cuts, we added a third destroyer next year. Now our provision is included in the final bill, which is great news for American national security and the Maine shipbuilders I'm proud to represent.""

Golden's announcement follows eight months of uncertainty for the shipyard and marks a significant reversal of fortunes from earlier this year. In May, the Biden Administration proposed cuts to DDG-51 shipbuilding, requesting the construction of just one ship in FY2022 and breaching the contract the Department of Defense had signed with the shipyard. Golden and the Maine delegation raised the alarm about the impacts the cuts would have on the shipbuilding workforce and national security, and Golden went on to use his position on the House Armed Services Committee, including as Vice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, to ensure that the NDAA went beyond reversing the Biden proposal to add a third ship that BIW can compete to build.

The House passed its version of the NDAA months ago, including the provision authorizing construction of the three DDG-51s. On the other side of the Capitol, the Senate Armed Services Committee authorized construction of two destroyers; however, their legislation never passed the Senate. Since the Senate did not pass their version of the NDAA, House and Senate defense leaders were forced to negotiate a last-minute compromise measure to ensure the bill passed before the end of the year. The House passed that compromise bill last night and the Senate is expected to take it up in the coming days without modifications.

Congressman Golden also worked to include a number of other Maine priorities in the FY2022 NDAA, including:

Passage of legislation necessary to begin construction of a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall.

A 2.7 percent pay raise for American servicemembers;

A provision directing the Department of Defense to detail and certify the cost savings associated with a multi-year procurement contract for the DDG-51. This certification is a necessary step to achieving a multi-year procurement provision in future NDAA legislation;

Authorization for critical land-based tests for the DDG(X) destroyer program. The DDG(X) is expected to succeed the DDG-51 later this decade and the tests should result in schedule and budget savings for the program;

Maintaining the priority training and funding status of the KC-135, the principal aircraft of the Maine National Guard; and

Funding for innovative research projects at the UMaine Advanced Composites Center.

For a summary of the final bill, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-proposes-amendment-force-disclosure-foreign-payments-families-president,"Golden Proposes Amendment to Force Disclosure of Foreign Payments to Families of President, Members of Congress",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — The House will consider an amendment this week from Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to amend the Protecting Our Democracy Act to require the president, vice president, members of Congress, and candidates for federal office to disclose any payments made by foreign governments to their spouses and dependent children.

""It's no secret that Russia, China, and other foreign governments seek to influence U.S. officials any way they can, including by attempting to pay off family members,"" said Golden. ""The Protecting Our Democracy Act would help enforce Constitutional protections against foreign influence, but it doesn't go far enough. By requiring the disclosure of foreign governments to officials' close family members, my amendment would strengthen our defenses against foreign influence and domestic corruption.""

The Protecting Our Democracy Act would codify the Constitution's Foreign and Domestic Emoluments Clauses into federal statute by prohibiting all federal officials from accepting payments from foreign governments, and by prohibiting the President from accepting any payment or gift from a federal or state government other than the lawful compensation for their employment as President. These payments and gifts would be prohibited whether they are provided ""directly or indirectly.""

The legislation would also require these officials and candidates to disclose such payments and gifts. Golden's amendment would extend these disclosure requirements to payments to the officials' and candidates' spouses and children. Federal law has long required government officials and candidates to disclose the incomes, gifts, investments, debts, and financial transactions of their spouses and children. In addition, the amendment would require the president to disclose any payments made to their spouse or dependent children by the federal government or a state government.

Congressman Golden's amendment builds on his work to root out corruption and defend against foreign influence. Earlier this fall, Golden reintroduced his Stop Foreign Payoffs Act, which would bar government officials and their families from receiving a salary from or holding an investment in a foreign business.

Read the text of the amendment here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-challenges-department-education-decision-deny-funding-umaine,Maine Delegation Challenges Department of Education Decision to Deny Funding to UMaine Farmington College Prep Program,2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Maine's congressional delegation today challenged the U.S. Department of Education's decision to reject the University of Maine Farmington's application for a renewed Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. GEAR UP Maine, run by UMaine Farmington and Syntiro, has helped prepare Maine students for college since 1999, including 29,000 students served since 2007. This decision leaves GEAR UP Maine with no further funding to continue its program.

As part of their letter, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Angus King (I-ME), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) highlighted a legal requirement to prioritize GEAR UP Maine as an established state program. The Department of Education appears to have violated statutory requirements in awarding funding to a non-established state program.

""We are writing to express our concern about the Department of Education's rejection of the University of Maine at Farmington's (UMF) fiscal year 2021 application for funding for its Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) state program, leaving Maine as one of seven states with no further GEAR UP funding moving forward,"" wrote the members of Congress. ""Specifically, we are troubled by indications that, in its award decisions, the Department appeared to depart from its statutory requirements. While it is the Department's job to decide which program applications to fund, the Department must do so in the manner required by law.""

The Department of Education has not provided a justification for why it didn't prioritize GEAR UP Maine over a non-established state program, or why the Department awarded less than 40 percent of the state awards and award funding it had estimated for this year. Next year would be the first year since the program's founding in 1999 that it could not serve more Maine students.

GEAR UP Maine has prepared economically disadvantaged students in Maine for college by providing tutoring, mentoring, academic and career counseling, and exposure to college campuses. Many of the participants of the program go on to earn college scholarships. The program's seven-year grants allowed it to follow cohorts of seventh graders through the first year of their post-secondary experience.

""As part of our commitment to supporting the success of all students —especially those who are from rural communities, the first in their families to pursue postsecondary education or otherwise historically underserved—the University of Maine at Farmington has been proud to partner in the delivery of the GEAR UP program since 1999. In that time, GEAR UP has transformed the futures of thousands of Maine students by raising their aspirations and preparing them to affordably attend and complete college,"" said UMaine Farmington President Edward Serna. ""On behalf of the 6,500 students GEAR UP planned to serve over the next seven years in some of the state's most economically disadvantaged districts, we thank Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden for their leadership in inquiring about the apparent inconsistencies in the U.S. Department of Education's process and ensuring we have a fair shot at helping more of Maine's young people reach their full potential through this proven program.""

""When I think of the many benefits that Woodland Junior and Senior High School students have received because of GEAR UP, I tear up because as the guidance counselor for grades preK-12 (over 350 students), I cannot do it all and GEAR UP helped to fill those holes,"" said Baileyville Schools Guidance Counselor Janice E. Rice. ""The thought of not having GEAR UP saddens me as we are one school that embraced all that GEAR UP had to offer our students and our students benefited greatly.""

""GEAR UP has helped me so much this past year and I will forever be thankful for them. I had so many fears and questions about college that I didn't know who to ask. Then, GEAR UP showed up at my school and answered all of them and more,"" said Nicholas DiBuono, a GEAR UP Scholar from Woodland High School and a Loring Job Corps Student. ""They believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves. GEAR UP is there when you need them the most, they are just a text, call or email away and they are willing to help you in any way they can. We need GEAR UP to continue to be a thing for as long as it can so it can continue helping generations to come. Please keep GEAR UP running for us, students, we need it more than you'll ever know.""

""I've been part of GEAR UP for many years, and the people I've been able to meet because of this program are invaluable,"" said Antonio Gomez, a GEAR UP Scholar from Caribou High School and a first year student at University of Southern Maine. ""I hope they can continue to give mentorship and financial aid to those who need the extra help.""

Read a copy of the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-opposes-tax-breaks-millionaires-commits-working-senate-improve-build,"Golden Opposes Tax Breaks for Millionaires, Commits to Working with Senate to Improve Build Back Better Act Before Vote",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement this evening announcing his vote against the House version of the Build Back Better Act, citing in particular the tax giveaways to the wealthy that are currently in the bill. After passage, the bill heads to the Senate, where it is expected to undergo revisions before coming back to the House.

""Throughout consideration of the Build Back Better Act, I have been focused on getting the best possible deal for my constituents. That means digging into the details of the legislation and offering constructive feedback on how to improve the bill, as I have for the past several months (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). I believe we've made progress so far, but there is still time left, and it's not too late to do better. I will be voting no tonight, but that doesn't mean I will oppose a final version of this bill if some meaningful changes are made to this legislation.""

Giveaways to the Wealthy

""First and foremost, the president has committed not only that this bill will be paid for but also that the wealthy will pay for it. Unfortunately, the bill before us today does not meet either of those tests. As it stands, the largest single provision in the Build Back Better Act is a $280 billion tax giveaway to millionaires, and the bill has abandoned the opportunity to adopt a tax on billionaires that would ensure that the ultra wealthy pay taxes just like working people. I can't accept that these wealthy giveaways represent the best deal I can get for my constituents.

""Many of my colleagues argue this major line item is worth accepting to pass the rest of the bill. I disagree: the SALT giveaway in the Build Back Better Act is larger than the child care, pre-K, healthcare or senior care provisions of the bill. As a result, the legislation would give a millionaire nearly 20 times more money than it would provide a low-income family through the Child Tax Credit.

""To add insult to injury, this SALT provision applies retroactively, allowing wealthy people to rake in their windfalls from the past year, while programs that could really help people in the Build Back Better Act — like those that cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors — are delayed until 2024. Democrats should be the party of working and middle class people, and we have to do better than this. At a minimum, the SALT provisions in this bill need to be seriously dialed back. While my House colleagues have so far been unwilling to address this issue, some members of the Senate are considering ways to limit this massive giveaway. One option under discussion would be to keep current law's $10,000 cap in place, but exempt households under a certain income threshold. In the days ahead, I will work with any willing senators and the White House to fix this extremely misguided policy.

""Unfortunately, the giveaways to the wealthy don't end there. Despite some progress, the Build Back Better Act still accepts regressive GOP changes to the tax code from their 2017 tax bill rather than choosing to undo those giveaways to the rich while retaining the parts that were good for the middle class and small businesses. Too many programs — like the expanded Child Tax Credit — will give federal money to wealthy households that don't need it. These benefits for the wealthy come at the expense of my constituents, who deserve an enhanced Child Tax Credit that runs for longer than a single year. Prior to the GOP's 2017 tax bill, the Child Tax Credit went to families making $130,000 and no more. We should not be doubling down on the Republicans' efforts to redefine the middle class as households making as much as $400,000.""

We Should Learn from Recent History

""The federal government has pumped $6 trillion into the economy in the last 18 months. Much of that spending was needed, but as I have pointed out, the most recent stimulus spending was larger than necessary and came too soon in the wake of the bipartisan $900 billion COVID relief package from December 2020. Many Mainers are feeling the consequences of this in the form of rising prices every time they go to the grocery store or refill their gas tank. While a variety of factors contribute to inflation, Congress can't wash its hands of the role it has played.

""Scrutinizing every program created and dollar spent in this bill to determine how it might better benefit our constituents and to ensure it is paid for by millionaires and billionaires is key to it being a better deal for working and middle class Americans. By continuing to work not only to pay for this bill but also to reduce budget deficits, Democrats can responsibly invest in our constituents without placing the burden of that spending on future generations.""

What I'll Be Doing to Improve this Bill

""I have been open and honest about my concerns and priorities in this bill with my constituents, the White House, and House and Senate negotiators over the past few months, and demonstrated that I will work to affect positive changes to the legislation. I am ready to build on this work in the weeks ahead.

""I will continue to advocate that we follow through on the president's commitment by paying for these middle class investments by raising revenue from the millionaires and billionaires who can afford it. It is not too late to complete work on the Wyden billionaire tax proposal and to limit any SALT changes to middle-class households.

""In addition to addressing the concerns I've laid out above, this bill is also an opportunity to make key investments that would make a big difference in rural communities like many in Maine that are experiencing hardship. That is why I have advocated for -- and in the coming days will continue to work towards -- the inclusion of several key investments that could have a big impact in Maine. These include:

A major investment to support Maine's lobstering community, which is bearing the brunt of extremely misguided federal regulations due in part to the pressures created by climate change.

Improvements to renewable tax credits in the bill that would provide greater opportunities for BTU and wood-fiber insulation to be a more affordable alternative to reduce oil and gas dependency.

An additional investment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help people in Maine and across the country as they confront rising energy costs this winter.

Support for forest products manufacturers within the BBB's Advanced Industrial Facilities Deployment Program.

""My vote today is not the final word. The Senate must take up and pass legislation, which would then come back to the House for final consideration. For as much as the public and media have talked about reconciliation over the past few months, the legislative process is not yet complete. I will continue to stay at the table and negotiate for the best deal possible until the very last opportunity.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-desaulnier-introduce-crack-down-dark-money-act,"Golden, DeSaulnier Introduce Crack Down on Dark Money Act",2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) introduced legislation, the Crack Down on Dark Money Act, to help close loopholes that enable dark money to flood U.S. elections.

""Everyone knows Washington is broken and dysfunctional, and it should anger every American that the rich people and corporations who fuel this dysfunction remain hidden by shady campaign finance loopholes,"" said Golden. ""If we're going to make real progress on the most important issues facing this country, like ending special tax breaks for the wealthy, we need to root out this soft corruption from the system. I'm proud to lead this effort to shine a light on the dark money from flooding our elections.""

""A democracy depends on every citizen having an equal voice. By allowing the super wealthy to have excessive influence by funneling dark money into our political system, we risk losing our democratic system – and the American people are sick of it,"" said Congressman DeSaulnier. ""I am proud to support the Crack Down on Dark Money Act to close these loopholes and restore Americans' faith and trust in our democracy.""

Under current law, tax-exempt 501(c)(4) ""social welfare"" groups can pour up to half their budgets into political campaigns. The Crack Down on Dark Money Act would limit these groups' political expenditures to no more than 10 percent of their annual spending, and require them to disclose their donors of $5,000 or more if the group spends even a penny in elections. The bill would also establish a more detailed definition of political spending to more effectively enforce these rules.

Direct political expenditures by 501(c)(4) groups have grown from $2.23 million in the 2006 election cycle to more than $85 million in the 2020 cycle. The total spending, including contributions to super PACs, by all dark money groups in 2020 topped $1 billion. The Crack Down on Dark Money Act would count 501(c)(4) groups' contributions to Super PACs and other explicitly political groups as a political activity that triggers the donor disclosure requirement and counts towards the 10 percent limit.

The secret donors fueling this problem come from across the political spectrum, with hundreds of millions in dark money being spent by both conservative and liberal groups. In fact, liberal dark money groups spent more than twice as much as their conservative counterparts did in 2020.

The Crack Down on Dark Money Act is endorsed by End Citizens United // Let America Vote Action Fund, a leading anti-corruption and voting rights group working to unrig the corrupt status quo by both ending the influence of big money in politics and stopping efforts to restrict Americans' freedom to vote.

""Congressmen Golden and DeSaulnier know that our democracy works best when it is open, accountable, and transparent. We fully support their Crack Down on Dark Money Act to shine a light on secret special interest spending in politics and applaud their continued leadership and commitment to ensuring our elections are truly of, by, and for the people,"" said End Citizens United // Let America Vote Action Fund President Tiffany Muller.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-new-england-lawmakers-call-president-biden-tap-federal-heating,"Golden Leads New England Lawmakers to Call on President Biden to Tap Federal Heating Oil and Gas Reserves, Limit Natural Gas Exports",2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — With heating oil and gas prices rising fast, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) led a group of 12 New England lawmakers to urge President Biden today to take decisive action to ease home heating costs for New England families this winter. The members of Congress called on the president to release inventory from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve (NEHHOR) and Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), and to limit natural gas exports

""To ensure that no family must choose between heating their homes and making ends meet, we implore you to consider releasing inventory from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve consistent with statute, as well as limiting natural gas exports, to increase energy supply in the region,"" wrote the lawmakers. ""At a time when nearly 30 percent of households are forgoing other expenses to pay their energy bills, these actions could meaningfully bring energy prices down for New England households and allow them to keep the lights on and the thermostat up during the winter months.""

The NEHHOR holds one million barrels of ultra low sulfur diesel designated for heating oil. By law, the President is authorized to draw down and sell oil from the NEHHOR in the event of a severe energy supply disruption, or any other significant regional supply shortage whose adverse impact would be reduced by such a sale.

Established in 1975, the SPR currently holds more than 600 million barrels of oil. By law, the President is authorized to draw down and sell oil from the SPR in the event of a severe supply interruption and a resulting severe price increase. Presidents from both parties have ordered SPR drawdowns and sales in 1991, 2005, and 2011.

The New England congressional delegation has consistently pressed for action to ensure affordable heating for New England families. In 2019, every single member of the New England House delegation issued a statement opposing cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Joining Golden to sign the letter were Reps. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Chris Pappas (NH-01), David Cicilline (RI-01), John Larson (CT-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Bill Keating (MA-09), Ann Mclane Kuster (NH-02), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), and Lori Trahan (MA-03).

Read a copy of the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-passage-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-rule-vote,"Golden Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Rule Vote",2021-11-06,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) applauded the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The legislation will now head to the president's desk for his signature.

""Democrats, Republicans, and the White House have worked together to make a once-in-a-generation investment in jobs and better roads, bridges, broadband, replacing lead pipes, and much more. This bill will create and support Maine construction jobs and it's a clear win for our state and the entire country.""

""Since Senator Collins and I met with fellow members of Congress at Governor Hogan's residence seven months ago to begin developing the framework the bipartisan infrastructure bill is based upon, I have been proud to be a member of this bipartisan effort."" - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

The legislation is projected to invest $1.3 billion in Maine's roads, $225 million for bridges, $390 million to remove dangerous lead pipes, $74 million for airports, nearly $100 million for affordable broadband, and hundreds of millions of dollars for climate infrastructure like emissions reductions, electrical grid upgrades, and resiliency.

Golden has been at the forefront of efforts over the past several months to get the bill passed through the House. In April, Golden participated in a two-day bipartisan infrastructure summit with other members of Congress, including other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of senators, and governors, including Senator Collins. On June 9, Congressman Golden and his colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled a bipartisan infrastructure framework. Their framework was the basis of the blueprint agreed to by the White House and Senate negotiators two weeks later and passed through the Senate.

Congressman Golden also voted to open debate on the Build Back Better Act and will continue to review the 2,000-page legislation and forthcoming budgetary analysis before it comes to the House floor for a vote later this month.

""I also voted to open debate on the Build Back Better Act tonight, with the expectation that we will receive a cost and budget analysis from the Congressional Budget Office in the coming days. In the meantime, I will continue to review the details of this bill now that we have a finalized draft.""- Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

On Wednesday, the congressman wrote an update to his constituents on the negotiations in which he noted some areas of progress on the legislation, as well as provisions in the bill that required additional work.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-stands-firm-good-governance-requests-time-read-legislation-receive-cost,"Golden Stands Firm on Good Governance, Requests Time to Read Legislation, Receive Cost Analysis Before Considering Build Back Better Act",2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congressional Budget Office analysis is required for the Senate to take up reconciliation legislation

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement today:

""No matter what political elites say, the American people want their members of Congress to analyze and understand the details of the legislation before we vote on it. This is not a new concept. It's the same legitimate request Democratic leaders made in 2017 before Speaker Paul Ryan rushed a reconciliation bill to the floor without a full understanding of the budgetary impacts. The more than 2,000-page bill House leadership wants to vote on today was still being written early this morning. In the past 48 hours, over $200 billion is estimated to have been added to the bill, including provisions that negotiators openly admit will not pass in the Senate.

""Unless there is a clear and pressing emergency, like when the coronavirus set upon the nation in March 2020 and speed was essential, the bare minimum — the absolute least — our constituents expect is that their elected representatives will take the time to review the text of a massive bill and analyze its impact in full. I am still at the table and ready to work, but we need the time and information to do this right and I am not currently in a position to support this bill."" - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-veterans-rally-support-global-war-terrorism-memorial,"Golden, Veterans Rally Support for Global War on Terrorism Memorial",2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"VIDEO HERE

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) hosted dozens of veterans & Gold Star families from across the country, as well as bipartisan members of the House and Senate, to hold a press conference this week calling for passage of a bill to build a memorial to American servicemembers killed in the Global War on Terrorism on the National Mall.

Image

Image

The legislation, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, is the final step needed to authorize construction of the memorial. This legislation has passed the House and could be voted on by the Senate later this month.

""Now is a good time to show our veterans that we're never going to forget and that their nation deeply appreciates their service, and to send that special message to all the family members of our servicemembers,"" said Congressman Golden. ""In the months ahead, weeks ahead, we're going to be pushing to make sure this gets through the United States Senate. You'll hear all kinds of congressional procedural objections, committees of jurisdiction expressing certain concerns, bureaucratic excuses. None of those are acceptable to any of our veterans, anyone standing here today, or really to the country. The country supports us in this. The country wants this to be done, and it will be done. The question is when.""

""We call on the U.S. Senate to do their part so the Memorial can be built in the central part of the Mall. Future generations should be able to learn about the Global War on Terrorism and honor the sacrifices of those who served, fought, were injured, or were killed in America's longest war,"" Wounded Warrior Project CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington said. ""Congressman Golden has truly helped lead the charge to build the Global War on Terrorism Memorial at a centrally located spot near the existing war memorials on the National Mall, and for that I want to thank him.""

Congressmen Jason Crow (CO-06) and Mike Gallagher (WI-08) and Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have been leading the effort to get the bill signed into law and also spoke at the event.

The members of Congress and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Linnington were joined by more than 30 veterans and Gold Star family members from across the country, including:

U.S. Army veteran Claude Boushey

Gold Star family members Seana and Alston Arrechaga

GWOT Memorial Foundation CEO and Army veteran Marina Jackman

VFW National Veteran Service Director and Army veteran Ryan Gallucci

American Legion National Executive Director and Army veteran Chanin Nuntavong

IAVA Vice President and Navy veteran Tom Porter.

Reps. Van Taylor, Jim Baird, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Mike Garcia, and Scott Franklin.

Since 9/11, 2.7 million Americans have served in the military and more than 7,000 have been killed in the Global War on Terrorism.

Crow, Gallagher, Taylor, Baird, Miller-Meeks, Garcia, and Franklin are members of the For Country Caucus, a bipartisan group of principled military veterans in Congress who strive to create a government that is less polarized, more efficient, and is trusted by Americans. Rep. Golden and Rep. Van Taylor (TX-03) are co-chairs of the caucus, which has been central to building support for the GWOT memorial in the House.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-reauthorize-programs-providing-domestic-violence-prevention,Golden Votes to Reauthorize Programs Providing Domestic Violence Prevention Grants to Maine Organizations,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted this week for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021. If signed into law, the legislation would provide Maine with a 22 percent increase in federal funding to expand and support programs focused on protecting survivors and preventing family and domestic violence.

""I voted to pass this bipartisan bill through the House today to provide critical resources to organizations serving domestic violence victims in Maine and working to prevent violence before it happens,"" Golden said. ""Domestic violence continues to be a serious issue in Maine and the ongoing pandemic has made the problem worse. I am proud to work across the aisle to help keep people in our state safe from violence and abuse in their homes.""

Among other provisions, the bill would:

Provide grants to provide services to victims of domestic, dating, and family violence;

Support tribes' capacity to respond to and prevent domestic violence in their communities;

Provide technical assistance to organizations providing intervention and prevention services;

Provide grants to organizations supporting victims and their dependents, especially in underserved and rural communities; and

Expand the definitions of domestic, dating, and family violence to include economic abuse.

Earlier this year, Congressman Golden voted to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 through the House. The bill reauthorized and expanded the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), landmark legislation addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and related issues.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-key-step-towards-groundbreaking-new-veterans-mental,Maine Delegation Announces Key Step Towards Groundbreaking for New Veterans Mental Health Facility,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — The Maine delegation announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a design for a new Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) building at Togus. The firm Triple C - The A&E Group, LLC will design the project. The new facility was announced last year after dogged work from Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), along with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), to advocate for its creation.

""Maine veterans who need long-term mental health and substance use care shouldn't have to travel out of our state and far from their families to get treatment,"" the Maine delegation said in a statement. ""That's why we worked hard to push for this new VA facility at Togus. The design award we're announcing today brings us a big step closer to providing this crucial care to veterans right here where they need it. We're pleased to see the VA making progress and being responsive to our appeals for urgency.""

The new facility was announced in 2020, but was at risk of delay as of April, when new guidance put out by the VA threatened to slow down construction. The delegation repeatedly pushed the VA to stick to an aggressive timeline and to expedite work on the new facility.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/pingree-welch-golden-kuster-urge-danone-reinstate-contracts-89-organic-dairy,"Pingree, Welch, Golden, Kuster Urge Danone to Reinstate Contracts with 89 Organic Dairy Farms across the Northeast",2021-10-25,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC— Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), and fellow northeast lawmakers Representatives Peter Welch (D-V.T), Jared Golden (D-Maine), and Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) on Monday sent a letter to chief executives of Danone regarding the company's decision to terminate its contracts with 89 organic dairy farms in Maine and across the Northeast.

""By all accounts, your decision to sever the contracts of these 89 farms was one based solely on maximizing profits, regardless of the devastating consequences for the families and communities you cast aside and despite the reputational benefits and profit you gleaned from their work,"" the letter read. ""Clearly, your 2020 corporate revenue of $27 billion was not enough.""

The group urged Danone and its subsidiary, Horizon Organic, to reconsider their decision to sever contracts in the northeast, and to instead prioritize the well-being of farms and surrounding communities – calling it ""especially disappointing"" that this decision came as they are pursuing status as a B Corp.

The letter goes on to say, ""… your actions against these Northeast farmers are in direct conflict with the B Corp commitment of ‘balancing profit with purpose' and ‘using business as a force for good.' We ask that you choose to live the values of the B Corp commitment and reinstate the contracts of these 89 farms, who have been a force for good in their communities and a source of profit for you.""

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Mr. Antoine de Saint-Affrique and Mr. Shane Grant:

We write regarding the abrupt decision of your wholly owned subsidiary, Horizon Organic, to terminate its contracts with 89 organic dairy farms across the Northeast. This decision is a devastating blow to these farm families and our rural economy; it must be reversed.

Since 1999, when it purchased The Organic Cow in Tunbridge, Vt., Horizon Organic had supported the vision of small, organic farms in our region. These organic dairy farms have been reliable partners in building the reputation and value of the organic dairy market and have contributed substantially to the bottom line and brand of both Horizon and Danone. Each of these farms and farm families have established themselves as respected businesses, serving as both strong environmental stewards and the backbone of our rural economies.

By all accounts, your decision to sever the contracts of these 89 farms was one based solely on maximizing profits, regardless of the devastating consequences for the families and communities you cast aside and despite the reputational benefits and profit you gleaned from their work. Clearly, your 2020 corporate revenue of $27 billion was not enough. Further, it is especially disappointing that this decision came as you are pursuing status as a B Corp, given your actions against these Northeast farmers are in direct conflict with the B Corp commitment of ""balancing profit with purpose"" and ""using business as a force for good.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-and-governor-mills-urge-commerce-secretary-rescind-right,Maine Delegation and Governor Mills Urge Commerce Secretary to Rescind Right Whale Rule and Protect Lobster Fishery,2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Following the U.S. District Court of Maine's order blocking the Lobster Management Area (LMA) 1 restricted area closure, which is a component of the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) flawed and unfair Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Rule, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, and Governor Janet Mills sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. In their bipartisan letter, the Maine Delegation and Governor Mills applauded the U.S. District Court of Maine's decision halting the enforcement of the LMA 1 closure and urged Secretary Raimondo to use her authorities to immediately resolve the rule's many shortcomings.

""Throughout the rulemaking process, we have raised concerns expressed by Maine's lobstermen and other industry stakeholders about the flawed and incomplete data upon which the final rule ultimately relied. Moreover, NMFS's decision to impose a sudden fisheries closure will cause irreparable harm to the industry, while doing little to achieve meaningful protections for the right whale population,"" Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Mills wrote. ""In light of the District Court's order and the many flaws with the rule, particularly with respect to the LMA 1 closure, we urge you rescind the rule and resolve these issues.""

""We fully agree with the Court's determination that ‘the record presented thus far does not indicate that right whales actually congregate in or pass through the LMA 1 Restricted Area with nearly enough frequency to render it a ‘hotspot' for whale and buoy line co-occurrence, contrary to the agency's characterization,"" Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Mills continued. ""The District Court's decision is a sound and welcome development, and underscores the many shortcomings with the Agency's final rule. We urge you to withdraw this rule and to use whatever authorities you have to immediately resolve the LMA 1 restricted area component, which does not reflect the reality of the conditions in the Gulf of Maine.""

The letter underscored many of the shortcomings of NMFS' rule that were pointed out in the District Court's decision, such as:

NMFS' predictive models forecast very low-percentages of right whale presence during the closure period.

Prior area closures imposed elsewhere by NMFS have been designed to coincide with the actual presence of right whales and have relied on predictable whale aggregations in specific areas and seasons.

NMFS' own data – or lack thereof in some instances – support the conclusion that right whales are present in the Northern Gulf of Maine less and less frequently as waters warm and the species' primary food source moves further offshore and northward into colder Canadian waters.

The record of known entanglements and vessel strike cases between 2010 and 2019 includes zero known incidents in LMA 1, which means there is sparse evidence to support an immediate and preemptive closure of this area.

The Maine Delegation and Governor Mills have been steadfastly opposed to undue burdens that would threaten the lobster fishery – an important economic driver for Maine – but which do not meaningfully protect whales. Following the release of the final rule in late August, the Maine Delegation and Governor Mills issued a statement in opposition to the rule and highlighting the Maine lobster fishery's record of repeatedly making significant improvements to their practices and modifications to their gear to protect right whales.

They previously wrote to Commerce Secretary Raimondo, urging her to oppose last-minute changes to this rule that would significantly harm the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing and lobstering without meaningfully protecting whales. The Delegation also urged both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to act on their pledges to protect lobstermen's livelihoods, citing the lack of data to support claims that the lobster fishery presents an extreme risk to whales compared to other marine activities such as ship strikes.

Governor Mills has repeatedly stood up for Maine's vital lobster industry and its working men and women in the face of the Federal government's right whale proposal. Last year, she wrote to the Commerce Departmenturging it to deny a petition by Pew Charitable Trusts that asks for three seasonal offshore closures in the Gulf of Maine and that would prohibit the use of vertical lines in the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries in four areas of the New England coast. The Maine Delegation sent a similar letter in opposition to the Pew petition. She also filed comments with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on the draft Biological Opinion for ten fishery management plans in the Greater Atlantic Region, focusing on the North Atlantic Right Whale, expressing ""grave concern"" and warning it will be economically devastating and will fundamentally change Maine's lobster fishery. The Governor also filed for, and was granted, intervenor status in the pending litigation Center for Biological Diversity v. Ross in the U.S. District Court in the D.C. Circuit. If decided in the plaintiff's favor, the lawsuit could close the Maine lobster fishery altogether. Governor Mills sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo urging swift action by NOAA Fisheries to reduce the unnecessary economic harm to Maine fishermen that the recently announced Federal whale protection rule will cause.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-urges-house-leaders-reject-tax-changes-favor-wealthy-reconciliation,Golden Urges House Leaders to Reject Tax Changes that Favor the Wealthy in Reconciliation Bill,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Following Golden's letter, reporting indicates White House is leaving tax provision out of their proposal

SALT tax provision would provide a tax break to 93% of millionaires, just 1.6% of people making under $100,000

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) continued his efforts to shape the still-developing social services spending bill being negotiated in Congress this week, pushing House leadership to oppose efforts to add a tax provision to the legislation that would overwhelmingly benefit wealthy Americans. The provision, pushed by lawmakers from New York, New Jersey, and California, would lift the cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions households can take on their federal taxes.

Reports from the White House after Golden sent his letter indicated that the president has taken the SALT proposal ""off of the table.""

""I am writing today to urge you to resist calls to insert an increased State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction into the reconciliation bill. An increase in this tax break would disproportionately benefit the wealthy,"" wrote Golden to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Richie Neal (MA-01).

""Congress has a choice: we can enact a tax cut for the wealthy, or we can pay for historic investments for America's working and middle classes. You and your committee wisely chose the latter. I urge you to stand by that judgement,"" Golden continued.

Under current law, households can deduct up to $10,000 that they pay in state and local taxes from their federal income tax. Raising or eliminating that cap, as has been proposed in the House and Senate, would provide a tax break that would flow overwhelmingly to the wealthy and super-wealthy.

Analysis of a bill that would generally eliminate the SALT cap found that 93 percent of millionaires would receive a tax break from the change, while just 1.4 percent of those who make under $100,000 a year would see any benefit. Further, more than half of the tax cuts generated by repealing the SALT cap would go to the wealthiest 1 percent of households. Ninety-seven percent of the benefits would go to the top 20 percent of earners.

A full SALT cap repeal would also cost the federal government approximately $88 billion a year, a gap that legislators would need to make up elsewhere in the reconciliation bill to fully pay for the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-court-blocking-seasonal-lobster-closure,Golden Statement on Court Blocking Seasonal Lobster Closure,2021-10-17,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement after District Judge Lance Walker issued a temporary restraining order blocking the closure of a large area off the coast of Maine to lobster fishing.

""Judge Walker's sound decision to block the seasonal closure of valuable Maine lobstering waters is a positive signal that the voices of Maine lobstermen are being heard. For the first time in this regulatory process, the concerns of lobstermen were weighed fairly and as a result we have a ruling grounded in common sense and the public good.

""The judge's decision acts on arguments that lobstermen have been making for years now: there is simply not hard data to support the idea that Maine lobster gear is killing right whales. As they have argued and as Judge Walker notes, implementing this closure would cause serious economic damage to lobstering communities without any demonstrated impact on saving right whales.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pushes-congress-address-half-measures-and-budget-gimmicks-medicare,Golden Pushes Congress to Address Half-Measures and Budget Gimmicks in Medicare Dental Proposal,2021-10-14,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — With negotiations on a large social program bill currently underway in Congress, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) wrote to key policymakers today on behalf of the seniors in his district who rely on Medicare. The congressman urged the committee chairmen to address glaring problems with proposed dental coverage in the Medicare program — such as waiting seven years to offer seniors the dental coverage — and to remove the program from the bill if the problems cannot be solved.

Golden has been a vocal supporter of allowing Medicare to negotiate the costs of prescription drugs for seniors and using the savings generated from that policy change to expand the benefits of the Medicare program.

""I continue to believe these proposals could be among the most meaningful and effective measures Congress could take to lower costs and increase access to health care for seniors in this country,"" said Golden. ""However, it is critical that these changes be done in a responsible way that strengthens and protects the Medicare program in the long run. The proposed expansion of Medicare coverage included in the House Budget Committee's draft reconciliation bill does not meet these standards.""

In his letter, addressed to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Richie Neal and Energy and Committee Chairman Rep. Frank Pallone, Golden directs the chairmen's attention to several critical errors in the legislation, including:

Seniors on Medicare would not have access to the new dental benefits until 2028

Full Medicare coverage would not be expanded to dental care until 2032

The program provides a greater benefit for wealthy Medicare beneficiaries, rather than lower-income beneficiaries.

""I am concerned that such a long delay in roll out of this coverage is a deliberate effort to shift costs outside the ten year score of this legislation, thereby masking its true cost,"" Golden continued in his letter. ""As a result, this is an underdeveloped proposal that would leave seniors in need of affordable dental coverage today without this benefit for at least seven years after enactment of this bill. For many seniors, this would sadly amount to an empty promise.""

While Golden has said he does not support the draft reconciliation bill approved by the House Budget Committee last month, he is actively engaged in talks with the White House and others on ways to address the flaws in the current proposal. Last week, he penned an op-ed calling on his colleagues to make hard choices in the legislation rather than engage in budget gimmicks and shortcuts.

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-bill-ban-presidents-members-congress-profiting-foreign-interests,"Golden Bill to Ban Presidents, Members of Congress from Profiting Off of Foreign Interests Reintroduced",2021-10-08,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — To fight corruption and help restore faith in government, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced the reintroduction of the Stop Foreign Payoffs Act today. The Stop Foreign Payoffs Act would bar high-ranking public officials — members of Congress, presidents, vice presidents, and cabinet secretaries, as well as their close families — from earning a salary from or holding an investment in a foreign business as long as the official is in office.

""Foreign corporations and governments use investment opportunities and board positions to gain influence and hold sway over American elected officials and their families,"" said Congressman Golden. ""Even the possibility of improper influence is damaging to Congress and the White House, and reduces the trust constituents have in their representatives. There's an easy fix: don't let government officials and their families make money from other countries. My bill would do just that. I'm proud to reintroduce this common sense legislation.""

Under Golden's bill, any president, vice president, cabinet-level official, member of congress, or their spouse, son, daughter, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law would be prohibited from holding a board position on or investment in a foreign business. The official or family member would have to sell, trade, or place any such investment in a qualified blind trust within 30 days of the official assuming office.

The legislation is endorsed by the End Citizens United Action Fund, an organization working to get money out of politics and restoring faith and trust in our democracy.

Golden originally introduced the bill in July 2020, as a part of his Plan to Fix a Broken Washington. He has since re-introduced the legislation in the new Congress.

Golden's plan also included more than a dozen other important changes to root out corruption and hold lawmakers accountable, including:

Reversing the Citizens United ruling;

Stopping foreign financial influence in U.S. Elections;

Banning Members of Congress from buying/selling single stocks;

Banning Members of Congress from serving as lobbyists for life.

You can view Golden's full plan here, and the Stop Foreign Payoffs Act here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-hosts-loggers-roundtable-us-labor-secretary,Golden Hosts Loggers Roundtable with U.S. Labor Secretary,2021-10-08,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"FAYETTE — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) hosted U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in Fayette and Augusta Tuesday to learn firsthand from Maine loggers and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the logging workforce. The congressman convened a roundtable between Secretary Walsh and members of the Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine, to discuss issues including logger recruitment efforts, worker classification issues, and the importance of job training and workforce development for the industry. In addition to the roundtable, the group toured two harvest sites and were given a demonstration of logging equipment.

The roundtable participants also discussed PLC's Mechanized Logging Operation Program, a partnership with Northern Maine Community College that trains the next generation of timber harvesters. Rep. Golden secured House passage of Community Project Funding for the program in the Fiscal Year 2022 Labor appropriations bill, which is now pending consideration by the Senate.

Today's visit from the Labor Secretary is only the latest step in Congressman Golden's work to support Maine loggers and log haulers. Last week, the Congressman chaired a House Small Business subcommittee hearing on the sustainable forest economy, featuring three witnesses from Maine. Congressman Golden and Senator Collins proposed a COVID-19 logger relief fund in July 2020 and secured its passage in December 2020. Loggers and log haulers are encouraged to apply for that logger relief funding before the application closes on October 15.

In both public office and organized labor, Secretary Walsh has been a longtime champion of workers. Secretary Walsh began his career in Laborers Local 223 in Boston, and rose to head the Building and Construction Trades Council from 2011 to 2013. From 2013 to 2021, he served as Mayor of Boston. On March 23, 2021, he was sworn in as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Labor.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-delayed-vote-bipartisan-infrastructure-package,Golden Statement on Delayed Vote on Bipartisan Infrastructure Package,2021-10-01,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — After four days of delays beyond the September 27th date she had publicly committed to, Speaker Pelosi announced late last night that she would again delay a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure package passed by the Senate in August.

Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) , who helped develop the bipartisan infrastructure framework the legislation is based on and has been fighting for a timely, standalone vote on the package, released the following statement:

""Last month, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer made a firm, public commitment to members of Congress and the American people to hold a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill on or before September 27. That agreement was sealed with the vote of every Democrat in the House that put the commitment in writing. This week, they broke that agreement and their word, and in so doing have deeply eroded any credibility or trust they had with me.

""The double-dealing I have seen in Washington over the past few months is not worthy of trust. Moving forward, it will be difficult for me to take leadership at their word or to believe that they will adhere to any commitment they make to me or others.

""To those of you who insist that the infrastructure bill is ‘linked' to the reconciliation bill, let me be clear that I have never agreed, nor would I ever agree, to trade my vote for one bill in exchange for your vote on the other. The infrastructure bill should be voted on now and on its own merits. The president's proposed Build Back Better legislation should be voted on separately and on its own merits. Only those who are unwilling to compromise and build consensus, or who lack confidence in their own proposal, would try to leverage one in order to secure the other.

""Going forward, I will continue to support the bipartisan infrastructure bill that garnered the support of 69 senators, including Senators Collins and King. I will also engage in good faith discussions about the rest of the president's agenda, but I will not make a commitment to support any reconciliation bill without first seeing the final text so that I know what is in it, how it will be paid for, and how it will be implemented. Only then will I decide whether or not I believe that the collective proposal is in the best interest of my constituents and the country."" - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairing-small-business-hearing-golden-showcases-maines-growing-sustainable,"Chairing Small Business Hearing, Golden Showcases Maine’s Growing Sustainable Forest Economy",2021-09-30,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — In a hearing of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development chaired by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today, the congressman focused in on ways that a booming forest products economy can address climate change, and on challenges with government programs meant to support sustainable forestry.

""It's clear the great benefits the forest products industry and sustainable forestry can have for our country,"" said Congressman Golden during the hearing. ""Protecting our environment doesn't have to be bad for business. I think our witnesses proved today that that is certainly not the case in places like Maine and Minnesota and a lot of others. Sustainable forestry provides positive economic and social outcomes and meets the needs of present and, we hope, future generations as well. So I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance policies to keep our forests healthy and help small business owners in the forest products industry.""

During the hearing, the panel of Maine leaders in logging, forestry research, and biomass energy offered testimony on the potential of the growing sustainable forest products economy, how it can help promote clean air and water and tackle climate change, and how Congress should support jobs and small businesses in the sector.

""Many on this committee might find it odd for a trade association that represents loggers and truckers in the state—typically a conservative group—to stand before you today to discuss how timber harvesting can be part of the solution and not part of the problem,"" said Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Executive Director Dana Doran. ""With that in mind, I can say with great honesty that this perception is not reality when it comes to Maine's logging and trucking community. Over the last 20 years, we have learned to recognize and prepare for our role in climate mitigation through our work on the ground.""

ReEnergy Regional Manager Mark Thibodeau, who manages ReEnergy's biomass power plant in Stratton, Maine, also told the committee about how biomass energy generation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

""The net emissions from biomass are considered negligible, ‘neutral,' or even ‘negative,' depending upon the type of biomass,"" said Thibodeau. ""If not used as fuel, biomass could have several different fates – decaying in the forest, open burning, landfilling, composting or other means of disposal. Each of these alternatives has a greater greenhouse effect than does biomass power generation because they produce and release significant quantities of methane, which is 25 times more potent as a GHG than carbon dioxide. The controlled combustion of biomass for electrical power generation converts essentially all of the carbon into less potent carbon dioxide.""

And UMaine Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Economics Adam Daigneault shared data on how trees and therefore finished wood products act as carbon sinks.

""Timber harvesting is necessary to meet societal needs and mitigate climate change,"" said UMaine Associate Professor of Forest Policy and Economics Adam Daigneault. ""Nearly 20% of U.S. forest carbon sequestration is attributed to harvested wood products. In areas like Maine, timber products from managed forests contribute to about 30% of the annual carbon sequestration. Wood is also a renewable resource that can be substituted for more emissions-intensive materials such as steel and concrete.""

Congressman Golden asked Dana Doran about carbon markets, which can provide revenue to forest owners for the carbon sequestered in their trees. ""I've seen that some of these programs are probably structured in a way that would be of concern to loggers and the Forest Products Council. But is there also something good here potentially if it means that more people are going to engage in forest growth?"" Congressman Golden asked. ""Does it give landowners another tool in the toolbox? What's your feedback on this?""

""Carbon markets generally are a reduction of the annual timber harvest, or the annual cut. But we feel like it can be structured in a way that we make sure that we actually weed the forest, remove the low-value wood, and we can still conduct the same type of forest management without an impact to the contractor,"" Doran said. ""If we can develop a system like that, that increases forest management, produces higher-level products, and greater markets, I think everybody shares in the prosperity. But that's a big nut that we have to crack.""

Congressman Golden also asked the witnesses about the level of demand for the $200 million USDA COVID-19 logger relief fund, which he and Senator Collins had proposed in July 2020 and then secured passage of in December 2020. American Loggers Council Executive Director Scott Dane answered that studies and surveys have estimated the full need at $1 billion to $1.8 billion.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-defense-bill-goldens-maine-shipbuilder-national-defense,"House Passes Defense Bill Golden’s Maine Shipbuilder, National Defense Provisions",2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives passed the annual defense authorization bill late last night, including several measures won by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to protect Maine shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and the future shipbuilding workforce, strengthen national defense, and support American servicemembers. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and vice chair of the panel's Seapower Subcommittee, Golden helped write the legislation and advance it through a markup earlier this month.

Crucially, the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the House includes Golden provisions that would authorize the Navy to build three DDG-51 destroyers — ships that are built at BIW — in 2022 and start a multi-year procurement contract for up to 15 DDG-51 ships.

""After the administration slashed shipbuilding for DDG-51 destroyers in their budget request earlier in the year, we had our work cut out for us in this year's defense bill. The reduction put at risk both the future of shipbuilding jobs at BIW and our Navy's ability to respond to national security threats over the next decade,"" Golden said. ""After months of hard work, the defense bill the House passed this week represents a full turnaround from the administration's proposal. We are one step closer to a big victory for Maine shipbuilders, American servicemembers, and our national security priorities.""

Golden's multi-year procurement provisionwould help provide the long-term stability necessary to maintain and train the large workforce at BIW, which currently has no contracted work after next year and could face steep layoffs without consistent contracts. The predictability afforded by a multiyear contract for DDG-51 destroyers ensures that the nation will have a new generation of proficient, experienced shipbuilders, which will be particularly important for BIW as the Navy seeks to develop a new class of destroyer over the next several years.

The DDG-51 shipbuilding provisions would be a significant reversal of fortunes for Maine shipbuilders and the country's national security after the Biden Administration proposed that just one of the ships be built. Golden and his colleagues in the Maine delegation led the effort to restore authorization for a second ship, and Golden cosponsored an amendment in the House Armed Services Committee markup to raise the level of spending authorized in the bill and add a third ship. A timeline of Golden's work on the issue can be found here.

The Congressman worked to include a number of other Maine priorities in this year's House NDAA, including:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-usda-support-maine-organic-dairy-farmers,Maine Delegation Urges USDA to Support Maine Organic Dairy Farmers,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the department to provide federal support to the 14 Maine organic dairy farms who were recently notified that their contracts will not be renewed by Horizon Organic, a subsidiary of the multinational corporation Danone. Their letter reiterates the recommendations put forth by Governor Mills and the Maine Department of Agriculture.

""This decision will harm not only the hardworking families that operate these farms, but also Maine's agricultural economy. We fully support Governor Mills' request for federal assistance and action to ensure that the 14 Maine dairy farms affected by this decision will have the support and resources they need to survive,"" the delegation wrote. ""In addition, we strongly agree with Gov. Mills request for the issuance of a final rule on the Origin of Livestock – for which we have been advocating for years. We ask that you move swiftly to finalize this rule in order to prevent further harm to the organic dairy farmers who have been put at a serious and unfair disadvantage while waiting for this process to conclude.""

The Maine Delegation's recommendations included providing a three-month grace period on all USDA loans for impacted producers; directing available COVID-19 relief and other federal resources towards financial support and related infrastructure needs; supporting regional and state-specific responses; addressing the labor shortage in milk hauling; and issuing a final rule on the Origin of Livestock. The delegation also signed onto a similar region-wide letter with members from across the Northeast.

Click HERE to read the full letter to USDA on behalf of the Maine Delegation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-king-golden-announce-25-million-grant-help-combat-opioid-epidemic,"Collins, King, Golden Announce $2.5 Million Grant to Help Combat Opioid Epidemic in Aroostook County",2021-09-20,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Jared Golden announced that Aroostook Mental Health Center (AMHC) has been awarded $2.5 million to support and expand their Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services.

""For nearly six decades, Aroostook Mental Health Center has been committed to improving the health of rural and underserved communities,"" said Senators Collins and King and Congressman Golden in a joint statement. ""This funding will allow the dedicated staff at AMHC to continue to provide high-quality treatment and other support resources to individuals struggling with opioid addiction in Northern Maine. Last year Maine lost 504 people to drug overdoses, and we're on track to exceed that number this year – which is why these services are needed more than ever.""

""AMHC is excited to be awarded a SAMHSA grant to increase access to substance use treatment services,"" shared Ellen Bemis, CEO, AMHC. ""The purpose is to expand medication assisted treatment (MAT) in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties over the next five years. AMHC appreciates the level of support we continue to receive from our congressional delegation to help make these efforts possible in our rural service area.""

The funding was awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA also operates a 24/7, national helpline that people can call to find treatment referral resources for mental health or substance use disorders: 800-662-HELP (4357).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-seafood-processors-and-agriculture-stakeholders,Maine Delegation Announces Seafood Processors and Agriculture Stakeholders Eligible for $700 Million in COVID-19 Relief,2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will soon publish Requests for Applications (RFAs) for two new grant programs - the Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program and the Seafood Pandemic Response Safety (SPRS) Block Grant program - to support agricultural stakeholders who haven't yet received substantial federal financial assistance in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. These grant programs will provide assistance to small businesses in certain commodity areas, including small scale specialty crop producers and processors, shellfish, aquaculture and other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, farmers markets, seafood facilities, and processing vessels. Today, USDA released grant forecasts for these new programs to help potential applicants determine their eligibility and prepare to apply for funding.

Approximately $650 million in funding is available for PRS grants and $50 million is available for SPRS grants. All of these new programs are funded by the Pandemic Assistance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The Maine Delegation co-signed a letter earlier this year urging USDA to release this funding.

""Since the onset of the pandemic, food processors have had to invest significant time, resources, and attention to protect their workers and safeguard their ability to provide food to our nation in a time of unprecedented crisis. Additionally, given the complexity of U.S. seafood supply chains, the success of seafood processors to meet and overcome the challenges created by COVID is directly linked to the success of fishermen who risk their safety to harvest the seafood that Americans enjoy,"" said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. ""We welcome this federal support to help the food supply chain weather the pandemic, and we encourage eligible producers, distributors, processors and other small agricultural businesses to apply as quickly as possible.""

For the PRS grants, eligible entities are detailed in the Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program forecast. Eligible entities should visit the PRS grant portal at https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov for complete information on the program, including how to obtain a free-of-charge DUNS Number BEFORE applying for this program. On September 23, USDA will issue another announcement indicating that entities may submit their applications through the grant portal; entities will need their DUNS number to submit an application.

For the Seafood PRS grants, USDA will allocate block grant funding to U.S. states and territories based on a formula that considers economic activity as demonstrated through commercial fisheries landings. Eligible entities are state agencies as detailed in the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program forecast. The state agency will then provide funds to seafood processing facilities and processing vessels. Seafood processors and processing vessels should apply directly through their State agency; seafood processors and processing vessels should not apply through PRS and should instead contact their state agency for financial assistance once USDA awards funds to states. A listing of state contacts will be made available on the USDA website. Tribal government owned eligible entities may apply directly to USDA, details of which will be developed through tribal consultation in conjunction with the Office of Tribal Relations.

Updated information regarding the PRS and Seafood PRS programs will be available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) website: www.ams.usda.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-king-and-golden-announce-1-million-help-aroostook-county-combat-opioid,"Collins, King, and Golden Announce $1 Million to Help Aroostook County Combat the Opioid Crisis",2021-09-08,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Angus King, and Congressman Jared Golden announced that Aroostook Mental Health Center has been awarded $1 million to combat the opioid crisis in Northern Maine. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP). The Maine lawmakers sent a letter to HRSA leadership to help make the case for the application earlier this year.

""The opioid crisis has devastated families and communities across Maine, claiming 504 lives in our state last year alone,"" said Senators Collins, King, and Congressman Golden in a joint statement. ""This vital funding will help educate Northern communities on the dangers of drug and opioid use, and provide the people of Aroostook County with the accessible services they need to combat this public health emergency. Thanks to this grant – and the hard work of Aroostook Mental Health Center – more Maine people struggling with substance use disorders will have the support they need to enter recovery.""

""Aroostook Mental Health Center is pleased to be a recipient of the 2021 HRSA RCORP Implementation grant,"" said Ellen Bemis, CEO of AMHC. ""The agency is looking forward to working with its community consortium to fulfill key initiatives including the reduction of stigma through education and training and an increase in access to prevention, treatment and recovery services. We are grateful to our Congressional Delegation for the support they have provided Aroostook County.""

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program is a multi-year initiative that addresses barriers to treatment for substance use disorder, including opioid use disorder. It works toward the HHS goal of ending the opioid epidemic. RCORP is supported through HRSA's Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and has invested $298 million across over 1,420 counties since the start of 2018.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-wins-armed-services-committee-approval-maine-shipbuilder-natl-defense,"Golden Wins Armed Services Committee Approval for Maine Shipbuilder, Nat’l Defense Priorities",2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) approved its annual defense authorization bill early this morning, including a number of provisions secured by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to protect Maine's shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and the future shipbuilding workforce, bolster national defense, and support American servicemembers.

Critically, the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by HASC includes a Golden measure that would authorize the Navy to begin a new multi-year procurement contract for up to 15 DDG-51 destroyers — the ships built at BIW— and to build three DDG-51 ships in 2022.

""With the future of shipbuilding in Maine on the line this year, we've worked hard to ensure that this bill protects jobs at BIW and ensures the nation has the shipbuilding workforce it can count on to address our future national security challenges,"" said Congressman Golden. ""The defense funding bill the committee passed today would deliver on those priorities, while making the necessary investments to protect Americans at home and abroad, and provide our servicemembers with the tools they need to do their jobs.""

Golden's multi-year procurement provision would help provide the long-term stability necessary to maintain and train the large workforce at BIW, which currently has no contracted work after next year and could face steep layoffs without consistent contracts. The predictability afforded by a multiyear contract for DDG-51 destroyers ensures that the nation will have a new generation of proficient, experienced shipbuilders, which will be particularly important for BIW as the Navy seeks to develop a new class of destroyer over the next several years.

Golden also helped secure provisions in the bill that would authorize the construction of three DDG-51 destroyers next year. The provisions would be a significant reversal of fortunes for Maine shipbuilders and the country's national security after the Biden Administration proposed just one of the ships be built. Golden and his colleagues in the Maine delegation led the effort to restore authorization for a second ship, and Golden cosponsored an amendment earlier this week to raise the level of spending authorized in the bill and add a third ship. Find a timeline of Golden's work on the issue here.

The Congressman worked to include a number of other Maine priorities in this year's House NDAA, including:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-backs-amendment-includes-authorization-third-ddg-51-destroyer-fy2022,Golden Backs Amendment that Includes Authorization for a Third DDG-51 Destroyer in FY2022,2021-09-01,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 1, 2021

Amendment to House defense budget bill would put defense spending on par with Senate, including additional DDG-51 destroyers that could be built at BIW

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Vice-Chair of the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, cosponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today that would authorize construction of a third DDG-51 destroyer in FY 2022 and provide advance procurement funding for a third ship in FY 2023, among other provisions.

""Authorizing two more DDG-51 destroyers over the next two years would be great news for our shipbuilding workforce at BIW,"" said Golden. ""These DDG-51s — the most versatile in our fleet — are key to our country's national security interests at sea. I strongly support this bipartisan amendment because it will make necessary investments that help the American Navy keep us safe, protect thousands of good jobs in Maine, and prepare our shipyards and shipbuilders for the future.""

If successful, the amendment would raise the level of defense spending in the House bill by $25 billion over the President's budget request. Today's cosponsorship is just the latest action Golden has taken to advocate for military shipbuilding and the future of the defense industrial base. Since he joined the House Armed Services Committee in 2019, he has led and taken part in many successful efforts to support increased DDG-51 construction and protect Maine's shipbuilding workforce, to include:

Securing an amendment to the NDAA that authorizes the Navy to enter into a multiyear contract to build up to 15 DDG-51 destroyers beginning in FY2023. The provision was a significant win for shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works (BIW), one of two shipyards that builds the destroyers,

Joining Senator Angus King to host Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks at BIW to introduce her to the workforce at BIW and underscore the critical work the shipyard contributes to the national defense.

Confronting Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the need for additional DDG-51s expressed by his own combatant commanders and pressed the secretary for specifics on his earlier statements that the DDG-51 cut in FY2022 would be added in FY2023.

Questioning acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday, Golden prosecuted a detailed case against the reduction in DDG-51 shipbuilding. Golden pointed to the long-term impact on the Navy's strategic capabilities, as well as the ability of the defense industrial base to meet shipbuilding needs in the future.

Pressing Navy brass on how their own branch's assessments of the DDG-51's importance to the capabilities of the fleet squared with the decision to reduce the number of the ships, pointing in particular to the DDG-51's SPY-6 radar capability. He also focused on the wild inconsistency of the signals coming from the Navy on future shipbuilding and highlighted the impact that uncertainty would have on shipyards and the shipbuilding workforce.

Along with Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01), bringing the Chairman of House Armed Forces Seapower Subcommittee Joe Courtney to Bath Iron Works to highlight the significance of the DDG-51 to the Navy's mission, as well as the ships importance to shipbuilding industrial base.

Immediately upon hearing reports that a reduction in DDG-51 production would be included in the president's budget request, sending a letter with the Maine delegation to President Biden urging the commander in chief to reverse the reduction.

Along with the Maine delegation, expressing his opposition to the reduction in DDG-51 production and committed to fighting the change immediately upon release of the president's budget request.

Joining the Maine delegation and the Mississippi delegation to write the Secretary of Defense in March to lay out the importance of the DDG-51 and large surface combatants to the Navy's strategic goals.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-and-governor-mills-oppose-new-rule-will-harm-maines-lobster,Maine Delegation and Governor Mills Oppose New Rule That Will Harm Maine’s Lobster Industry,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, and Governor Janet Mills issued this statement following the release of the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Rule:

""The Maine lobster fishery has repeatedly made significant improvements to their practices and modifications to their gear to protect right whales, including the implementation of weak link mandates in 1997 and again in 2007. Notably, there has not been a single right whale entanglement attributed to Maine lobster fisheries in nearly two decades,"" said Maine's Congressional Delegation and Governor Mills. ""In recent years, the Delegation and the Mills Administration, including the Maine Department of Marine Resources, have worked closely with the Maine Lobstermen's Association, the Maine Lobstering Union, and other stakeholders to ensure that their input was received by NMFS with the goal of regulations that are fair, safe, and reflect the reality in the Gulf of Maine. Unfortunately, the final rule does not meet those standards.""

""We agree that we must protect the fragile right whale population, but we must do so without endangering human lives or livelihoods. It is unacceptable that Maine lobstermen and women continue to be the primary target of burdensome regulations despite the multiple effective mitigation measures they have taken and the data showing that ship strikes and Canadian snow crab gear pose substantially greater risks to right whales,"" they continued. ""We will continue to work with our partners in the lobster industry to support this vital part of Maine's economy and heritage.""

The Maine Delegation has been steadfastly opposed to undue burdens that would threaten the lobster fishery – an important economic driver for Maine – but which do not meaningfully protect whales. The Delegation urged both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to act on their pledges to protect lobstermen's livelihoods, citing the lack of data to support claims that the lobster fishery presents an extreme risk to whales compared to other marine activities such as ship strikes. Last week, they wrote to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, urging her to oppose last-minute changes to this rule that would significantly harm the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing and lobstering without meaningfully protecting whales.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-attack-kabul-airport,Golden Statement on Attack at Kabul Airport,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Following attacks by terrorist organizations in Afghanistan that have killed American servicemembers, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement.

""​​I am deeply saddened to learn that U.S. servicemembers have been killed and others wounded by terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. The security mission that they are carrying out at the airport in Kabul is critical to evacuating American citizens that are still in Afghanistan, and we should honor their sacrifice by ensuring that the mission is completed and that no American is left behind.

""As I have said before, we must come together as a country in support of the troops on the ground at the Kabul International Airport. Our top priority must be getting our citizens out safely and then bringing our servicemembers home.

""The United States cannot let this attack on our troops go unanswered. We must respond with strength to any attack on American citizens or servicemembers. The president must use his authority to swiftly conduct offensive operations against ISIS-K and other threats in order to disable their ability to put our servicemembers and the evacuation mission at risk."" - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

Golden, a Marine veteran who served in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, has been a strong supporter of the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan under both Presidents Trump and Biden. Among other actions, he:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-group-9-democrats-secure-deal-ensure-standalone-vote-bipartisan,"Golden, Group of 9 Democrats Secure Deal to Ensure Standalone Vote on Bipartisan Infrastructure Package",2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — After a weeks-long campaign to press House leadership to split apart consideration of the bipartisan infrastructure bill from the passage of a $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and a group of eight of his House colleagues secured an agreement that successfully prevents the two bills from being tied together and sets a firm date for a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

""After weeks of work with eight other Democrats and House leadership, we have secured a standalone vote on the bipartisan infrastructure package by September 27th. This successfully removes the bipartisan infrastructure package from being held hostage to other legislation and establishes a firm path for Congress to send this once-in-a-generation infrastructure bill to the president.

""If Washington worked the way it was supposed to, Congress would have already passed the bipartisan infrastructure package into law. Instead, House leaders pursued a strategy that held the infrastructure legislation hostage to passage of a $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill — a process that could take months — delaying and putting at risk funding Maine needs to replace lead pipes, fix roads and bridges, expand broadband, and much more.

""The deal we are announcing today guarantees that the bipartisan infrastructure package will stand on its own two feet and receive a standalone vote no later than September 27th. We also secured a commitment from the Speaker that any reconciliation package that comes before the House will have been pre-negotiated with all 50 of our Democratic colleagues in the Senate, laying the groundwork for as much consensus as possible on a future reconciliation bill.

""Legislating is never easy — in a negotiation, neither side gets everything they want — but this is a solid deal that ensures the bipartisan infrastructure legislation will move forward on its own."" - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-maine-workers-call-quick-passage-bipartisan-infrastructure-plan,"Golden, Maine Workers Call for Quick Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan",2021-08-20,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) joined workers from the Laborers' International Union of North America at the Piscataqua River Bridge in Kittery yesterday to call on House leadership to immediately bring the bipartisan infrastructure package to the floor for a vote.

""I'm not willing to hold this infrastructure bill and these people's livelihoods and jobs and the future of the country hostage… it's as simple as that,""Golden said during the press conference. ""Just get it done. Send it to the president. And let's see this bill signed into law.""

""We're not going to let this infrastructure bill sit for the next six weeks, eight weeks, twelve weeks. Once you get a deal, you've got to strike while the iron's hot,"" Golden continued.

Golden has pushed back against efforts to stall the bipartisan legislation while Congress drafts its reconciliation package, writing to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer that ""The potential benefits are too great and the needs too urgent to delay even a day in sending such a bill to the president's desk.""

Negotiations on a reconciliation package could stretch on for months, postponing the enactment of this urgently needed, bipartisan package. The legislation passed the Senate with a strong bipartisan vote, has the backing of President Biden, and would make historic and necessary investments in Maine bridges, roads and broadband access.

Members of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) joined Golden at the press conference. Regional LIUNA leadership underscored the urgency of passing the plan:

""The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework creates millions of skilled, family-supporting construction jobs over the next decade,"" stated Joseph Bonfiglio, Business Manager for the Massachusetts and Northern New England District Council of the Laborers' International Union. ""Congress must act on this once in a generation opportunity immediately. Workers, businesses, and our economy rely on the bold and predictable investment this bill makes into our critical infrastructure.""

The bill, which has already passed the Senate, would bring at least $2 billion to Maine, including:

$1.3 billion for roads;

$225 million for bridges;

$390 million to remove dangerous lead pipes;

$74 million for airports;

$100 million in funding to for affordable broadband;

Much more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-commerce-secretary-reject-petition-seasonal-and-dynamic,Maine Delegation Calls on Commerce Secretary to Reject Petition for Seasonal and Dynamic Closures in Parts of Maine’s Lobster Fishery,2021-08-18,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Downeast Maine proposed closure alone, Pew's proposal is estimated to reduce risk to whales by just 1.7%, while causing $22 million in losses for local lobstermen

WASHINGTON — Maine's congressional delegation today pressed Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to reject a petition by the Pew Charitable Trusts to impose seasonal and dynamic closures on parts of Maine's lobster fishery. The lawmakers' objections centered on the limited effects the closures would have on protecting right whales at significant economic cost on lobstering communities up and down the state's coast.

""We are writing to express our strong opposition to the petition for rulemaking that was recently submitted by the Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew), for interim regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale,"" wrote Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and Jared Golden (ME-02). ""This proposal would provide limited protections for right whales while causing significant economic harm to Maine's lobster industry.""

The rulemaking proposed in the petition would close three different areas of Lobster Management Area 1 to vertical line trap fishing. Pew proposed opening those areas to ropeless fishing, ignoring the reality that ropeless technology is not commercially available, financially viable for lobstermen, or proven safe and effective.

""The petition submitted by Pew undermines our shared goal of both protecting the North Atlantic right whale and ensuring the future viability of our nation's lobster fishery. Unfortunately, this proposal would have a detrimental economic impact on Maine's lobster industry and the coastal communities they support, while providing limited risk reduction. It is unfortunate to see this attempted circumvention of NOAA's established regulatory process when lives, livelihoods, and the survival of an endangered species are on the line,"" the Maine lawmakers continued.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-fcc-take-action-protect-207-maines-only-area-code,Maine Delegation Urges FCC to Take Action to Protect 207 as Maine’s Only Area Code,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Letter comes on the heels of Maine Public Utilities Commission investigation over questionable numbering practices

WASHINGTON — Maine's congressional delegation urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today to take action to preserve the state's 207 area code. Absent measures from the FCC, available 207 area code phone numbers are projected to run out in 2024, leading to the creation of a second area code for the state. Mainers often leave out their area code when relaying a phone number, so the addition of a second area code could cause headaches throughout the state and force many businesses and organizations to replace promotional and informational materials.

""In Maine, our single area code is both a cultural touchstone and a matter of efficiency."" wrote the members of Congress. ""Given the longstanding existence of the single area code, businesses frequently omit the area code when displaying their phone number on signage and advertising. Exhaustion of area code 207 and introduction of an additional area code would create substantial inconvenience for consumers and economic costs for businesses.""

Under current FCC rules, phone numbers are allocated to phone providers in blocks of 1,000. Carriers often leave many numbers in a 1,000-number block unused, such as when the block is reserved for a small town. As a result, the 207 area code is currently projected to be exhausted in 2024 despite only 37 percent of 207 numbers currently being used.

Instead, MPUC recently petitioned the FCC to let Maine pilot individual phone number pooling, which allocates numbers one at a time to phone providers, instead of in large blocks.

""On behalf of residents and businesses across our state, we urge the Commission to explore all available possibilities — of which there are many — to avoid the exhaustion of the 207 area code. Specifically, we strongly support MPUC's petition to evaluate and implement individual telephone number pooling as a pilot effort in Maine,"" the members wrote.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-cicilline-introduce-lifetime-lobbying-ban-former-members-congress,"Golden, Cicilline Introduce Lifetime Lobbying Ban for Former Members of Congress",2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congressman David Cicilline (RI-01) introduced legislation today to ban former members of Congress from ever working as federal lobbyists. Under current law, lawmakers can begin lobbying activities just 1-2 years after leaving office, working to influence the institution in which they once served for corporations and special interest groups.

""Every few years dozens of lawmakers leave Congress to become lobbyists. This revolving door is one of the ways that special interests wield influence in Washington,"" said Congressman Golden. ""We have to confront the power of these groups over our political system and end practices like this. Congress shouldn't be a stepping stone to a fat paycheck to lobby your former colleagues, it should be about service to the country. I'm proud to join Congressman Cicilline to lead this push to ban members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists.""

""Washington is broken. People have lost faith that the federal government is working on their behalf and instead is advancing the interests of powerful corporate special interests. This problem is made worse by the revolving door between Congress and big lobbying firms,"" said Congressman Cicilline. ""This legislation will help restore the public's confidence that government is serving their interests by permanently banning former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying. It's simple, if you have the privilege of serving in Congress, when your service is concluded, you can't leave to go lobby for some special interest. If we are serious about fixing what's wrong in Washington, then we need to pass this bill.""

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, more than 400 former members of Congress are currently working as lobbyists or ""senior advisors"" performing very similar work. Of former members who left office in January 2019 and continued work in other positions, more than 50 percentbecame lobbyists or similarly-employed advisors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-amendment-create-timber-construction-program-included-annual-defense,Golden Amendment to Create Timber Construction Program Included in Annual Defense Bill,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — In the House Armed Forces Readiness Subcommittee markup of the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) secured a provision yesterday that would direct the Department of Defense to conduct a pilot program for the use of mass timber products in military construction.

Mass timber, which includes cross-laminated timber, is a new category of wood composed of multiple solid wood panels nailed or glued together, which provide exceptional strength and stability. Maine is home to a growing mass timber industry that spans loggers, sawmill workers, UMaine researchers, and timber producers. Golden's timber provision was included in the military construction section of the bill passed by the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee yesterday.

""Mass timber is the future of high-quality, cost-effective homebuilding. For our military, it represents the ability to build higher quality housing for servicemembers at a lower cost. For Maine loggers and the forest products industry, it represents a new and growing market for their wood fiber. I was proud to lead this effort to ensure we use mass timber to build the very best military housing for our nation's servicemembers,"" said Golden. ""Maine is a leader in developing and manufacturing mass timber, and I'm glad that this legislation will support the next generation of workers in our forest products industry.""

Mass timber is often cheaper and faster to build with than steel and concrete. One study found that in many cases the material cost alone of cross-laminated timber was 20 percent less than that of steel and concrete. And cross-laminated timber can be prefabricated, cutting construction times by up to 25 percent and installation costs by a potential 50 percent.

""Mass timber is primed to be one of the pillars of Maine's forest products economy in the future. Maine timber harvesters and haulers will play an essential role in supplying the fiber required for this next-generation product and we are proud that this product could soon be used to build housing for servicemembers,"" said Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Executive Director Dana Doran. ""We appreciate Congressman Golden's work to secure this pilot program and develop a new market for the timber we harvest.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-secures-amendment-new-multiyear-contract-ddg-51-destroyers-built-bath,Golden Secures Amendment for New Multiyear Contract for DDG-51 Destroyers Built at Bath Iron Works,2021-07-28,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"VIDEO: In a critical development for maintaining BIW's shipbuilding workforce, the multi-year procurement provision would authorize up to 15 ships over five years

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today secured an amendment to the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that authorizes the Navy to enter into a multiyear contract to build up to 15 DDG-51 destroyers beginning in FY2023. The provision is a significant win for shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works (BIW), one of two shipyards that builds the destroyers, as BIW currently has no contracted work for its over 6,800 person workforce beyond the current contract, which ends next year.

Golden introduced his amendment at the NDAA markup for the House Armed Forces Seapower Subcommittee. The subcommittee, on which Golden serves as vice-chair, passed the congressman's amendment unanimously. The bill also authorizes two DDG-51s in FY 2022, a priority Golden and his Maine delegation colleagues have pushed for months.

""This Multiyear Procurement contract will deliver DDG-51 Flight III ships to the Navy over the next five years, ensuring that we have the large surface combatant fleet that we need to remain competitive in the short term,"" said Golden. ""And this multiyear contract will act as a bridge to the DDG-X that the Navy will need in the long term, by providing the stability and predictability needed to maintain the shipbuilding workforce. The preservation of this workforce is a matter of national security, and we just can't afford to lose these skilled shipbuilders.""

A new multiyear procurement would help provide the long-term stability necessary to maintain and train BIW's large workforce at a critical time for the shipyard. It takes 5-7 years to train a shipbuilder, and much of the shipbuilding workforce will reach retirement age in the next several years. The predictability afforded by a multiyear contract ensures that the nation will have a new generation of proficient, experienced shipbuilders for the coming years, which will be particularly important for BIW as the Navy seeks to develop a new class of destroyer over the next several years.

""A multi-year contract for DDG-51 Flight III destroyers that allows us to continue building our shipbuilding momentum and growing our workforce is critical to enabling BIW and our industry partners to support a smooth transition to the DDG(X) large surface combatant. We appreciate the strong support from Congressman Golden to secure this important amendment, and we remain grateful for the continued support from our entire Congressional delegation."" - Dirk Lesko, President, Bath Iron Works

""The multi-year procurement is paramount to the future of the shipyard and industrial base, focusing on workforce stability, in which LS6 has collaborated with BIW by supporting investments in recruiting, training, and efficiencies. We are committed to this effort to prepare the next generation of shipbuilders and protecting job security for thousands of our members for years to come."" - Chris Wiers, President, IAM Local S6

""I strongly urge [members of Congress' to vote ""yes"" on a vitally important amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY22 introduced by Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME) to authorize a new multi-year procurement (MYP) contract for Flight III DDG-51 destroyers. A new MYP contract for DDG-51 destroyers is essential to protect our nation's military advantage at sea, bolster our domestic industrial base, and maintain the high-quality jobs and peerless skill level of the U.S. defense shipbuilding workforce."" - Robert Martinez Jr., International President, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Golden's amendment grants the Secretary of the Navy the authority to enter into one or more multiyear contracts for the procurement of up to 15 Arleigh Burke class Flight III DDG-51 destroyers. Navy leadership has already indicated their desire to enter into a new multiyear contract for the DDG-51 and consistently cite the ships as versatile, dependable, and an indispensable part of the nation's fleet.

""I want to thank Congressman Golden, the Vice Chair of our Subcommittee, for his diligent and proactive work on the Seapower mark that passed today. Since the moment the budget was submitted, Congressman Golden has worked closely with me to restore the second DDG-51 destroyer that was left out. He made the convincing case that authorizing this boat was the right call for our security and the industrial base. One of the best ways to build the larger fleet is to enact smart policies that support long-term and stable production of platforms like the DDG-51, and Congressman Golden's amendment today to authorize a new five year multi-year for up to fifteen new destroyers is the exact right way to get this done. He worked hard to earn the bipartisan support this proposal received today, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we move the NDAA through the legislative process."" - Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Chairman, House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee

Earlier this year, the Biden Administration proposed cutting DDG-51 shipbuilding in their presidential budget request, a move that would have put the Navy in a breach of its contract with BIW. Golden has led efforts in the House to push back against the cut and worked with the Maine delegation to successfully reinstate the ship into the House appropriations bills and the NDAA. If signed into law, the congressman's amendment would mark a stunning turnaround in the outlook for the DDG-51 after the administration proposed cutting a ship from the program earlier this year and a confirmation of the long-term utility and value of the destroyers.

In last year's NDAA, Golden worked to secure a provision to encourage a new multiyear contract for the DDG-51 with a report to Congress on the impacts of a new deal.

In addition to today's amendment, Golden's actions this year on behalf of shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works and American national security include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-defeats-big-pharma-backed-amendment-and-protects-madawaska-mill-jobs,Golden Defeats Big Pharma-Backed Amendment and Protects Madawaska Mill Jobs,2021-07-27,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — After months of advocacy, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) successfully worked to defeat an amendment backed by the pharmaceutical lobby that would have jeopardized hundreds of good-paying Maine jobs. The failure of the amendment means the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will continue to require prescription drug medications to include a paper insert with drug information rather than requiring the information to be distributed electronically. Twin Rivers Paper in Madawaska is the leading manufacturer of the paper inserts and employs over 500 people.

""I was proud to lead my colleagues to choose hundreds of good-paying, union jobs in a rural community that needs them over the priorities of pharmaceutical companies,"" said Golden. ""I came here to represent my constituents and stand up for their jobs and I'm proud to get this done for the workers in Madawaska.""

The amendment, submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appropriations bill, had the backing of the Alliance to Modernize Prescription Information, a dark money group funded by the likes of Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer. After direct pressure from Golden, both formally and behind the scenes, the House Rules Committee kept the prescription labeling requirement in the legislation and did not allow the pharma-backed amendment for House floor consideration.

Despite evidence that the move could have adverse impacts on public health, the FDA had proposed a rule that would replace the current paper copies of important medication information with an electronic — and less accessible — copy. A Government Accountability Office study showed that relying on electronic labeling rather than paper inserts could have negative public health effects, particularly in rural settings.

""With the challenges that this country is facing with both cybersecurity and broadband availability, a move to e-labeling at this juncture would put the consumer at greater risk. Issues with patients not getting the most up-to-date information on drug use, side effects, and dosage as well as potential tampering with pharmaceutical information are all potential risks that can occur. We appreciate Congressman Golden's leadership to ensure that this year's FDA funding bill safeguards patient access to a secure paper copy of their medication information."" - Brian McAlary, VP Business Development and Technical Paper Sales, Twin Rivers Paper Company

""At a time when millions of Americas still lack reliable internet access, it is vital that they are able to maintain their access to paper descriptions of their pharmaceuticals. USW paper workers are proud to make pharmaceutical printed literature in Maine, allowing families and consumers to ensure safe pharmaceutical usage regardless of their circumstances. We want to thank Reps. Golden and Pingree for supporting Maine jobs and protecting consumer choice."" - Del Vitale, USW District 4 Director",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-protect-mainers-toxic-forever-chemicals-fund-clean-end-production,"Golden Votes to Protect Mainers from Toxic “Forever Chemicals,” Fund Clean Up, End Production of PFAS",2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PFAS Action Act contains Golden provision to help protect firefighters from PFAS on the job

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) voted today to pass the PFAS Action Act, bipartisan legislation that would help to remove dangerous ""forever chemicals,"" or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water, end the production of the chemicals, and increase federal funding to remove contamination.

This vote in the House could bolster the work of the Maine legislature, which enacted a suite of laws this month to address the PFAS threat, including thenation's first ban on the sale of ""forever chemicals"" earlier this month.

PFAS and other similar toxic chemicals have been identified at least 244 sites throughout Maine, including Loring Air Force Base, Houlton International Airport, Bangor International Airport, the Navy VLF radio station in Cutler, and the Bog Brook military training site in Gilead. In January, a family in Fairfield discovered PFAS in their home well.

""People in our state have been harmed by ‘forever chemicals' for years now,"" said Golden. ""Maine is leading the way with action at the state level to protect our citizens from PFAS. This federal legislation would help cut off PFAS at the source and provide funds to clean up sites that have already been contaminated.""

Today's bill included a provision authored by Rep. Golden to help ensure programs designed to protect firefighters and other first responders are protected from PFAS exposure are effective in the long term. The provision would direct the EPA and U.S. Fire Administration to report annually to Congress about the implementation and impact of the EPA's guidance to protect first responders from PFAS. The report would also include recommendations for how to reduce firefighters' risk going forward. Golden offered his provision as an amendment to a similar PFAS bill in 2020, when it was adopted on a bipartisan vote.This year, Golden's provision was included in the original text of the bill.

""Firefighters and other first responders already face danger every day to keep us safe,"" continued Golden. ""The last thing they need is to be put at risk by PFAS in firefighting foam. This bill includes important measures to protect first responders from PFAS and my amendment will help make sure that, in the long term, these measures are effective at keeping firefighters healthy.""

Golden's provision was supported by the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine.

PFAS has been linked to a slew of negative health consequences, including cancer and problems with the immune system.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-urges-administration-open-northern-border-vaccinated,Maine Delegation Urges Administration to Open Northern Border to Vaccinated Canadians,2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging the Biden Administration to take steps to allow fully-vaccinated Canadians to cross the U.S.-Canada border for business or leisure given current health conditions. The Delegation's letter comes on the heels of a recent decision from the Canadian government to allow fully-vaccinated Americans to resume travel between the U.S. and Canada beginning on August 9th, as well as reports that the U.S. intends to extend existing restrictions through August 21st. In the letter, the Delegation highlights the effects of the long-term border closure on Maine businesses and families.

""As you are aware, in March of 2020 the U.S-Canada border closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, shutting down all but essential travel between the two countries,"" wrote the Delegation. ""As a result, many Maine communities that rely on Canadian customers have been challenged, and families who live on either side of the border have been unable to see their loved ones for over a year. Earlier this week, Canada announced plans to adjust its restrictions and allow all fully vaccinated Americans, who are otherwise admissible, to travel from the United States to Canada beginning on August 9, 2021.""

""We applaud this decision to allow our citizens to travel across the border; however, we were surprised by reports that the United States government has instead extended existing restrictions through August 21, 2021, blocking Canadians from traveling to the United States for business or leisure,"" the Delegation continued. ""This continued border closure has a negative impact on our local economies and families, which is why we urge you to develop an immediate plan to allow vaccinated Canadians to resume travel to United States.""

The Maine Delegation has repeatedly pushed to adjust or reevaluate restrictions on non-essential travel across the U.S.-Canada border. In June, Representatives Pingree and Golden joined a group of their colleagues in a letter urging Secretary Mayorkas to safely reopen the U.S.-Canada border. In May, Senators Collins and King took part in a call with U.S. Senators and Canadian members of Parliament to discuss the importance of reopening the border. In February, Senator Collins sent a letter urging Secretary Mayorkas to reevaluate the border restrictions. In October 2020, Senators Collins and King, along with their New Hampshire colleagues, cited the low risk of cross-border transmission and urged the Trump Administration to reevaluate current restrictions.

The Delegation's full letter can be downloaded HERE or read below:

+++

Dear Secretary Mayorkas:

As you are aware, in March of 2020 the U.S-Canada border closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, shutting down all but essential travel between the two countries. As a result, many Maine communities that rely on Canadian customers have been challenged, and families who live on either side of the border have been unable to see their loved ones for over a year. Earlier this week, Canada announced plans to adjust its restrictions and allow all fully vaccinated Americans, who are otherwise admissible, to travel from the United States to Canada beginning on August 9, 2021.

We applaud this decision to allow our citizens to travel across the border; however, we were surprised by reports that the United States government has instead extended existing restrictions through August 21, 2021, blocking Canadians from traveling to the United States for business or leisure. This continued border closure has a negative impact on our local economies and families, which is why we urge you to develop an immediate plan to allow vaccinated Canadians to resume travel to United States.

There is no doubt that the health and well-being of our citizens is paramount and must take precedence during this pandemic. However, guidelines and standards to safely allow Canadians to travel to the United States can and should be developed to reopen the border with our neighbor and restore the seamless relationships, both personal and professional, that our two countries share. For example, Canada requires American citizens and permanent residents to provide a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours and proof that they are fully vaccinated 14 days prior to travel. You and others in the administration should work to issue similar guidelines for reciprocal travel.

As you know, local economies across Maine depend on our tourism and trade. A key driver of this commerce comes from Canadians visiting communities across our state, particularly during the busy summer season. If we do not reciprocate our neighbor's step, Maine communities will continue to feel the financial harm while Canadian cities and towns see an economic boom from Americans traveling to their country.

The border closure has also made it nearly impossible for family members to see each other. This pandemic has costs that cannot be calculated, as countless Americans have not had an ability to have their Canadian family at milestone events such as weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and holidays for well over a year now. It is time to create and implement guidelines that will allow families to come together once again.

There is no more time to delay; we implore you to quickly develop and implement a plan that will benefit Maine's economy and our families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-golden-announce-200-million-now-available-help-loggers-timber-haulers,"Collins, Golden Announce $200 Million Now Available to Help Loggers, Timber Haulers Facing COVID-19 Economic Crisis",2021-07-20,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that $200 million is now available for logging and log hauling businesses that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic.

The funding was provided through the Loggers Relief Act, which Senator Collins and Congressman Golden co-authored and Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Pingree (ME-01) co-sponsored last year. Senator Collins secured $200 million for logger relief in the final COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law in December.

Following the bill's passage, the Maine Delegation led efforts to push USDA to expedite the distribution of this funding. In February, Senator Collins and Representative Golden led a group of 19 of their colleagues, including Senator King and Representative Pingree, in writing to Acting USDA Secretary Kevin Shea. In April, the Maine Delegation wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to urge him to swiftly disburse the logger relief funding. Senator Collins also raised this issue at an Appropriations hearing with Secretary Vilsack last month.

""Throughout Maine's history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, and strengthened rural communities,"" said Senator Collins. ""Loggers were already facing significant headwinds due to a changing 21st century economy and unfair trade practices, as well as the explosion at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and the shutdown of the #9 paper machine and biomass boiler at Sappi in Westbrook. COVID-19 only compounded these challenges. That's why I worked to secure $200 million in the COVID-19 emergency relief package to provide critical financial assistance to the skilled professionals who work in this industry to help them get through this difficult period. I am pleased that, following our advocacy, this much-needed support for Maine's family logging and log hauling businesses is now on the way.""

""Timber harvesters have been hit with a number of challenges in the past few years but they continue to work hard to provide the wood fiber that is critical to Maine's mills,"" said Congressman Golden.""Understanding the economic pressures that loggers face, Senator Collins and I worked together to create this emergency relief program targeted specifically to loggers and log haulers. Now that the USDA is ready to disperse these funds, our offices are available to help constituents navigate the application process.""

""The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic fallout have touched every facet of the U.S. economy – and Maine's forest industry is unfortunately not immune to this crisis,"" said Senator King. ""Generations of loggers have spent their lifetimes powering our state's economy while providing for their families, which is why it is so important to protect and sustain this historic industry. I joined my colleagues near the beginning of the pandemic to introduce legislation to provide assistance to loggers and timber harvesters, and now I'm pleased to join my colleagues in delivering these critical funds directly to the hardworking folks that need them. The industry has supported rural Maine families and communities for hundreds of years, and it's imperative that foresters have the resources to continue building this legacy into the future.""

""While Maine's forest products sector remains strong, our loggers need this economic shot-in-the-arm to maintain their competitive edge in the face of mill closures and the fallout from COVID-19. I am proud to have advocated for this $200 million in emergency financial assistance, and encourage eligible logging and log hauling businesses to apply for these funds as soon as possible. Thanks to the Maine delegation's efforts, help is now on the way!"" said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

""This a historic first for timber harvesters and haulers here in Maine and across the United States, who will finally be able to access relief funds designated specifically for their industry."" Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said. ""This has never happened in our nation's history until now, and we want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Jared Golden for leading the effort to secure this aid on behalf of hard-working small family businesses in the industry here in Maine, and Senator Angus King and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree for joining that effort. We would also like to offer a special thanks to Senator Collins for her persistence in urging that these funds be disbursed as quickly as possible.""

Paper mills drastically slashed output or shut down their operations altogether during the pandemic – which the American Loggers Council estimates caused a reduction of $1.83 billion (or 13 percent) in the value of logger-delivered wood.

Timber harvesting and hauling businesses are eligible to apply for the $200 million available in relief funding if they experienced at least a 10 percent loss in revenue from January 1, 2020, through December 2020, as compared to the same timeframe in 2019. These direct payments will be equal to 10 percent of their gross revenue from 2019, with the funds to be used for operating expenses, including payroll.

Maine's logging industry is a linchpin of the state's economy, generating an estimated $619 million in economic output, and providing $342 million in income to around 9,000 Mainers, most of whom live in rural communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-9-house-democrats-call-vote-bipartisan-hard-infrastructure-plan-without,"Golden, 9 House Democrats Call for Vote on Bipartisan Hard Infrastructure Plan Without Delay",2021-07-15,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Members to Pelosi: ""We strongly urge — and pledge to work with you to bring about — a House vote on this legislation before the August recess and without any unnecessary or artificial delay upon arrival from the Senate.""

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) led a group of 10 lawmakers from across the country today to press House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer not to hold up a vote on bipartisan infrastructure legislation after it is received from the Senate. The letter challenges Speaker Pelosi's stated strategy to block a bipartisan infrastructure bill from a vote in the House until a larger, Democrat-only bill can pass simultaneously.

""Majority Leader Schumer has said he intends to pass legislation through the Senate along the lines of the bipartisan infrastructure framework by the end of this congressional work period,"" wrote the legislators. ""We strongly urge — and pledge to work with you to bring about — a House vote on this legislation before the August recess and without any unnecessary or artificial delay upon arrival from the Senate.""

Representatives Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Ed Case (HI-01), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), and Susie Lee (NV-03) joined Golden to send the letter.

Golden and his colleagues urged House leadership not to hold up much-needed funding for infrastructure to wait for a separate bill passed through the more partisan reconciliation process, which can often take months to be written and voted on. On June 24, Speaker Pelosi announced her intent to not bring a Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure bill to the House floor until the Senate passes a reconciliation bill.

""The bipartisan infrastructure framework holds the promise of legislation that will not only create jobs across the country and further boost our economic recovery, but also help restore our constituents' faith that their elected officials can look beyond partisan differences to get things done. No matter their state, district, or party affiliation, every American will benefit from investments in the bridges, roads, rail, ports, and broadband that they use to reach their jobs, education, health care, and loved ones. The potential benefits are too great and the needs too urgent to delay even a day in sending such a bill to the president's desk, "" continued the members of Congress.

This letter comes after months of work on a bipartisan infrastructure framework by Rep. Golden and the Problem Solvers Caucus. In April, Golden participated in a two-day bipartisan infrastructure summit with other members of Congress, including other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of senators, and governors, including Senator Collins. On June 9, Congressman Golden and his colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled a bipartisan infrastructure framework. Their framework was the basis of the blueprint agreed to by the White House and Senate negotiators two weeks later, and which will soon be filed and put to a vote in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairing-small-business-hearing-golden-highlights-need-office-rural-affairs,"Chairing Small Business Hearing, Golden Highlights Need for Office of Rural Affairs",2021-07-13,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — In a hearing of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development chaired by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today, the congressman focused on gaps in Small Business Administration (SBA) services for rural small businesses and the need for an active SBA Office of Rural Affairs.

""This is an Office that was created by Congress... to bring an emphasis in the work of SBA to rural businesses,"" said Golden. ""Many rural businesses aren't even aware that [SBA programs] are there or how programs or lending opportunities or services might actually be available to them. And yet they're paying tax dollars into these SBA programs. Shouldn't we make sure some of that benefit returns back out to rural communities?""

In 1990, Congress enacted a law that directed the Small Business Administration to establish an Office of Rural Affairs. The Office's statutory mission was to work to direct more SBA loans to rural small businesses and actively marketing SBA loans and services to rural communities. However, the Office has not been fully funded and staffed for decades.

In July 2019, Rep. Golden helped lead a bipartisan group of his fellow members of Congress to ask the SBA why the office hadn't been fully established. In August 2019, the Trump Administration appointed a Director of the Office of Rural Affairs. However, that Director was reassigned away from the Office in March 2020.

During the hearing, the panel of small business owners, lenders, and advocates from across the country offered testimony on the challenges facing rural small businesses recovering from the pandemic and on the impact a fully functional Office of Rural Affairs would have on rural small businesses' success.

""In order to be effective, the Office of Rural Affairs really, number one, needs to be fully staffed and have the capacity to address these issues. But it also has to have real authority to help expedite issues raised, and address concerns of small businesses that are coming into the Office,"" said Nathan Ohle, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. ""We also think they should create some type of advisory council or entity that really engages folks on the ground...to make sure they have the voice of those communities and small business owners.""

A member of the House Small Business Committee since he came to Congress, Golden has prioritized the needs of rural small businesses. He has placed a high priority on hearing directly from Maine small businesses, pushed to revive SBA's Office of Rural Affairs, passed legislation to expand the Small Business Development Center program, introduced legislation to assist small businesses with the ‘last mile' of broadband access, and much more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-release-defense-subcommittee-appropriations-bill,Golden Statement on Release of Defense Subcommittee Appropriations Bill,2021-06-29,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released a statement today following the release of the Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Subcommittee Appropriations Bill. The bill appropriates funds for two DDG-51 destroyers, rejecting the reduction sought by the Biden Administration in their budget request a month earlier.

Over the last four weeks, Golden has used his position on the House Armed Services Committee to fight against the reduction, which could have severe consequences for both the shipbuilding workforce at Bath Iron Works (BIW) and American naval capabilities around the globe.

""We've been working for weeks to restore approval and funding for a DDG-51 destroyer in next year's defense budget. Today's news puts the delegation in a strong starting position to defeat this ill-advised cut proposed by the president's administration,"" said Golden.

The subcommittee's bill is the first indication that Congress will fund a second DDG-51 in the next fiscal year, despite the administration's budget proposal to cut funding of the ship. After the administration released its proposal to reduce DDG-51 shipbuilding, Golden has forcefully made the case that such a cut should be reversed.

""I'm pleased that my colleagues recognize the need for this second destroyer,"" continued Golden. ""As we work to pass new defense authorization and appropriations into law, I'll continue to work with my colleagues in the House to build the shipbuilding budget that the nation needs for our national security.""

Golden's actions to reverse the administration's requested reduction in DDG-51 shipbuilding include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-golden-backed-bills-repeal-1957-1991-aumfs,"House Passes Golden-backed Bills to Repeal 1957, 1991 AUMFs",2021-06-29,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two bipartisan bills championed by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) to help Congress reclaim its constitutional war powers by rescinding outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs).

""Today's votes were important steps towards getting Congress back in the business of exercising our constitutional authority to declare — and end — wars,"" said Golden. ""The House and Senate had ignored the ‘57 and ‘91 AUMFs for so long that they were largely forgotten. That's a dangerous amount of power to leave any president. Now that the House has passed legislation to clear these AUMFs off the books, we should debate and develop a replacement of the 2001 AUMF.""

Rep. Golden was an original cosponsor of the two bipartisan AUMF repeal bills that passed last night:

H.R. 3261, introduced by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), which would repeal the 1991 Congressional authorization for the Gulf War.

H.R. 3283, introduced by Rep. Peter Meijer (MI-03), which would repeal an open-ended Cold War-era authorization of force in the Middle East.

Both bills now head to the Senate after passing the House by voice vote.

In March, Golden, Spanberger, and Meijer were original cosponsors of Rep. Mike Gallagher's (WI-08) H.R. 2014, the Outdated AUMF Repeal Act, which would repeal the 1991 AUMF, the 1957 AUMF, and the 2002 Iraq War AUMF. Golden voted to rescind the 2002 AUMF on June 17, when a standalone 2002 AUMF repeal passed the House.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/bipartisan-group-senators-voters-have-spoken-congress-must-fulfill-responsibility,"BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS: VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN, CONGRESS MUST FULFILL RESPONSIBILITY",2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newsroom 
                
  
  
  
        
                         BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS: VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN, CONGRESS MUST FULFILL RESPONSIBILITY 
                    
                              
  
    
        
      Posted Sun, 01/03/2021 - 12:32    
    
    
    
  
Washington, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement on the upcoming Congressional certification of the 2020 Presidential election results.

The 2020 election is over.All challenges through recounts and appeals have been exhausted.At this point, further attempts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 Presidential electionare contrary to the clearly expressed will of the American peopleandonly serve to undermine Americans' confidence in the already determined election results. The voters have spoken, and Congress must now fulfill its responsibility to certify the election results. In two weeks, we will begin working withour colleagues and the new Administration on bipartisan, common sense solutions to the enormous challenges facing our country.It is time to move forward.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-sworn-historic-5th-term,Senator Collins Sworn in for Historic 5th Term,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,ME,Susan Collins,C001035,www.collins.senate.gov,,,legacy,"ClickHEREto watch.ClickHEREfor a high-resolution video.

Washington, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins was sworn in for an historic 5th term.She was joined by her husband, TomDaffron, and escorted in the Senate Chamber by former Maine Senator and Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Maine for once again giving me the opportunity to serve,said Senator Collins.It was an honor to be accompanied to the swearing-in ceremony today by my friend, Secretary Cohen, a dedicated public servant who provided our state and our nation with many years of dedicated service.I look forward to continuing to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate, and I will work as hard as I can each and every day for better health care, more jobs, and stronger communities.

On the first day of the new Congress, all new and newly re-elected Senators take a formal oath administered by the Vice President, who also serves as the President of the Senate.It is Senate tradition for a current or former Senator to escort the new or newly re-elected Senators into the chamber. Secretary Cohen represented Maine for 18 years in the Senate and six years in the House. Senator Collins worked for him for 12 years.

Some facts of note:

 
Sen. Collins is the first popularly elected U.S. Senator from Maine to be elected to a 5th term.
 

 
She is the first Republican woman Senator elected to a 5th term in our nation's history.
 

 
Sen. Collins was re-elected on November 3.She won:
 


 
85% of Maine's cities and towns; and
 

 
14 out of Maine's 16 counties.
 

 
She is the only sitting U.S. Senator who has won re-election three times when her State voted for a presidential candidate of the other party.
 

 
Sen. Collins has never missed a roll call vote.
 

oShe is the first Senator to have a perfect voting record through his or her first four terms.

oShe has cast 7,554 consecutive roll call votes.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-group-of-senators-including-collins-king-voters-have-spoken-congress-must-fulfill-responsibility,"Bipartisan Group of Senators Including Collins, King: Voters Have Spoken, Congress Must Fulfill Responsibility",2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) joined Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) to issue the following statement on the upcoming Congressional certification of the 2020 Presidential election results: The 2020 election is over.All challenges through recounts and appeals have been exhausted.At this point, further attempts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 Presidential election are contrary to the clearly expressed will of the American people andonly serve to undermine Americans' confidence in the already determined election results. The voters have spoken, and Congress must now fulfill its responsibility to certify the election results. In two weeks, we will begin working withour colleagues and the new Administration on bipartisan, common sense solutions to the enormous challenges facing our country.It is time to move forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-congressional-efforts-to-undermine-election-one-of-the-most-serious-assaults-upon-our-countrys-democratic-system-in-american-history,King: Congressional Efforts to Undermine Election “One of the Most Serious Assaults Upon Our Country’s Democratic System in American History”,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement, emphasizing the dangers created by President Trump and his Congressional allies who continue to launch a ceaseless barrage of lies and unfounded charges and undermine Americans' faith in our nation's democratic systems: We are experiencing one of the most serious assaults upon our country's democratic system in American history. The President and a growing number of his Congressional enablers are plotting to overturn a legitimate election result, while simultaneously urging their supporters to take to the streets around the Capitol this week to intimidate or worse. These efforts are profoundly unpatriotic and stand no chance of succeeding, but their certain outcome is the undermining of the faith of Americans in their democratic system  and dividing our people for short-term personal or partisan gain. The President lost the election, decisively. He and his supporters have had two months to demonstrate otherwisethrough recounts, lawsuits, and ballot challenge procedures in each state. None of these challenges have resulted in any finding of fraud or miscounting of ballots. None. And yet, with each passing day, the allegations grow more shrill, the misinformation more intense, the threats more explicit. Allegations do not prove fraud, evidence does, and such evidence has simply not been produced by the President or his allies. This utter failure of proof has been confirmed by the President's hand-picked Attorney General, the nation's election security agency, more than 60 judges, Secretaries of State in every state, and thousands of election workers across the country, Republicans and Democrats. But sadly, it is the president's ceaseless barrage of lies and unfounded charges that have taken root among his supporters, to the point where some polls show that over 70% of Republicans now believe that the election was illegitimate. This dangerous, baseless campaign is a tear in the fabric of our democracy that will take decades to heal and will make it difficult, if not impossible, to come together and deal with the real issues confronting usstarting with the pandemic which is now killing more Americans every day than we lost on 9/11. It has become a clich, but our democracy really is an experiment, and a pretty short one at that. What's normal in world history are kings, dictators, pharaohs, czars, warlords and tyrants of all stripesand the people are at their mercy. What we havegovernment of the people, by the people, for the peopleis very unusual, and very fragile. It rests upon trustin facts, in courts, in honest public officials, and, yes, in elections. Without that trust, all is chaos and the peaceful transfer of power that has marked our nation as rare in world history can readily give way to violence. It's tough to lose an election, but in America, there is always another one coming in a few years where the outcome can be reversedby the simple expedient of making your case and earning more votes. President-Elect Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on January 20th. Those who support incendiary, cynical actions to undermine this are putting partisan and political interests above the Constitution and are inflicting untold harm upon the heart of our democratic process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-recording-of-trump-pressuring-georgia-secretary-of-state-to-alter-election-results-would-make-richard-nixon-blush,King: Recording of Trump Pressuring Georgia Secretary of State to Alter Election Results “Would Make Richard Nixon Blush”,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement after the Washington Post published audio of President Donald Trump attempting to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to alter the election results and find votes to falsely declare Trump the victor of Georgia's electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election. President Trump's efforts to pressure the Georgia Secretary of State into actual election fraud would make Richard Nixon blush. Let's call this what it is: an overt, corrupt attempt to overturn the will of the voters. We would rightly condemn this behavior if it occurred in another nation, and we should oppose it even more forcefully at home. My colleagues who are supporting this week's anti-democratic sideshow should listen to this recording, and think twice about if they're truly ready to go down in history with a President who so clearly and desperately wants to delegitimize democracy. Earlier today, Senator King released a statement emphasizing the dangers created by President Trump and his Congressional allies who continue to launch election misinformation, calling the efforts one of the most serious assaults upon our country's democratic system in American history.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ndaa-enacts-25-recommendations-from-the-bipartisan-cyberspace-solarium-commission,NDAA Enacts 25 Recommendations from the Bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commission,2021-01-02,2021,2021-01,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), co-chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today announced that 27 provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act directly draw from 25 CSC recommendations for improving U.S. cybersecurity posture have been codified into law with the Senate's 81-13 override vote on New Year's Day. The inclusion of the National Cyber Director (NCD) housed in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) is a real game changer. The NCD will be the President's principal advisor for cybersecurity-related issues, as well as lead national-level coordination of cybersecurity strategy and policy, both within government and with the private sector. We thank all members of congress and especially Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) for his leadership in getting this provision into the final conference report, said Co-Chairs Senator Angus S. King, Jr. and Representative Mike Gallagher. Strengthening national cybersecurity has been a priority of mine for more than a decade, and I am proud this year's NDAA is among the most consequential cybersecurity bills ever to become law, said Co-founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus Congressman Jim Langevin (D-R.I.). Developing and advancing the numerous legislative proposals to make America safer in cyberspace was a massive undertaking, but we are better off today because of it. I'm thankful to my fellow commissioners for working in a bipartisan fashion to advance key legislation that is going to make us more secure, including my National Cyber Director Act. With these policies enacted, we are establishing the forward-leaning, layered cyber deterrence strategy that we need to face emerging and evolving cyber threats and adversaries. Superpowers can't lose cyberwars and stay on top. Dominance in the cyber domain will dictate outcomes of modern wars, said Senator Ben Sasse (R-Neb.). The inclusion of over two dozen of our Commission's recommendations, as well as the establishment of a National Cyber Director, puts us on a stronger path to dominance. We've got a lot more work ahead, but can be proud of our progress. The FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) also includes another 50 cyber provisions developed and incorporated by Congressional committees, members and staff, and makes meaningful progress on improving the state of America's cyber defenses, reorganizing the government to successfully partner with the private sector to combat growing cyber threats, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of federal government agencies, and setting in motion critical processes like Continuity of the Economy planning. The Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommendations are included in these 27 NDAA provisions:   1705 - Strengthening Federal Networks (CSC      Recommendation 1.4): Authorizes CISA to conduct      unalerted threat hunting on federal networks.  1706 - Improvement Relating to the Quadrennial Cyber      Posture Review (CSC Recommendation 6.1 and 6.1.3): Directs      DoD to conduct a force structure assessment of the Cyber Mission Force to      ensure sufficient force structure and capabilities for the current threat      and mission, this will include and assessment fo the combat support      agencies that support the cyber mission.  1711 - Modification of acquisition      authority of Commander of United States Cyber Command (CSC Recommendation      6.1.1): Amends FY16 NDAA to change the acquisition authority      of USCC. (related to 1746)     1712 - Modification of Requirements Relating to the      Strategic Cyber Security Program and the Evaluation of Cyber      Vulnerabilities of Major Weapon Systems of the Department of Defense (CSC      Recommendation 6.2.b): Tasks DoD with developing a plan      for the annual assessment of cyber vulnerabilities of major weapon      systems, sharing lessons learned and best practices from the annual      assessment of cyber resiliency of nuclear command and control system  1714 - Renewing the Cyberspace Solarium Commission      (CSC Recommendation 0.0): Reauthorizes the CSC through late      December 2021.  1715 - Establishment in DHS of the Joint Cyber      Planning Office (CSC Recommendation 5.4):      Establishes a Joint Cyber Planning Office under CISA, to facilitate      comprehensive planning of defensive cybersecurity campaigns across federal      departments and agencies and the private sector.  1716 - Administrative Subpoena Authority for the      Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CSC Recommendation      5.1.3): Grants administrative subpoena authority to CISA in      order to identify vulnerable systems and notify public and private system      owners.  1718 - Cybersecurity Advisory Committee (CSC      Recommendation 1.4): Establishes a Cybersecurity      Advisory Committee to advise DHS/CISA.  1719 - Cybersecurity Education and Training      Assistance Program (CSC Recommendation 1.5.1): Authorizes      the (already existing) Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance      Program at DHS/CISAa K-12 cyber education initiative. CETAP will continue      to provide curricula for K12 education, resources and training for K12      educators. It will promote and support national standards for K12 cyber      education.  1722 - Report on the risk to national security posed      by quantum computing technologies (CSC Recommendation 6.2.4): Mandates      a comprehensive assessment of the threats and risks posed by quantum      technologies to national security systems.  1728 - Assessing Private-Public Collaboration in      Cybersecurity (CSC Recommendation 5.4.1): Requires      the DoD to assess of the impact of the current Pathfinder initiative, the      Department's support to and integration with existing Federal      cybersecurity centers, and comparable initiatives led by other Federal      departments or agencies that support long-term public-private      cybersecurity collaboration and make recommendations for improvements.  1729 - Clarifying the Cyber Capabilities and      Interoperability of the National Guard (CSC Recommendation 3.3.6): Directs      the DoD to evaluate statutes, rules, regulations, and standards that      pertain to the use of the National Guard for the response to and recovery      from significant cyber incidents.  1730 - Evaluation of non-traditional cyber support      to the Department of Defense (CSC Recommendation 6.1.7): Requires      an assessment from the DoD on the need for, models for, and requirements      of a cyber reserve force.  1731 - Establishment of an Integrated Cybersecurity      Center (CSC Recommendation 5.3): Directs      the executive branch to submit a report to Congress evaluating the Federal      cybersecurity centers and the potential for better coordination of Federal      cybersecurity efforts at an integrated cybersecurity center within CISA.  1737 - Defense Industrial Base Participation in a      Threat Intelligence Sharing Program (CSC Recommendation 6.2.1): Requires      DoD to assess the feasibility, suitability, and definition of, and      resourcing required to establish a DIB threat information sharing program.  1739 - Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Threat      Hunting and Sensing, Discovery, and Mitigation (CSC Recommendation 6.2.2): Requires      DoD to complete an assessment of the feasibility, suitability, and      resourcing required to establish a DIB cybersecurity threat hunting      program.  1744 - Creation of a Biennial National Cyber      Exercise (CSC Recommendation 3.3.5): Establishes      a national cyber exercise to be conducted every two years to include      federal, state, and private sector stakeholders, as well as international      partners.  1745 - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security      Agency Review (CSC Recommendation 1.4): Tasks DHS      with conducting a comprehensive review of the ability of the CISA to      fulfill its current and CSC recommended missions, this includes both a      force structure assessment and resource review..  1746 - Report on Enabling U.S. Cyber Command      Resource Allocation (CSC Recommendation 6.1.1): Requires      the DoD to submit a report to congress detailing actions to ensure that      USCC possesses the necessary authorities, direction, and control of the      Cyber Ops Forces and the budget needed to fulfill its mission. (related to      1711)  1747 - Ensuring Cyber Resiliency of Nuclear Command      and Control Systems (CSC Recommendation 6.2.a): Requires      the DoD to develop a comprehensive plan to implement findings and      recommendations pertaining to the cyber defense of nuclear command and      control systems.  1752 - Establish the National Cyber Director and the      Office of the National Cyber Director (CSC Recommendation 1.3):      Establishes a Senate-confirmed National Cyber Director within the White      House to serve as the President's principal cyber advisor and provide a      nexus for cybersecurity leadership in the White House.  9001 - DHS Strengthen CISA Director (CSC      Recommendation 1.4): Administrative changes to      strengthen the Director position at CISA.  9002 - Codify Sector Risk Management Agencies (CSC      Recommendation 3.1): Codifies Sector Specific Agencies as      Sector Risk Management Agencies, establishing minimum responsibilities and      requirements for identifying, assessing, and assisting in managing risk      for the critical infrastructure sectors under their purview.  9005 - GAO Study of Cybersecurity Insurance (CSC      Recommendation 4.4): Calls on the GAO to study ways to      improve the market for cybersecurity insurance.  9006 - Strategy to Secure Email (CSC Recommendation      4.5.2): Directs the DHS to develop a strategy to implement      the Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance      (DMARC) standard across all U.S.-based email providers to secure our      emails from spam and diminish the effectiveness of phishing emails.  9401-9407 - Recruit, Develop, and Retain a Stronger      Cyber Workforce (CSC Recommendation 1.5): Enhances      the federal government's ability to recruit, develop, and retain its cyber      workforce. Changes to NIST NICE, including a large grant program to      national partners, and improvements to the CyberCorps Scholarship for      Service program.  9603 - Continuity of the Economy Plan (CSC      Recommendation 3.2): Mandates the creation of a      Continuity of the Economy planning effort to ensure the rapid restart and      recovery of the U.S. economy after a major disruption.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.king.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/king-votes-to-override-presidential-veto-enact-defense-bill-containing-key-provisions-to-ensure-national-security-increase-cybersecurity-and-support-maine-jobs,"King Votes to Override Presidential Veto, Enact Defense Bill Containing Key Provisions to Ensure National Security, Increase Cybersecurity, and Support Maine Jobs",2021-01-01,2021,2021-01,Independent,House,ME,Angus King,K000383,www.king.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), voted to override President Trump's veto of the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, so that it can become law. The legislation includes important provisions to ensure America's national defense and supports jobs for Maine manufacturers at facilities like Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In addition, this year's NDAA reflects the most comprehensive cybersecurity legislation ever passed by Congress, as it includes 27 provisions based on recommendations from the CSC. The Senate voted to override the President's December 23rd veto by a vote of 81 - 13; the veto was overridden by the House of Representatives earlier this week by an overwhelming vote of 322 - 87. Following these votes, the veto has been overridden and the legislation is now law. As it has for generations, Congress worked on a strongly bipartisan basis to craft this year's NDAA, which will strengthen our national security, improve pay and care for our servicemembers, and support jobs across Maine, including shipbuilding priorities at Bath Iron Works and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, said Senator King. In a Congress far too often marked by divisiveness, both Houses came together to advance this bill with overwhelming bipartisan majorities. Today, we've completed our work, and overridden the President's misguided veto to enact a bill that will make important steps to keep Americans safe. I'm particularly proud of the work done by this bill to improve our nation's cybersecurity posture. This year's NDAA includes 27 provisions proposed by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, which will create new cyberdefenses aimed at preventing incursions into or attacks on American networks, while also encouraging the government to craft a thoughtful deterrence strategy that gives our adversaries pause before attempting to harm us. I look forward to continuing to work with the CSC team, my Senate colleagues, and the incoming Biden Administration to improve our nation's cyber capabilities. Senator King successfully advocated for the inclusion of many provisions that will improve national security, support Maine jobs, and take care of servicemembers and veterans, including: FUNDING SHIPBUILDING PRIORITIES.The legislation authorizes $3.0 billion for the procurement of 2 DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in fiscal year 2021, which Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build. It also authorizes $334.3 million to fund future year DDG-51 procurements. In addition, the legislation authorizes funds $78.2 million for the completion of the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers, all of which are being built at BIW.FUNDING CONSTRUCTION AT MAINE FACILITIES.The 2021 NDAA authorizes $160 million for construction of Dry Dock One at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard installation at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. It also includes $26.1 million for perimeter security at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Cutler in Cutler.ADVANCING CYBERSPACE SOLARIUM COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATIONS.As the co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), Senator King advocated for the inclusion of27 provisions backed by the CSC to improve America's cybersecurity posture. Included in these provisions is the creation of a National Cyber Director  a key CSC priority to boost federal leadership on cybersecurity. Additional provisions will strengthen America's cyberdefense by empowering the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), examine some of the highest risk areas in cyberspace, and creating a plan to ensure continuity of the economy in the event of a major disruption.SUPPORTING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT WORK.Senator King successfully pushed for the inclusion of additional funds for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs, including funding for research and development on active protection systems, tungsten manufacturing, and additive manufacturing initiatives. Maine research institutions and companies will be eligible to compete for some of these projects.PROVIDING MILITARY PERSONNEL WITH HIGH-QUALITY, MAINE-MADE EQUIPMENT.The NDAA authorizes $800.6 million in funding to purchase 7 CH-53 helicopters, which include components produced at Hunting Dearborn in Fryeburg. The legislation also includes $201.2 million for advance procurement of these helicopters.BOLSTER AMERICAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING.The NDAA includesa King-backed amendment to support the production and development of microelectronicsin the United States. The amendment mirrors the King-cosponsoredAmerican Foundries Act of 2020,and will help support jobs at two Maine factories.RENAMING MILITARY BASES:The conference report establishes a commission to study and provide recommendations concerning the removal of names, symbols, displays, and monuments that honor the Confederate States of America on Department of Defense land and facilities worldwide. This report must be made within three years of the NDAA's enactment.IMPROVING PANDEMIC RESPONSE:In order to bolster America's response to any future pandemic disease, the conference report directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy for pandemic preparedness in response.INCREASING MILITARY PAY.The legislation authorizes a 3 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces, and increases hazard pay by 10 percent.EXPANDING TELEHEALTH FOR VETERANS:This year's NDAA would expand the ability for VA health professionals to provide healthcare via telemedicine. This effort builds on work done during the coronavirus pandemic to improve access to care for veterans, and would help older veterans and those who live in rural areas stay connected to healthcare providers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z