House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has threatened a "serious response" against two Democratic lawmakers who voted with Republicans on a key procedural rule, potentially advancing an anti-socialism resolution and other GOP-backed measures. The matter has been referred to the House Democratic Caucus’ Committee on Caucus Rules for further discussion and action.
"We indicated that it was a significant breach that requires a serious response," Jeffries stated during an appearance on "The Don Lemon Show." The votes by Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., were cast on a rule that passed by a narrow margin of 210-208. The rule authorized consideration of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act, which Golden sponsored, as well as the anti-socialism resolution.
Golden's office stated that his vote was intended to advance legislation critical to his state's lobster industry, specifically the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act. "The Congressman’s vote on the rule was about advancing a critical bill for his district," said Communications Director Mario Moretto. Golden's bill, which would extend a moratorium on regulations for the North Atlantic right whale, later passed the House 219-196. Golden celebrated the bill's passage, calling it a "big win not only for fishermen in Maine, but for bipartisanship in Congress."
Gluesenkamp Perez also defended her vote, framing it as a necessary step to ensure that "working people need a seat at the table" and that policymakers listen to those whose livelihoods depend on natural resources. Her office provided a statement to Fox News Digital emphasizing that elected officials need to listen to the people impacted by legislation, not outdated data.
Democratic leadership had previously condemned Golden and Gluesenkamp Perez in a joint statement Tuesday, accusing them of blindsiding the caucus. Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., and House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., subsequently asked the caucus rules committee to review the matter promptly.