Golden Votes to End Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON -- Today, Congressman Jared Golden voted for a bipartisan package of legislation that would reopen the government after a nearly two week shutdown. The bills, nearly identical to legislation passed overwhelmingly by the Senate last month, maintain funding levels for six federal agencies through September 30, 2019, and provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security through February 8th.

"I'll always put the people of Maine ahead of politics," said Congressman Golden. "This shutdown is not good for Maine and will only get worse. That's why I voted with Republicans and Democrats for common sense legislation to reopen the government and end this manufactured crisis. This legislation ensures federal employees in Maine get the paychecks they've earned, provides strong, effective border security measures, and continues to invest in our state's roads, bridges, and other infrastructure."

The package contains important funding for a number of Maine priorities, including:

• Increasing funding to remove lead paint from homes, a long-time priority for Golden. Maine has a high number of older houses and apartments containing lead paint and many Mainers, particularly children, face serious health risks as a result;
• Investing in Maine's crumbling infrastructure with increased funding for highway, bridge, and rail improvements;
• Protecting programs that invest in rural communities, including grants that support broadband development, affordable housing, and water and electricity infrastructure in rural Maine;
• Ensuring the pay of federal employees in Maine isn't threatened;
• Restoring operations for Acadia National Park, allowing more Mainers to enjoy the park and bringing more business to our booming tourism economy; and
• Supporting Maine small businesses by preserving crucial Small Business Administration programs that help Maine small businesses grow and create jobs.