Congressman Jared Golden

This morning, I spoke with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. He confirmed that the independent DHS Office of the Inspector General and the FBI are investigating the fatal shooting in Biddeford yesterday. The Maine Attorney General’s Office is also investigating. That’s a good thing. As with any deadly use of force by law enforcement, what we need now is thorough, independent investigation that establishes the facts necessary for accountability. Unfortunately, the ICE officers involved in this incident were not yet wearing body cameras, which could have helped to establish those necessary facts. I supported body camera adoption for ICE earlier this year and Congress approved funding for this technology in April to increase transparency and accountability, but deployment has been slow. DHS needs to make this a priority. Mainers are understandably scared and shocked by this painful loss of life. My heart goes out to all those who are hurting, and I urge Mainers to take care of one another and stay safe.

I am sad to hear that Alden Robbins of Robbins Lumber has succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the explosion and fire at his family’s Searsmont lumber yard in May. The ongoing loss from that tragic day is a potent reminder of just how precious life is. It prompts all of us to remember not to take each other for granted. The Robbins family is a pillar of their community. As you gather with family and friends this weekend, please join me and Izzy in keeping them in your hearts and prayers.

Our founders talked about virtue even more than they talked about freedom. On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's worth asking why and exploring where virtue lives today. My latest letter to constituents: jaredgolden.substack.com/p/dear-mainer-…

Pleased to join several of my colleagues from @BipartisanVets for a conversation tonight at the Library of Congress about the role of courage in public service. Thanks to @IgnatiusPost for moderating.

This morning I had the pleasure of welcoming Elden Irish to Washington and congratulating him on his first-place finish in the Congressional Art Competition for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Elden, who hails from Rangeley, won for a portrait of his grandfather. It was touching to see him honor his grandfather in this way. It was great to spend time with Elden and his sister, Madison. I look forward to seeing his artwork in the halls of Congress everyday, and am glad to know that so many visitors to our Capitol will have a chance to see his work.

Four years ago, the Supreme Court delivered on Republicans' decades-long effort to overturn Roe v. Wade. As a result, 21 states have passed abortion bans and one in three women now lives in a state where the government controls one of the most personal medical decisions in a woman’s life. Decisions about how and when to have children belong to women, their families and their physicians — not to politicians. That’s why we cannot allow the Supreme Court to have the final word on women’s freedom. We must restore Roe, guarantee access to birth control, and protect reproductive rights.

Overregulation threatens lobstering families and fishing communities up and down our coast, and I’m spending the rest of my time in Congress working to make sure this way of life has a future in Maine that’s just as vibrant as its past. I recently sat down with @fishstewardship to talk about my work to protect Maine’s lobster industry

I share the grief of those mourning the loss of Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, who passed away yesterday morning from injuries sustained combatting the fire at Robbins Lumber a month ago. Assistant Chief Woodbury was a hero who died in the line of service protecting others. Please join me in honoring his memory, and hold in your hearts the family members, friends, and fellow firefighters he leaves behind. My family and I continue to pray for the recovery of those injured in the fire, and my office remains available to assist the Mainers affected by this disaster any way we can. spectrumlocalnews.com/me/maine/news/…

Last night, I signed @RepFletcher's Discharge Petition to force a vote on the Right to Contraception Act. All Americans have a right to decide for themselves whether, how and when to grow their families. The Supreme Court recognized the right to contraception in the ‘60s. But after the current court struck down Roe, we can’t take anything for granted. This bill would enshrine the right to contraception in federal law and create a legal framework to enforce that right. I’m proud to join the effort to bring this bill to the floor.

I just voted against the GOP's partisan ICE/CBP reconciliation bill. I support the men and women who enforce our nation’s immigration laws, but this partisan spending bill is irresponsible and unnecessary. Last year, Congress gave the Department of Homeland Security a huge budget increase, with ICE in particular receiving more than seven times its usual appropriation. Given our nation’s already shaky fiscal footing, I see no reason to circumvent the normal annual budget process by throwing tens of billions of dollars at agencies that are already able to cover their costs well into the future. golden.house.gov/media/press-re…

My statement in support of tonight's War Powers resolution — just passed in the House – to constrain military action in Iran: golden.house.gov/media/press-re…

American military spending should support Americans’ jobs — not only out of a sense of patriotism, but to secure supply chains and ensure the United States reaps the innovation benefits that a strong manufacturing base provides. That's why I'm submitting amendments to NDAA that would block the Navy from sending shipbuilding jobs overseas, boost ship production at @GDBIW, and close a loophole that puts foreign-made boots in our troops' footlockers. Looking forward to markup tomorrow. Read more: golden.house.gov/media/press-re…

Memorial Day is a time to remember the fallen. The weight of their sacrifice is measured not only by their final acts of service and heroism, but in the years of life these brave service members gave up when they paid the ultimate price for our country. The thanks we can offer will never match the debt we owe. But we must offer it nonetheless. God bless those who gave everything for the rest of us.

Ours is the most rural congressional district east of the Mississippi River. Without our rural hospitals, many Mainers would have to travel long distances, sometimes hours away, to get the care they need. The hospitals in Ellsworth and Presque Isle are essential, but face the unique challenges associated with rural places. Extending the Rural Community Health Demonstration program for another five years will provide them the stability they need to focus on what matters most: caring for their patients. golden.house.gov/media/press-re…

Maine bans foreign funding in our elections. It’s time the rest of the country caught up. Good news on that front: Last week, the House Administration Committee unanimously approved my bill with @RepBrianFitz to ban foreign funding in state and local elections nationwide. Next stop: The House floor.

There is no braver man than one who runs toward the danger to protect others. Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross was a hero who died far too young in the line of duty, confronting the blaze at the Robbins Lumber mill so that others could be safe. May he rest in peace. I am keeping Andrew, his family, his friends and all of our first responders in my thoughts today. And Izzy and I continue to pray for the recovery of the others injured in Friday’s fire. I’m also aware of what a loss this fire is to the region. I have met the Robbins family several times, and toured the mill in Searsmont. The damage to the facility is loss not only to their family business, but to the families of the dozens of people who work there. In the wake of this tragedy, my staff and I stand ready to support the community in whatever way we can.

I’m aware of the fire and explosion in Searsmont. As my team and I seek out more information, I am praying for the safety and well-being of first responders and everyone else on-site. I ask locals to follow law enforcement instructions, and to look to official channels and trusted sources for more information as it becomes available.