Northern Maine Rep. Jared Golden recently voted yes on the House bill to fund our military. Makes sense, he is a two-time combat veteran, serving our country in the Marine Corps. He is also a Democrat, which has led questions from liberals on his commitment to trans rights, abortion rights and diversity because of some provisions in the funding bill that he voted for.

As a member of the trans community, I think that calling Rep. Golden’s dedication to protecting all of his constituents into question over this bill is a mistake. He is smart enough to know that a) the Senate will strip out these provisions put in by a radical right wing, devoted to culture war, they will never be law; and b) our military’s readiness during these uncertain times is paramount.

I thank him for his service to our country in the Corps, as well as in D.C., and I look forward to voting for him in 2024.

Matt Cutler
Madison