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-reacts-to-skowhegan-being-named-finalist-for-recompete-program-winning-economic-development-grant,"Golden Reacts to Skowhegan Being Named Finalist for Recompete Program, Winning Economic Development Grant",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,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) released the following statement today in response to Skowhegan being named a finalist for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete), as well as being awarded a Recompete Strategy Development Grant: “Being named a finalist for the Recompete Program is testament to Main Street Skowhegan’s hard work and dedication engaging with the community to develop a revitalization plan for the region,” said Golden. “This announcement puts the region one step closer to an absolutely game-changing investment in local jobs, education, and economic development. It’s also evidence that the CHIPS Act continues to deliver for Mainers.” ""If you live in the Skowhegan or the Central Maine region or have ever visited, you know this place has such potential, and we're thrilled to be a finalist for the Recompete Program because this means that the Economic Development Administration sees this potential too,"" said Kristina Cannon, President and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan. ""We're grateful to have the opportunity to build capacity via the Phase I Strategy Development Grant and compete for $20 to $50 million in Phase II Implementation funding that would be an incredible force multiplier for the efforts already underway throughout the region."" The Revitalization of Central Maine Recompete Plan, led by Main Street Skowhegan, aims to bolster economic development in the region by creating a small business incubator, developing workforce training and support programs, and improving transportation along Route 201 between Skowhegan and Waterville. The Recompete program is a competitive grant program that invests in locally driven strategies to improve job opportunities and growth in traditionally underserved areas. As one of 22 Recompete Finalists, Main Street Skowhegan’s plan beat more than 500 other applicants from across the country. If the project is selected during the final application phase, it will be eligible for an award averaging $20 to $50 million. The Recompete Program is authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, which Golden helped pass in 2022. The law, enacted that summer, invests billions in supply chain resilience and local economic development, particularly in the manufacturing sector.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-maine-board-of-environmental-protection-electric-vehicle-vote,Golden Statement on Maine Board of Environmental Protection Electric Vehicle Vote,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LEWISTON – Ahead of the Maine Board of Environmental Protection’s anticipated Thursday vote to adopt California’s zero- and low-emission vehicle regulations, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released the following statement: “In two days, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection will vote on proposed rules that would establish a California-style set of mandates forcing Maine auto dealers – and ultimately their customers – to purchase zero emission vehicles. Earlier this year, I submitted testimony in opposition to such a mandate and have taken every opportunity in Congress to vote against policy that amounts to de facto electric vehicle mandates. Forcing Mainers to purchase cars and trucks powered by electricity when our grid is insufficient, charging stations are few and far between, and a storm like yesterday’s would render 80% of cars useless is, to say the least, ill-advised. As I wrote in my testimony, keeping Maine’s environment healthy is a goal we all share, but it’s one that demands thoughtful, place-based policy-making – not the broad-stroke application of a California law that would place an undue burden on hard-working Mainers.” Maine’s Second District is one of the most rural districts in the country. Many communities still rely culturally and economically on the heritage industries of fishing, farming, and forestry – all industries which require medium to heavy-duty trucks. Currently, the Second District does not have the infrastructure to support a widespread switch to Zero Emissions Vehicles. According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), since 2020 there has only been an annual one percent increase in the number of registered battery powered and plug-in electric vehicles. Golden’s statement follows his vote earlier this month for the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing its proposed rule establishing new emissions standards on light and medium-duty vehicles from model years 2027 through 2032. In September, Golden voted for the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act which would prohibit the EPA from allowing states to directly or indirectly limit the sale or use of new gas-powered cars. In reaction to the state proposal, the Maine DEP held a public hearing on the petitions in August and Golden submitted the formal comments in opposition to the proposal. The full text of the comments can be found here and below. +++ On May 23, 2023, the Department received a citizen petition to initiate rulemaking pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 8055. The petition was submitted by Emily K. Green of the Conservation Law Foundation, Matthew Cannon of the Sierra Club, and Jack Shapiro of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and included the certified signatures of more than 150 registered voters. The petition proposes to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation to encourage the sale of electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles greater than 8,500 pounds GVWR. Please accept this as my written testimony in opposition to the adoption of this proposed rule. Mainers proudly work to protect the environment of our state. I, too, wish to take steps to address the threats of climate change and the goal of keeping our pristine vistas along our coast, mountains, and farmlands intact. Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) will eventually – and undoubtedly – play a role in those efforts. Forcing manufactures – via dealerships in Maine – to offer ZEV medium and heavy duty trucks absent any connection to market forces or the pace of advances in that technology, or its necessary accompanying infrastructure, is, in my opinion, unwise. Maine’s Second Congressional District is among the most rural in the country. Our heritage industries of fishing, farming, and forestry depend on over-the-road heavy hauling. Additionally, many in those trades employ the use of medium duty service trucks tending to farming, fishing, and forestry equipment in remote and undeveloped areas of the state. Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine spoke of this in his testimony before the BEP earlier this month: “...membership hauls and delivers raw forest products throughout the state from the forest to the mill. The majority of the product that our members haul is derived from remote forested areas and is delivered by heavy duty trucks to other rural areas. These trucks generally operate in areas without access to electrical infrastructure, must be able to function 24 hours a day and must be reliable at all times of year, especially in the winter. Put simply, this industry cannot safely and sensibly be mandated to use Heavy Duty Zero Emission Vehicles in locations that lack the proper electrical infrastructure to support them. Forcing the industry to use these vehicles without the infrastructure puts the entire forest products supply chain at risk…” I have heard similar concerns when talking with many leaders in the commercial fishing and farming industries. Additional testimony given by Randy Hutchins, President and CEO of O'Connor Chevrolet, should also give pause. Mr. Hutchins’ dealership provides a large percentage of medium and heavy duty trucks to the market in central Maine. During his testimony he detailed his outreach with manufacturers of these platforms and learned no heavy duty trucks will be available in the quantities required under the timeline set by the proposed rule. Manufacturers also told Mr. Hutchins – according to his testimony – that it was unlikely, without great strides in technology, that ZEV heavy duty vehicles would ever become a reality. Protecting our environment is of the utmost concern. Investments in new technologies and rewards via tax incentives would be a better course of action when compared to the proposed adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. I was proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act in the last Congress. The incentives for domestic production of new technologies were a primary driver in gaining my support. Respectfully, I must register my opposition to the proposed rule 06-096 Chapter C.M.R. 128 California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. Thank you,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-preserves-ship-for-bath-iron-works-secures-benefits-for-servicemembers-and-their-families-in-annual-defense-bill,"Golden Preserves Ship for Bath Iron Works, Secures Benefits for Servicemembers and their Families in Annual Defense Bill",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — The conference report of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — the final version of the legislation — passed the House today. Using his position on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) successfully secured numerous priorities sought by Mainers across the Second District, including important new benefits for servicemembers and their families. “I’m proud to have pushed for a bipartisan bill that focuses on keeping our country secure, providing for those in uniform who protect us, and ensuring consistent work for our skilled shipbuilding workforce,” said Golden. “I believe in providing our servicemembers the tools they need and the pay they deserve to defend this nation.” The FY2024 NDAA authorizes funding for two Flight III DDG-51 destroyers, one of which will be built at Bath Iron Works (BIW). This authorization represents years of additional work for the shipyard on top of existing orders secured by Golden in the past. Golden also helped secure a substantial increase in Advanced Procurement funds for future DDG-51 destroyer construction, providing stability to the shipbuilding defense industrial base. In addition to securing funding authorizations for future DDG-51 procurement, Golden also led the way in supporting our naval shipbuilders, including a provision making clear that it is the national policy of the United States that shipbuilders are “a unique national security imperative that requires sustainment and support by the Navy and Congress.” The legislation also includes a 5.2% pay raise for servicemembers, which would be the largest increase in 22 years, in addition to investments in servicemember and family quality of life. These include investments in housing infrastructure, expansion of reimbursement eligibility for spousal career goals, and significant investments in child development centers. On top of other meaningful compensation boosts – particularly for junior enlisted members – this package is recognition that our troops fill an irreplaceable role and that their wages should reflect that. The final FY2024 NDAA contains many of the provisions Congressman Golden worked to secure on a number of priorities, including: Shipbuilding: Funding that supports the DDG(X) development program. The DDG(X) is the planned successor large surface combatant to the DDG-51 destroyer. Research and Innovation in Maine: Providing financial support to State Maritime Academies, like Maine Maritime; Enabling the Department of Defense (DOD) to examine modern, innovative construction materials, such as the mass timber products produced in Maine; ME Air National Guard: A provision limiting the Air Force from reducing the number of reserve and National Guard KC-135 tanker aircraft (the kind used by the ME Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing (“Maineiacs”) from a primary to backup training and maintenance status; Servicemembers: Improving TRICARE benefits, especially surrounding co-pays, reimbursement rates, and non-opioid treatment options; Small Business: Modifying the Procurement Technical Assistant Program (PTAP) to better support small businesses contracting with the Department of Defense; Other: Extending the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative at the $300 million dollar level through FY2025 to support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative; Protecting the resource level in the President’s Budget Request for Iron Dome funding; Resourcing both the European Defense Initiative, a Department of Defense program, to strengthen the capability of US forces, NATO allies, and our European partners to deter and, if necessary, respond to Russian aggression and the Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a Department of Defense program, to strengthen deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific in response to Chinese coercion. In response to efforts made this summer by his colleagues to use the House-passed version of this legislation to advance their harmful personal agendas, Golden voted against many of these amendments, including those that would restrict servicemembers’ access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care. These amendments were stripped in the final version of the bill that passed the House today.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-nominates-11-mainers-to-the-us-service-academies,Golden Nominates 11 Mainers to the U.S. Service Academies,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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 office’s nominees to the United States Service Academies – the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, and the 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. “I’m proud to nominate this exceptional group of young Mainers to offer their many talents in service of this nation. It is an honor to play a small role in the journey of these accomplished students,” said Golden. The nominees were interviewed by a panel on their academic record, test scores, leadership ability, involvement in extracurricular activities, and exemplified commitment to serving their country. The full list of nominations is below. Contact information is available upon request. United States Naval Academy – Annapolis Alec Smith: Hermon High School Austin Sellinger: Edward Little High School Casey McDonald: Ellsworth High School Joseph Griffin: Hodgdon High School Lucas Harmon: Monmouth High School Lucas McPhee: Home school Sarah Hubbard: Nokomis Regional High School United States Military Academy – West Point Alec Smith: Hermon High School Caden Dufour: Hebron Academy Casey McDonald: Ellsworth High School Joseph Griffin: Hodgdon High School Lucas Harmon: Monmouth Academy Lucas McPhee: Home school Sarah Hubbard: Nokomis Regional High School United States Air Force Academy – Colorado Springs Alec Smith: Hermon High School Caden Dufour: Hebron Academy Jason Melanson: Brewer High School Joseph Griffin: Hodgdon High School Lucas McPhee: Home school Matthew Powers: North Yarmouth Academy Tyler Bartick: Fryeburg Academy Sarah Hubbard: Nokomis Regional High School United States Merchant Marine Academy – Kings Point Alec Smith: Hermon High School Lucas Harmon: Monmouth High School ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-backed-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-accountability-in-agency-rulemaking-passes-house,Golden-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Passes House,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R.357, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, bipartisan legislation introduced earlier this year by Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) and co-led by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). The bill would require all rules proposed by federal agencies, except in limited circumstances, to be reviewed, signed, and issued by an individual appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. “It’s simple: federal regulations should be made by officials who are accountable to the American people. House passage of this common-sense, bipartisan bill brings us one step closer to a more responsible and responsive government,” said Golden. “Preventing unelected career bureaucrats from initiating and issuing regulations is a common-sense solution to ensure greater accountability to American taxpayers in the rulemaking process. I’m pleased that our colleagues passed this bipartisan bill, which will help rein in Washington bureaucrats’ overreach of power,” said Cline. Despite Supreme Court rulings in 1976 and 1997 that held that rulemaking is a significant government power only to be exercised by government appointees, compliance with constitutional rulemaking requirements have been inconsistent. The Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act would require that these requirements are consistently met. Golden has been a leader in the fight to restore faith and trust in our democracy by getting money out of politics and ensuring public officials act in the public good. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-governor-mills-dmr-announces-17-million-to-support-maine-s-lobster-industry-improve-flawed-right-whale-data,"Maine Congressional Delegation, Governor Mills, DMR Announces $17 Million to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry, Improve Flawed Right Whale Data",2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"AUGUSTA – Governor Janet Mills and Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Commissioner Patrick Keliher today announced that Maine has received $17,252,551 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to help improve data on endangered North Atlantic right whales (NARW). The money was the result of The Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress in December of 2022 which established a $26 million fund for states with lobster fisheries. This fund is administered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission which divided the money among states based on active lobster harvesters. “The regulations levied by federal agencies on our state’s historic fisheries have not lined up with the science,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). “I’m glad to see that funding has been made available to put into hard numbers what our fishermen have been saying for years now: right whales are not being killed by Maine’s lobster fishery.” “Maine’s lobster industry has a long and proud tradition of responsible harvesting practices and good environmental stewardship, including significant investments by lobstermen in to protect right whales,” said Governor Mills. “These funds will ensure that federal regulators can no longer burden this vital industry with management decisions based on poor data that threaten the livelihoods of thousands of Mainers. I thank Maine’s Congressional Delegation for its work to secure this important funding.” “The goal of this research is to collect data that tells us what is happening in the Gulf of Maine, so we can be protective of whales in a way that also doesn’t devastate Maine’s critically important lobster industry,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. The lack of data on NARW presence and fishing effort in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) has resulted in high uncertainty in existing models that the federal government uses to determine the risk of serious injury and mortality to right whales by lobster gear. This funding will allow DMR to expand NARW research and improve the assessment of risk to NARWs posed by fixed gear fisheries in advance of future federal rulemakings. “That uncertainty has caused federal regulators to make assumptions that have resulted in sweeping regulations which have caused significant economic hardship for Maine's critically important lobster industry,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. DMR will use the funds to improve data on NARW presence by conducting passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) at 26 sites throughout the Gulf of Maine (GOM). These sites will be in addition to eight PAM moorings deployed since 2020 in collaboration with Northeast Fisheries Science Center and the University of Maine. In addition, DMR will conduct surveys of NARWs in the GOM by boat and airplane, as well as surveys of the primary food source for NARWs, a species of zooplankton known as Calanus finmarchicus. Federal regulators use a model, known as the Decision Support Tool (DST), which incorporates data on whale density and lobster fishing gear location and configuration to assign the risk of serious injury and mortality to NARWs. The model allows federal regulators to assess how that risk changes under different management scenarios. Maine’s recently enacted reporting and tracker requirements for state and federally permitted lobster harvesters is a critical component of this work, and it will greatly improve available data on fishing effort in the Gulf of Maine. “Having better data on whale distribution in addition to gear location and configuration will vastly improve the ability of the federal government to focus their efforts on the areas of greatest risk” said Commissioner Keliher. “DMR’s approach is to not use assumptions, but rather the best available data so NOAA understands that the Maine lobster fishery is not the threat they make it out to be. This will allow them to develop more targeted management measures, which will reduce the burden on this industry.” DMR anticipates that these funds will continue be available into the future. DMR plans to use future funds to build on its research program and to develop a new approach to risk modeling that incorporates data on changes in lobster and NARW populations and habitat use. DMR will also investigate the use of dynamic management, an approach in which temporary closures are only established in specific areas if whales are detected. “This federal funding is critical to improving the flawed and incomplete data that is being used to create unnecessary, burdensome requirements for Maine lobstermen and women,” said Senator Collins. “As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to continuing to advocate for this funding that supports the imperative work the Maine Department of Marine Resources is doing to support the future of Maine’s iconic lobster industry.” “The funding for this important work is due to the extraordinary efforts of Maine’s Congressional delegation and Governor Mills, who coordinated closely last year to ensure the necessary time and funding to conduct this critically important research,” said Commissioner Keliher. This funding is the result of the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package passed by Congress in December 2022, which included a regulatory pause for Maine’s lobster industry and is in effect until December 31, 2028. This government funding package also established a $26 million fund for states with lobster fisheries administered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Senator Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, played a key role in advancing this funding and regulatory pause. Additional supportive statements can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-joins-115-house-members-in-push-for-16-billion-in-additional-liheap-funds,Golden Joins 115 House Members in Push for $1.6 Billion in Additional LIHEAP Funds,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,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) and 115 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives wrote a letter yesterday to House and Senate leadership urging them to allocate an additional $1.6 billion for the Low-Income House Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program for FY 2024. “We write to support the inclusion of $1.6 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in any government funding package, to reflect the President’s FY24 emergency supplemental funding request,” said the group. “For the families who receive LIHEAP, it is a critical lifeline that prevents them from making the impossible choice between staying warm and having enough food or paying for their medications,” they continued. “With the winter months rapidly approaching, this funding is also needed to help address significant price fluctuations that energy markets continue to experience due to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The conflict in the Middle East has also increased market uncertainty, and many energy market experts fear a rise in energy costs. These shifts disproportionately harm those who already struggle to pay their energy bills and underscore the need for robust funding for LIHEAP.” Golden has successfully led several efforts to increase Mainers’ access to LIHEAP throughout his time in Congress, including last year when he and Senator Collins secured a total of $6.1 billion for the program in FY 2023. In September, he and the rest of Maine’s Congressional Delegation announced an additional $38 million would be accessible to Mainers in FY 2024, while Maine’s tribes were also awarded $1.4 million. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households receive assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP, including over 45,000 Maine households. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. You can find more information on LIHEAP in Maine or apply for funding for the upcoming winter heating season here. The full letter signed by Golden can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-congressional-delegation-continues-to-press-for-independent-army-inspector-general-investigation-of-events-leading-up-to-the-lewiston-shooting,Maine Congressional Delegation Continues to Press for Independent Army Inspector General Investigation of Events Leading up to the Lewiston Shooting,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden sent a follow-up letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Army, Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin, to further press for a comprehensive review of the facts leading up to the October 25 mass shooting at Just-In-Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar & Grille in Lewiston. “We believe it is imperative that you, as the Inspector General of the Army, conduct an investigation separate from the ongoing administrative review conducted pursuant to the Army’s Suicide Prevention Program regulations. This tragedy warrants a much broader, independent inquiry,” the Delegation wrote in the letter. “We must work to fully understand what happened—and what could have been done differently that might have prevented the Lewiston shooting—on the local, state, and federal levels. We must also give the American people confidence that the investigation is comprehensive and unbiased.” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth, and Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense Robert P. Storch were copied on the letter. On November 2, Senators Collins and King sent an initial letter requesting an Inspector General investigation into the facts and events leading up to the shooting. The full text of the letter is as follows: Lieutenant General Donna W. Martin Inspector General U.S. Department of the Army 1700 Army Pentagon, 3E588 Washington, D.C. 20310 Dear General Martin: We write regarding our request for your Office to conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and events leading up to the October 25, 2023, mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. On November 15, 2023, Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo sent a letter suggesting that the U.S. Army Reserve’s “administrative investigation into the actions and events that preceded SFC Card’s death” is sufficient to satisfy our request. Our staffs subsequently contacted you and reaffirmed with the Army’s Legislation, Investigations, and Nominations (LI&N) Division our request that you launch a separate, concurrent investigation into the facts and events leading up to the Lewiston shooting as soon as possible. On December 5, 2023, the LI&N Division confirmed that the ongoing investigation is an “administrative investigation mandated by Army Regulation 600-92, not an Army Inspector General (IG) investigation.” We understand, consistent Army Regulation 600-92, that an investigation is completed for every suspected or confirmed suicide, and we support such an investigation in this case. Nevertheless, Army Regulations appear to specifically anticipate the need for “concurrent investigations” in certain circumstances. Indeed, Army Regulation 15-6.B.5 makes clear that investigations “may be conducted before, concurrently with, or after an investigation into the same or related matters by another command or agency.” As you know, there is precedent for Inspector General inquiries following shooting events involving current or former military personnel. We believe it is imperative that you, as the Inspector General of the Army, conduct an investigation separate from the ongoing administrative review conducted pursuant to the Army’s Suicide Prevention Program regulations. This tragedy warrants a much broader, independent inquiry. We must work to fully understand what happened—and what could have been done differently that might have prevented the Lewiston shooting—on the local, state, and federal levels. We must also give the American people confidence that the investigation is comprehensive and unbiased. Thank you for your attention, and we reiterate our request that you begin your work on this matter expeditiously. Sincerely, Senator Susan M. Collins Senator Angus S. King Jr. Congresswoman Chellie M. Pingree Congressman Jared F. Golden",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-gluesenkamp-perez-statement-on-hj-res-88,"Golden, Gluesenkamp Perez Statement on H.J. Res. 88",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02) and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.J. Res. 88, providing congressional disapproval of changes made by President Biden to the SAVE Income Driven Repayment program: “Far too many working people and their families are burdened with excessive student debt. Parts of the changes made to President Biden’s SAVE program would help these truly needy borrowers, working parents with low incomes, and individuals pursuing public service. But rather than sticking only to these changes, President Biden gave in to an overzealous activist class that is single-mindedly focused on finding as many ways as possible to funnel more federal tax dollars into the higher education system, including into private universities. This approach encourages inflation in tuition prices and adds to the deficit, and the cost of this new debt forgiveness program will be borne by all Americans, most of whom will not and did not choose to attend a four-year college. These priorities are wrong, unfair, and classist. Instead of testing the boundaries of existing law and spending money not approved by Congress, President Biden should listen to a broader swath of the American people, propose a comprehensive overhaul of our higher education financing system, and ask the country to support his plan at the ballot box next year.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-against-de-facto-electric-vehicle-mandates,Golden Votes Against De Facto Electric Vehicle Mandates,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,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) voted last night to pass H.R. 4468, Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, legislation that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing its proposed rule establishing new emissions standards on light and medium-duty vehicles from model years 2027 through 2032. “Demanding that manufacturers and dealership owners in Maine go against market forces and limit the sale of cars that Mainers depend upon, in favor of vehicles that we don’t currently have technology or the necessary infrastructure to support, is unwise. The bill I voted for would prevent such a mandate,” said Golden. Currently, the Second District does not have the infrastructure to support a widespread switch to Zero Emissions Vehicles. According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, since 2020 there has only been an annual one percent increase in the number of registered battery powered and plug-in electric vehicles. Golden’s vote follows a petition filed earlier this year to the Maine Bureau of Environmental Protection (BEP) pushing the Bureau to adopt California’s zero-emission-vehicle (ZEV) regulations. The Maine BEP held a public hearing on the petitions in August and Golden submitted formal comments in opposition to the proposal. The full text of the comments can be found here and below. +++ On May 23, 2023, the Department received a citizen petition to initiate rulemaking pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 8055. The petition was submitted by Emily K. Green of the Conservation Law Foundation, Matthew Cannon of the Sierra Club, and Jack Shapiro of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and included the certified signatures of more than 150 registered voters. The petition proposes to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation to encourage the sale of electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles greater than 8,500 pounds GVWR. Please accept this as my written testimony in opposition to the adoption of this proposed rule. Mainers proudly work to protect the environment of our state. I, too, wish to take steps to address the threats of climate change and the goal of keeping our pristine vistas along our coast, mountains, and farmlands intact. Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) will eventually – and undoubtedly – play a role in those efforts. Forcing manufactures – via dealerships in Maine – to offer ZEV medium and heavy duty trucks absent any connection to market forces or the pace of advances in that technology, or its necessary accompanying infrastructure, is, in my opinion, unwise. Maine’s Second Congressional District is among the most rural in the country. Our heritage industries of fishing, farming, and forestry depend on over-the-road heavy hauling. Additionally, many in those trades employ the use of medium duty service trucks tending to farming, fishing, and forestry equipment in remote and undeveloped areas of the state. Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine spoke of this in his testimony before the BEP earlier this month: “...membership hauls and delivers raw forest products throughout the state from the forest to the mill. The majority of the product that our members haul is derived from remote forested areas and is delivered by heavy duty trucks to other rural areas. These trucks generally operate in areas without access to electrical infrastructure, must be able to function 24 hours a day and must be reliable at all times of year, especially in the winter. Put simply, this industry cannot safely and sensibly be mandated to use Heavy Duty Zero Emission Vehicles in locations that lack the proper electrical infrastructure to support them. Forcing the industry to use these vehicles without the infrastructure puts the entire forest products supply chain at risk…” I have heard similar concerns when talking with many leaders in the commercial fishing and farming industries. Additional testimony given by Randy Hutchins, President and CEO of O'Connor Chevrolet, should also give pause. Mr. Hutchins’ dealership provides a large percentage of medium and heavy duty trucks to the market in central Maine. During his testimony he detailed his outreach with manufacturers of these platforms and learned no heavy duty trucks will be available in the quantities required under the timeline set by the proposed rule. Manufactures also told Mr. Hutchins – according to his testimony – that it was unlikely, without great strides in technology, that ZEV heavy duty vehicles would ever become a reality. Protecting our environment is of the utmost concern. Investments in new technologies and rewards via tax incentives would be a better course of action when compared to the proposed adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. I was proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act in the last Congress. The incentives for domestic production of new technologies were a primary driver in gaining my support. Respectfully, I must register my opposition to the proposed rule 06-096 Chapter C.M.R. 128 California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. Thank you,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-delegation-urges-va-to-ensure-reliable-wi-fi-service-at-maine-cbocs,Congressional Delegation Urges VA to Ensure Reliable Wi-Fi Service at Maine CBOCs,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, are calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) to provide all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Maine with reliable WiFi service. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, the delegation shares that reliable, high-speed WiFi is critical for continued healthcare service for Maine’s veterans – and the comfort of the patients seeking care. The delegation wrote, “We are writing to inquire about the status of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ NEXTGEN initiative to ensure Wi-Fi at all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Maine. As you may know, none of Maine’s eight CBOCs have public Wi-Fi. Calais and Lincoln have no employee Wi-Fi whatsoever; and Caribou, Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston have limited Wi-Fi for staff. It is clear that Wi-Fi services in all CBOCs will improve staff efficacy and patient experience, medication management, and the ability to utilize a network via laptop to support the PACT model of care, moving from room to room to the patient.” “Technology plays a critical role in providing healthcare in Maine, especially given the remoteness of many areas. The need for guest Wi-Fi impacts the veteran experience in VA Maine by limiting the ability to self-check in and do travel benefit forms via the “My HealtheVet” portal. Internal Wi-Fi would increase time spent with patients and external Wi-Fi would decrease wait times for veterans checking in via their cell phones. Furthermore, access to the internet can be a form of relief for patients and visitors who are in a facility for multiple appointments,” they continued. The letter concludes with the delegation asking for a specific implementation timeline and understanding of when WiFi will be installed at CBOCs in Maine. When will each Maine CBOC get Wi-Fi? What is the national timeline for NEXTGEN implementation? How does the implementation of NEXTGEN Wi-Fi in Maine compare to implementation in other states? What challenges have you identified to improve the availability of Wi-Fi across all CBOCs, and how are you addressing them? How can Congress help ensure a swift rollout of NEXTGEN? The full letter can be found here and below.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-seeks-green-gold-congressional-aide-in-lewiston-office,Golden Seeks Green & Gold Congressional Aide in Lewiston Office,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LEWISTON – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that he is seeking a veteran or Gold Star Family member for a two-year position in his Lewiston district office. “Ensuring that our veterans and their families have the resources they need and earned is at the center of my work in Congress,” said Congressman Golden. “Participating in the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program is another way to further this mission, and I look forward to welcoming this valuable new member and the perspective they bring to the team.” The selected candidate will assist office operations in a variety of ways, including but not limited to managing constituent casework, serving as a liaison to local Veterans Service Organizations, and performing legislative work in coordination with the Congressman’s Washington, D.C. staff. The program is limited to veterans and Gold Star Families who meet all of the following requirements: Veterans must be honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last six years, terminal pay grades at or below E-5, O-3, or W-2. Veterans promoted to the pay grades of E-6, O-4, and W-3 within 6-months of separation from active duty are eligible, granted they meet ALL other eligibility requirements. Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program. Gold Star applicants must be the spouse, parent, sibling, child or step-child of a service member who died in the line of duty, or died from a service connected disability within four years of separation from the service. The Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for veterans and Gold Star Families within member offices, as well as to provide the experience and exposure necessary to continue developing their careers in the future. To learn more details about the position and apply, visit the job posting here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-s-bipartisan-stop-foreign-funds-in-elections-act-passes-house-committee-on-administration-unanimously,Golden's Bipartisan Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act Passes House Committee on Administration Unanimously,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Administration. The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act will prohibit contributions and donations by foreign nationals in American elections. “Foreign money has no place in America’s elections,” said Congressman Golden. “With passage through the House Administration Committee today, we’re one important step closer to keeping our elections in the hands of Americans and getting this common-sense, bipartisan legislation signed into law.” “I am incredibly grateful to Chairman Steil and the Committee on House Administration for moving this bipartisan bill forward today,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Foreign adversaries have no business influencing American elections on the local, state, or federal level. Our bipartisan legislation will ensure that foreign agents and entities are prohibited from contributing to campaigns for ballot initiatives or referenda in the United States. As this bill further advances to the House Floor, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense election security measure."" Read the text of the bill HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pingree-announce-over-7-million-for-lincolnville-and-islesboro-ferry-upgrades,"Golden, Pingree Announce Over $7 Million for Lincolnville and Islesboro Ferry Upgrades",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree announced the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will receive over $7 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration to modernize and improve ferry service between Lincolnville and Islesboro. “Ensuring that Maine’s island communities are well connected to the mainland is essential,” said Representatives Golden and Pingree. “These funds will help modernize and improve the ferry service that acts as a vital link between Islesboro and the surrounding mainland area.” The two ferry terminals, which link the mainland town of Lincolnville and the island community of Islesboro, were originally built in 1959. The service is essential for the roughly 600 people who call Isleboro home year-round and for the thousands of annual seasonal residents and visitors who depend on the ferry service. The upgrades – which include expanding the ferry’s docking space for more efficient loading and unloading, and installing charging infrastructure that will enable the vessel to use electric power on its daily runs – will make the terminals ready to accommodate a new hybrid electric ferry which is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The new hybrid ferry will reduce pollution in Penobscot Bay, improve the reliability of safe transportation for residents and visitors, and will ultimately cost the state less in maintenance than would a new diesel vessel. The grant money is part of an award to the MaineDOT of more than $33 million from the Federal Transit Administration’s new Ferry Programs established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Golden and Pingree both championed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/king-pingree-golden-announce-applications-are-open-to-fill-judicial-vacancies-in-maine,"King, Pingree, Golden Announce Applications are Open to fill Judicial Vacancies in Maine",2023-11-27,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced they will convene an advisory committee to review and provide recommendations to President Biden on candidates to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Maine and a vacancy on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit: Senator Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announce applications are open for the upcoming vacancies for United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maine and United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Senator King, Congresswoman Pingree and Congressman Golden have convened an advisory committee to review and provide recommendations to President Biden on candidates to serve as United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maine due to the upcoming retirement of Judge John Levy and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit due to the upcoming retirement of Judge William Kayatta, Jr. Interested candidates for either opening should send a resume, cover letter, and two letters of reference to Pingree.resume@mail.house.gov by 5 pm on Friday, December 15th, 2023. Applicants that are selected to interview with the committee will take place January 4th-6th, 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-s-congressional-delegation-and-governor-mills-continue-push-to-prohibit-offshore-wind-development-in-maine-fishing-grounds,Maine’s Congressional Delegation and Governor Mills Continue Push to Prohibit Offshore Wind Development in Maine Fishing Grounds,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Governor Janet Mills sent a letter today to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) urging them to completely exclude Lobster Management Area 1 (LMA 1) from the Wind Energy Area (WEA) for potential wind power development in the Gulf of Maine. The letter was sent following last month’s release of the draft WEA which excluded much of LMA 1, but identified two Secondary Areas within LMA 1 for further input and possible inclusion in the final WEA. “We appreciate that BOEM has listened to our requests, and those of Maine’s fishing community, and removed Lobster Management Area (LMA) 1 from the Draft,” wrote the lawmakers. “... Given these past communications with BOEM, we are concerned that the Draft WEA identifies Secondary Areas A and B– encompassing more than 200,000 acres in LMA 1 – as areas for offshore wind that BOEM may incorporate in a final WEA following additional input on their suitability and potential conditions for inclusion. Given the importance of these fishing grounds to Maine’s fishing industry, the significant feedback that your agency has already received, and the recently passed Maine law that disincentivizes development in LMA 1, it is clear these areas are inappropriate for inclusion in the final Wind Energy Area.” The Congressional Delegation and Governor believe that clean energy can offer economic and environmental benefits for Maine that must be pursued prudently and responsibly with a commitment to minimizing to the greatest extent possible the impact on fishermen, recreation, and other crucial ocean uses that are critical to Maine. LMA 1 is a critical and highly productive fishing ground for a variety of sea life, including lobster. In a recent report, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Development (BOEM) identified more than 9.8 million acres in the Gulf of Maine, including LMA 1 and areas closed seasonally or permanently to protect the North Atlantic right whale, as potential commercial offshore wind sites. Prohibiting offshore wind development in LMA 1 would help to avoid conflict with the New England commercial and recreational fishing industries. “As BOEM moves forward with the identification of the Final WEAs, we strongly encourage you to work closely with Maine’s fishing industry to understand existing uses and reduce impacts to the heavily regulated offshore groundfish fleet. We want to ensure that any areas leased in the Gulf of Maine avoid and at the very least minimize impacts to the fishing industry whenever possible,” the lawmakers continued. “The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) appreciates that BOEM’s draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) avoids much of Lobster Management Area 1, but we remain strongly concerned that two large swaths of critical fishing grounds within LMA1 are still under consideration for offshore wind development. Maine lobstermen are proud stewards of the Gulf of Maine and are troubled by the potential impact of offshore wind development, particularly within LMA1, on the environment and our fishing communities. MLA is tremendously grateful for the steadfast effort of Governor Mills and Maine’s congressional delegation in urging BOEM to exclude all of LMA1 in the final WEA,” said Patrice McCarron, Policy Director of the Maine Lobstermen's Association. “As fishermen we continue to raise the concerns we have regarding offshore wind. The exclusion of LMA1 including the secondary areas gives Maine fisheries the best chance of surviving,” said Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and Director of the Maine Lobstering Union. This letter, and the draft WEA announcement, follows a June letter in which Governor Mills and the Maine Congressional Delegation urged BOEM to remove Lobster Management Area 1 and other areas from any further consideration for commercial offshore wind leasing and to fully consider the views and concerns of Maine fishing communities while it continues to weigh leasing areas. A map of the draft WEA can be found on BOEM’s Gulf of Maine webpage. BOEM has opened a 30-day public review and comment period on the proposal. To comment on the draft WEA please go to regulations.gov and search for docket number BOEM-2023-0054. BOEM will accept comments through November 20. The text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-legislation-to-allocate-atf-tax-to-support-wildlife-conservation-efforts,Golden Introduces Legislation to Allocate ATF Tax to Support Wildlife Conservation Efforts,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and Blake Moore (UT-01) introduced the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act to reallocate the funding generated from tax stamp processing for the purpose of enhancing wildlife and habitat conservation and recreation programs. This change will supercharge funding for these critical funding streams while expediting processes at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “By paying fees for licenses and equipment, Maine outdoorsmen have sustained our state’s recreational opportunities for generations,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). “Applying this same principle to the sale of accessories like silencers will increase consistency with the law, bolster conservation efforts in Maine, and make the background check process more efficient and effective.” “I am pleased to introduce this important bill that underscores our commitment to conserving America's natural heritage, investing in outdoor recreation, and making ATF’s processes for law-abiding citizens more efficient,” said Congressman Blake Moore (UT-01). “This bill represents a transformative step in funding our nation's wildlife conservation while streamlining federal processes.” Under the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA), all applicants seeking to transfer a suppressor are required to undergo a background check and pay a $200 tax stamp. This funding is currently deposited into the U.S. Treasury without any specific direction, even though total revenues generated from this tax are expected to approach $200 million this year. The Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act would strategically allocate these taxes to both support wildlife conservation and recreation and expedite ATF processing. Specifically, 15% of the total revenue would go to the ATF's NFA division, aimed at expediting the processing of suppressor applications. The remaining 85% would be split further: 85% would be allocated to the Pittman Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund to support wildlife conservation, law enforcement, hunter recruitment, and other related lawful activities, while 15% would be provided for the development, maintenance, and operation of recreational shooting ranges. These dedicated ranges enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the recruitment and retention of ethical hunters and shooters. Without changing the criteria for obtaining a suppressor, the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act would build upon our rich conservation heritage by increasing conservation funding and enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the ATF and FBI in the processing of applications for suppressors. “SAM-ILA applauds the introduction of the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act. Conserving Maine's wildlife by utilizing all the best hunting heritage tools that can generate the money to pay for them is always the best policy. Thank you Congressman Golden and Congressman Moore."" -David Trahan, Executive Director Sportsmans Alliance of Maine Institute for Legislative Action “The Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act will provide the single most consequential benefit to America’s wildlife, hunters and recreation that the Pittman Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund has received since it was signed into law in 1937, cementing the North American model of wildlife conservation for the next hundred years. I thank Congressman Moore and Congressman Golden for their leadership and for their commitment to conservation and America’s sportsmen.” -Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central & Congressional Sportsmen Foundation Board of Directors “The Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act is no-nonsense legislation that will keep pace with the user-pays wildlife conservation efforts that have made the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation the envy of the world. Increasingly greater numbers of hunters use suppressors to harvest wild game, as it is legal to do so in 41 states. Suppressors are a safety tool that protects hearing and reduces noise pollution. This legislation is in keeping with the modern application of suppressors to ensure the taxes paid for suppressors are applied to wildlife conservation, recreational shooting range construction and improvements and reducing the lengthy processing backlogs for suppressor approval by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Firearm and ammunition manufacturers fulfill a critical role funding wildlife conservation and this bill would bring the taxes paid by suppressor customers into those same vital efforts.” -Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel “The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies thanks Representatives Moore and Golden for their steadfast support for conservation. Building on the proven success of the Pittman-Robertson Act will strengthen the partnerships between hunters, target shooters, and manufacturers that enable state agencies to manage healthy habitats, ensure abundant wildlife populations, and provide accessible outdoor recreational opportunities for the public."" -Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies “The Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act will provide a significant plus up to the Pittman-Robertson account for the purposes of bolstering recreational shooting opportunities and enhancing wildlife conservation. Moreover, the legislation will provide ATF with the resources they need to process firearm suppressor applications in a timely manner. We are thankful for Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Member Rep. Moore and CSC Vice Chair Rep. Golden for introducing this legislation that will support our hunters, target shooters, and our state fish and wildlife agencies through expanding Pittman-Robertson.” -Jeff Crane, President and CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation “Safari Club International applauds the introduction of the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act. Expediting ATF processing while directly benefiting conservation is a win-win for all hunters and wildlife. Thank you Congressman Moore for your leadership.” -Ben Cassidy, Executive Vice President, Safari Club International “For more than 80 years sportsmen and women have funded conservation through their purchases. We applaud Reps. Moore and Golden for this innovative bill that will build upon this tradition and commit additional resources to restoring wildlife habitat and supporting state-level professional wildlife management.” -Collin O’Mara, CEO of the National Wildlife Federation ""TRCP appreciates Rep. Moore and Rep. Golden for their leadership to increase funding for conservation through the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act. This bill will help fund projects that support abundant wildlife populations and public access for hunting and fishing.” -Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Text of the legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-12-million-for-rural-law-enforcement-hiring-school-safety-projects,"Golden Announces $1.2 Million for Rural Law Enforcement Hiring, School Safety Projects",2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,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) announced that Maine’s 2nd Congressional District will receive over $1,200,000 in federal grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. “These grants from the COPS Office will help address urgent officer shortages across the state, improve response times during emergencies, and put a special emphasis on preventing violence in schools before it happens,” said Golden “I’ve strongly advocated for greater investment in rural public safety, and am glad this funding is going directly to the communities who know how to use it best.” “The Maine Fraternal Order of Police, along with all of Maine’s first responders, are very grateful to the Congressman for his continued support on these very important issues,” said Mike Edes, Executive Director of the Maine Fraternal Order of Police. “These grants will go a long way in protecting our citizens and protecting our children.” The COPS Office will distribute this funding through its COPS Hiring Program (CHP) and School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP), which offer competitive grants to state, local, and tribal governments to improve public safety. Franklin and Somerset Counties, along with the towns of Greenville, and Wilton, will receive grants totaling $625,000 from the CHP. CHP funding is awarded directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and retain officers amidst Maine and national shortages. RSU 26 in Orono and Augusta’s Maine Arts Academy will receive over $590,000 from the SVPP. SVPP funding can be used by local districts on a variety of school safety measures, including specialized training for students and staff, deterrence measures such as locks and lighting, and coordination with law enforcement. Golden has led several initiatives to bolster the COPS office, which has dispersed over $456 million and funded more than 136,000 new officer positions around the country since being established in 1994. He was an original cosponsor of the Invest to Protect Act, which passed the House with 360 votes last September. He also introduced the bipartisan COPS on the Beat Grant Program Reauthorization and Parity Act to strengthen the programs funding and expand access to rural grants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-republicans-reject-golden-amendment-to-prohibit-offshore-wind-development-in-maine-fishing-grounds,House Republicans Reject Golden Amendment to Prohibit Offshore Wind Development in Maine Fishing Grounds,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,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 after House Republicans rejected his amendment to H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior Appropriations Act of 2024, to prohibit commercial offshore wind (OSW) development in Lobster Management Area 1 (LMA 1) in the Gulf of Maine: “Offshore wind development in the Gulf’s most productive fishing grounds is a threat to Maine fishermen’s way of life,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). “House GOP members say they are opposed to offshore wind, but given this opportunity to close these fishing grounds to OSW, they failed to deliver. It calls into question their commitment to protecting America’s fishermen. This isn’t the first time they’ve proven unreliable, but I will keep trying to pass this protection against federal approval of OSW in LMA 1.” “Maine appreciates the effort Representative Golden has put forward to protect the fishermen in regards to offshore wind development. It is so unfortunate that bipartisanship is not a priority in DC and the people suffer because of it. Maine has strong representation from our delegation – let's get everyone on board and keep pushing!” said Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and Director of the Maine Lobstering Union. “The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association supports Representative Golden’s amendment to HR 4821 that would prohibit funds from being used to lease, license, permit, or provide any other authorization for the development of commercial offshore wind energy in LMA1. NEFSA encourages politicians on both sides of the aisle to support the generations of blue collar fishermen along the New England coast, seeking to preserve their livelihoods by supporting the congressman’s amendment.” said Dustin Delano, Chief Operating Officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association. LMA 1 is a critical and highly productive fishing ground for a variety of sea life, including lobster. In a recent report, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Development (BOEM) identified more than 9.8 million acres in the Gulf of Maine, including LMA 1 and areas closed seasonally or permanently to protect the North Atlantic right whale, as potential commercial offshore wind sites. Prohibiting offshore wind development in LMA 1 would help to avoid conflict with the New England commercial and recreational fishing industries. Golden introduced a standalone bill earlier this year that would block this exact development in LMA 1. His legislation came on the heels of a Maine delegation letter urging BOEM to “minimize all potential conflicts” between offshore wind and Maine’s fishing industries, including by avoiding wind development in key fishing areas like LMA 1. The text of Golden’s amendment can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-vote-to-condemn-hamas-support-israel,"Golden Statement on Vote to Condemn Hamas, Support Israel",2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,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 a statement following his vote today to pass H.Res. 771, a bipartisan resolution for which Golden is an original cosponsor, which solidifies Congressional support for Israel as it defends itself from Hamas’s terrorist attacks. “On October 7, the world bore witness to the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. America should be clear in its condemnation of Hamas and firm in its support for Israel. My vote today makes clear my support for Israel in its fight against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and any other terrorist organizations who seek the destruction of Israel. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to pass the President’s proposed assistance package for Israel,” said Golden.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-38-million-in-liheap-funding,Maine Delegation Announces $38 Million in LIHEAP Funding,2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that Maine has been awarded more than $38 million in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) in 2024. “Over 45,000 Maine households rely on LIHEAP to stay safe and warm during the winter,” said the Maine Delegation. “With home heating prices set to remain at near record levels in the coming months, it’s essential that this assistance continues to get to the families that need it most. Securing these resources has been a shared priority, and we remain committed to that mission so hard-working Maine families have one less thing to worry about as temperatures drop.” Alongside $36 million in regular block grant appropriations, over $600,000 of the FY 2024 funding will come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the delegation championed and that Senator Collins negotiated with 9 of her colleagues. Last year, Senator Collins and Representative Golden successfully led efforts to secure a total of $6.1 billion for LIHEAP in FY 2023. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households receive assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP, including over 45,000 Maine households.LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. You can find more information on LIHEAP in Maine or apply for funding for the upcoming winter heating season HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/governor-mills-maine-s-congressional-delegation-react-to-boem-s-draft-wind-energy-area-proposal-for-gulf-of-maine,Governor Mills & Maine’s Congressional Delegation React to BOEM’s Draft Wind Energy Area Proposal for Gulf of Maine,2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Congressional Delegation issued the following joint statement today in response to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)’s release of its draft Wind Energy Area (WEA) for the Gulf of Maine: “We look forward to reviewing the proposal in detail, but we are encouraged that the Bureau has initially listened to our concerns and those of the fishing community by excluding Lobster Management Area 1 in its draft. We are opposed to any inclusion of Lobster Management Area 1 in the final WEA and we strongly urge the Bureau to continue to engage with Maine’s fishing community, Tribal governments, and other stakeholders during the comment period. We believe that clean energy can offer economic and environmental benefits for Maine that must be pursued prudently and responsibly with a commitment to minimizing to the greatest extent possible the impact on fishermen, recreation, and other crucial ocean uses that are critical to Maine.” The announcement comes after a June letter in which Governor Mills and the Maine Congressional Delegation urged BOEM to remove Lobster Management Area 1 and other areas from any further consideration for commercial offshore wind leasing and to fully consider the views and concerns of Maine fishing communities while it continues to weigh leasing areas. A map of the draft WEA can be found on BOEM’s Gulf of Maine webpage. BOEM has opened a 30-day public review and comment period on the proposal. To comment on the draft WEA please go to regulations.gov and search for docket number BOEM-2023-0054. BOEM will accept comments through November 20.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-rally-in-portland,Golden Statement on Rally in Portland,2023-10-12,2023,2023-10,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 a statement on the rally in Portland on October 11, 2023. “The idea that any organization or group of people would seize upon the tragedy taking place in Israel and the suffering of the Jewish community to present a false equivalency between the government of Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran would be almost laughable were it not so sickening given the atrocities committed against the people of Israel these past few days. The kidnapping and public abuse, and the murder of women, children, and the elderly, even babies – entire families killed in their own homes; these are the brutal actions of Hamas, a violent militant organization elected and supported by the Palestinians living in Gaza. There is no equivalent evil in the comparably reserved but necessarily strong military response by Israel in defense of its nation and its people. Most of us would expect no less, perhaps even more if this were happening in America, and in fact, Americans have been killed and taken hostage. There is no substantive debate to be had here –America does, and should, stand with Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and any other terrorists who seek the destruction of Israel, all of whom are known to harbor an intent to harm and kill Americans abroad and here on our own homeland.”- Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-terrorist-attack-on-israel,Golden Statement on Terrorist Attack on Israel,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,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 a statement following the terrorist attacks against Israel today. “Hamas has proved once again it has no wish to live in peace. Its incursion into Israel is blatant terrorism that must not be tolerated. Israel is the sole democracy in the Middle East and our closest ally in that region. I stand firmly with Israel and am mourning the loss of innocent lives and keeping them in my prayers. Am Yisrael Chai - The People of Israel Live."" - Congressman Jared Golden",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-motion-to-vacate-speaker-s-chair,Golden Statement on Motion to Vacate Speaker’s Chair,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,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) issued the following statement ahead of an expected vote on a Motion to Vacate Speaker’s Chair: “When I first ran for Congress, I called for new leadership. I delivered on that promise when I voted against Nancy Pelosi for Speaker. This was especially important to me because the leaders of the political establishment in Washington have not just ignored communities like the ones I represent, but have also pushed policies that were actively harmful to them. Kevin voted for the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal that then-Speaker Pelosi also championed, a rewrite of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that is no better for Maine than it was before but is plenty good for Silicon Valley. In December, when the Maine Delegation and I secured a six-year regulatory freeze to right whale regulations on our fishermen, Kevin voted against them. In the last Congress, when I called on Speaker Pelosi to hold a vote on legislation to ban members of Congress from trading stocks while in office, Kevin McCarthy promised that he would ban that practice when he held the gavel. Nine months into his Speakership and he hasn’t kept that promise. Kevin also promised a vote for a bill to create term limits in Congress, something both I and many of my constituents support, but nine months into this Congress and he hasn’t kept that promise. Kevin voted against the bipartisan infrastructure law that is now creating jobs and supporting businesses in Maine and will for the next decade. He voted against the semiconductor bill that will advantage American manufacturing over foreign competitors. And Kevin sided with Big Pharma by voting against a new law to cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors and force drug companies to negotiate with our government to lower unnecessarily high medication prices. Is this the new leadership that the people of Maine’s Second District are looking for? I don’t think so. Last weekend, Speaker McCarthy put a Continuing Resolution up for a vote to avoid a government shutdown and it passed because 209 Democrats voted for it, far more than the number of Republicans who supported it. It was the right thing to do, but it was also just what Congress was supposed to do. There was no need to be on the verge of a shutdown because Congress already had a budget agreement in place since June, but Kevin McCarthy went back on his word in regards to that agreement as well. Kevin McCarthy has been in Congress for 17 years. He does not offer new leadership. He offers the same type of leadership that Maine has come to expect from much of the national political establishment of both parties. The GOP has control of the House and it is their responsibility to pick their leaders. That decision has nothing to do with me or with any Democrat. But in the interest of answering inquiries to my office about whether or not I would support Kevin McCarthy: he’s not the leader I would choose – he doesn’t have the pulse of the people of Maine’s Second District. Absent any significantly meaningful benefit for Maine’s Second District, I see no reason to vote for him.” - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-fund-government-avert-shutdown,"Golden Votes to Fund Government, Avert Shutdown",2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,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 today for H.R. 5860, a continuing resolution that would fund the government through November 17, 2023. Golden issued the following statement after his vote: “I said earlier that the only path to avoid a government shutdown was an agreement like the one I voted for this afternoon. Speaker McCarthy did the right thing for the country by putting this 45-day extension on the House floor so that a strong coalition of Democrats and Republicans could sideline the self-absorbed hardliners that wanted to shut down the government. Congress now has 45 days to negotiate a long-term agreement and I will continue working to support the budget deal that Congress agreed to earlier this summer.” - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-postmaster-dejoy-to-urgently-address-unacceptable-maine-postal-deficiencies,Maine Delegation Calls on Postmaster DeJoy to Urgently Address ‘Unacceptable’ Maine Postal Deficiencies,2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden are calling on Postmaster Louis DeJoy to urgently address troubling deficiencies found among U.S. Postal Service (USPS) operations in Maine. The letter follows the release of a recent U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report, requested by Senator Collins and Congresswoman Pingree last year, that found over 150,000 pieces of delayed mail across five mail delivery units in Southern Maine. “The USPS is a lifeline for Mainers, from delivering paychecks and medical supplies to connecting loved ones. We have heard frequently from constituents in recent months that deliveries have slowed or even stopped for days at a time, prompting concerns about missing essential mail,” the Delegation wrote. “Unfortunately, the OIG’s report confirmed major deficiencies at all five locations surveyed, impacting mail delivery, customer service, and property conditions. On one morning in March 2023, more than 150,000 pieces of delayed mail were found across the delivery units. Put simply, this is unacceptable.” In their letter, the Maine Delegation requests that Postmaster DeJoy address these deficiencies and provide an update on implementation of the OIG’s recommendations to improve service and conditions at the surveyed locations and implement previously recommended actions to retain staff. The letter is available here and copied below. +++ Dear Postmaster DeJoy, We write today concerning recent audits completed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) at five delivery units in Southern Maine and request an update on efforts to address recommendations outlined in the OIG’s report. The USPS is a lifeline for Mainers, from delivering paychecks and medical supplies to connecting loved ones. We have heard frequently from constituents in recent months that deliveries have slowed or even stopped for days at a time, prompting concerns about missing essential mail. Unfortunately, the OIG’s report confirmed major deficiencies at all five locations surveyed, impacting mail delivery, customer service, and property conditions. On one morning in March 2023, more than 150,000 pieces of delayed mail were found across the delivery units. Put simply, this is unacceptable. USPS management must urgently address the deficiencies identified in the report. In addition to its findings, the OIG included ten recommendations to improve service and conditions at the surveyed locations. We support implementing these recommendations and request an update on USPS management’s response to each. Further, we note that the report emphasizes that understaffing represents a significant barrier to efficient and quality service in Southern Maine. To this end, we additionally request an update on USPS’s progress in implementing the recommendations made by OIG in its April 2023 report on Postal Service Non-Career Turnover, after a nationwide audit found that schedule flexibility and supervisor relations are major challenges to retention. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/king-pingree-golden-call-on-va-secretary-to-provide-funding-for-safe-firearm-storage,"King, Pingree, Golden Call on VA Secretary to Provide Funding for Safe Firearm Storage",2023-09-27,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — During Suicide Prevention Month, U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide more resources and better protect veterans struggling with mental health conditions. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, the Maine Delegation is requesting the VA set aside funding for Regional VA Offices to provide veterans gun safes and lockboxes to safely store firearms. Maine’s veteran population suffers from one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. As part of the Governor’s Challenge, the VA, the Maine Bureau of Veterans Service and partner organizations have attempted to distribute gun locks and safes upon request to help decrease suicides and self-harm. Studies have shown these distribution efforts can help save lives, and, in turn, the demand for safe firearm storage has been high. The Maine Bureau of Veterans Services received over 2,500 requests for gun locks over the past three years. Unfortunately, due to limited funding, fewer than ten Maine veterans received gun lockboxes or safes. “On average, seventeen U.S. veterans die by suicide every day. A rate that is 57% greater than that of their civilian counterparts. In the state of Maine, roughly 75% of these deaths of despair are self-inflicted using a firearm,” wrote Senator King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. “During your recent visit to Maine, we discussed how essential safe gun storage can be to a veteran in crisis. In addition, you learned about some of the current work being done by the VA in Maine to provide veterans with gun safes, lockboxes, and locks as part of the Governor’s Challenge. Gun safes were particularly sought after by veterans.” They continued, “That is why the Veterans Benefits Administration should set aside funding for Regional Offices to buy and give away gun safes and gun lockboxes to provide safe storage options for veterans. A number of studies have found that gun storage, such as gun locks, lockboxes, and safes can help prevent suicide. These devices create a moment of pause for veterans who are contemplating harm; putting time and space between a person in crisis and their firearm can save a life.” As a result, we believe that it is important for the VA to set aside specific funds to distribute gun locks, lockboxes, and safes to veterans in need. We need innovative approaches to support veteran suicide prevention efforts, and providing funding to the safe storage of guns would be incredibly impactful in helping reduce the high rate of veteran suicide,” the concluded. In August, the Delegation welcomed Secretary McDonough to Maine, at the invitation of Senator King, to visit Togus and see firsthand the challenges facing Maine veterans. During the trip Secretary McDonough visited the Rumford VA Clinic to see the progress made since last year’s enactment of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Pact Act. He also toured Maine Veterans Home in Augusta and the Portland VA Clinic, then joined a panel discussion at the University of Southern Maine for the launch of a statewide “No Homeless Veteran” Challenge. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below. +++ Dear Secretary McDonough, On average, seventeen U.S. veterans die by suicide every day. A rate that is 57% greater than that of their civilian counterparts. In the state of Maine, roughly 75% of these deaths of despair are self-inflicted using a firearm. During your recent visit to Maine, we discussed how essential safe gun storage can be to a veteran in crisis. In addition, you learned about some of the current work being done by the VA in Maine to provide veterans with gun safes, lockboxes, and locks as part of the Governor’s Challenge. Gun safes were particularly sought after by veterans. That is why the Veterans Benefits Administration should set aside funding for Regional Offices to buy and give away gun safes and gun lockboxes to provide safe storage options for veterans. A number of studies have found that gun storage, such as gun locks, lockboxes, and safes can help prevent suicide. These devices create a moment of pause for veterans who are contemplating harm; putting time and space between a person in crisis and their firearm can save a life. As part of Maine’s Governor’s Challenge, the VA, the Maine Bureau of Veteran Services, and partner organizations are providing information on gun storage and working with gun shops and ranges to allow veterans to safely store their guns in times of crisis. These groups have been distributing gun locks and gun safes since 2020. The demand for these products is clear. To that end, there have been over 2,450 requests for gun locks. However, due to a lack of resources, less than 10 gun lockboxes or safes have been distributed. We can and must do better. As a result, we believe that it is important for the VA to set aside specific funds to distribute gun locks, lockboxes, and safes to veterans in need. We need innovative approaches to support veteran suicide prevention efforts, and providing funding to the safe storage of guns would be incredibly impactful in helping reduce the high rate of veteran suicide.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-more-than-4-million-for-maine-gear-up-program,Maine Delegation Announces More than $4 Million for Maine GEAR UP Program,2023-09-26,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, have announced the U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of Maine $4,058,656 for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Maine RISE program. GEAR UP Maine, run by UMaine Farmington and the non-profit Syntiro, has helped prepare Maine students for postsecondary education since 1998, including more than 29,000 students since 2007. “For decades, GEAR UP has helped to provide a solid foundation for students across Maine who at times might have felt that opportunities for a postsecondary education were financially out of reach,” the Maine delegation said. “By equipping our young people with the resources and guidance needed to build a brighter future we are, in turn, making investments in the future of Maine.” “We are incredibly pleased to have GEAR UP funded in Maine again,” said Debbie Gilmer, GEAR UP Maine Project Director. “This multi-million dollar investment in youth from Maine's most rural and economically disadvantaged communities, including a GEAR UP scholarship program, will help address the inequities facing rural students, their families and their communities.” ""The University of Maine at Farmington has a long history of supporting the success of students from rural communities, the first in their families to pursue postsecondary education and other underserved students. Over the last 25 years, the GEAR UP program has transformed the futures of thousands of Maine students by raising their aspirations and preparing them to affordably attend and complete college, helping more of Maine’s young people reach their full potential through this proven program,” said University of Maine Farmington President Joseph McDonnell. ""We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has agreed to fund this program to continue this work and grateful to Sens. Collins and King and Reps. Pingree and Golden for their ongoing support of our partnerships with Maine students and schools."" 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 since its establishment in 1998. Many of the participants of the program go on to earn college scholarships. Over the course of seven years, the annual $4 million grant funding will allow the program to follow cohorts of seventh graders through the first year of their post-secondary experience. GEAR UP Maine has 53 school partners located in Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset and Washington counties. The Maine delegation has been supporting GEAR UP Maine for many years. In 2021, with the understanding of how many students GEAR UP supports, they challenged the Department of Education when it rejected UMaine’s application for a renewed GEAR UP grant. They have also secured millions of dollars for the program in prior appropriations spending bills.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-bacon-case-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown,"Golden, Bacon, Case, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Avert Government Shutdown",2023-09-25,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), Ed Case (HI-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced the introduction of the Bipartisan Keep America Open Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent a government shutdown, provide funding for disaster relief, military aid for Ukraine, and to address the crisis at the southern border. The bill builds on a framework endorsed by the 64 members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and incorporates a bipartisan bill introduced earlier this year by Golden that would afford the Administration expulsion authority at the southern border. “The only way to avert a shutdown is to come to the table to negotiate a bipartisan agreement,” said Golden. “Our bill keeps the government open, addresses the crisis at the border, maintains support for Ukraine, and stands with Americans as their communities recover from natural disasters. It is past time for both Republicans and Democrats to do what’s right for the country.” Included in Golden’s bipartisan bill are provisions to: Fund the government at Fiscal Year 2023 levels until January 11, 2024; Provide $24 billion in funding for Ukraine with mandatory transparency requirements to ensure there is no waste, fraud, or abuse; Provide $16 billion in funding for communities across the country recovering from natural disasters; Afford the Biden Administration, as per a Golden bill introduced earlier this Congress, expulsion authority for migrants who come to the United States illegally as a means of addressing any influx of migrants at the southern border in the absence of Title 42 which expired earlier this year; Adopt the bipartisan budget process reform recommendations of the House Committee on Modernization and Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform to increase transparency, restore regular order, and prevent excessive use of CRs. Golden has been a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, where he currently serves as Whip, since the 117th Congress. Last year, the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy ranked Golden 7th out of 435 members on their Bipartisan Index for the 117th Congress (2021-2022).Since the 118th Congress began in January of 2023, Golden has sponsored 7 bipartisan bills and cosponsored 114 bills, over 80 percent of which were bipartisan. Since his election to Congress, Golden has been a leading voice on bipartisan efforts to securetheborder, provide resourcesfor ruralMain Streets, and eliminate corruptionfromgovernment and elections. This Congress, he has also repeatedly pushed House leadership and the Biden White House to skip brinkmanship in favor of good faith negotiations on issues like the debt ceiling. The bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-demands-accountability-from-postmaster-general-dejoy-on-usps-closures-in-second-district-agency-s-lack-of-communication,"Golden Demands Accountability From Postmaster General DeJoy on USPS Closures in Second District, Agency’s Lack of Communication",2023-09-18,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) sent a letter last week to United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to express concern over Postal facility closures in the towns of West Paris and Etna, as well as the agency’s failure to communicate with community members or employees despite repeated inquiries. “Since 2021, the Etna Postal facility has been closed, creating life-threatening circumstances,” wrote Golden. “Many of the constituents of Maine’s 2nd Congressional District live in rural communities far from pharmacies, meaning to get access to critical life-saving medicines, they rely on the USPS and its facilities to access their mail-order prescriptions.” “In June 2023, Etna constituents contacted my office to inform us of this situation,” Golden continued. “My staff immediately contacted our local USPS Congressional contact, who passed them on to USPS’s leasing department and finally to a senior government Relations Representative. Throughout June, July, and August, this Sr. Relations Representative could not provide me or my staff with any updates despite numerous requests. We received an update only when the inquiry was elevated to the Regional Director and the Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy. This situation frustrated my constituents, myself, and my staff. Even more frustrating is the response we received, “Operations officials will not inspect the facility until next week, and only then will work begin to acquire and install the equipment.” “The West Paris and Etna Post Office issues are representative of Post Office closures throughout the State of Maine,” said Scott Adams, General President, Portland Maine Area Local, American Postal Workers Union. “If the Postal Service fails to focus on being a public service rather than attempting to be a profitable business, it will fail in its obligations to the people of Maine and across the country. Thank you to Congressman Golden – his hard work and prompt response are much appreciated by the American Postal Workers Union.” Golden noted that West Paris has encountered similar issues for nearly two years, and posed a series of questions to Postmaster DeJoy. Among these are requests for concrete timelines on each facilities’ reopening, how USPS plans to improve its leasing process, and what can be done to bring the agency’s response times to congressional inquiries in line with every other federal agency. Read Congressman Golden’s letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-funding-opportunities-for-debris-removal-in-coastal-communities,Maine Delegation Announces Funding Opportunities for Debris Removal in Coastal Communities,2023-09-18,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that $19 million in federal funding is now available to combat marine debris in coastal communities through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Sea Grant Program. This grant program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support healthy marine ecosystems nationwide. The funding opportunities are part of nearly $3 billion in targeted investments by NOAA in the areas of habitat restoration, coastal resilience and weather forecasting infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “As residents of the most beautiful coastal state, we deeply value the long-term health of our oceans and coastal communities,” the Maine delegation said.“This funding will help organizations and non-profits keep our oceans clean in groundbreaking ways. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already proved itself as a once-in-generation investment in our state’s future success so we are pleased to see additional targeted investments will be available to support coastal communities.” There are two funding opportunities available for interested applicants: 1. The Marine Debris Challenge Competition will include approximately $16 million in funding available to support innovative, transformational research-to-application projects that will address the prevention and removal of marine debris, with award periods of three years. This opportunity is open to any person or group within the United States or its territories, as well as tribal nations within those geographies. Applicants must submit proposals in partnership with a relevant Sea Grant Program. Please note that it is not a requirement that investigators, including the principal investigator, be part of a Sea Grant program. 2. The Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions opportunity will include approximately $3 million in funding available to support the creation of coalitions and partnerships to address marine debris prevention and removal. Applications for this opportunity must be submitted through a Sea Grant Program, and partnerships are encouraged. Senator Collins was a member of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the infrastructure package, which includes money for marine debris removal programs. Senator King was also a key negotiator of the package securing $47 billion for climate change and coastal resiliency in addition to transformational investments in broadband infrastructure. Reps. Pingree and Golden strongly supported the House passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which is expected to deliver approximately $2.5 billion to Maine over the next five years for critical broadband, transportation, energy, and environmental projects.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-announces-more-than-1-million-to-support-land-conservation-boost-outdoor-recreation-in-maine,"Maine Delegation Announces More Than $1 Million to Support Land Conservation, Boost Outdoor Recreation in Maine",2023-09-18,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today announced more than $1,000,000 in National Park Service (NPS) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants for conservation and outdoor recreation projects in Maine. The funding was allocated as follows: $495,756 for the town of Windham to acquire 697.4 acres of heavily forested land and then construct a 1.3-mile universal access trail with scenic overlooks. The acquisition will conserve the ecology of the area and provide water recreation access and scenic views to Maine’s most densely populated region, and the creation of the access trail will provide recreation opportunities to all visitors of all abilities. $268,500 for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands to purchase and develop 195.4 total acres of land for recreational purposes by constructing a new dirt parking lot and trailhead informational kiosk, and improving the existing trail access road and a new culvert for improved drainage and maintenance work to the existing trail network at what will be the Talking Brook Public Lands. $163,700 for the town of Wayne to replace two tennis courts and two pickleball courts with two new tennis courts and two new pickleball courts with perimeter fencing andsub-court drainage. By renovating the courts, the community, which has limited available facilities, will have a recreational facility that is safe to use and accessible to all regardless of level of physical ability. $102,910 for the town of Searsmont to acquire 63.9 acres of undeveloped land along the Georges River andthen develop the area with two trailhead parking areas with info kiosks, ADA compliant primitive restrooms, a maintenance shed, hiking trails, 1700’ of ADA accessible paths, picnic tables, benches, and hand-carry boat launch access. By developing the purchased property, future visitors will benefit from having new outdoor recreation opportunities that are currently not available in Searsmont. “As Mainers, we know what it means to live ‘The Way Life Should Be’ – enjoying and, importantly, protecting the land we’re fortunate enough to call home. This significant federal funding will help conserve the ecology of the land while also giving Mainers access to improved trails,” the Delegation said. “We championed the Great American Outdoors Act and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund because of investments like these, and we look forward to seeing these new and improved conserved spaces that will be available to the public for generations to come.” The LWCF was established in 1964 to support land conservation and urban parks. The program works in partnership with federal, state, and local efforts to protect land in our national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, national trails, and other public lands; to preserve working forests and ranchlands; to support state and local parks and playgrounds; to preserve battlefields and other historic and cultural sites; and to provide the tools that communities need to meet their diverse conservation and recreation needs. Senator King is the Chairman of the Senate National Parks subcommittee and was instrumental in the negotiations andpassage of The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which was also championed by Senator Collins, and Reps. Pingree and Golden, and was signed into law in 2020. The bipartisan GAOA fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and addresses the deferred maintenance backlog at our national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forest lands.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-mann-pappas-and-tenney-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-office-of-rural-affairs,"Golden, Mann, Pappas, and Tenney Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Office of Rural Affairs",2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,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), Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced new bipartisan legislation that would improve rural small businesses’ access to federal resources and create better lines of communication between Main Street and Washington. The bill, which passed with unanimous support out of the House Small Business Committee today, would appoint a permanent Assistant Administrator to run the Office of Rural Affairs, require webinars and outreach events, and create transparency by mandating an annual report on the activities of the agency. “It’s been over 30 years since Congress established the Office of Rural Affairs, which was intended to give small businesses in rural America a seat at the table,” said Golden.“However, since then, the Office has been little more than a name on a door somewhere in the halls of the Small Business Administration. This bill would complete this unfinished business and put SBA in compliance with Congressional intent.” “Small businesses help drive the American economy and define the American dream,” said Rep. Mann.“They add brick and mortar to the values that make our country unique, like freedom, self-determination, and the pursuit of happiness. In 1953, President Eisenhower signed the Small Business Act into law to support the tireless efforts of American small business owners. Like President Eisenhower, I know that rural small businesses are the backbone of America. This legislation requires the Small Business Administration’s Office of Rural affairs to better serve the hardworking men and women of rural America whose businesses keep our country thriving.” “I know from my own experience running a small business, as well as frequent meetings with businesses across New Hampshire, that rural businesses in particular can face unique challenges when it comes to accessing capital and contending with workforce shortages,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation to strengthen the Office of Rural Affairs will ensure rural businesses receive the support and resources they deserve from SBA, strengthening rural economies and communities.” “As a small business owner in rural America, I know firsthand the challenges that small businesses on Mainstreet encounter each day,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This legislation enhances the Office of Rural Affairs, giving the office the power necessary to strengthen rural small businesses' access to the federal resources provided by the federal government. This bill will work to break down the barriers separating Washington from what small businesses on Main Street need to flourish and support their communities.” The Office of Rural Affairs was created as a subsection of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 1990 to act as a liaison between rural small businesses and the federal government. Throughout its existence, though, the office has had inconsistent leadership and remained effectively dormant to the detriment of the rural businesses it is intended to help. Maine’s Second District is one of the most rural districts in the country, and statewide, small businesses employ roughly 293,748 workers and account for 99.2 percent of all businesses. Since his election to Congress, Golden has been a champion of rural small business owners and entrepreneurs. As the Chairman of the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee in the 117th Congress and a member of the House Small Business Committee this Congress, Golden consistently advocated for resources and support for small businesses. Earlier this month, Golden introduced bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. A copy of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-against-electric-vehicle-mandates,Golden Votes Against Electric Vehicle Mandates,2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,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) voted to pass H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, legislation that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from allowing states to directly or indirectly limit the sale or use of new gas-powered cars. “Forcing manufacturers – via dealerships in Maine – to offer Zero Emission Vehicles absent any connection to market forces, the pace of advances in that technology or its necessary accompanying infrastructure, is, in my opinion, unwise and this bill would prevent any such mandate,” said Golden. Maine’s Second District is one of the most rural districts in the country. Many communities still rely culturally and economically on the heritage industries of fishing, farming, and forestry – all industries which require medium to heavy-duty trucks. Currently, the Second District does not have the infrastructure to support a widespread switch to Zero Emissions Vehicles. According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, since 2020 there has only been an annual one percent increase in the number of registered battery powered and plug-in electric vehicles. Golden’s vote follows a recent petition to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) pushing the Department to adopt California’s zero- and low-emission vehicle regulations. The Maine DEP held a public hearing on the petitions in August and Golden submitted the formal comments in opposition to the proposal. The full text of the comments can be found here and below. +++ On May 23, 2023, the Department received a citizen petition to initiate rulemaking pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 8055. The petition was submitted by Emily K. Green of the Conservation Law Foundation, Matthew Cannon of the Sierra Club, and Jack Shapiro of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, and included the certified signatures of more than 150 registered voters. The petition proposes to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation to encourage the sale of electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles greater than 8,500 pounds GVWR. Please accept this as my written testimony in opposition to the adoption of this proposed rule. Mainers proudly work to protect the environment of our state. I, too, wish to take steps to address the threats of climate change and the goal of keeping our pristine vistas along our coast, mountains, and farmlands intact. Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) will eventually – and undoubtedly – play a role in those efforts. Forcing manufactures – via dealerships in Maine – to offer ZEV medium and heavy duty trucks absent any connection to market forces or the pace of advances in that technology, or its necessary accompanying infrastructure, is, in my opinion, unwise. Maine’s Second Congressional District is among the most rural in the country. Our heritage industries of fishing, farming, and forestry depend on over-the-road heavy hauling. Additionally, many in those trades employ the use of medium duty service trucks tending to farming, fishing, and forestry equipment in remote and undeveloped areas of the state. Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine spoke of this in his testimony before the BEP earlier this month: “...membership hauls and delivers raw forest products throughout the state from the forest to the mill. The majority of the product that our members haul is derived from remote forested areas and is delivered by heavy duty trucks to other rural areas. These trucks generally operate in areas without access to electrical infrastructure, must be able to function 24 hours a day and must be reliable at all times of year, especially in the winter. Put simply, this industry cannot safely and sensibly be mandated to use Heavy Duty Zero Emission Vehicles in locations that lack the proper electrical infrastructure to support them. Forcing the industry to use these vehicles without the infrastructure puts the entire forest products supply chain at risk…” I have heard similar concerns when talking with many leaders in the commercial fishing and farming industries. Additional testimony given by Randy Hutchins, President and CEO of O'Connor Chevrolet, should also give pause. Mr. Hutchins’ dealership provides a large percentage of medium and heavy duty trucks to the market in central Maine. During his testimony he detailed his outreach with manufacturers of these platforms and learned no heavy duty trucks will be available in the quantities required under the timeline set by the proposed rule. Manufactures also told Mr. Hutchins – according to his testimony – that it was unlikely, without great strides in technology, that ZEV heavy duty vehicles would ever become a reality. Protecting our environment is of the utmost concern. Investments in new technologies and rewards via tax incentives would be a better course of action when compared to the proposed adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. I was proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act in the last Congress. The incentives for domestic production of new technologies were a primary driver in gaining my support. Respectfully, I must register my opposition to the proposed rule 06-096 Chapter C.M.R. 128 California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. Thank you,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-finstad-stauber-van-orden-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-access-to-federal-infrastructure-funding-for-rural-communities,"Golden, Finstad, Stauber, Van Orden Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Access to Federal Infrastructure Funding for Rural Communities",2023-09-13,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced the Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act, which would remove barriers for rural communities to apply for and receive funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program. “As one of the most rural states in the nation, Maine’s roads and bridges are an essential part of everyday life,” said Golden. “With some communities only connected to the rest of the state by a single byway, it’s imperative that they have fair access to federal infrastructure investments. It’s unjustifiable that cities nearly ten times the size of ME-02’s largest municipality are winning grants specifically meant for rural communities, and I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to correct it.” The Protecting Infrastructure Investments for Rural America Act would provide a comprehensive solution that removes barriers and ensures rural communities are not forced to compete with big cities for infrastructure funding. “Congress created the Rural Grant Program in 2021 to ensure that vital federal resources were available to help rebuild roads in rural America. Unfortunately, statutory barriers and significant implementation problems have repeatedly disadvantaged rural areas,” said Rep. Finstad. “Communities such as Fresno, CA – which boasts a population of over 500,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau – is receiving funding through the “Rural” Grant Program, showing the blatant disregard the Department of Transportation has shown for our rural communities and the underlying Congressional intent. I am proud to lead the effort to right these wrongs, make it easier for rural communities to access vital resources, and ensure the Rural Grant Program is truly serving rural America. Thank you to Reps. Stauber, Golden, and Van Orden for working with me in a bipartisan fashion to meet the needs of rural communities and ensure they have a voice in Washington.” “While the federal government offers grants to help improve rural infrastructure, an oversight in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allows larger towns to apply for these grants as well,” said Rep. Stauber. “The Protecting Infrastructure Investment for Rural America Act will correct this error by lowering the definition of what constitutes a rural area, ensuring these critical resources go to communities that need them most. Rural America matters, so I am proud to work with Rep. Finstad to ensure a level playing field for smaller communities in desperate need of infrastructure funding.” “Wisconsin farmers, workers, and families deserve to get from Point A to Point B safely,” said Rep. Van Orden. “Strong rural infrastructure is essential to strong communities in the Third District, and I am proud to join Reps. Finstad, Stauber, and Golden in this bipartisan effort to deliver results for America’s Heartland.” Full text of the legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-22nd-anniversary-of-911-attacks,Golden Statement on 22nd Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks,2023-09-11,2023,2023-09,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 to mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. “For so many of us, the emotions we feel on this solemn anniversary remain as raw as they were twenty-two years ago. There is a hole in the hearts of families everywhere, all this time later. We cherish the thoughts of those who were lost, commemorate the first responders and military service members who selflessly answered the call of duty, and hold tightly the people in our lives today that mean the most. We find strength in each other and ensure the sacrifices of so many will not be forgotten. On the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we renew our commitment to our country and to each other.” - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-introduces-bill-to-expand-and-reauthorize-small-business-development-center-program,Golden Introduces Bill to Expand and Reauthorize Small Business Development Center Program,2023-09-08,2023,2023-09,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 the introduction of legislation to build on the success of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program throughout the country. The Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2023 would help strengthen the SBDC network — including the 21 SBDCs located throughout Maine — by authorizing an increase of $35 million in annual funding for the program over the next four years and allowing SBDCs to do more to build awareness of their programs and services. “From lobster boats to dairy farms to the shops in our towns and cities, Maine is home to over 100,000 small businesses,” said Golden. “Imagine if every one of the businesses in Maine knew about the no-cost services offered by Maine SBDCs that have helped small business owners across the Second District expand their businesses and create jobs in their communities. My bill will help spread the word about SBDCs and make sure that the help they offer stays available to Maine businesses.” The largest Resource Partner within the Small Business Administration’s entrepreneurial development ecosystem, SBDCs help small businesses get off the ground and expand their capacity through low- or no-cost business training and advising in areas like business plan development, marketing and sales, e-commerce, and small business strategic planning. Maine has a lead SBDC located at the University of Southern Maine, which operates ten outreach locations in Maine’s Second District. Maine is home to a total of 151,212 small businesses. “In 2022, Maine SBDCs worked with 2,284 Mainers looking to start, grow, or sustain their business,” said Maine SBDC State Director Mark Delisle. “Congressman Golden’s legislation not only ensures that Mainers have continued access to these no cost and vital services, but aims to broaden the reach of these resources. We thank Congressman Golden for continuing to be a champion for both SBDCs and Maine’s small business community.” House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) is an original co-sponsor of this legislation. This legislation builds on similar legislation that Golden passed through the House Small Business Committee and the full House in 2022 and in 2019. A copy of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/governor-mills-and-maine-congressional-delegation-applaud-president-s-approval-of-major-disaster-declaration-for-severe-june-rain-and-flooding-in-oxford-county,Governor Mills and Maine Congressional Delegation Applaud President’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration for Severe June Rain and Flooding in Oxford County,2023-09-07,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today applauded President Joe Biden’s approval of the State of Maine’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for a June 26 storm in Oxford County that caused more than $2.6 million in infrastructure damage. Last month, Governor Mills requested that President Biden issue Major Disaster Declarations for storms that brought heavy rainfall and flooding on June 26 in Oxford County and June 29 in Franklin County that resulted in public infrastructure damage beyond the State’s capability to address. Senators Collins and King and Congressman Jared Golden sent a letter to the President in support of the Governor’s request. The President approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the June 29 storm in Franklin County earlier this week. “We thank President Biden for his approval of Maine’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration,” said Governor Janet Mills and Maine’s Congressional Delegation in a joint statement. “This declaration will make available critical Federal funding that Maine will use to complete costly infrastructure repairs following the severe rain and flooding in Oxford County.” The President’s approval of the Major Disaster Declaration unlocks Federal assistance through the Public Assistance (PA) Program. The Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to State, local, and Tribal governments so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Disaster Declaration also unlocks Federal funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the entire State of Maine. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to State, local, and Tribal and governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses in their communities. On July 10th, Maine formally requested a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) for Public Assistance for Franklin County from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). On-site assessments validated $6,511,535 in infrastructure damage. On July 18th, Maine formally requested a PDA for Oxford County, which validated $2,625,214 in infrastructure damage.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/governor-mills-and-maine-congressional-delegation-applaud-president-s-approval-of-major-disaster-declaration-for-severe-june-rain-and-flooding-in-franklin-county,Governor Mills and Maine Congressional Delegation Applaud President’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration for Severe June Rain and Flooding in Franklin County,2023-09-05,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Augusta, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills and U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden today applauded President Joe Biden’s approval of the State of Maine’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for a June 29 storm in Franklin County that caused more than $6.5 million in infrastructure damage. Last month, Governor Mills requested that President Biden issue Major Disaster Declarations for storms that brought heavy rainfall and flooding on June 29 in Franklin County and June 26 in Oxford County that resulted in public infrastructure damage beyond the State’s capability to address. The Major Disaster Declaration for the June 26 storm in Oxford County is still pending. “We are grateful that President Biden has approved Maine’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration,” said Governor Janet Mills and Maine’s Congressional Delegation in a Joint Statement. “This declaration will make available critical Federal funding that Maine will use to complete costly infrastructure repairs following the severe rain and flooding in Franklin County.” The President’s approval of the Major Disaster Declaration unlocks Federal assistance through the Public Assistance (PA) Program. The Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to State, local, and Tribal governments so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. The Disaster Declaration also unlocks Federal funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the entire State of Maine. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to State, local, and Tribal and governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses in their communities. On July 10th, Maine formally requested a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) for Public Assistance for Franklin County from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). On-site assessments validated $6,511,535 in infrastructure damage. On July 18th, Maine formally requested a PDA for Oxford County, which validated $2,625,214 in infrastructure damage.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/senators-collins-king-representative-golden-deliver-over-34-million-for-sanitation-upgrades-in-bethel-and-milo,"Senators Collins, King, Representative Golden Deliver Over $3.4 Million for Sanitation Upgrades in Bethel and Milo",2023-09-05,2023,2023-09,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 (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a total of $3,495,000 to the towns of Bethel and Milo for wastewater treatment and sewer facility upgrades. Currently, the Mill Hill pump station suffers from several broken pipes that leak waste into the surrounding area. The sewers in Milo have also experienced infiltration issues at the detriment of public health. “Towns thrive when they have access to safe, durable community infrastructure like roads, bridges, and wastewater systems,” said Senators Collins and King and Congressman Golden. “The wastewater facilities in both Bethel and Milo require immediate investment to ensure that the towns have continued access to clean water. This funding will get these vital services back on track – improving local health and saving the communities money in the long run.” The Mill Hill pump station in Bethel is over 50 years old. The town will receive a $1,200,000 grant and a $2,200,000 loan to make the necessary upgrades. The town of Milo will receive a $95,000 grant for critical upgrades to sewers on Harmon and Daggett streets. These grants are part of a nationwide $808 million investment in rural cooperatives and utilities by USDA. Read more about the awards here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-35-million-for-fish-conservation-in-maine-s-second-district,Golden Announces $35 Million for Fish Conservation in Maine’s Second District,2023-08-23,2023,2023-08,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) announced this week that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) program has awarded over $35 million to conserve spawning and migratory habitats for native fish species across Maine’s Second District. “Maine’s unique ecosystems are a huge part of what makes our state so special,” said Golden. “These efforts to restore our heritage species’ access to their traditional habitats will go a long way towards boosting fish populations, our local economies, and the preservation of the great Maine wilderness.” Through a competitive annual process, the Culvert AOP program allows local, tribal, and state governments to apply for grants to help improve passageways for anadromous fish, either by upgrading or removing obstructive culverts and weirs. The four projects greenlit in Maine are set to restore over 100 miles of fish habitat, over 7,500 miles of alewife habitat, and benefit at least eight species native to Maine – including the endangered Atlantic salmon. Among the areas receiving funding from the Culvert AOP program include: $8,945,221 for Kennebec, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties; $9,237,600 for Franklin County; $9,195,000 for Washington and Waldo counties; $7,741,450 for the towns of East Machias, Perry, and Pembroke. The Culvert AOP program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that Golden helped pass last Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-over-540000-for-rural-maine-health-centers,"Golden Announces Over $540,000 for Rural Maine Health Centers",2023-08-21,2023,2023-08,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) announced three new United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants for health care centers in Aroostook and Penobscot counties, totaling over $540,000. “Rural Mainers deserve the same quality of healthcare as everyone else,” said Golden. “Fish River Rural Health, Penobscot Community Health Center, and Millinocket Regional Hospital offer invaluable, affordable services to those living off the beaten path, and these grants will give our providers the resources they need to continue keeping families healthy.” Both Fish River Rural Health (FRRH) and Penobscot Community Health Center (PCHC) are recognized as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). FQHCs are clinics that offer comprehensive care to underserved communities at a sliding scale based on patients’ financial circumstances. FQHCs are also eligible for enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, which helps expand access to care. FRRH in Fort Kent will receive $69,800 to purchase new dental equipment, improve pandemic preparedness, and support the ongoing surge of new patients treated at the facility. As one of only two FQHCs in Aroostook County, this grant will benefit over 15,000 residents. PCHC will receive $450,900 to renovate a new 35,000-square-foot facility in Belfast. When operational, it will offer treatment for mental health and opioid-use disorders, dental services, as well as both adult and pediatric primary care. More than 12,000 people in and around Waldo County will benefit from this increased access. Millinocket Regional Hospital will receive $38,000 to equip the facility with a full security camera system. With only some coverage inside the building and none outside, the hospital has limited ability to monitor threats and dispatch emergency assistance. This upgrade will enable real-time dispatch of emergency services as needed and dramatically improve patient and staff safety. Over 10,000 residents will benefit.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-va-secretary-to-fix-travel-reimbursement-system,Maine Delegation Calls on VA Secretary to Fix Travel Reimbursement System,2023-08-15,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), along with Senator Susan Collins and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, is pushing to simplify and improve the healthcare travel reimbursement process for Maine veterans. In a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Denis McDonough, the Maine Delegation identifies challenges with the VA’s new Beneficiary Travel Self Service System, implemented more than three years ago, including processing delays and the need for a high-speed internet connection to access the system. In the letter, the Maine Delegation calls on the Secretary to address these critical shortfalls. With over 60% of Maine veterans living in rural areas, many must travel out of their communities to obtain their earned healthcare, yet face hurdles in receiving reimbursement for their travel to receive that care. This issue was one of the top concerns Senator King and Representatives Pingree and Golden shared with the Secretary during his recent visit to Maine. “We write to bring to your attention obstacles veterans in Maine and across the country face in receiving mileage reimbursement for travel to and from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VA-authorized care. As you know, the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) was introduced as the new payment processing system for mileage reimbursement… The VA has spent billions of taxpayer dollars on its roll out, yet BTSSS is riddled with complications that negatively impact veterans,” wrote the Maine Delegation. “As we discussed in your recent trip to Maine, we strongly encourage the VA to look into the issues with BTSSS to ensure our veterans receive the best service possible.” “Although BTSSS provides the ability to submit and review the status of a claim, it only does so for veterans who have access to the internet and are adept with a computer. With around half of Maine veterans over the age of 65, and over 60% of our veterans living in rural areas of Maine, this creates unnecessary obstacles due to unreliable internet access and computer proficiency,” the Delegation continued. “The BTSSS system also has a number of flaws that delay the processing of a travel claim and cause unnecessary hardship for veterans.” “We have received a significant amount of correspondence from Maine veterans confused and frustrated by the BTSSS system,” concluded the Delegation. “The VA’s efforts to modernize are appreciated, but all efforts should be made to ensure the burden of these changes is not placed on our veterans. We therefore strongly encourage the VA to address these and any other previously unforeseen issues surrounding BTSSS.” Secretary McDonough spent two days in Maine earlier this month touring VA facilities and meeting veterans with Senator King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. On Thursday, August 3rd, Secretary McDonough visited the Rumford VA Clinic to see the progress made since last year’s enactment of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Pact Act, and later toured VA’s Togus campus. On Friday, August 4th, he toured Maine Veterans Home in Augusta and the Portland VA Clinic, then joined a panel discussion at the University of Southern Maine for the launch of a statewide “No Homeless Veteran” Challenge. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below. +++ Dear Secretary McDonough, We write to bring to your attention obstacles veterans in Maine and across the country face in receiving mileage reimbursement for travel to and from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VA-authorized care. As you know, the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) was introduced as the new payment processing system for mileage reimbursement, replacing the legacy Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture (VistA) system. The VA has spent billions of taxpayer dollars on its roll out, yet BTSSS is riddled with complications that negatively impact veterans. As we discussed in your recent trip to Maine, we strongly encourage the VA to look into the issues with BTSSS to ensure our veterans receive the best service possible, and allow Maine veterans to continue to utilize in-person travel reimbursements options. BTSSS is intended to replace the legacy VistA system, which is prone to inefficiencies, and provide veterans with a more reliable travel reimbursement process. While we recognize and commend that BTSSS is addressing some of the problems experienced with VistA, such as duplicate payments, it is clear the new system has its own significant issues. For instance, although BTSSS provides the ability to submit and review the status of a claim, it only does so for veterans who have access to the internet and are adept with a computer. With around half of Maine veterans over the age of 65, and over 60% of our veterans living in rural areas of Maine, this creates unnecessary obstacles due to unreliable internet access and computer proficiency. The BTSSS system also has a number of flaws that delay the processing of a travel claim and cause unnecessary hardship for veterans. For example, if a veteran has to bypass a closer VA medical facility to go to a different one or a community provider for specialty care, this cannot be automatically processed by BTSSS. Instead, the system creates an error that has to be manually reviewed and overridden by a VA employee, causing significant delays. Additionally, for veterans with multiple addresses, such as snowbird veterans, BTSSS is unable to recognize and pull a secondary address to process mileage. The error created by this issue requires veterans to contact the VA to get the staff to manually override the system to allow for payment. Furthermore, a May 2023 report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that BTSSS fell drastically short of all of its system performance goals. We have received a significant amount of correspondence from Maine veterans confused and frustrated by the BTSSS system. Given the difficulties veterans face receiving reimbursement through the new system, we are concerned that VA may soon remove the option for Maine veterans to use VistA, forcing all travel reimbursements to be processed via the current BTSSS system without addressing its many faults. This would undoubtedly add to the hardships of veterans instead of alleviating them. The VA’s efforts to modernize are appreciated, but all efforts should be made to ensure the burden of these changes is not placed on our veterans. We therefore strongly encourage the VA to address these and any other previously unforeseen issues surrounding BTSSS before removing VistA as an option for Maine veterans. We look forward to your response to the following questions: Will the VA ensure that Maine veterans have access to the VistA reimbursement system until the significant issues with BTSSS have been properly addressed? How does the VA plan to fix the processing issues with non-standard reimbursement claims on BTSSS before entirely replacing the VISTA system? How does the VA intend to address the impact of limited computer access and proficiency on older, rural veterans seeking mileage reimbursement? Will VA implement the two recommendations from the OIG’s May 2023 report on the BTSSS program? We appreciate your efforts to reimburse Maine veterans for their VA related travel expenses without facing unnecessary obstacles. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/senators-collins-king-representative-golden-announce-over-190000-in-grid-upgrades-for-aroostook-mi-kmaq-0,"Senators Collins, King, Representative Golden Announce Over $190,000 in Grid Upgrades for Aroostook Mi’kmaq",2023-08-14,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced a $194,000 federal grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to modernize the electric grid and improve energy resilience for the Aroostook Band of Mi’kmaq. “Access to reliable energy should always be a given,” said Senators Collins and King and Congressman Golden. “We’re glad the Mi’kmaq Nation is getting the federal resources they need to help keep their homes warm, lights on, and businesses up and running.” “The Mi’kmaq Nation is very happy to be able to work with Versant Power to invest in upgrades to the electric grid infrastructure in Aroostook County. This will improve the reliability of critical infrastructure in our region of the State, and allow for fewer disruptions of electrical service during severe weather events. This investment in modernizing the grid infrastructure will also allow for more investment in clean energy in the region, and will also empower the Mi’kmaq Nation to diversify their energy needs moving forward,” said Mi’kmaq Nation Chief Edward Peter-Paul. Extreme weather events and economic challenges pose a threat to the energy security of families across northern Maine, particularly in already disadvantaged Tribal communities. Through this grant, the Mi’kmaq Nation will benefit from grid modernizations that improve outdated or failing infrastructure, as well as advancements in Tribal workforce development. This funding is part of a $34 million cohort of DOE’s Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants, which is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To learn more about the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants, visit the Grid Deployment Office’s website here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-doe-partnership-with-deer-isle-and-stonington-to-boost-energy-reliability-and-grid-resilience,Golden Announces DOE Partnership With Deer Isle and Stonington to Boost Energy Reliability and Grid Resilience,2023-08-04,2023,2023-08,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) announced a new partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) and the towns of Deer Isle and Stonington to build local energy systems that are sustainable, resilient, and reliable year-round. “Rural communities like Stonington and Deer Isle face enough challenges day-to-day, and keeping the lights on shouldn’t be one of them,” said Golden. “These important grid investments will give families across the peninsula reliable energy, valuable peace of mind, and make these already strong communities just that much more resilient.” “Many thanks to Representative Golden, Hancock County Emergency Management Agency Andy Sankey, and Island Institute! I am really grateful this ETIPP grant gives us the opportunity to do the research into our Island’s current power needs, see what the electric grid looks like, and how we transition into other future power options like microgrids or battery backup capabilities to sustain bad weather events. Getting this ETIPP grant also enables us to better understand power generation, transmission and distribution systems, incorporating substations to better stabilize power needs and loads, and size power lines to generate electricity with alternative methods to support the Island by being more resilient rather than at the end of the line for service upgrades or essential needs. As we said in our application: ‘knowledge is power, and in this case we clearly want to make sure we do gain knowledge and better position ourselves for our power’s future,’” said Kathleen Billings, Stonington Town Manager. “Deer Isle will be a more energy efficient and climate resilient island if we work together for a reliable, low-carbon energy future. Our transition from fossil fuels to greater use of utility and distributed electrification is an essential step. ETIPP will accelerate our transition dramatically and will help us to avoid missteps along the way. We are very grateful to Representative Golden, Andrew Sankey with Hancock County Emergency Management, the Island Institute and others that have helped us to join the Energy Transition Innovation Partnership,” said Jim Fischer, Deer Isle Town Manager. Unreliable power, lack of robust connections to mainstream power grids, and threats from strengthening storms are among the energy challenges faced by remote and island communities. Deer Isle and Stonington frequently experience outages that last up to a week. This partnership will allow the community to conduct an energy assessment to understand how renewable and resilient energy options like microgrids, energy storage systems, and other technologies can integrate with the current grid, especially as the population grows, energy demand increases, and weather increasingly affects energy delivery. The Deer Isle and Stonington project is one of nine new projects across the country aiming to help remote communities meet their specific energy needs, and will join 23 existing projects that are already part of the ETIPP network. ETIPP municipalities work with five regional partner organizations and four national laboratories – including Maine’s Island Institute in Rockland, which has been engaged with coastal communities across the world since 1983.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/senators-collins-king-and-reps-pingree-golden-announce-contract-award-to-build-at-least-three-destroyers-at-bath-iron-works,"Senators Collins, King and Reps. Pingree, Golden Announce Contract Award to Build at least Three Destroyers at Bath Iron Works",2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,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, along with Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, announced today that Bath Iron Works (BIW) has been awarded a contract to build three additional DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The contract is part of the Navy’s 5th DDG-51 multiyear procurement (MYP) authorized by Congress. The contract also supports thepotential for five additional ships, as BIW continues to work to deliver DDG-51s on time and increase production to 1.5 ships per year in the coming years. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro – who attended Saturday’s christening of the USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. at BIW – notified Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden of the award. “Today’s award of three DDG-51s is a testament to Navy’s confidence in the hardworking and highly skilled men and women at BIW who have earned the reputation that ‘Bath built is best built,’” said Senators Collins and King along with Representatives Pingree and Golden in a joint statement. “We are pleased that this contract will provide a stable foundation to the shipyard for at least the next five years and ensure our sailors – and country – have the ships they need to keep the nation safe. In addition, as BIW continues to work to deliver DDG-51s on time and increase productivity in the coming years, the contract includes the potential for additional ships and more work.” Senator Collins is Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and Senator King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Representative Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and Representative Golden is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. The Appropriations Committees are responsible for the allocation of funds for destroyers, while the Armed Services Committees authorize their purchase. The contract was awarded after the Maine Congressional Delegation authorized and appropriated the funds for the construction of DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. BIW then competed to receive this contract.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pocan-tenney-chavez-deremer-form-new-congressional-printing-caucus,"Golden, Pocan, Tenney, Chavez-DeRemer Form New Congressional Printing Caucus",2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) formed the Congressional Printing Caucus. This bipartisan caucus will focus on advancing an agenda that protects America’s printing industry and its rich, diverse, and varied communities. “Over 3,000 Mainers are employed in the paper and printing industry, which also supports thousands of other jobs across the state. These workers deserve a greater voice, which is why I'm honored to help form and co-chair the inaugural Congressional Printing Caucus. I'm eager to work together with the bipartisan members of this caucus to advocate for the paper and printing industry to ensure that workers from Madawaska to Westbrook have the seat at the table they need to keep their historic industry thriving,” said Rep. Golden. “I’ve owned a small specialty printing shop for more than 35 years,”Rep. Pocan said.“I know firsthand the hard work that goes into running a small business like this. Because of that, I’m glad to help form the bipartisan Congressional Printing Caucus with Reps. Tenney, Golden, and Chavez-DeRemer to help advocate for small printers across the country, serving their own communities’ needs.” “As the former owner and publisher of the Mid-York Press, a local commercial printing and manufacturing firm, I understand how the importance of print media and its impact on our communities and local businesses,”said Congresswoman Tenney.“I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in promoting the value of printing and its role in fostering an informed public. Together, we'll work to support the printing industry, and make sure it has a voice here in Congress.” “I’m excited to serve as a co-chair of the new Congressional Printing Caucus, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to empower professionals in the printing industry,”Chavez-DeRemer said. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-milconva-appropriations-vote,Golden Statement on MILCON/VA Appropriations Vote,2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,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 his vote against House passage of H.R. 4366 - The Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act ​​(MILCON/VA). “Delivering quality care for those who have served and defended our Nation is one of the Congress’s most sacred tasks. Despite what the majority party in the House may tell you, this bill does not represent a significant boost in funding for our veterans. “This legislation effectively underfunds care for our veterans by $5.3 billion compared to last year. Where do the bulk of these reductions come from? Over $3 billion for veterans medical services cut. $800 million dollars for veterans housing cut. $1.9 billion dollars in future spending on veteran medical support and compliance cut. “We know it’s possible to write a bill that fully delivers on our promises because the Senate passed their own version of the bill out of its Appropriations Committee which provides about $20 billion more for veterans than the bill I voted against today. “We need to negotiate a better bill for our veterans. With only 60 days to stave off a government shutdown, my focus remains on delivering the full support we promised veterans in Maine and across the country.” - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) The total enacted levels for the FY23 MILCON/VA was $322.7 billion, while the total outlined in the House’s FY24 proposal was $317.4 billion. The total VA budget ($299.5 billion) is nearly $3.8 billion below the FY23 enacted level. The total MILCON budget (nearly $17.5 billion) is $1.5 billion below the FY23 enacted level. The total MILCON/VA budget approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee was $338 billion.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-delegation-calls-on-biden-admin-to-increase-pay-for-va-employees-in-kennebec-and-penobscot-counties,Maine Delegation Calls on Biden Admin to Increase Pay for VA Employees in Kennebec and Penobscot Counties,2023-07-18,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02), and Chellie Pingree (ME-01) are urging the Biden administration to increase thepay rate for the roughly 1,400 Veterans Affairs employees in Kennebec and Penobscot Counties. In a letter toU.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kiran Ahuja, the Maine leaders explain the need for better salaries to recruit and retain workers and why VA staff in the counties should receive Boston area pay instead of their current “Rest of United States” pay. Federal employees in four Maine counties already receive Boston area pay. “We write today to strongly urge the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Salary Council to consider changing the locality pay for Kennebec and Penobscot Counties in Maine,” write the lawmakers. “As the oldest state in the nation, with the fifth highest veteran population, Mainers rely heavily on the services offered at VA facilities,” continue the lawmakers. “The VA's ability to provide our veterans the level of care they deserve is impacted by job vacancies and a high rate of turnover among its health care workforce, most often the result of pay and compensation issues, exacerbated by the increased cost of living. An increased locality pay rate for Kennebec and Penobscot Counties is critical for ensuring the recruitment and retention of the federal workforce in these areas, offering salaries commensurate to their private sector counterparts, allowing them to continue to carry out their agencies’ missions effectively.” In total, VA facilities in both counties employ roughly 1,400 General Scheduler (GS) employees who would benefit from a locality pay adjustment. The Boston-Worcester-ProvidenceGS Locality is one of 53 GS Locality Areas used to determine local cost-of-living pay adjustments for federal government employees. Currently, York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Sagadahoc counties are included in this locality. The 2023 Boston Locality Pay Adjustment is significantly more than the “Rest of United States” designation that the two Maine counties currently have. As the lawmakers wrote in their letter, Kennebec County is home to the Togus Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, the only Veterans Health Administration Medical Center servicing the state of Maine. Penobscot County is home to the Bangor Vet Center and the Bangor VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, the only clinic outside of Portland, ME, to offer audiology, cardiology, and dental services. The text of the letter can be found here and below. +++ Dear Director Ahuja, We write today to strongly urge the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Salary Council to consider changing the locality pay for Kennebec and Penobscot Counties in Maine. Kennebec County is the duty station to more than 1,300 GS employees and includes the Togus Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, the only Veterans Health Administration Medical Center servicing the state of Maine. In addition to primary care, Togus VA Medical Center is the only facility in the state providing geriatric care, homeless veteran care, caregiver support, spinal cord injuries and disorders care, and pain management services. Penobscot County is home to the Bangor VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and Bangor Vet Center, with over 100 GS employees uniquely serving the needs of their community. The Bangor CBOC is the only clinic outside of Portland, ME, to offer audiology, cardiology, and dental services. The Bangor Vet Center supplements, and is separate from, the mental health counseling services provided through traditional VA medical centers, helping address already existing challenges in a veteran’s ability to access timely mental health services. As the oldest state in the nation, with the fifth highest veteran population, Mainers rely heavily on the services offered at VA facilities. Workforce retention continues to be of utmost importance. The VA's ability to provide our veterans the level of care they deserve is impacted by job vacancies and a high rate of turnover among its health care workforce, most often the result of pay and compensation issues, exacerbated by the increased cost of living. An increased locality pay rate for Kennebec and Penobscot Counties is critical for ensuring the recruitment and retention of the federal workforce in these areas, offering salaries commensurate to their private sector counterparts, allowing them to continue to carry out their agencies’ missions effectively. We urge the Federal Salary Council to include Kennebec and Penobscot Counties as areas of application to the Boston locality pay area. The ""Rest of United States"" designation does not promote equitable access to care for our Maine veterans and pay for our healthcare providers as the cost of living is similar to surrounding counties that are included in the Boston locality. Thank you for your consideration of this request.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-meets-with-downeast-aquaculture-and-small-business-leaders,Golden Meets with Downeast Aquaculture and Small Business Leaders,2023-07-13,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SULLIVAN — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) was in Hancock County last Thursday to hear from small business and industry leaders on the state of Maine’s aquaculture sector. Graham Platner, owner of Frenchman Bay Oyster Company, took Golden by boat for a tour of his farm off Hancock Point. Afterwards, Golden had lunch with Platner and several other small business owners in Ellsworth, where the group was joined by Maine Aquaculture Association Executive Director Sebastian Belle. Their conversation centered on how federal agencies can better serve full-time farmers, especially surrounding access to disaster relief programs. “One of the best parts of my job is that sometimes I get to enjoy a beautiful day on the coast of Maine while learning about the opportunities and challenges facing Maine's small businesses. A recent highlight was spending time with craft oyster farmers in Hancock County,” said Golden. “Our aquaculture industry is sustainable, innovative, and represents the gold standard for the rest of the world.” Maine’s aquaculture sector has steadily grown in recent years, contributing over $100 million in economic impact annually. With more than 99% of Maine sea farms being family owned and cumulatively employing hundreds year-round, these businesses sustainably provide valuable food and job security to rural communities across the coast. As a member of the House Small Business Committee Golden has been a champion of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Last fall, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Golden the Advocate for American Business award for his bipartisan work on behalf of Maine small businesses. During the 117th Congress, Golden chaired the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee, and he used that role to consistently advocate for resources and support for small businesses. In April 2022, the House of Representatives passed Golden’s bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-american-elections-from-foreign-money,"Golden, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect American Elections from Foreign Money",2023-07-11,2023,2023-07,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 Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) yesterday introduced the Keeping Foreign Money out of Ballot Measures Actto prohibit foreign nationals from making political contributions related to state ballot measures and initiatives. “It doesn’t matter if the vote is on a state-wide ballot initiative or local referendums, foreign donors shouldn’t have a say in how Maine runs,” said Congressman Golden. “This bipartisan bill would ensure that elections in communities across the state are decided by Mainers, not money from foreigners.” “The outcomes of our elections must be decided exclusively by American citizens. As National Director of the FBI’s Campaign Finance and Election Crimes Enforcement Program, I worked to protect American elections from foreign interference, and I remain committed to that fight in Congress,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Foreign contributions in elections pose a threat to our democratic process, and I am grateful to Chairman Steil and Congressman Golden for their partnership on this bipartisan legislation that will ensure that American voices are heard, not drowned out, at the ballot box.” The Keeping Foreign Money out of Ballot Measures Act would designate donations by foreign nationals, directly or indirectly to state or local ballot initiatives or referendums, as illegal under the Federal Election Campaign Act. The bipartisan bill follows previous legislation introduced by Congressman Golden and Congressman Fitzpatrick to prevent foreign money from interfering in American elections. Read the text of the legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-more-than-50000-for-new-equipment-for-north-lakes-fire-rescue,"Golden Announces More Than $50,000 for New Equipment for North Lakes Fire & Rescue",2023-07-10,2023,2023-07,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 the award of $52,971.42 to the North Lakes fire district in Caribou through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. The funds will be used to replace aging airpacks and bottles. “The firefighters in the County brave dangerous situations every day to keep their family and neighbors safe,” said Golden. “They need and deserve the best equipment to keep themselves safe on the job. I’m proud to work to ensure that firefighters in Maine have the resources they need to keep their equipment up to date and in the best shape possible.” “Our department does all it can to remain fiscally responsible while ensuring that our responders have the critical equipment that we need to do the job,” said North Lakes Fire & Rescue Chief Darren Woods. “Without the assistance of grants like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), we would not be able to meet those goals. Our department is very grateful for the help we have gotten from AFG and the congressional offices that support it.” North Lakes Fire & Rescue is a department with three substations that serve recreational and residential areas on Cross Lake, Mud Lake, Long Lake, Madawaska Lake, Square Lake, and Westmanland. Golden is the co-lead of legislation to reauthorize the AFG program this Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/to-protect-maine-fisheries-and-coastal-communities-golden-introduces-bill-to-prohibit-commercial-offshore-wind-energy-development-in-key-fishing-grounds-in-the-gulf-of-maine,"To Protect Maine Fisheries and Coastal Communities, Golden Introduces Bill to Prohibit Commercial Offshore Wind Energy Development in Key Fishing Grounds in the Gulf of Maine",2023-06-22,2023,2023-06,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) today announced the introduction of the Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act. This bill would prohibit commercial offshore wind energy development in Lobster Management Area 1 (LMA 1) in the Gulf of Maine and initiate a federal study on the environmental review processes of any relevant Federal agencies for offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine. “BOEM’s decision not to remove one of the most lucrative and productive fishing grounds in the region from consideration for commercial offshore wind projects is just the latest in a series of unrelenting challenges to Maine fishermen,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). “Prohibiting commercial wind development in LMA 1 protects Maine fishermen's way of life and of making a living for their families and their communities, just as they have for generations.” LMA 1 is a critical and highly productive fishing ground for a variety of sea life, including lobster. In a recent report, BOEM identified more than 9.8 million acres in the Gulf of Maine, including LMA 1 and areas closed seasonally or permanently to protect the North Atlantic right whale, as potential commercial offshore wind sites. Prohibiting offshore wind development in LMA 1 would help to avoid conflict with the New England commercial and recreational fishing industries. The introduction of this legislation comes on the heels of last week’s Maine delegation letter urging BOEM to “minimize all potential conflicts” between offshore wind and Maine’s fishing industries, including by avoiding wind development in key fishing areas like LMA 1. “I am very pleased and proud to support Congressmen Golden in the Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act. As we move forward towards energy goals that leave many fishermen uneasy; this Act protects our heritage lobster fishery. As fishermen we have participated in countless zoom meetings, hearings, and written multiple letters to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and we still have over half of our federal fishery in BOEM's call area. The Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act would stop the leasing of Lobster Management Area 1 for commercial wind federally opening siting outside our lobstering grounds. Thank you Congressman Golden for upholding your promise to support Maine fishermen and our fishery,” said Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and Director of the Maine Lobstering Union. “The MLA commends Congressman Golden for introducing legislation to protect Maine’s lobster fishery from being overrun by massive, offshore wind farms. The legislation would ensure that any impacts of offshore wind are understood before allowing the industrialization of the fragile and productive Gulf of Maine ecosystem, putting at risk its wildlife, habitat, commercial and recreational fisheries, and a way of life that has sustained thousands of Maine families for more than a century,” said Patrice McCarron, Policy Director, Maine Lobstermen’s Association “Communities up and down the coast of Maine depend on the fishing grounds in the Gulf of Maine. This bill would ensure that these key waters, and our diverse fisheries, are protected from commercial offshore wind. The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association appreciates Congressman Golden’s continued commitment to Maine fishermen and our iconic fisheries,” said Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association “The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) sincerely thanks Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) for crafting the Northeast Fisheries Heritage Protection Act. This legislation recognizes what a growing body of scholarly research shows – we do not fully understand the effects offshore wind platforms will have on marine ecosystems. NEFSA strongly supports the environmental review process set out in this bill. Protecting Nearshore Management Area 1 from leasing and platform construction is an encouraging development. NEFSA believes that the wind industry poses serious threats to the viability of our fisheries and the safety of our oceans. We will continue to oppose efforts to industrialize the oceans that sustained our forebearers and our communities,” said Jerry Leeman, Chief Executive Officer, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association. Since his election to Congress, Golden has been a tireless advocate for the Maine lobster fishery. Golden worked alongside the Maine Delegation and Governor to successfully secure a six-year regulatory pause for Maine’s lobster industry in last year’s omnibus appropriations bill. He led a bipartisan push to get answers from NOAA and BOEM as to how the whales that had been washing up along the Atlantic coast are dying. Following the unsubstantiated and speculative decision by Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch to place Maine lobster on their seafood “Red List,” Golden and Senator King introduced a bill that would prohibit federal taxpayer funds from going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In the wake of new proposed regulations that would threaten the livelihoods of Maine lobstermen, Golden introduced a bold amendment to block the regulations until the underlying data had undergone a scientific peer review process. He has worked closely with the lobstering community to ensure that they have a voice in the process and that regulations are based on the best available evidence and don’t unfairly target the fishery. To help lobstermen bear the costs of complying with the regulations, Golden introduced legislation that would offset costs and worked with members of the Maine Delegation to secure $17.1 million in funding for the industry in a yearly appropriations bill. He also led the delegation to urge the president to intervene directly. The text of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/maine-s-congressional-delegation-governor-mills-ask-federal-agency-in-charge-of-offshore-wind-leasing-to-listen-to-the-voices-of-maine-fishermen,"Maine’s Congressional Delegation, Governor Mills Ask Federal Agency in Charge of Offshore Wind Leasing to Listen to the Voices of Maine Fishermen",2023-06-13,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Representative Jared Golden along with Senator Angus King, Representative Chellie Pingree, and Governor Janet Mills are calling on the Biden Administration to include the views of Maine fishing communities in proposals for leasing commercial offshore wind areas in the Gulf Of Maine. In a letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the Maine leaders request that any wind development avoid key lobstering areas and urge the Bureau to “minimize all potential conflicts” between offshore wind and the fishing industry. This letter is in response to the publication of the Gulf of Maine’s Call for Information and Nominations (Call). The Call invites public comment on, and assesses interest in, possible commercial wind energy development in areas offshore Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. “Fishermen and women across the country and in Maine have expressed several concerns regarding offshore wind development. Maine’s fishermen have worked for decades with state and federal regulators on numerous rules and regulations to preserve the fisheries and the varied species that inhabit those waters. The Call identifies 9.8 million acres to site potential commercial offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine. This includes Lobster Management Area (LMA) 1 and three areas that are closed to fishing either permanently or seasonally. Although BOEM reduced the acreage initially proposed by 29 percent, it failed to remove these key areas, and instead specifically requested additional comments on these areas,” the Delegation wrote. In the letter, the lawmakers urge BOEM to swiftly remove Lobster Management Area 1 (LMA 1), a critical fishing ground for Maine's lobster, from consideration for commercial offshore wind leasing. They also highlight that it is inconsistent for areas that are closed to fishing to be open for commercial offshore wind leasing. The delegation stressed the vital role that fishing plays in Maine, with 94% of the country's lobster coming from the Gulf of Maine. They also emphasized the need for meaningful engagement with fishermen and other ocean users to minimize conflicts and protect the existing marine economy. “Siting offshore wind development outside of LMA 1 would avoid conflict not only with the majority of Maine’s commercial fishing industry, but also with recreational fishermen and other commercial and recreational marine users,” the Delegation continued. “Our fishing community feels that their voices are not being heard. A straightforward way for BOEM to show it is committed to minimizing impact to fisheries would be to adopt the fishing community’s primary request: remove LMA 1 from consideration.” “In addition, parts of the Massachusetts Restricted Area, the Great South Channel Restricted Area, and most of the LMA 1 restricted area remain on the table for offshore wind development. All of these areas are closed to fishing either permanently or seasonally due to the potential presence of a North Atlantic Right Whale. If an area is closed to fishing, how could this area still be considered for offshore wind development? This is inconsistent with the fact that our fishermen are required to comply with closures in these areas.” the Delegation wrote. The letter also reiterates the potential for offshore wind, if done responsibly, to create good-paying jobs in Maine and further floating offshore wind technology pioneered by the University of Maine. On October 13, 2021, U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced an ambitious offshore wind leasing strategy for 2021-2025, which includes the goal of holding a commercial lease sale within the Gulf of Maine in 2024. For more information on BOEM’s plans for commercial offshore wind leasing in the Gulf of Maine can be viewed here. The full letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-passing-of-maine-journalist-mal-leary,Golden Statement on Passing of Maine Journalist Mal Leary,2023-05-21,2023,2023-05,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Jared Golden issued this statement on the passing of Mal Leary: “For the duration of his almost 50-year career in journalism, Mal Leary represented the best of his field. Any Mainer reading, watching, or listening to one of Mal’s stories could count on news that gave you a better understanding of our state. “I first met Mal back in my days as a State Representative in Augusta, when he was covering our work in the State House. It was clear to me then, as it was to so many others, that Mal was unique in his approach to his job. He was driven by a desire to report thoughtfully and without bias — just a simple dedication to giving Mainers the news they needed in the best possible form. “Mal’s passing is a tremendous loss for journalism in our state. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.” - Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-continues-to-lead-bipartisan-push-for-critical-support-to-ukraine,Golden Continues to Lead Bipartisan Push for Critical Support to Ukraine,2023-05-17,2023,2023-05,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) today led a bipartisan group of 14 lawmakers in urging the Biden Administration to provide F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine as Kyiv continues its fight against Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion one year into the conflict. “As a bipartisan group of lawmakers, we view the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine as essential for providing Kyiv with the air support capability required to fully defend their nation against Russia’s unprovoked, illegal, and brutal invasion, and to make the territorial gains necessary to reclaim their country,” wrote the lawmakers. The letter is a follow-up to an earlier effort also led by Congressman Golden and is especially salient in light of recent reports that European Allies are ramping up their own push to deliver F16s to Ukraine. “Senior Administration officials have indicated that consideration of whether to provide Ukraine with F-16s or similar fourth-generation fighter aircraft is not appropriate in the near term due to their more urgent need for materials such as artillery, land-based air defense systems, and tanks that will assist Kiev with its upcoming offensive this spring,” continued the lawmakers. “Respectfully, this is an artificial and false choice. The United States can provide Ukraine with both immediate military assistance to defend against Russian advances and in preparation for Kyiv’s expected spring offensive while simultaneously beginning the process of providing Ukraine with long-term air superiority capability.” Joining Golden to push for support for Ukraine were Representatives Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Don Bacon (NE-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), August Pfluger (TX-11), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Mike Turner (OH-10), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), and Rob Wittman (VA-01). The letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-ciscomani-bipartisan-group-of-colleagues-introduce-bill-affording-administration-expulsion-authority-at-southern-border,"Golden, Ciscomani, Bipartisan Group of Colleagues Introduce Bill Affording Administration Expulsion Authority at Southern Border",2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,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 by Reps. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Don Davis (NC-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), David Valadao (CA-22), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), and Zach Nunn (IA-03), today introduced a bipartisan bill that would afford the Biden Administration a two-year temporary expulsion authority for migrants who come to the United States illegally. This authority would be used as a means of addressing the expected surge of migrants at the Southern border in the absence of Title 42 which expires today. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced similar bipartisan legislation in the Senate earlier this month. “The situation at our border is already a dangerous crisis and ending Title 42 without resources and a workable strategy in place will only make it worse,” said Congressman Golden. “This bill arms the Administration with the authority to address this crisis.” “The expiration of Title 42 has brought greater chaos and uncertainty to our southern border,” said Congressman Ciscomani.“Border communities in my district and other states cannot shoulder the burden of this crisis any longer. While the White House still refuses to act, Congress has stepped up and offered a bipartisan, bicameral solution, which I am proud to support. CBP is underwater, reporting the worst numbers they have ever seen, and this bill will give them the tools they need to do the job we need them to do.” “With the expiration of Title 42, law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and families are facing an unprecedented strain on resources. I am proud to join a bipartisan, bicameral group of Members of Congress to pass legislation to help guarantee our great country is ready to meet this challenge head-on. While our bill is necessary, it is not a permanent solution to fix our broken immigration system,” said Congressman Davis. “The people of eastern North Carolina are calling on Congress to pass bipartisan immigration reform that includes comprehensive measures to secure our border.” “Our southern border is currently facing a humanitarian and national security crisis, and the looming expiration of Title 42 will only exacerbate the situation,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.“In the face of this unprecedented emergency, both Chambers of Congress have proposed a solution that allows our heroic Border Patrol agents to further secure our border and protect our communities. I am proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan, bicameral legislation and urge the House and Senate to swiftly pass it.” “With Title 42 set to expire, the time for decisive action at the southern border is now. While the administration has announced several short-term steps, this is too little too late and Congress must act,“ said Congressman Nickel. “I’m proud to join Rep. Golden and a bipartisan group of members on this important legislation to ensure we can secure the southern border while also giving more time to enact meaningful, long-term reforms to our overburdened immigration system. I’m grateful to Senator Tillis and Senator Sinema for championing this effort in the Senate, and look forward to working with Rep. Golden and my House colleagues to get this across the finish line.” “We’re seeing a humanitarian and national security crisis at our border, with over 1.3 million known evasions in the last two years and record amounts of fentanyl harming our communities,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Biden administration has failed to secure the border, and the expiration of Title 42 is only going to make this situation more dire. This bipartisan, bicameral bill is necessary to give our border patrol agents the tools and time they need to keep our border secure and communities safe.” “The situation at the border is already a humanitarian and security nightmare, and it will only get worse with the expiration of Title 42,” said Congressman Nunn.“Working to reform our broken immigration system should not be a partisan issue, which is why it’s so important that this legislation has bipartisan support. Extending Title 42 is a critical piece of the puzzle to getting the mass influx of illegal crossings under control.” Title 42 is a provision of the Public Health Service Act of 1944. In March 2020, the Trump Administration invoked Title 42 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, preventing migrants presenting themselves at the border for asylum from remaining in the country while their cases were processed. The Biden Administration had largely continued the Trump Administration’s policy, but announced that it will begin rolling back the policy this month as the Administration ends the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This bill would give the Biden Administration temporary expulsion authority without a tie to public health. The bill exempts migrants from expulsion if they would face persecution or torture because of their membership in a social, political or religious group. Border agents may also exempt other migrants on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian or urgent medical reasons. Golden has been at the forefront of the fight to keep our border secure and the immigration process safe for all those involved. Last month, he introduced a bipartisan bill that would help address Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel shortages in rural areas. Last year, he introduced a bipartisan bill that would prevent President Biden from lifting existing Title 42 immigration restrictions without a plan in place from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the expected surge of migrants at the Southern border. In March of last year, Golden voted to substantially increase funding for local law enforcement and border patrol officers as part of the omnibus government funding bill. The bill was passed by the House and signed into law by the president at the end of the month. In 2021, Golden voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which included significant funding for border stations across the country, including five land ports of entry in Maine’s Second District. The full bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-golden-pushes-for-good-faith-debt-ceiling-negotiation-proposed-budget-garners-wide-praise,"ICYMI: Golden Pushes for Good Faith Debt Ceiling Negotiation, Proposed Budget Garners Wide Praise",2023-05-08,2023,2023-05,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington Post: Amid the debt ceiling madness, a lonely voice of sanity emerges Washington Post: “More lawmakers should emulate Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and start laying out compromise proposals.” WASHINGTON — Since its release last month, Congressman Jared Golden’s (ME-02) new framework to balance the budget and kickstart debt ceiling negotiations between President Biden and Speaker McCarthy has received significant coverage and support. In his proposal, Golden outlines the need for Congress and the White House to avoid default and negotiate a responsible budget deal that reduces the deficit, fights inflation, and moves Congress towards a balanced budget. The plan has been praised and profiled by local and national news outlets: Politico: Playbook: The Dem begging his party to get real Roll Call: Centrist Maine Democrat floats compromise debt limit plan Sun Journal: Jared Golden floats compromise to fend off debt crisis in Washington Washington Post: A Maine moderate on the debt ceiling WGME: Rep. Golden calls for compromise as solution to debt ceiling crisis You can read the Congressman’s framework here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/senators-collins-king-representative-golden-announce-over-460000-in-infrastructure-funding-for-three-airports-in-maine-s-second-district,"Senators Collins, King, Representative Golden Announce Over $460,000 in Infrastructure Funding for Three Airports in Maine’s Second District",2023-05-02,2023,2023-05,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Jared Golden announced this week that the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), awarded $461,500 to improve three airports in Maine’s Second District. “Whether passengers are Mainers returning from a trip, visitors coming to experience Maine, or servicemembers coming home, airports are important gateways to our state and the country,” said Senators Collins and King and Congressman Golden. “These investments in airport infrastructure will go a long way to improve passenger experience and bring more business to communities across Maine. We’re proud of the positive impact that this bill continues to have on our state’s economy and looking forward to seeing the upgrades at the airport. ” Among the airports receiving funding were: $112,500 for Princeton Municipal Airport for perimeter fencing; $45,000 for Stephen A Bean Municipal Airport to mark, remove, and light obstructions; $304,000 for Dexter Regional Airport for construction of a new terminal building. Read more about the funding for Princeton Municipal Airport here, Steven A Bean Municipal Airport here, and the Dexter Regional Airport here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-gonzales-ryan-pfluger-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-hire-and-retain-more-rural-border-security-personnel,"Golden, Gonzales, Ryan, Pfluger Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Hire and Retain More Rural Border Security Personnel",2023-04-25,2023,2023-04,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), Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-19), and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) yesterday introduced the DHS Rural and Remote Hiring and Retention Strategy Act of 2023. The bipartisan bill would help address Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel shortages in rural areas. Absent a meaningful strategy and progress by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to hire and retain more border patrol agents, immigrations and customs enforcement officials, and other border security officers, DHS will likely need to reallocate personnel from other areas in order to address potential migration surges on the Southern Border in the coming months. Congressmen Golden, Gonzales, Ryan, and Pfluger’s bill would mandate that CBP issue and implement a strategy plan to improve hiring and improve retention for CBP officers and Border Patrol agents specifically in rural or remote areas. “I’ve spoken with border officials across Maine and a concern they’ve consistently shared is that our immigration agencies in rural areas are too short staffed to do their jobs properly,” said Congressman Golden. “Improving recruitment and retention of CBP personnel will ensure that there is the necessary manpower to keep thousands of miles of our border in rural areas secure in the face of illegal drug smuggling and other threats to the health and safety of our communities. I’m glad to work with Rep. Gonzales, Rep. Ryan, and Rep. Pfluger this Congress to get this important bill passed.” “I am proud to work with my colleagues to help support U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in rural areas,” said Congressman Gonzales. “We are seeing historic levels of human- and illicit drug-smuggling across our borders, and our men and women in green are stretched far too thin. My district covers four sectors of the southern border, of which, three are extremely rural and remote. Agents in these areas have strenuous workloads, and their families have a diminished quality of life. We must ensure our borders are sufficiently staffed to ensure our national security.” “Fentanyl is taking too many lives and destroying too many families in the Hudson Valley – we need to act now to strengthen our nation’s response to illicit drug shipments,” said Congressman Ryan. “I’m proud to introduce this crucial legislation that will address this problem directly by working on a national strategy to keep our communities safe. I look forward to working with Representatives Golden and Gonzales to get this common-sense legislation signed into law.” “U.S. Border Patrol Agents are heroes on the front lines of the border crisis,” said Congressman Pfluger. “They deserve our respect and additional resources. I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of lawmakers introducing common-sense legislation to hire and retain more border patrol personnel in rural areas.” “I greatly appreciate the Congressmen for their leadership on this issue. The most important element in securing our border is Border Patrol Agents. Currently we need to hire an additional 3,300 Agents and this legislation which will require DHS to have a strategy to hire and retain CBP personnel in rural areas.” - Hector Garza, National Vice President and Legislative Chair, National Border Patrol Council “NTEU Chapter 141, representing Customs and Border Protection employees at ports of entry in Maine, New Hampshire and Halifax, Canada, strongly supports the CBP Rural and Remote Hiring and Retention Strategy Act of 2023, introduced by Rep. Jared Golden. In conversations with Rep. Golden, members and leaders of Chapter 141 have explained the difficulties in recruiting and retaining CBP employees at remote ports, and we appreciate his willingness to hear directly from frontline employees who have first-hand knowledge of the problem. Here in Maine, many of our ports lose quality candidates to Boston or other port cities, where federal employees earn more through locality pay. NTEU looks forward to working with Rep. Golden to pass this legislation and develop a strategy for making CBP’s Office of Field Operations a more attractive employer in remote but essential port locations. ” - Doug Stubbs, President, NTEU Chapter 141 “NTEU commends Rep. Jared Golden for introducing the DHS Rural and Remote Hiring and Retention Strategy Act of 2023. This is a solid approach to a problem that is plaguing rural and remote ports of entry staffed by Customs and Border Protection employees that we represent. Rep. Golden clearly understands the difficulty of recruiting and retaining employees at ports that may be hundreds of miles from a city, hospital, affordable housing, higher education, or other amenities that are important to CBP employees and their families. Our nation’s 328 air, sea and land ports are understaffed and NTEU supports efforts to make CBP more competitive in the job market, including higher pay, retention bonuses and other benefits.” - Troy Reardon, President, National Treasury Employees Union Golden has been at the forefront of the fight to keep our border secure and the immigration process safe for all those involved. Last year, he introduced a bipartisan bill that would prevent President Biden from lifting existing Title 42 immigration restrictions without a plan in place from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the expected surge of migrants at the Southern border. In March of last year, Golden voted tosubstantially increase funding for local law enforcement and border patrol officers as part of the omnibus government funding bill. The bill was passed by the House and signed into law by the president at the end of the month. In 2021, Golden voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which included significant funding for border stations across the country, including five land ports of entry in Maine’s Second District. The full bill text can be found here. The legislation was also introduced in 2022.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/king-golden-introduce-bill-to-help-young-mainers-work-at-family-logging-operations,"King, Golden Introduce Bill to Help Young Mainers Work at Family Logging Operations",2023-03-10,2023,2023-03,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) reintroduced their Future Logging Careers Act this week with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) as cosponsors. The bipartisan, bicameral bill would allow small logging businesses to safely train 16- and 17-year-old family members for future careers in the Maine forest products industry. “Logging has been fundamental to the success of our state for centuries – creating good jobs, supporting working families, and providing essential economic activity across rural areas,” said Senator King. “As a new generation of Maine people consider careers in logging, we should be providing opportunities to explore the exciting field in a safe, managed way. The bipartisan Future Logging Careers Act would give young Maine people the option to jumpstart their career, get invaluable hands-on experience, and begin training by logging with their parents or grandparents. It’s a commonsense effort to strengthen our state’s long forest heritage and expand job opportunities.” “Family-owned businesses are a tradition of Maine’s forest economy and their ability to pass down the trade to future generations is a priority,” said Congressman Golden. “This is a commonsense solution to workforce shortages and to the current law which prevents young Mainers from working in the family business. Our bipartisan bill will allow young Mainers to get an early start learning the family trade and lay the foundation of a good living in the woods.” “Maine’s logging industry is an integral part of our economy and continues to be the primary economic driver of many rural communities throughout our state. The industry relies on mechanized equipment, and it can take a year or more of training before an operator is able to operate these machines. To alleviate the worker shortage, provide good jobs, and keep the forest products industry strong, it is essential that the next generation be prepared for the logging profession,” said Senator Collins.“This bipartisan legislation will help parents who own logging businesses to pass down their skills to their children and teach them how to safely harvest timber.” “For generations, Maine’s logging industry has been a vital part of our economy, creating jobs and building thriving rural communities. But like many businesses in Maine and across the country, the workforce shortage is taking a toll on loggers. We need to start fostering the next generation of Maine loggers now to ensure the future of this centuries-old industry,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “The Future Logging Careers Act will help ease the workforce shortage and foster new careers, both strengthening Maine and its logging industry.” “The logging and forest trucking industry has a proud history in Maine, but its future is uncertain without common-sense Congressional action on issues like this one,"" said Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (PLC). “The industry is built on a foundation of small family businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation, and which provide jobs to thousands of Mainers while contributing millions of dollars to our state's economy. The Future Logging Careers Act will ensure that these businesses can sustain themselves for the long term. This legislation is long overdue, and Representatives Golden and Pingree as well as Senators Collins and King should be applauded for their leadership and persistence in reintroducing it in both the House and Senate as they work together to protect the future of the industry in Maine."" The legislation would help address a logging workforce shortage that exists in some areas of Maine and is expected to worsen in the coming years. A study conducted by the University of Maine found that the total number of jobs in the logging industry in Maine declined 6% more than the national average between 2014 and 2021. Currently, 16- and 17-year-old Mainers are not allowed to partake in logging operations, even under parental supervision. This new legislation would make changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to allow young Mainers to gain this important experience, while also ensuring that particularly dangerous equipment — like manual chain saws — is still prohibited for use by minors. The legislation was also introduced in 2021 and 2019.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:30:02Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-golden-carter-westerman-ruppersberger-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-patient-access-to-their-medication-information,"Reps. Golden, Carter, Westerman, Ruppersberger Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Patient Access to Their Medication Information",2023-03-01,2023,2023-03,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) introduced the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act of 2023 last week to ensure that rural Americans and seniors have access to important information about their prescription medications and to protect the jobs of hardworking Mainers. “Many rural Mainers and seniors don’t have reliable access to the internet or aren’t comfortable using it to get important information about their prescription medications,” said Congressman Golden.“Our bipartisan bill requires information about medications to be printed, ensuring that every American who relies on a prescription has all the information they need to take it safely when they leave the pharmacy. This commonsense bill also would support hundreds of good jobs in Madawaska and our state’s forest products industry.” Pharmacies often provide printed medication information for patients, however they are not required to do so under current law. As a result, some patients never receive important information on the safety, dosage, and other details of their prescriptions with important health consequences. Printed information is particularly important in rural areas where internet access is often unreliable and for senior populations who don’t regularly use computers. The introduction of this bill also marks another step in the fight to protect the hundreds of good-paying Maine jobs at the Twin Rivers Paper Company’s Madawaska Paper Mill. In 2021, Golden successfully worked to defeat an amendment backed by the pharmaceutical lobby that would have required prescription drug manufacturers to distribute information electronically rather than include a paper insert. Twin Rivers Paper in Madawaska is the leading manufacturer of the paper inserts and employs over 500 people. Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-01), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), and Bruce Westerman (AR-04) joined Golden to introduce the bill. A copy of the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:30:02Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-calls-on-noaa-to-share-findings-of-causes-of-recent-whale-strandings,Golden Calls on NOAA to Share Findings of Causes of Recent Whale Strandings,2023-02-28,2023,2023-02,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) sent a letter yesterday to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) urging the agency to release additional information on its investigation protocol and how it shares findings with the public regarding the causes of a recent increase in whale strandings along the Atlantic Coast. “...In the past two months alone, the Marine Mammal Stranding Network has reported at least 18 cases of whales found washed ashore along the Atlantic Coast…,” wrote Congressman Golden. “NOAA is responsible for collecting information on strandings and must compile and analyze the conditions and causes of illnesses and deaths of stranded marine mammals. NOAA must also collect information on other life history and reference level data, including marine mammal tissue analyses, that would allow for the comparison of the causes of illness and deaths in stranded marine mammals based on physical, chemical, and biological environmental parameters. The information is gathered by Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP) networks and submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service. ” While the Marine Mammal Stranding Network is responsible for tracking and reporting strandings, NOAA is responsible for collecting information on strandings and must compile and analyze the conditions and causes of illnesses and deaths of stranded marine mammals. The data compiled by these organizations, including NOAA, is divided into three levels – A, B, and C. Level A Data is basic data made available to the public, but Levels B and C data, which explains autopsy findings and offers speculations as to cause of death, is proprietary. “Given that the sudden increase in whale deaths is occurring at a time when the Biden Administration proceeds with authorizing large-scale commercial offshore wind (OSW) projects along the East Coast, we believe it is imperative that NOAA make Level B and C data from these strandings, if collected, available to the public so that all ocean stakeholders can better understand if OSW activities are causing serious injuries or mortalities to whales and to ensure that the federal government is mitigating any potential negative consequences on marine life from OSW development,” continues Golden. “The lobster industry has been working diligently to reduce risk to right whales even without any deaths attributed to the Maine fishery. We applaud Representative Golden for asking the tough questions on behalf of Maine’s fishing communities, requesting some transparency in necropsy results, and helping us all better understand the true causes behind this sudden increase in whale deaths along the East Coast,” said Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and Director of the Maine Lobstering Union. “Working together to protect right whales requires transparency from everyone and NOAA is no exception. Making the data on these whale deaths public is critical so everyone has a shared understanding of how they are dying and to ensure that regulators are adequately addressing those threats,” said Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen's Association. A copy of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-momentum-builds-for-bipartisan-golden-led-push-for-additional-support-to-ukraine,ICYMI: Momentum Builds for Bipartisan Golden-Led Push for Additional Support to Ukraine,2023-02-28,2023,2023-02,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — The bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) urging the Biden Administration to provide F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine grew to 16 Members as Kiev continues its fight against Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion one year into the conflict. “…[W]e write to respectfully request that your Administration provide Ukraine with increased air superiority capability, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft requested by Kiev, or similar fourth-generation aircraft, as soon as possible,” wrote the lawmakers. “The provision of such aircraft is necessary to help Ukraine protect its airspace, particularly in light of renewed Russian offensives and considering the expected increase in large-scale combat operations.” The letter follows reports that senior U.S. defense officials, including U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli, believe that the provision of F-16s or similar aircraft could make a meaningful difference in the conflict. “Given Ukraine’s experienced combat pilots and demonstrated capability to effectively utilize the western defensive and offensive platforms they have received to date, we believe providing Ukraine with fourth generation fighter aircraft represents a sound strategic investment in bolstering Kiev’s military capability and bringing this conflict to a just conclusion…We believe that a U.S. willingness to provide F-16 fighters to Ukraine may well encourage our NATO allies and European partners to provide comparable fourth generation fighter aircraft to Kiev,” continue the lawmakers. Joining Golden to push for support for Ukraine were Representatives Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Jason Crow (CO-06), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Jim Costa (CA-21), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Don Bacon (NE-02), Susan Wild (PA-07), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Bradley Schneider (IL-10), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07, Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), August Pfluger (TX-11), and Rob Wittman (VA-01). The letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-announces-chief-kirk-francis-chief-of-the-penobscot-nation-as-state-of-the-union-guest,"Golden Announces Chief Kirk Francis, Chief of the Penobscot Nation, as State of the Union Guest",2023-02-07,2023,2023-02,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 Chief Kirk Francis, Chief of the Penobscot Nation, will join him for this evening’s State of the Union address. The Penobscot Nation is one of four federally recognized Indian tribes in Maine, referred to collectively as the Wabanaki. Chief Francis, a resident of Indian Island, is currently serving his sixth term as Chief. “I’m honored to have the Chief of the Penobscot Nation, Kirk Francis, as my guest at this year’s State of the Union,” said Congressman Golden. “Chief Francis has been a dedicated leader for the Penobscot Nation and a key advocate in the push to bring equal opportunity to Maine’s tribes. I look forward to working with Chief Francis, as well as the leaders of all of the Wabanaki Tribes in the 118th Congress.” “It is an honor to represent members of the Penobscot Nation with Congressman Golden at the State of the Union,” said Chief Francis. “I’ve been proud to work alongside the Congressman to bring the Wabanaki tribes in Maine one step closer to being afforded the same federal benefits available to the other 570 tribal governments. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to bring awareness to this issue of basic fairness which has bipartisan support in Maine.” Golden has been a champion in Congress for Wabanaki tribal equality. In the 117th Congress, his bill to update the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act (MICSA) to give Wabanaki tribes the same access to future beneficial federal laws as nearly every other federally recognized tribe in America passed the House. Currently, the Wabanaki tribes in Maine are excluded from many beneficial federal laws that apply to nearly every other federally recognized tribe in the country. Examples of laws that MICSA has prevented from applying to the Wabanaki tribes in the past include the Violence Against Women Act, which allows tribes to prosecute non-Indian defendants for domestic violence crimes against tribal members; the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which allows tribes to employ much-needed medical professionals who are licensed in another state; and the Stafford Act, which allows tribes to directly seek federal disaster relief and emergency assistance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-to-serve-house-small-business-committee,Golden to Serve House Small Business Committee,2023-02-02,2023,2023-02,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) was named last week to the House Small Business Committee for the 118th Congress. This is Golden’s third term on the committee. The congressman plans to use his position on the committee to build on his work in Maine’s Second District and help the state’s existing businesses grow, innovate, and hire more Mainers. “Growing up in a small business family, I know firsthand how important small, family-owned businesses are to towns all over Maine,” said Congressman Golden. “With hundreds of thousands of hard-working Mainers counting on local businesses for their paycheck, so much depends on these businesses’ success. I’ve been proud to use my position on this committee to support the growth of Maine businesses and Maine jobs and I’m looking forward to building on that track record to boost Maine’s economy.” Golden will also serve on three subcommittees: the Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains, the Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access, and the Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations. Maine small businesses employ over 293,313 workers in Maine and account for 99.2% of all businesses in the state. “I am pleased that Congressman Golden will continue his work on the Committee on Small Business,” said Dana Connors, President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. “Congressman Golden understands that Maine is a small business state through and through and he has been a consistent and key ally for the workers who depend on these businesses. We are looking forward to continuing to work with him to secure the resources and support that our small businesses need to grow and thrive.” The House Committee on Small Business has jurisdiction over regulations, grants, and federal contracting for small businesses across the country. The Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains will address the issues facing rural economic and business growth, increase America’s energy independence, and ensure America’s small businesses can compete effectively in a global marketplace. The Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access will oversee the evaluation of the operation of the financial markets in the United States and their ability to provide needed capital to small businesses. The Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations will oversee review of the regulatory burdens imposed on small businesses by federal agencies and how those burdens may be alleviated. Since his election to Congress, Golden has been a champion of rural small business owners and entrepreneurs. As the Chairman of the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee in the 117th Congress, Golden consistently advocated for resources and support for small businesses. In April, the House of Representatives passed Golden’s bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. Golden grew up in a small business family, helping his parents operate their business in Leeds, Maine.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-to-serve-on-house-armed-services-committee,Golden to Serve on House Armed Services Committee,2023-02-02,2023,2023-02,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) was named last week to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) for the 118th Congress. This is Golden’s third term on the committee. Golden plans to use his position on the committee to continue his work to fortify national security, protect the interests of our men and women in uniform, and deliver for Bath Iron Works and its shipbuilders. “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’ve worked with both parties to invest in our national security, our servicemembers, and Maine shipbuilders,” said Congressman Golden. “Whether they serve in uniform, at our shipyards, or contribute to cutting-edge research at our universities, Mainers have an outsized role in our national defense. I’m looking forward to continuing working with my colleagues, members of the military, and shipbuilders to protect our country.” Golden will serve on two subcommittees: the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces and the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems. “Jared Golden's appointment to the House Armed Services Committee has been crucial for the men and women of Local S6 at Bath Iron Works building ships for the U.S. Navy,” said Chris Williams, President, Machinists Local S6.“His knowledge and actions have brought critical attention to the strengthening of the Industrial base while providing the needed security to the Nation. I applaud the reappointment of Representative Jared Golden to the House Armed Services Committee to continue his work in prioritizing the defense of our country.” HASC has a significant impact on job creation and economic growth in the Second District. Many workers at Bath Iron Works live in Maine’s Second Congressional District, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is critical to the entire state’s economy. The district is also home to dozens of contractors, suppliers, and manufacturing companies that contribute to the national defense and provide good-paying jobs. Golden’s seat on the committee will allow him to work with those companies and bring in more good-paying jobs to Maine. The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces oversees naval acquisition and contracts for military shipbuilding performed at Bath Iron Works. The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems oversees the acquisition of Department of Defense software and of policy and programs and accounts related to artificial intelligence, computer software cyber security, cyber operations, cyber forces, information technology, information operations, and science and technology. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and of the panel's Seapower Subcommittee, Golden has consistently gone to bat for the shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works, having fought for and successfully secured authorization for 3rd DDG-51 destroyer, in addition to millions in funding for large surface combatant shipyard infrastructure and for defense research and manufacturing programs at the University of Maine in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In 2021, Golden and the rest of the Maine congressional delegation worked to sound the alarm and fought back against cuts to DDG-51 shipbuilding proposed by the Biden Administration. Thanks in part to consistent advocacy from Golden, the cuts were reversed in a bill signed into law in December 2021.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/blue-dog-members-call-on-biden-administration-and-speaker-to-begin-earnest-debt-ceiling-negotiations,Blue Dog Members Call on Biden Administration and Speaker to Begin Earnest Debt Ceiling Negotiations,2023-02-01,2023,2023-02,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) led the Blue Dog Coalition in a letter sent yesterday urging President Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy to negotiate in good faith to raise or suspend the debt ceiling so that a stand off does not imperil the financial stability of the United States or the federal benefits that millions of hard-working Americans depend on. “Failure to raise the debt limit would prevent the federal government from meeting its legal obligations, including Social Security and Medicare benefits, military salaries, and tax refunds,” members of the Blue Dog Coalition wrote in their letter. “Moreover, economists estimate that a debt limit breach would put an immediate halt to ten percent of our nation’s economic activity, result in a loss of millions of jobs, significantly raise interest rates on homes, cars, and credit cards, wreak havoc on global markets, and devalue the dollar around the world. Representatives Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) joined Rep. Golden in sending the letter. “Consumers are seeing gas and food prices go down as inflation is slowing, wages are up, the unemployment rate remains at a 50-year low, and economic growth was higher than anticipated at 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022. A default on our debt – or, as occurred in 2011, a political standoff – would reverse these trends and damage our economy. With this in mind, we must work together to ensure that the country meets its financial obligations and that the good faith and credit of the United States remain intact,” continued the group. Read the letter in full here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-meets-small-business-owners-for-roundtable-in-kennebec-valley,Golden Meets Small Business Owners for Roundtable in Kennebec Valley,2023-01-30,2023,2023-01,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"AUGUSTA — Ahead of the first meeting of the House Small Business Committee for the 118th Congress, Representative Jared Golden (ME-02) joined Maine Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors, local small business owners, and members of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce in Augusta for a roundtable discussion. Augusta was redistricted into Maine’s Second Congressional District for the 118th Congress. The group discussed the business landscape of the region, as well as challenges facing small businesses and opportunities for growth. “I’m pleased about the recent addition of the Mainers in Augusta to our District and appreciated the opportunity to sit down with some of the business leaders driving the city’s economy,” said Congressman Golden. “Meetings like these offer a crucial seat at the table for the business owners who are doing the hard work of growing their communities. Thank you to those who took their time to share with me the challenges their business is facing and identify opportunities where my office can be helpful.” Golden was hosted by Katie Doherty, the President of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. Members of the Kennebec Valley Chamber and Augusta Downtown Alliance Boards participated in the roundtable with Golden to discuss the needs and interests of local healthcare professionals, energy providers, banking and lending institutions, hospitality industry members and educators. As a member of the House Small Business Committee Golden has been a champion of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Last fall, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Golden the Advocate for American Business award for his bipartisan work on behalf of Maine small businesses. During the 117th Congress, Golden chaired the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee, and he used that role to consistently advocate for resources and support for small businesses. In April 2022, the House of Representatives passed Golden’s bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-statement-on-terrorist-attack-in-israel,Golden Statement on Terrorist Attack in Israel,2023-01-27,2023,2023-01,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 tonight following the terrorist attack that occurred in Jerusalem this evening in which a gunman shot and killed at least seven Israelis. “There is no place for religious violence and hate in any community. And we must protect the United States and our allies from these deadly acts of extremism,”said Congressman Golden. “I condemn terrorist attacks anywhere they happen in the world and join the international community in mourning the innocent lives lost in Jerusalem today.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-keep-reliable-oil-supply-in-strategic-petroleum-reserve,Golden Votes to Keep Reliable Oil Supply in Strategic Petroleum Reserve,2023-01-27,2023,2023-01,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 his vote this afternoon for the Strategic Production Response Act. The bill would limit the ability of an administration to initiate a drawdown of petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in non-emergency situations until the Department of Energy develops a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production to backfill the reserve. “Ensuring our emergency petroleum reserves are always in good supply is crucial for our country’s economic stability and our nation’s security,” said Golden. “These reserves are there for emergencies and the bill I voted for will in no way stand in the way of the White House pulling from the reserves in those circumstances, such as the most recent drawdowns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is in the best interest of hard-working Americans, who are facing rising prices at the pump, to require a comprehensive plan from any Administration in power to replace our stockpile as they dip into it.” Established in 1975, the SPR currently holds more than 371 million barrels of oil. By law, the president is authorized to draw down and sell oil from the SPR in the event of an emergency resulting from a severe supply interruption that causes dramatic energy price increases for consumers. Since March of last year, President Biden has used that authority to release over 211 million barrels of oil in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Energy experts estimate that the releases from the SPR have discounted prices by about 40 cents per gallon of regular gasoline. Presidents from both parties have ordered SPR drawdowns and sales in 1991, 2005, and 2011. Because the plan required by the Strategic Production Response Act only applies to non-emergency drawdowns, the president would still be able to act quickly and decisively in releasing barrels from the SPR in an emergency situation. Since 2021, Golden has led members of the House to successfully push for releases from the SPR to help combat rising oil and gas prices. In November of 2021, he led a group of New England lawmakers to call on the White House to release oil from the SPR to get ahead of rising energy prices that winter. Shortly afterwards, the White House announced it would release 50 million barrels from the reserve. In March of the following year, Golden worked across the aisle with Representatives Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Jim Baird (IN-04), and Don Bacon (NE-02) to propose a three-pronged plan to the administration to lower oil and gas prices, including continued releases from the SPR and a long-term commitment to oil and gas producers to backfill the SPR to provide certainty to oil producers. Later that month, the president announced a “huge” release of 1 million barrels a day. In September, Golden and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) led a group of lawmakers to call on the president to continue to make significant releases from the SPR and to outline a plan to backfill the reserve. In October, the White House announced additional releases from the reserve and plans to backfill its supply.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-joins-sportsman-s-alliance-of-maine-for-family-day-announces-vice-chairmanship-of-bipartisan-congressional-sportsmen-s-caucus,"Golden Joins Sportsman's Alliance of Maine for Family Day, Announces Vice-Chairmanship of Bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus",2023-01-25,2023,2023-01,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"AUGUSTA — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) joined hunters, sportsmen and their families last weekend for the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) Family Fun Day at SAM’s Outdoor Education Center. The Congressman announced his new role as Vice Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. “It was great to join SAM members and their families for their family day,” said Golden. “I’ve been proud to work alongside David Trahan and the SAM board these past four years. As Vice Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, I’m looking forward to continuing to work with SAM to protect Maine’s outdoors and our time-honored sportsmen traditions.” The Bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus is a bicameral caucus advocating on wildlife conservation and the long-standing hunting and sporting interests of the 55 million sportsmen and women in the United States. “As Executive Director of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine (SAM), I have worked closely with Congressman Golden to identify firearm policies that will protect the Second Amendment, improve gun safety, and get more Mainers outdoors to enjoy all our state has to offer,” said David Trahan, Executive Director, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. “He has been a consistent and thoughtful advocate for all sportsmen in Maine and his new leadership role on the Bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus is well-deserved. I’m confident Congressman Golden will use this new position to work across the aisle and get even more done for sportsmen and hunters in Maine.” Since his election to Congress, Golden has been a champion for gun safety legislation that will help make our communities safer and keep constitutional rights intact. Last summer, Golden worked with the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act took a balanced approach that supports the common-sense measures already underway in Maine. In 2021, Golden introduced SAM-supported bipartisan legislation to provide millions of gun safety kits to Americans across the country and educate millions more on the importance of gun storage and safety.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-joins-small-business-owners-for-roundtable-in-norway,Golden Joins Small Business Owners for Roundtable in Norway,2023-01-20,2023,2023-01,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OXFORD HILLS — Ahead of the first meeting of the House Small Business Committee for the 118th Congress, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) joined small business owners and members of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce in Norway this week for a roundtable discussion. The group met at 290 Maine St. Pub in downtown Norway and discussion focused on challenges facing small businesses in the region and opportunities for growth. “It was great to sit down with small business owners in Norway who are doing their part to grow our economy and make Oxford Hills an even better place to live and work,” said Golden. “I was grateful for the opportunity to hear from these community leaders about the obstacles they are facing as they make investments in this community and identify ways our office can be supportive. Thank you to the Maine State Chamber and the Oxford Hills Chamber for having me and to all the local business owners who took the time to share their experiences with me.” Golden was hosted by Dana Connors, the President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and John Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce and owner of Williams Broadcasting Inc. Among those who participated in the roundtable with Golden were representatives of local banking and lending institutions, hospitality industry members, and radio broadcasters. Following the roundtable, Golden joined Connors for an episode of the Maine Chamber’s podcast, The Maine Take. As a member of the House Small Business Committee Golden has been a champion of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Last fall, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Golden the Advocate for American Business award for his bipartisan work on behalf of Maine small businesses. During the 117th Congress, Golden chaired the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee, and he used that role to consistently advocate for resources and support for small businesses. In April 2022, the House of Representatives passed Golden’s bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-calls-on-biden-administration-to-delay-new-ev-tax-credits-until-american-manufacturing-and-assembly-requirements-guidance-is-released,Golden Calls on Biden Administration to Delay New EV Tax Credits Until American Manufacturing and Assembly Requirements Guidance is Released,2023-01-12,2023,2023-01,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) led a group of lawmakers this week in pressing Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to delay implementation of the new consumer vehicle tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) until guidance for American manufacturing and assembly of electric vehicle parts has been issued. Although the IRA, which was signed into law by President Biden in August, directed the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide this guidance by the end of 2022, a recent announcement reports that guidance will not be made available until March 2023. “As you know, the IRA extends the Section 30D tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) and a new Section 45W tax credit for commercial EVs,” wrote the lawmakers. “However, in expanding and creating these tax credits to incentivize the deployment of more EVs, Congress included in the IRA new domestic manufacturing and assembly requirements to ensure that our efforts to combat climate change are done in a way that expands our nation’s domestic energy manufacturing capabilities, reduces costs for consumers, creates millions of good-paying jobs for American workers, and secures our energy independence.” Representatives Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Lou Correa (CA-46), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (OR-03) joined Rep. Golden in sending the letter. “Any delay in the full implementation of these tax credits will only further our reliance on our adversaries, notably Russia and China, for energy and manufacturing resources while enabling major corporations to continue to take advantage of tax loopholes that allow them to offshore American manufacturing jobs… Consequently, we urge you to delay implementation of the 30D and 45W tax credits until the guidance has been released that aligns with the intent of the IRA,” the members continued. Read the letter in full here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-to-bar-strategic-petroleum-reserve-exports-to-china,Golden Votes to Bar Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exports to China,2023-01-12,2023,2023-01,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 House colleagues from both parties today to pass H.R. 22, the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. The legislation would prohibit sales of oil from America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to any entity owned, controlled, or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. “Releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve have been an important tool over the past year to spare American families from some of the pain at the pump and on heating bills,” said Golden. “I’ve been proud to lead successful efforts to press the Biden Administration to use the SPR to lower prices and then backfill the reserve. The additional protections we’re signing into law today are an important companion to those efforts.” Energy experts estimate that the releases from the SPR have discounted prices by about 40 cents per gallon of regular gasoline. Since 2021, Golden has led members of the House to successfully push for releases from the SPR to help combat rising oil and gas prices. In November of 2021, he led a group of New England lawmakers to call on the White House to release oil from the SPR to get ahead of rising energy prices that winter. Shortly afterwards, the White House announced it would release 50 million barrels from the reserve. In March of the following year, Golden worked across the aisle with Representatives Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Jim Baird (IN-04), and Don Bacon (NE-02) to propose a three-pronged plan to the administration to lower oil and gas prices, including continued releases from the SPR and a long-term commitment to oil and gas producers to backfill the SPR to provide certainty to oil producers. Later that month, the president announced a “huge” release of 1 million barrels a day. In September, Golden and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) led a group of lawmakers to call on the president to continue to make significant releases from the SPR and to outline a plan to backfill the reserve. In October, the White House announced additional releases from the reserve and plans to backfill its supply.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-leads-group-of-12-blue-dog-members-to-denounce-potential-75-billion-cut-to-defense-budget,Golden Leads Group of 12 Blue Dog Members to Denounce Potential $75 Billion Cut to Defense Budget,2023-01-11,2023,2023-01,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Joined by 11 of his colleagues in the Blue Dog Coalition, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) wrote to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy this week to urge him to abandon an agreement that could lead to $75 billion in defense spending cuts. The cuts are the likely result of budget concessions McCarthy made in his quest to win over hardline members of the Republican House Conference. The Blue Dog Coalition endorsed the letter. “Indiscriminate cuts to the defense budget are a threat to our national security. A $75 billion decrease would hamper our ability to assist Ukraine and fly in the face of the tradition of bipartisan defense consensus and supporting freedom and democracy in conjunction with our allies,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Chair of the Blue Dog National Security Task Force. “We can and should review our defense budget in a responsible and deliberate way, but these cuts, demanded by a small group of extreme members, signal a concerning shift away from our democratic values.” Representatives Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Lou Correa (CA-46), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Jim Costa (CA-21), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Ed Case (HI-1), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Wiley Nickel (NC-13), and Donald Davis (NC-01) joined Rep. Golden in sending the letter. “A $75 billion dollar cut to the defense budget would imperil our national security at a time in which the United States confronts an unprecedented array of global challenges; including an increasingly powerful and authoritarian China determined to supplant the U.S. as the dominant global political, economic, and military power, an aggressive Russia that threatens U.S. interests and which continues its unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine, and rogue states North Korea and Iran that continue to develop nuclear weapons capabilities,” the members of the Blue Dog Coalition wrote in their letter. Read the letter in full here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-votes-against-new-committee-that-could-allow-congressional-interference-in-federal-law-enforcement-investigations,Golden Votes Against New Committee that Could Allow Congressional Interference in Federal Law Enforcement Investigations,2023-01-11,2023,2023-01,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 his vote last night against legislation allowing for the establishment of a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. The subcommittee, which would have subpoena power, would focus on investigating law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies like the FBI and investigations the agency is carrying out. Importantly, members of the committee under federal investigation themselves would not be forced to recuse themselves from committee proceedings. “We should not grant lawmakers the authority to undermine the work of law enforcement officials, let alone insert themselves into ongoing investigations focused on their own activity,” said Congressman Golden. “This committee opens the door to corruption and abuse of power and flies in the face of the separation of powers as it is enshrined in the Constitution.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-golden-norman-introduce-constitutional-amendment-to-impose-congressional-term-limits,"Rep. Golden, Norman Introduce Constitutional Amendment to Impose Congressional Term Limits",2023-01-11,2023,2023-01,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Monday, Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02), Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05), and an additional 43 co-sponsors introduced H.J. Res. 11, an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to limit the number of terms someone may serve. This amendment, if ratified, would limit the number of terms a Member of Congress may serve. Those serving in the House of Representatives would be limited to serving three (3) terms, and those serving in the Senate would be limited to two (2) terms. Should someone be elected during a special election to fill a vacancy, this proposed amendment defines the length of a ""qualifying term"" as at least one year in the House of Representatives and at least three years in the Senate. It also starts the term limit counter after ratification, such that terms which began prior to that date would not be taken into consideration. ""The House of Representatives was never intended at its inception to be a place where someone served for 30 years,” said Congressman Golden. “Mainers voted in support of term limits in a large part because they don’t believe elected office should be a long-term career. Instead, they want fresh ideas and new leadership. Terms limits will go a long way towards delivering those ideas and leadership in Washington."" “With the evident abuse of power that has taken place in Congress the notion of term limits is basic common sense,"" said Congressman Norman. ""Many of my colleagues have drifted so far from the reality of the people they serve by turning 'representative of the people' into a lifelong career. Members must be willing to not only enact laws, but return to their respective districts to live under them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/7-million-for-umaine-manufacturing-training-secured-by-golden,$7 Million for UMaine Manufacturing Training Secured by Golden,2023-01-04,2023,2023-01,Democrat,House,ME,Jared F. Golden,G000592,golden.house.gov,golden,https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that he has secured over $7,000,000 in dedicated funding as part of the 2023 appropriations government funding package for the University of Maine Advanced Manufacturing Center. The funding, which passed the Senate yesterday and is expected to head to the president’s desk for his signature this week, will be used to establish three Manufacturing Training Innovation Centers (MTICs). “Growing Maine’s manufacturing workforce requires thoughtful investments in our training programs,” said Congressman Golden. “This funding will go a long way towards bringing the training to more young Mainers across the state. I’m grateful to UMaine for their partnership in securing this funding.” “Our state is a leader in the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry with a reputation for unmatched quality, but it needs an agile, well-trained workforce to stay competitive for federal contracts and to continue providing good-paying careers to Mainers,” said John Belding, director of the University of Maine Advanced Manufacturing Center. “We are incredibly grateful to Rep. Golden and Sens. Collins and King for championing this funding that would allow us to partner with Southern Maine Community College to stand up manufacturing training innovation centers across the state that provide talent pipelines in direct support of local workers, Maine industry and our nation's security.” The funding secured by Representative Golden will be used for building MTICs to be located in Orono, ME, Brunswick, ME, and South Portland, ME.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:08:17Z