How did a battle over Maine lobstermen regulations become the deciding factor in a critical legislative vote?

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A fight over Maine lobster regulations became decisive because the House rule vote was the only way to bring Jared Golden’s lobster bill to the floor, and the rule was in danger of failing. Golden’s bill, the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act, would extend until 2035 the current pause on new federal right-whale-related regulations affecting Maine lobstermen. Supporters say the extra time is needed because federal rulemaking and data collection are behind schedule, while Maine fishermen have already made major gear changes. Critics argue delaying new protections could further endanger North Atlantic right whales. On the procedural vote, several Republicans were prepared to oppose the rule, leaving it short of the votes needed. Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez voted in favor, and the rule passed narrowly, 210-208. Without their support, the rule likely would have failed, blocking floor action on the week’s bills, including Golden’s own lobster measure. Golden made clear that was his reason: he said he could not be expected to vote against his own bill, which he viewed as important to Maine’s fishing communities and coastal economy. Gluesenkamp Perez said she also acted with working waterfront communities in mind. So the lobster dispute became the deciding factor because a local industry bill was bundled into a broader House agenda, and Golden’s effort to protect that measure supplied the votes that rescued the procedural rule at the exact moment it was about to collapse.

Owens Urges 2 House Democrats to Switch Parties After Rule Vote Sparks Backlash

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Owens Urges 2 House Democrats to Switch Parties After Rule Vote Sparks Backlash

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