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U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s vote to support the Republican-backed National Defense Authorization Act comes as a deep disappointment. The bill included amendments that restrict military spending for reproductive and trans health care as well as for diversity training.
I do not believe that these amendments represent Golden’s real values, but he has seemingly made a strategic decision to support the bill because he needs Republican votes for re-election from his largely red district. In other words, his decision appears to be a political one rather than a principled one.
I have supported Golden in three elections with money and volunteer time. His vote on this bill makes me wonder whether I can offer that support again.
Rev. Dr. James Gertmenian
Cranberry Isles