Two House Democrats broke ranks Tuesday, joining Republicans to pass a procedural vote that advanced GOP bills, including a resolution denouncing socialism. The 210-208 vote came after five Republicans initially opposed the measure, leaving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) one vote short.
Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) blindsided Democratic leadership. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) vowed consequences, saying Democratic leaders "didn't even consider that anyone would do that."
Jeffries, alongside Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, issued a joint statement calling the move a "significant breach of trust" and promising to discipline the two members.
Golden's vote was directly tied to his Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act, which was included in the procedural rule. The bill extends a pause on crabbing restrictions for Maine fishermen until 2035, effectively delaying environmental regulations.
Golden defended his vote as a "big win not only for fishermen in Maine, but for bipartisanship in Congress." He said "unnecessary, industry-killing regulations" threaten the survival of Maine's lobster harvesters and affect fishermen across the Northeast.
"Building bridges across party lines is essential for a functional congress, but unfortunately, it's a skill that has been lost for far too many members," Golden said. His district backed President Donald Trump in both 2020 and 2024. Golden is retiring after his term ends in January, minimizing exposure to Democratic leadership reprisal.
Gluesenkamp Perez supported Golden's bill, citing her own record on environmental issues. She posted on X: "What the DC bubble doesn't get is that working waterfronts require working people. Effective environmentalism requires input from those whose livelihoods and heritage depend on the water."
Golden told reporters that Gluesenkamp Perez acted "like a good colleague" who "saw an opportunity to help out one of my top priorities, one of my constituents top priorities, and that's how you do things around here."
Gluesenkamp Perez, a second-term congresswoman, narrowly defeated Republican Joe Kent twice. She has repeatedly advocated for lethal removal of Columbia River sea lions, calling them "Corolla-size vermin," and introduced the Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act to expand sea lion culls.
The defection tests Jeffries's leadership, which has faced growing scrutiny. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) issued thinly veiled criticism of Jeffries following what she termed a "mini mutiny." Democratic leaders are now determining how to address the defiance, with pressure mounting from within the caucus for consequences.
