{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"VT\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-senate-must-reauthorize-lifesaving-bulletproof-vest-grant-program-next-year", "Leahy: Senate Must Reauthorize Lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Grant Program Next Year", "2014-12-29", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.29.14\n\t\t\t Leahy: Senate Must Reauthorize Lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Grant Program Next Year \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . More Than One Million Vests Provided Through The Program\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t MONDAY, December 29, 2014 \u2013 Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) will reintroduce legislation next month to reauthorize the lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, a federal grant program that helps state and local law enforcement agencies purchase bulletproof vests for officers working in the field.\u00a0\r\nLeahy, a former prosecutor, coauthored the original law establishing the matching grant program, which has issued more than one million lifesaving vests to state and local law enforcement officers throughout the country since 1999 \u2013 including more than 4000 vests for officers in Vermont. \u00a0Legislation to reauthorize the popular program was blocked in the last Congress, despite having broad bipartisan support. Leahy, the incoming ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, encouraged the incoming Republican majority to work with all Senate Democrats who support this critical, life-saving program.\r\n\u201cMembers of Congress often speak passionately about the need to support the officers who serve and protect the public on the front lines, but we need to match words with action,\u201d Leahy said. \u201cNo action to protect and support law enforcement officers is more tangible and effective than this partnership. It proves and renews its value each time an officer goes on the beat.\u201d\r\nLeahy continued: \u201cNo officer should have to serve without a protective vest.\u00a0I am disappointed that a single Republican blocked the Senate from passing the bill this year, but our work does not stop at the end of the year. I will introduce the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 as soon as the new legislative session begins so that we can work quickly next year to pass this important legislation.\u00a0I hope that Senators from both sides of the aisle will join me in this effort.\u201d\r\nThe Judiciary Committee approved bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the lifesaving Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program in August 2013. The bill had the support of every Senate Democrat, and Leahy sought to pass the legislation through the full Senate last May. Those efforts were blocked by Senate Republicans. Congress last reauthorized the program in 2008, and its authorization expired in 2012.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-senate-president-pro-tempore-and-dean-of-the-senate-chairman-of-state-department-and-foreign-operations-for-the-appropriations-committee-on-adriana-perez", "Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., Senate President Pro Tempore and Dean of the Senate, chairman of State Department and Foreign Operations for the Appropriations Committee), On Adriana Perez", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.14\n\t\t\t Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., Senate President Pro Tempore and Dean of the Senate, chairman of State Department and Foreign Operations for the Appropriations Committee), On Adriana Perez \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tComment Of Senator Patrick Leahy   (D-Vt., Senate President Pro Tempore and Dean of the Senate,   chairman of State Department and Foreign Operations for the Appropriations Committee),   On Adriana Perez\r\nTuesday, Dec. 23, 2014\r\n\"In February 2013, during one of our trips to Cuba my wife Marcelle and I agreed to meet with Adriana Perez. She made a personal appeal to Marcelle. She was 43 years old and afraid that she would never have the chance to have a child as she did not expect her husband to ever be released from prison. As parents and grandparents we both wanted to try to help her. And as a Registered Nurse, Marcelle had particular knowledge of the medical realities she was facing. It was the humane thing to do. The Cuban Government paid for everything. It was also at a time when we were urging the Cubans to improve their treatment of Alan Gross, and to allow American doctors to travel to Cuba to examine him, which they ultimately did.\"\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/is-53-years-long-enough-to-conclude-that-our-cuba-policy-has-failed", "Is 53 Years Long Enough To Conclude That Our Cuba Policy Has Failed?", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.14\n\t\t\t Is 53 Years Long Enough To Conclude That Our Cuba Policy Has Failed? \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIs 53 Years Long Enough To Conclude That Our Cuba Policy Has Failed?\r\nBy Patrick Leahy\r\nOn December 17th, President Obama and President Raul Castro made history. After 53 years of animosity rooted in the Cold War, they finally put our two countries on a new path.\r\nI worked for two years to help obtain Alan Gross' release from a Cuban prison, and flying to Cuba to bring him home was a joyous experience I will cherish always. Mr. Gross' case was the catalyst that finally brought to an end a policy that failed to achieve any of its objectives and isolated the United States. With the strong support of Pope Francis, the President has wisely charted a course that will promote reconciliation between the people of our two countries, advance our national interests in the hemisphere, and provide hope for democratic change in Cuba.\r\nThe response to the President's announcement here and abroad has been overwhelmingly positive, from the U.S. business and agriculture communities to our allies around the world, and on the streets of Havana. Common sense dictates that it is beneath the United States to continue treating a tiny neighbor that poses no threat and whose people have much in common with us as an enemy.\r\nNot surprisingly a handful of members of Congress continue to defend a policy they fully acknowledge has failed  through eight U.S. presidencies  and they reflexively have condemned the President's actions. Their arguments boil down to this: Cuba remains a one party state whose government severely punishes dissent and is a sponsor of terrorism.\r\nOn the first point they are right. Cuba's government is very repressive. Political opponents and human rights advocates are harassed and jailed. The solution of the President's critics, however, is more of the same, even though it hasn't worked for five decades, did nothing to help Alan Gross or the Cuban people, and has provided the Castro government with an excuse to blame the United States for Cuba's repressive policies and the daily hardships Cubans suffer under a broken economic system.\r\nThe President's critics also apply a flagrant double standard. On the one hand they rightly say that Cuba should free political prisoners; hold free elections; provide unrestricted access to the Internet; permit Cubans to travel abroad; allow independent journalists to practice freely; and give the International Red Cross access to Cuban jails. Like most who have opposed the U.S. embargo, I agree with all of this.\r\nBut on the other hand they ignore that many U.S. friends and allies, with whom we not only have diplomatic relations but to whom we provide taxpayer aid and military aid, do not come close to meeting this standard. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Uzbekistan are but three examples. The critics apparently believe that engagement through diplomatic relations and trade everywhere except Cuba is in our national interest, despite the repressive and corrupt policies of other governments.\r\nIt is also ironic that while they rightly call on Cuba's government to permit its citizens to travel freely  ignoring that Cubans, including dissidents, are traveling far more freely today than two years ago  they defend a U.S. policy that restricts Americans from visiting Cuba. There is no other country in the world that American tourists are prevented from traveling to by their own government, yet the President's critics defend this absurd double standard.\r\nThe critics' other argument is that Cuba is a sponsor of terrorism. It is true that it was once, and there are members of a Basque separatist group that renounced violence in 2011 and poses no threat to the United States, living out their remaining years there. But what the critics don't say is that the primary basis for their argument evaporated two years ago, when Cuba began hosting negotiations between the Colombian Government and the FARC rebels to end a 40 year civil war. Colombia's President Santos, a close U.S. ally, has praised Cuba's role.\r\nFinally, the President's critics vehemently accuse anyone who doesn't share their infatuation with the ineffective, unilateral sanctions as an apologist for the Castro brothers' repressive policies and guilty of appeasement. This would, by implication, also apply to every other country, including our closest allies, who long ago established diplomatic relations with Cuba.\r\nAs the author of much of the U.S. human rights legislation enacted into law in the past 20 years, I know that such smears are both inaccurate and offensive. Normalization with Cuba will be a process, and its pace and scope will depend in part on the actions of the Cuban government to permit dissent. A good start would be to join international conventions that protect human rights. As in other countries with repressive governments, our embassy in Havana will strongly defend the rights of Americans and Cubans to freedom of expression and religion. And it will support U.S. commercial interests, U.S. citizens visiting Cuba, private Cuban entrepreneurs and exchanges with the Cuban people, the majority of whom were born after the 1959 revolution. They are Cuba's future, and rather than continuing to isolate them and add to their hardships we should do what we can to help them prepare for what lies ahead.\r\n# # # # #\r\n[U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy  D-Vt., and president pro tempore of the Senate  has long worked to reform U.S. policies on Cuba. He chairs the Appropriations Committee's State Department and Foreign Operations Subcommittee.]\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-commends-us-attorney-tristram-coffin-for-years-of-service-to-vermont", "Leahy Commends U.S. Attorney Tristram Coffin For Years Of Service To Vermont", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Commends U.S. Attorney Tristram Coffin For Years Of Service To Vermont \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Coffin To Depart Next Month\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Friday, December 19, 2014)  U.S. Attorney Tristram Coffin on Friday announced that he will be leaving his position next month after serving as Vermont's top federal prosecutor since 2009. U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) praised Coffin for his years of service, and he committed to working quickly to find a highly qualified nominee to serve as Vermont's next U.S. Attorney.\r\nTris Coffin is a tough and fair prosecutor, and has been an effective law enforcement leader in Vermont. I join my fellow Vermonters in thanking him for his service. Tris has demonstrated thoughtful leadership in partnering with state and local law enforcement and Vermont communities on a range of issues, including efforts to confront the crisis of heroin and opioid addiction. I commend Tris for his years of service to our state and wish him the best in his future endeavors, said Leahy, who currently chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.\r\nCoffin was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in August 2009 to be Vermont's 36th United States Attorney. In September 2010, he convened an important symposium in the Statehouse in Montpelier to discuss the problem of opiate drug abuse. Both Leahy and Attorney General Holder participated in that symposium, and Leahy this year invited Coffin to deliver testimony at a Judiciary Committee field hearing in Rutland looking at community solutions to the opioid crisis. At that hearing, Coffin described his partnership working with Vermont schools to raise awareness and focus on prevention.\r\nBefore serving as U.S. Attorney, Coffin worked in private practice in Burlington with the firm of Paul Frank & Collins, P.C. He previously served as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Vermont district's criminal division from 1998 to 2006 and in the civil division from 1994 until 1998. Coffin also worked as a staff attorney for Leahy on the Senate Judiciary Committee from 1991 to 1994. He earned his law degree from Columbia University and his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University.\r\nLeahy, a former prosecutor himself, recommended Coffin for the U.S. Attorney position at the beginning of the Obama administration in 2009. Leahy, the most senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee that considers these nominations, said on Friday that he will work with the Vermont delegation and the President to recommend a nominee to be Vermont's next U.S. Attorney.\r\nIt is critical that our state have a Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney, and I will work Senator Sanders, Congressman Welch and others to ensure that Vermont will have another highly qualified person serving in this critical law enforcement position, Leahy said.\r\n\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-welch-d-vt-and-king-r-ny-rally-bipartisan-support-boost-funding-low", "Reps. Welch (D-VT) and King (R-NY) Rally Bipartisan Support to Boost Funding For Low Income Heating Assistance Funds", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and Peter King (R-NY) sent a letter to President Obama calling for a $1.3 billion increase in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in his fiscal year 2016 budget. The letter was signed by a bipartisan coalition of 124 House members. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. LIHEAP households are among the most vulnerable in the country, the letter reads. According to the National Energy Assistance Director's Association (NEADA), more than 90 percent of LIHEAP recipients have at least one household member who is a child, elderly, or disabled, and 20 percent of households contain at least one veteran. For these households, LIHEAP funding has been a lifeline during challenging economic times. Access to affordable home energy is not a luxury  it is a matter of health and safety. Since FY 2010, the funding for LIHEAP has declined by 1.7 billion which has reduced the number of households receiving for assistance by nearly 18 percent. Funding for LIHEAP in the recently enacted government funding bill was set at $3.39 billion. This bipartisan coalition is calling for $4.7 billion for the next fiscal year. Click here to view the original letter and all signatures. See the full text of the letter below:   President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 2050  President Barack Obama   The White House   1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW   Washington, DC 20500  President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, We are writing to request that you prioritize the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in your Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget proposal by including no less than $4.7 billion for this program that provides critical support to our most vulnerable citizens. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. LIHEAP households are among the most vulnerable in the country. According to the National Energy Assistance Director's Association (NEADA), more than 90 percent of LIHEAP recipients have at least one household member who is a child, elderly, or disabled, and 20 percent of households contain at least one veteran. For these households, LIHEAP funding has been a lifeline during challenging economic times. Access to affordable home energy is not a luxury  it is a matter of health and safety. We understand the ongoing discretionary budget challenges. However, we are deeply concerned that funding for LIHEAP has declined more than 30 percent in recent years. Moreover, the number of households eligible for assistance continues to exceed available funding. According to NEADA, the total number of households receiving LIHEAP assistance has declined by 17.7 percent between FY 2010 and FY 2014, from 8.1 million to 6.6 million. About 1.5 million poor households have lost access to critical LIHEAP assistance and struggle to pay for the basic necessity of home energy in addition to other essentials like food and medicine. Funding has declined by almost $1.7 billion since FY 2010, yet energy costs have remained high, reducing the purchasing power of LIHEAP assistance. Recipients have seen their average LIHEAP grant reduced by about $95 since 2010, from $520 in FY 2010 to $424 in FY 2014. The average LIHEAP grant is estimated to cover less than half of the average home heating costs for a household this winter, meaning that many low-income families and seniors will have fewer resources available to meet other basic needs. As you finalize your FY 2016 budget request, we ask that you take into account the great need for LIHEAP. We urge you to reprioritize this program within your FY 2016 budget and restore funding to this program to a level no less than $4.7 billion. Thank you for your attention to and consideration of this important request.  Sincerely,  #####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/full-news-conference-leahy-leads-group-to-bring-back-alan-gross-", "Full News Conference: Leahy Leads Group To Bring Back Alan Gross", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, Dec. 17, 2014) - Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday was joined by Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Representative Chirs Van Hollen (D-Md.), Judy Gross and others for an early morning trip to Havana, Cuba to bring Alan Gross home.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  Leahy (D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate, and chairman of the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee) has long sought the release of Alan Gross and has visited him twice in the prison where he has been held for five years.\u00a0 Leahy also has led in efforts over the years for fundamental changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including pushing for an end to the law that prevents most Americans from visiting Cuba.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/photos/the-release-of-alan-gross-and-transforming-us-policy-toward-cuba", "The Release Of Alan Gross And Transforming U.S. Policy Toward Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t\t The Release Of Alan Gross And Transforming U.S. Policy Toward Cuba \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate, and chairman of the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee) has long sought the release of Alan Gross and has visited him twice in the prison where he has been held for five years.\u00a0 Leahy also has led in efforts over the years for fundamental changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including pushing for an end to the law that prevents most Americans from visiting Cuba.\u00a0 Leahy Wednesday morning went to Cuba with Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Judy Gross, and others, to bring Alan Gross home.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141227201938/http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-leads-group-to-cuba-to-bring-back-alan-gross-", "Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Leads Group To Cuba To Bring Back Alan Gross", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t   \t\n\t\t              \n              \n\t\t\t \n                    \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t        \n\t        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                    \n                    \t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                    \t\n                    \n    \n                \n                \n            \n                \n                    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n               WASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, Dec. 17, 2014) - Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday was joined by Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Representative Chirs Van Hollen (D-Md.), Judy Gross and others for an early morning trip to Havana, Cuba to bring Alan Gross home.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Leahy (D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate, and chairman of the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee) has long sought the release of Alan Gross and has visited him twice in the prison where he has been held for five years.\u00a0 Leahy also has led in efforts over the years for fundamental changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including pushing for an end to the law that prevents most Americans from visiting Cuba.\n               \n\t\t\t\t \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n               \t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n        \t\n        \t\n        \n            \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n            \n                \n                     \n                      \n                        Video\n                        Audio\n                        Photos", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-statement-release-alan-gross-and-breakthrough-us-cuban-relations", "Welch Statement on Release of Alan Gross and Breakthrough in US-Cuban Relations", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Peter Welch made the following statement after the Cuban government released USAID contractor Alan Gross and President Obama announced an historic breakthrough in U.S.-Cuban relations:\nThis is great news for Alan Gross who is back home with his family during this special holiday season. But it is also great news for the American and Cuban people. With this announcement, both governments are mothballing the antiquated Cold War-like foreign policy that has characterized our bilateral relationship for decades in favor ofa new era of openness and cooperation. I applaud President Obama for his bold leadership. And I am especially proud of the quiet and persistent leadership of Senator Patrick Leahy who has been instrumental throughout the delicate discussions that led to the release of Mr. Gross and to this historic foreign policy breakthrough.\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/-reaction-of-senator-patrick-leahy-to-the-release-of-alan-gross-and-transforming-us-policy-toward-cuba", "Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Release Of Alan Gross And Transforming U.S. Policy Toward Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t  Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Release Of Alan Gross And Transforming U.S. Policy Toward Cuba \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate, and chairman of the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee) has long sought the release of Alan Gross and has visited him twice in the prison where he has been held for five years. Leahy also has led in efforts over the years for fundamental changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including pushing for an end to the law that prevents most Americans from visiting Cuba. Leahy Wednesday morning went to Cuba with Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Judy Gross, and others, to bring Alan Gross home.]\r\nToday President Obama and President Raul Castro made history. After 54 years of animosity rooted in the Cold War, they have finally put our two countries on a new path. I congratulate them both.\r\nPresident Obama has done the right thing, and the courageous thing, in gaining the release of Alan Gross after five long years in a Cuban jail. Alan Gross was acting on behalf of the U.S. government when he was arrested, and our government  his government  had a responsibility to bring him home. By taking further steps to change a policy that is a relic of the Cold War, that has achieved none of its goals, and that has isolated the United States, the President has wisely charted a new course that serves our national interests in this hemisphere and the world. Our policies, frozen in time, have disserved the nation and have failed utterly and abysmally in achieving their original goals.  I worked steadily for two years to help obtain the release of Alan Gross. I visited him twice in Cuba. Tim Rieser of my staff met with him two other times and spoke with him by phone weekly over a period of many months. From discussions with Judy Gross, I know the pain and heartache and worry that Alan's imprisonment has meant for her and for their two daughters. I met twice with President Raul Castro, with Foreign Minister Rodriquez, and with other Cuban officials about Mr. Gross. I discussed his case many times with President Obama, Secretary Kerry and other U.S. officials, and I thank them for what they have accomplished.  Alan Gross has rightly been released on humanitarian grounds. In addition, the Cuban Government has also released a Cuban national who has been imprisoned in Cuba for many years in exchange for three Cubans who have served long sentences in the United States. Those who would criticize the President for releasing the Cubans should review their cases. An objective review of the facts and the law raises serious questions about the adequacy of the trial and the length of their sentences. The Cubans committed crimes and deserved to be punished, but as someone who was a prosecutor for eight years and the chairman or ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for more than 18 years, I can see as others do that their cases are not an example of American justice to be proud of.  Six decades after the start of the U.S. embargo, Cuba remains a country where dissent is severely punished. Many brave Cubans have been imprisoned for political reasons. We all want to see a free Cuba whose citizens can choose their leaders, have unimpeded access to information, and criticize their government without fear. But like President Obama and a majority of Americans, I have long recognized that unilateral sanctions have failed completely, and that democratic change will more likely come through a policy of normal diplomatic relations and open engagement with the Cuban people.  Those who cling to a failed policy that did nothing to help Alan Gross, and who may oppose the President's actions, have nothing to offer but more of the same. That would serve neither the interests of the United States and its people, nor of the Cuban people. It is time for a change.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-western-district-court-of-pennsylvania-decision-on-the-presidents-executive-action-", "Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Western District Court of Pennsylvania Decision on the Presidents Executive Action", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Western District Court of Pennsylvania Decision on the President's Executive Action  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n[Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) issued the following comment Tuesday on a district court decision on President Obama's executive action to address the nation's broken immigration system. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy steered the bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act through the Senate last year.] \r\nIn a very unusual step, a federal judge considering a criminal sentencing issue reached out, unprompted, to weigh in on the constitutionality of the President's executive action on civil immigration matters. No party in the case raised such a challenge nor were there briefings or arguments on that issue. I strongly disagree with the court's reasoning but the process is also suspect. It is difficult to see this opinion as anything more than politically motivated judicial activism, given that the constitutionality of the President's actions was not being challenged in this case. It is important to make clear that the President's policy, which I strongly support, still stands. This is just the first of many court opinions that will be issued related to the President's executive action on immigration. I understand that members of the House of Representatives recently joined an amicus brief in another case. I wish they would put that energy into passing the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill the Senate sent them more than a year and a half ago.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/delegation-calls-on-fairpoint-to-negotiate", "Delegation Calls on FairPoint to Negotiate", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t Delegation Calls on FairPoint to Negotiate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, Dec. 16  Vermont's congressional delegation today sent a letter to FairPoint Communications urging the company to negotiate an end to its ongoing labor strike.\r\nWe are extremely disappointed that FairPoint management has not come back to the bargaining table with any meaningful concessions to end this strike, wrote Sens. Bernie Sanders, Patrick Leahy and Rep. Peter Welch in their joint letter. It is becoming increasingly clear to Vermonters that management is more concerned with the interests of corporate owners of FairPoint than negotiating a reasonable agreement that is fair to your workers and customers.\r\nSince the strike began, Vermont's Department of Public Service has received more than 600 complaints from FairPoint's customers. A recent equipment failure caused a roughly six-hour outage of Vermont's 9-1-1 system, resulting in nearly 100 missed calls from Vermonters trying to reach emergency dispatchers.\r\nIt is imperative that FairPoint returns to the bargaining table as soon as possible, negotiates in good faith, and allows its experienced and dedicated employees to get back to work. We are prepared to do whatever we can to help FairPoint's workers and management reach a compromise in these very difficult times, wrote the delegation.\r\nIt has been 136 days since FairPoint's labor contract expired and 61 days since the beginning of the strike. More than 1,700 members of the Communications Workers of America and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are on strike against FairPoint in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.\r\nRead the letter here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nContacts:David Carle (Leahy): 202-224-3693 Michael Briggs (Sanders): 202-224-5141 Ryan Nickel (Welch): 202-225-4115\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/photos-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-leads-group-to-cuba-to-bring-back-alan-gross", "PHOTOS: Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Leads Group To Cuba To Bring Back Alan Gross", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t PHOTOS: Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Leads Group To Cuba To Bring Back Alan Gross \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, Dec. 17, 2014) - Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday was joined by Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Judy Gross and others for an early morning trip to Havana, Cuba to bring Alan Gross home. \r\nLeahy (D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate, and chairman of the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee) has long sought the release of Alan Gross and has visited him twice in the prison where he has been held for five years. Leahy also has led in efforts over the years for fundamental changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including pushing for an end to the law that prevents most Americans from visiting Cuba.\r\nPHOTOS include photos taken by Leahy (and others, in the case in which Leahy is pictured) from this morning's trip to Cuba and are available for immediate use. \r\nhttp://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/photos/the-release-of-alan-gross-and-transforming-us-policy-toward-cuba\r\nLeahy's full statement is available here.\r\n# # # # #\r\nPress Contact   David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senator-patrick-leahys-comment-on-the-vermont-congressional-delegations-letter-to-fairpoint-ceo-paul-sunu", "Senator Patrick Leahys Comment On The Vermont Congressional Delegations Letter To FairPoint CEO Paul Sunu", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.14\n\t\t\t Senator Patrick Leahy's Comment On The Vermont Congressional Delegation's Letter To FairPoint CEO Paul Sunu \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOn Tuesday Vermont Congressional Delegation  Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) -- wrote to CEO of FairPoint Paul Sunu urging the company to return to the bargaining table to bring an end to the ongoing strike. Phone and internet outages during the strike have caused a spike in customer complaints to the Vermont Public Service Board. Earlier this fall Leahy called on both the company and its workers to return to the table to negotiate in good faith.\r\nLeahy, who continues to believe that a lengthy impasse offers no benefit to Vermont customers, FairPoint workers or the company, on Tuesday said: Vermonters are increasingly frustrated by the ongoing standoff at FairPoint. From the start it has been clear that the way to resolve this impasse is for all sides to return to the table to negotiate a new contract. The rising number of service issues since this began only serve to heighten the stakes and the need to return to the table. I renew my call for the company and the unions to meet face to face to work toward ensuring the resumption of the level of service that Vermonters expect and deserve.\r\n[The text of the Vermont Congressional Delegation's letter is below:]\r\nDecember 16, 2014\r\nPaul H. Sunu\r\nChief Executive Officer\r\nFairPoint Communications\r\n521 E Morehead Street, Suite 500\r\nCharlotte, NC 28202\r\nDear Mr. Sunu:\r\nIt has now been 61 days since the beginning of the FairPoint strike and 136 days since FairPoint's labor contract expired.\r\nWe are extremely disappointed that FairPoint management has not come back to the bargaining table with any meaningful concessions to end this strike.It is becoming increasingly clear to Vermonters that management is more concerned with the interests of corporate owners of FairPoint than negotiating a reasonable agreement that is fair to your workers and customers.\r\nIt is imperative that FairPoint returns to the bargaining table as soon as possible, negotiates in good faith, and allows its experienced and dedicated employees to get back to work. We are prepared to do whatever we can to help FairPoint's workers and management reach a compromise in these very difficult times\r\nFailure to reach a fair agreement with your workers is not only hurting them, it is negatively affecting your customers and the services that you are required to provide. Since the strike began, Vermont's Department of Public Service has received more than 600 complaints from FairPoint's customers.\r\nA November 28 equipment failure caused an almost six-hour outage of Vermont's E-911 system, resulting in nearly 100 missed calls from Vermonters trying to reach emergency dispatchers at the Vermont State Police, Montpelier Police, and Vermont Gas. It is no exaggeration to say that FairPoint's failure to report, respond and repair the damage in a timely manner literally endangered the lives and property of Vermonters. That is completely unacceptable.\r\nIn fact, your company's poor response to that incident has us seriously questioning how FairPoint can possibly fulfill the obligations of the recently awarded $10 million contract to provide Enhanced 911 services for Vermont for the next five years. This service is no small matter  it is critical to the health and safety of Vermonters. Given the inadequate service you now provide, why should Vermonters believe you can adequately provide E-911 in the future?\r\nMost recently, a December 12 hardware failure during routine maintenance  reportedly by outsourced contractors  caused a widespread Internet outage across Vermont and New Hampshire, affecting tens of thousands who rely on their Internet connections for safety, education, healthcare or business.\r\nThese are just some examples of how FairPoint's refusal to settle with the union and bring back its experienced workforce has created chaos here in Vermont. In New Hampshire, there have been many similar reports of customer complaints and public safety system failures.\r\nWe urge you to get back to the bargaining table, negotiate in good faith, and agree to a reasonable compromise that both parties can accept.\r\nSincerely,\r\nPATRICK LEAHY  BERNARD SANDERS  PETER WELCH United States Senator  United States Senator   United States Representative\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leahy-welch-greater-protection-starts-vermonts-fruit-vegetable-and-other", "Leahy, Welch: Greater Protection Starts For Vermont's Fruit, Vegetable And Other Specialty Crop Growers", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", ". . . USDA Rolls Out New Farm Bill Program Upgrade Championed By Leahy And Welch Helping Farmers Who Have Traditionally Been Ineligible For Federal Crop Insurance Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) say greater protections are now available for farmers who grow specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, floriculture, ornamental nursery, mushrooms, honey and energy crops. In the past, farmers of these crops have traditionally been ineligible for federal crop insurance, but under new provisions in the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), authored by Leahy and Welch as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, new risk management tools are now available for these fruit and vegetable growers. In a joint statement, Leahy and Welch said: The devastation to crops from Tropical Storm Irene,underscored how important it was that Vermont farmers have financial protection. We fought hard to include language in the Farm Bill that would help ensure that Vermont farm families will be better able to withstand financial losses caused by natural disasters. These Vermont farmers finally will have similar tools to those that long have been offered to traditional commodity crop farmers. This is a boost for their financial security, and for their peace of mind. Before the Leahy-Welch 2014 Farm Bill provisions, specialty crop farmers did not have access to traditional crop insurance programs and could only purchase catastrophic' protection that kicked in only if more than half of a farmer's crops had been destroyed, and then paid only 55 percent of the value of what was lost. This was catastrophic coverage that might help buy seed for the next year but did little to make up a farmer's lost income. Under the new NAP Buy-Up provision, farmers can now choose higher levels of coverage, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price. Thanks to the Leahy-Welch amendments, this new Buy-Up opportunity will be particularly helpful to beginning and traditionally underserved producers, as well as farmers with limited resources, who will receive fee waivers and premium reductions of 50 percent for this new expanded coverage. For farmers interested in learning more about the greatly improved NAP and how it can help them, USDA has created a new web tool, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/nap. The web tool will allow producers to determine whether their crops are eligible for coverage under the new NAP protections and to explore the wide variety of options to determine the best protection level for their operation. To learn more, farmers are encouraged to visit the Farm Service Agency (FSA) website at fsa.usda.gov/nap or contact their local FSA offices at offices.usda.gov. The Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers the program, also wants to hear from producers and other interested stakeholders who may have suggestions or recommendations on the program. Written comments will be accepted until Feb. 13, 2015, and can be submitted through www.regulations.gov.  # # # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-urges-senate-to-approve-nominee-to-lead-key-immigration-office", "Leahy Urges Senate To Approve Nominee To Lead Key Immigration Office", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Urges Senate To Approve Nominee To Lead Key Immigration Office \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t If Senators want our immigration laws enforced, they should focus on filling this key leadership position.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 16, 2014) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Tuesday urged Senators to confirm Sarah Saldaa to be Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, where she will lead the office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).\r\nThe office is critical to border enforcement, and has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since last year. Leahy, who steered the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act through the Senate last year, said that Senate Republicans who say they want more border security should support Saldaa's confirmation.\r\nSome want to use Ms. Saldaa's nomination as an opportunity to attack President Obama's executive action on immigration. But that is not the issue we are considering today, Leahy said. There is no evidence that she was involved in either the House's refusal to allow a vote on the Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform bill or the President's decision to take what steps he could in the wake of the House's refusal to act. The vote before us concerns Ms. Saldaa's qualifications to lead ICE, and she has proved that she is more than capable of executing the duties of the position.\r\nLeahy added: If Senators want our immigration laws enforced, they should focus on filling this key leadership position.\r\nEarlier this month, the Judiciary Committee approved Saldana's nomination on a 10-8 vote. Her nomination was also considered and approved last month by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, where she earned strong bipartisan support. Saldaa currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, a position to which she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2011.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-welch-greater-protection-starts-for-vermonts-fruit-vegetable-and-other-specialty-crop-growers", "Leahy, Welch: Greater Protection Starts For Vermonts Fruit, Vegetable And Other Specialty Crop Growers", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.14\n\t\t\t Leahy, Welch: Greater Protection Starts For Vermont's Fruit, Vegetable And Other Specialty Crop Growers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . USDA Rolls Out New Farm Bill Program Upgrade Championed By Leahy And Welch Helping Farmers Who Have Traditionally Been Ineligible For Federal Crop Insurance\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t (TUESDAY, Dec. 16, 2014)  Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) say greater protections are now available for farmers who grow specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, floriculture, ornamental nursery, mushrooms, honey and energy crops. In the past, farmers of these crops have traditionally been ineligible for federal crop insurance, but under new provisions in the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), authored by Leahy and Welch as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, new risk management tools are now available for these fruit and vegetable growers.\r\nIn a joint statement, Leahy and Welch said: The devastation to crops from Tropical Storm Irene,underscored how important it was that Vermont farmers have financial protection. We fought hard to include language in the Farm Bill that would help ensure that Vermont farm families will be better able to withstand financial losses caused by natural disasters. These Vermont farmers finally will have similar tools to those that long have been offered to traditional commodity crop farmers. This is a boost for their financial security, and for their peace of mind.\r\nBefore the Leahy-Welch 2014 Farm Bill provisions, specialty crop farmers did not have access to traditional crop insurance programs and could only purchase catastrophic' protection that kicked in only if more than half of a farmer's crops had been destroyed, and then paid only 55 percent of the value of what was lost. This was catastrophic coverage that might help buy seed for the next year but did little to make up a farmer's lost income.\r\nUnder the new NAP Buy-Up provision, farmers can now choose higher levels of coverage, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price. Thanks to the Leahy-Welch amendments, this new Buy-Up opportunity will be particularly helpful to beginning and traditionally underserved producers, as well as farmers with limited resources, who will receive fee waivers and premium reductions of 50 percent for this new expanded coverage.\r\nFor farmers interested in learning more about the greatly improved NAP and how it can help them, USDA has created a new web tool, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/nap. The web tool will allow producers to determine whether their crops are eligible for coverage under the new NAP protections and to explore the wide variety of options to determine the best protection level for their operation.\r\nTo learn more, farmers are encouraged to visit the Farm Service Agency (FSA) website at fsa.usda.gov/nap or contact their local FSA offices at offices.usda.gov. The Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers the program, also wants to hear from producers and other interested stakeholders who may have suggestions or recommendations on the program. Written comments will be accepted until Feb. 13, 2015, and can be submitted through www.regulations.gov.\r\n# # # # #\r\nCONTACTS:\r\nDavid Carle (Leahy): 202-224-3693\r\nRyan Nickel (Welch): 202-225-4115\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-adam-kinzinger-r-il-and-peter-welch-d-vt-lead-house", "Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Peter Welch (D-VT) to Lead  House Energy Savings Performance Caucus in the 114th  Congress", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) will co-chair the House Energy Savings Performance Caucus for the 114th Congress. Rep. Kinzinger replaces Representative Cory Gardner (R-CO), the Caucus' co-founder and co-chair in the 113th Congress, who was elected to the U.S. Senate in November.  In the new Congress, the Caucus will aggressively advocate for the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs) at federal departments and agencies and ensure that the Administration achieves its goal of $2 billion in new contracts by the close of 2016. ESPCs and UESCs are public-private partnerships that allow companies to perform energy upgrades on federal buildings, requiring them to guarantee, measure and verify the energy cost savings. The companies assume all the costs and risks associated with the upgrades, and the federal government shares in the monetary savings.  Representative Kinzinger brings to this position the credentials of a widely respected leader on energy efficiency issues. I am pleased to partner with him in pursuit of our Caucus goal of saving taxpayer dollars by cutting the energy bills at federal agencies,\" said Welch. The federal government has over 3 billion square feet of building space. Making these buildings energy efficient will save taxpayer dollars, improve the environment and boost the construction and energy sectors of our economy. It's been an honor to work with Rep. Gardner in the last Congress and I look forward to having him as a strong ally in the Senate. The federal government is the single largest consumer of energy in the U.S. Making our energy consumption more efficient not only saves taxpayer money and reduces a huge amount of waste, but it also sets an example for other organizations, said Kinzinger. I'm proud to spear-head this effort and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the 114th Congress. \"Energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) are an innovative way to reduce energy consumption, save taxpayers money, and benefit the environment, said Gardner. It has been an honor to work with Congressman Welch and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to promote ESPCs. I have no doubt that Congressman Kinzinger will continue this spirit of bipartisanship and sound government policy when he assumes his position as co-chair of the House caucus. I look forward to continuing to work on this issue as Senator with Congressmen Welch and Kinzinger.\" The Caucus was established in 2012 by Representatives Gardner (R-CO) and Peter Welch (D-VT) and consists of 35 Members dedicated to advancing bipartisan support for using private sector performance contracting to reduce federal energy consumption. It has led the House efforts to achieve better government-wide use of performance contracting to meet federal energy goals and reduce the federal utility bill.  More quotes from key stakeholders: As a longtime supporter of energy savings performance contracts and utility energy service contracts, the U.S. Chamber applauds the efforts of Congressmen Gardner and Welch in establishing and building up the bipartisan Energy Savings Performance Caucus over the last two years, said Bill Kovacs, Senior Vice President, Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As Congressmen Gardner assumes his new responsibilities in the Senate, we look forward to working with Congressman Adam Kinzinger, the new Republican Co-Chair of the ESPC Caucus. Federal performance contracting is a win-win situation because it leads to job creation in the private sector and increased energy efficiency within the federal government. We appreciate and applaud the leadership of Congressmen Kinzinger and Welch on this important issue and look forward to working with them in the new Congress. The Alliance to Save Energy is delighted to see our Honorary Congressional Vice Chair, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, take leadership of the Energy Savings Performance Caucus. Teaming as a co-chair with yet another Alliance Vice Chair, Rep. Peter Welch, a dynamic bi-partisan duo' that will drive legislative action on ESPCs in the new Congress,\" said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance. She added, \"Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs) are proven and cost-effective, but significantly underutilized by federal agencies. The Caucus, under the leadership of two recognized and active energy efficiency champions, is certain to deliver American taxpayers savings on federal energy bills while creating jobs and protecting the environment.\" The National Association of Manufacturers strongly supports policies that will spur increased use of ESPCs and UESCs in federal buildings, Ross Eisenberg, Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers. The types of products and services that typically fall within the scope of a performance contractboilers and chillers, energy management control systems, lighting, windows, doors, insulation, HVAC, energy deliverycreate much-needed jobs across the manufacturing supply chain and around the country. The Energy Savings Performance Caucus has had great success since its inception, most recently helping obtain an extension of the President's performance contracting goal. Manufacturers stand ready to work with the members of this caucus to create jobs while saving energy through the use of performance contracts. The Federal Performance Contracting Coalition thanks and congratulates Rep. Gardner and Rep. Welch for initiating the Energy Savings Performance Contracting Coalition and for their excellent work over the last two years, said Jennifer Schafer, Executive Director of FPCC.We are excited about the new leadership in Rep. Kinzinger and Rep. Welch and look forward to continuing to advance use of private sector expertise and financing to improve energy efficiency and reduce the costs of the Federal government.  #####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-reax-as-house-leaves-town-w/o-passing-bipartisan-foia-improvement-act-to-boost-govt-transparency_", "Leahy REAX As House Leaves Town w/o Passing Bipartisan FOIA Improvement Act To Boost Govt. Transparency", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.14\n\t\t\t Leahy REAX As House Leaves Town w/o Passing Bipartisan FOIA Improvement Act To Boost Govt. Transparency   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) issued the following statement on Friday after the House failed to pass the bipartisan FOIA Improvement Act before adjourning for the year. The legislation authored by Leahy and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) was unanimously approved in the Senate earlier this week is supported by more than 70 groups that advocate for government transparency, as well as the Sunshine in Government Initiative.]\r\nStatement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),\r\nChairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,\r\nOn The FOIA Improvement Act of 2014\r\nDecember 12, 2014\r\nI am deeply disappointed that last night the House failed to pass the FOIA Improvement Act. This bipartisan bill was reported unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, and it was the product of months of hard work by Senator Cornyn and me. Our bill is supported by more than 70 public interest groups that advocate for government transparency and it passed out of the Senate unanimously. I would think that members of the House Republican leadership, who have spent so much time on oversight of the Obama administration, would support the goal of making government more accountable and transparent. But instead of supporting this bill, they have chosen secrecy over sunlight.\r\nThe FOIA Improvement Act would codify what the President laid out in his historic executive order in 2009 by requiring Federal agencies to adopt a Presumption of Openness' when considering the release of government information under FOIA. This bill would require agencies to find a foreseeable harm if they want to withhold information from the public. Prioritizing the people's interest in what their government is doing, our bill will reduce the overuse of exemptions to withhold information. Federal agencies have been required to apply this standard since 2009. They also used this same standard during President Clinton's terms in office. It was only during President George W. Bush's term of secrecy that this standard was rolled back. It appears the House leadership wants to return to that era. It should not matter who is in the White House, information about what their government is doing belongs to the people.\r\nIn a political climate as divided as this, I had hoped that we could come together in favor of something as fundamental to our democracy as the public's right to know. That government transparency and openness would not just be the standard applied to the Obama Administration but what is applied to every future administration. The FOIA Improvement Act would have done just that.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-responds-to-internet-service-providers-failure-to-pledge-not-to-engage-in-internet-fast-lanes", "Leahy Responds to Internet Service Providers' Failure to Pledge Not to Engage in Internet Fast Lanes", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Responds to Internet Service Providers' Failure to Pledge Not to Engage in Internet Fast Lanes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAs FCC Considers Net Neutrality Proposals,Leahy Responds to Internet Service Providers'Failure to Pledge Not to Engage in Internet Fast Lanes\r\nWASHINGTON (Friday, December 12, 2014) As the Federal Communications Commission prepares to approve updated open Internet rules, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) criticized several of the nation's leading Internet service providers for failing to pledge not to engage in paid prioritization deals through which websites could be charged for priority access over the Internet. In October, Leahy sent letters to the leaders of Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, and Charter Communications calling on them to make such a pledge to protect their customers and promote competition online.\r\nWe need meaningful pledges from our Nation's broadband providers that they share the American public's commitment to an Internet that remains open and equally accessible to all, Leahy said. In October, I wrote to the major Internet service providers asking them to make exactly that commitment. They all maintained that they do not currently plan to engage in paid prioritization; an assertion I welcome. What they did not do was answer my call for a firm commitment that they will never engage in that behavior in the absence of clear rules prohibiting such deals.\r\nThis is disappointing, Leahy continued. The concern over a pay-to-play Internet that advantages the largest corporations over smaller players is very real. I was disappointed that some Internet service providers in their responses brushed aside these concerns dismissively. It is not demagoguery,' as Verizon suggested in its response, when small business owners like Cabot Orton of the Vermont Country Store say that they simply want to see an Internet that continues to treat all businesses equally. It is not a phantasm' when independent content creators like actress Ruth Livier acknowledge that they would not have been able to start their websites if they had to pay for priority access to reach viewers online, or compete against players who did. These are real concerns, shared by millions of Americans. Their voices should not be casually and callously dismissed because they cannot afford to pay lobbyists to advocate on their behalf at the FCC.\r\nIn his statement, Leahy also recognized Comcast for supporting legislation he introduced with Representative Doris Matsui that would require the FCC to ban paid prioritization rules.\r\nLeahy has been one of the leading voices in the Senate on net neutrality issues. He chaired hearings of the Senate Judiciary Committee in July and September on the need to keep the Internet open to all Americans, and chaired a hearing concerning the proposed merger of Comcast and Time Warner in April. In June, he introduced bicameral legislation with Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) that would ban paid prioritization arrangements.\r\nA copy of Senator Leahy's letters to Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, and Charter Communications can be found online. The responses are also available online. Leahy's full remarks in the Senate follow.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-unprecedented-new-focus-on-heroin-and-opioid-addition-in-budget-bill-awaiting-final-action-friday-or-saturday", "Leahy: Unprecedented New Focus On Heroin And Opioid Addiction In Budget Bill Awaiting Final Action Friday Or Saturday", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.14\n\t\t\t Leahy: Unprecedented New Focus On Heroin And Opioid Addiction In Budget Bill Awaiting Final Action Friday Or Saturday \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . Legislation Includes New Leahy-Led Program For Federal Response To Opioid Scourge\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (FRIDAY, Dec. 12, 2014)  A new program proposed by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) to combat the vexing problems associated with heroin and opioid addiction affecting Vermont and the nation, as well as new funding to address the epidemic, is included in the comprehensive federal budget bill. The House of Representatives passed the bill late Thursday night and the Senate is expected to vote on it Friday or Saturday. Leahy was instrumental in securing the funding for the new program, initiating an unprecedented new focus on heroin and opioid addiction.\r\nLeahy said, This scourge has insidiously seeped into towns in Vermont and across the country, ravaging lives, crippling families and scarring neighborhoods and communities. These new initiatives are the result of a search for good answers by listening and asking in communities that are facing these threats. This is a moral investment in partnering with communities by supporting law enforcement efforts and by expanding treatment options for those in need. These efforts and this funding add up to an unprecedented new focus on the problem. Leahy chairs the Judiciary Committee and the most senior member of the Appropriations Committee, which handled the Senate's work in writing the budget bill.\r\nLeahy announced that the bill will create the Anti-Heroin Task Force, to be run by the Justice Department's COPS Office (Community Oriented Policing Services). The Leahy-led initiative provides $7 million for competitive grants to law enforcement agencies in states like Vermont, with high per capita levels of primary treatment admissions for both heroin and other opioids. The funds will be used for drug enforcement, including investigations and activities related to the distribution of heroin or the unlawful diversion and distribution of prescription opioids. Leahy molded the proposal on testimony received at a Judiciary Committee field hearing on community responses to heroin and opioid addiction that he chaired in Rutland, Vt., in March. The bill also directs the Justice Department to convene a task force including law enforcers, medical and public health experts, and educators to develop a comprehensive, interagency plan to address opioid addiction at the federal level.\r\nThe appropriations agreement also includes increase in funding for four other drug prevention programs championed by Leahy. Leahy worked to secure an additional $6.4 million for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, which help fund and enhance coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and drug use. Leahy has also long supported the Drug Free Communities Program, which will receive a $1.5 million dollar increase over last year, to a total of $93.5 million in the comprehensive spending package. The agreement also includes $12 million for grants to allow states to expand drug treatment services for individuals with heroin or opioid dependence through the Targeted Capacity Expansion Program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).\r\nLeahy said the Rural Access to Emergency Devices program also will net an increase over the previous year's funding, totaling $4.5 million. Leahy helped to expand the program beyond its original mission of providing AED defibrillators to also offer help to rural communities facing heroin and opiate overdoses. The $1.1 million increase will provide grants to help local jurisdictions purchase emergency devices and products used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, such as naloxone.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-fri-night-passes-leahy-authored-commission-to-review-the-future-of-the-army-with-major-implications-for-the-future-of-the-national-guard", "Senate Fri. night passes Leahy-authored Commission To Review The Future Of The Army, with major implications for the future of the National Guard", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.14\n\t\t\t Senate Fri. night passes Leahy-authored Commission To Review The Future Of The Army, with major implications for the future of the National Guard \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLeahy-Authored Commission To Review Future of Army  Passes As Part Of Annual Defense Authorization Bill\r\n. . . Major Implications Also For The Future Of The National Guard\r\n. . . Bill Also Adds Portions Of VT's Upper Missisquoi And Trout Rivers To National Wild And Scenic Rivers System\r\n. . . Senate Action Sends Bill To President's Desk\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON (FRIDAY, Dec. 12, 2014)  U.S. Senate National Guard Caucus Co-Chair Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Friday praised inclusion of the National Commission on the Future of the Army in the final Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The Senate passed the annual defense authorization bill Friday night in a vote of 89 to 11.\r\nThe independent review panel will consider and evaluate key policies concerning the make-up, training and deployment processes of the U.S. Army. This review has major implications as well for the future of the National Guard. The panel will also make recommendations to Congress and the President about how to best shape the Army for the future and address antiquated practices within the Army. In addition to establishing the panel, the law will also freeze some of the most controversial proposals of the President's Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal, including the transfer of all Apache attack helicopters, until after the Commission issues its report. The provisions included in the authorization bill were introduced earlier this year by Leahy and Guard Caucus Co-Chair Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Their bipartisan legislation was cosponsored by 47 senators.\r\nThe Administration's budget proposal reflected many tough choices about the future size and shape of each of the Services, said Leahy. But it also included decisions about the U.S. Army that would irreversibly change the nature of that branch of our Armed Forces, including the National Guard, which has served with distinction in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and here at home. The Guard deserves a bigger role in America's future security than is envisioned in the Administration's budget. We cannot realistically defend the nation without the Guard taking on a bigger role. This Commission will help provide an objective, outside review of these consequential decisions.\r\nIn a federal lands package added to the legislation, the defense authorization bill also includes a new law to add portions of Vermont's Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.\r\nThe bill now goes to the President's desk to be signed into law.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-president-pro-tempore-on-the-consolidated-and-further-continuing-appropriations-act", "Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),President Pro Tempore, On The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.14\n\t\t\t Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),President Pro Tempore, On The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStatement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), President Pro Tempore, On The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act December 12, 2014\r\nAfter late night theatrics in the House yesterday, I hope the Senate will soon vote on the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus appropriations bill, and certainly well before tomorrow's midnight deadline. I support this comprehensive spending package. It has been too long since Congress passed successive appropriations bills that didn't simply kick the can further down the road, or leave government spending on autopilot. The legislation before us is the product of months of negotiations in the Senate and with our House counterparts. Chairwoman Mikulski has done an outstanding job and should be congratulated for her perseverance in bringing us to this point.\r\nI spoke yesterday about the funds included in this bill for the State Department and foreign operations. Important funding for the environment, for AIDS prevention and treatment, United Nations peacekeeping, and emergency funding for Ebola. This bill will protect U.S. security, humanitarian, and economic interests around the world. But it also funds many of the domestic priorities that have faced budget cuts and that the people of our states depend on, from law enforcement to transportation, health care, and protecting our national parks.\r\nThe Omnibus includes critical investments in our rivers and lakes, including an increase in funding for Lake Champlain through the EPA's Geographic Program. I want to thank Senator Jack Reed, the chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, for his assistance in protecting the funding for all of the Geographic Programs receiving funding in this bill. Lake Champlain and its tributaries are a celebrated part of Vermont's natural landscape. We have worked hard over many years to address many challenges, but serious threats to the Lake remain. This federal support will help preserve one of Vermont's greatest natural resources for generations to come.\r\nThe bill includes critical investments to address the heroin crisis that has a devastating impact on communities in small rural states like Vermont. With Senator Mikulski's support, I was pleased to include funding for Anti-Heroin Task Forces to provide federal assistance to law enforcement efforts to investigate and combat the distribution of heroin. Ensuring our local agencies have the tools they need is just one portion of our effort to deal with this crisis.\r\nAdditionally, funds are included in this bill to provide first responders in rural communities with the training and access to Naloxone and life saving devices that can be used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses. It also is unacceptable that Americans face a waiting lists when seeking help to recover from their addiction and this legislation also provides crucial funding to expand treatment services for those with heroin dependence.\r\nThe Omnibus makes important investments in our students by providing funding to increase access to a college education through the Pell Grant program, and by increasing funding for the TRIO program which helps low income, first-generation students get a college education.\r\nThis bill provides an investment in health care infrastructure and lifesaving research, including a $1.4 billion increase for our Community Health Centers, $30.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health, and funding for the development of a vaccine against Ebola.\r\nThis Omnibus includes increased funding for programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act, including grants for transitional housing, sexual assault services, legal assistance for victims, and support for Native American victims. It also raises the cap on the Crime Victims Fund to an historic $2.3 billion. That means more money for victims' assistance grants at the state and local levels. \r\nThis compromise package invests in housing for veterans and seniors. It supports grants to help schools purchase critical equipment for their school lunch programs. It provides funding for a new Food Safety Outreach Program, helping the Food and Drug Administration to work with famers and small businesses to understand complex new food safety laws. The bill protects our nation's forests through a strong investment in the Forest Legacy Program. It includes funding to protect our trees and woods from pests like the Asian-long horned beetle and emerald ash borer. The list goes on.\r\nWhile I intend to support this appropriations bill, I am very disappointed that last minute negotiations have forced the inclusion of several controversial riders that have nothing to do with funding the operations of the Federal Government. These provisions force us into a choice between shutting down the government or enacting bad policy without the benefit of offering amendments and debating these far reaching changes to current law.\r\nThere is no doubt that Congress must do something to address vulnerable pension plans that took a hit during the Wall Street meltdown in 2008. But slipping into this spending bill at the eleventh hour a provision to reduce hard-earned benefits for retirees is shameful. For decades, these retirees have worked hard, contributed to pension plans, and understood that those benefits would be there when they needed them the most. Now, we are changing the game. I wonder how Republicans in the House who are responsible for this provision would react if it affected their own pensions. \r\nMeanwhile, this legislation includes a particularly offensive rider that rolls back an important provision of the Dodd-Frank Act that protects taxpayers from another Wall Street bailout. As we all know, elections have consequences, and I worry that this is the start of a pattern we can expect to see over the next two years of protecting the rich on Wall Street at the expense of the hardworking Americans on Main Street.\r\nI am also dismayed that this spending package  a bill to keep the government running on behalf of over 300 million Americans  includes another body blow to what little remains of campaign finance law. By increasing the amount of money wealthy donors can contribute to political parties -- for, among other things, conventions, building projects, and legal proceedings -- by 500 percent over what is allowed under current law, we further roll back long held campaign finance limitations that have protected the voice of every voter at the ballot box, not just those who can pay their way to influence elections. It is very unfortunate that pressure groups and special interests prevailed in having this provision included, behind closed doors, at the last minute.\r\nFinally, while I am pleased that this Omnibus bill will fund most of the government through fiscal year 2015, I am disappointed that programs and agencies funded through the Department of Homeland Security appropriations process will only operate under a continuing resolution through February 2015. Republicans in Congress have made no secret that this action is in response to the President's executive action related to immigration policy. Yet for months  for nearly 18 months  House Republican leaders refused to bring to a vote the bipartisan, Senate-passed immigration reform bill. It is political hypocrisy at its worst. I think that bill would have passed, and we would not be where we are today.\r\nNo bill is perfect, especially one of this size. I have far preferred a return to regular order, where we deliberatively consider individual appropriations bills, with the chance to debate germane amendments. But this bill moves us away from governing-by-autopilot, and takes off the table the threat in one, two, or three months of yet another government shutdown. Any resolution that punts these difficult appropriations decisions puts at greater risk important funding that will help Vermont. And any Senator opposing this bill because of the riders it includes should remember that a continuing resolution or Omnibus spending bill passed next year will contain many more, and some far worse.\r\nChairwoman Mikulski has done a heroic job of getting us to this point. I hope we will build on this progress next year. I know Senator Cochran, my friend from Mississippi, the incoming Appropriations Committee chairman, agrees that we should return to the regular order of debating and passing individual appropriations bills. \r\nBut for now, the American people are tired of the politics and drama  and real consequences  of shutting down the government. I will support passage of the omnibus appropriations bill.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/vermont-rivers-recognized-as-wild-and-scenic-rivers", "Vermont Rivers Recognized as Wild and Scenic Rivers", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.14\n\t\t\t Vermont Rivers Recognized as Wild and Scenic Rivers'  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tVermont Rivers Recognized as Wild and Scenic Rivers'\r\nWASHINGTON, Dec. 12  Vermont's congressional delegation applauded the passage today of legislation to add portions of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.\r\nVermont's rivers are an essential part of our state's rural character. The wild and scenic designation highlights the unique cultural, scenic and recreational qualities of these Vermont rivers, the delegation said in a joint statement. The recognition also empowers communities along the rivers to protect these resources.\r\nThe measure was introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), co-sponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the measure in the House. The House passed the legislation on Sept. 15 and the Senate passed the measure today. The Vermont congressional delegation began work on this designation back in 2007 at the request of local communities, when the initial legislation to authorize a study of this potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was first introduced.\r\nDesignation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act will help protect the natural, cultural and recreational qualities of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout rivers, enabling continued enjoyment of the rivers by fishermen, hunters and paddlers. It will also help maintain water quality within the rivers, as well as in Lake Champlain.\r\nThe National Wild and Scenic Rivers system was established in 1968 to recognize and preserve rivers with exceptional scenic and recreational value. Forty-one states and territories now have rivers listed in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Missisquoi and Trout Rivers are Vermont's first rivers to be added to the prestigious national river network.\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-the-passage-of-hr-1447-the-death-in-custody-reporting-act-of-2013", "Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Passage of H.R. 1447, the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.14\n\t\t\t Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Passage of H.R. 1447, the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday Senators have finally come together to pass the Death in Custody Reporting Act, which will provide important transparency to law enforcement efforts and our prison system. \u00a0At a time when our Nation is having an important conversation about police encounters that result in the loss of life, we know that hundreds of police-related deaths are unaccounted for in federal statistics.\u00a0 The Death in Custody Reporting Act will require that state and Federal law enforcement officials report deaths in their custody, including those that occur during arrest.\u00a0 The Justice Department will then have the opportunity to analyze the data and see what we can learn from it.\u00a0 The American people deserve as much.\u00a0\r\nToo many communities across our country are losing faith in our justice system.\u00a0 This bill provides a step toward accountability, and it is my hope that it may ultimately lead to restoring some measure of trust in these communities.\u00a0 If we are ever able to truly embody the words engraved in Vermont marble above the United States Supreme Court building, \u201cEqual Justice Under the Law,\u201d then more of course must be done.\u00a0 And I look forward to continuing these efforts in the next Congress.\r\nThe prior authorization for the Death in Custody Reporting Act expired in 2006, and after too many years of inaction, I am glad that Democrats and Republicans have come together and sent this reauthorization bill to the President for signature. \u00a0My appreciation goes to Congressman Bobby Scott, who sponsored and has long championed this legislation, as well Senator Richard Blumenthal, who sponsored a Senate version.\r\nThis has been an important week for transparency.\u00a0 On Monday, the Senate came together to pass my bipartisan FOIA Improvement Act and I hope the House will soon take up this bill. And on Tuesday, I spoke on the Senate floor in favor of the release of the executive summary of the Senate Intelligence Committee Study of the CIA\u2019s Detention and Interrogation Program. Both of these actions did not come easily, but in both instances the interests of the American public and our values as a democracy prevailed.\u00a0 Today, we have again come together in the interest of transparency for the betterment of our Nation.\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-omnibus-appropriations-bill1", "Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.14\n\t\t\t Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Omnibus Appropriations Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMr. President, after nine months of hearings and briefings, and many long days and nights of negotiations, this past weekend the Appropriations Committee completed work on the fiscal year 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act.\u00a0\r\nEarlier this year, many of us came to the floor to praise Chairwoman Mikulski for her heroic effort to pass the fiscal year 2014 Omnibus.\u00a0 While many in Washington thought that feat could not be repeated two years in a row, she proved them wrong.\u00a0\r\nChairwoman Mikulski rallied her twelve subcommittees, and reached across the aisle to negotiate this omnibus and avoid another shutdown.\u00a0 Without her, this would not have been possible.\r\nLike Chairwoman Mikulski, my friend Senator Shelby from Alabama, the Committee\u2019s Vice Chairman, also deserves a great deal of praise for the role he played.\u00a0 Without Senator Shelby\u2019s recognition of the importance of passing appropriations bills rather than continuing to fund the government on autopilot, we would not have reached this point.\r\nAs chairman of the Department of State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee I also want to thank Ranking Member Lindsey Graham, Chairwoman Kay Granger, and Ranking Member Nita Lowey who were, as always, able partners whose wealth of experience is invaluable to the subcommittee\u2019s work and is reflected throughout the final agreement.\u00a0\r\nI look forward to working with incoming subcommittee chairman Graham next year to continue to fund the diplomacy and foreign aid programs that are essential to protecting United States interests around the world, in a manner that reflects American values.\r\nThis bill was negotiated with the full participation of representatives of both parties, in both Houses of Congress.\u00a0 It is a balanced, bipartisan bill.\u00a0 Every word was discussed and agreed to by Republicans and Democrats, and our respective bills have been publicly available since they were reported out of Committee in June.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDivision J of this Omnibus, for the Department of State and Foreign Operations, provides a total of $51.8 billion in discretionary budget authority to protect United States security, humanitarian, and economic interests around the world.\u00a0\r\nOf this amount, $9.2 billion is for Overseas Contingency Operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, and other areas of unrest.\r\nAnyone who doubts that these funds are important should think about the devastation being wrought by ISIL in Syria and Iraq, and its impact on neighboring Lebanon and Jordan, in addition to what is happening in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and other areas where hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced because of ethnic and tribal violence.\u00a0 Part of this funding will support aid for refugees and other victims of disasters, in an amount that is $1.5 billion above the budget request.\u00a0\r\nIt also provides $2.5 billion in emergency funding to respond to the Ebola epidemic, which has reminded us all that deadly viruses are only an airplane flight away.\u00a0 This funding will support international efforts to help those infected with the virus, contain its spread, and assist the region\u2019s governments strengthen their public health systems and recover from the economic impact of the outbreak.\r\nAdditionally, the bill includes full funding for diplomatic security and UN peacekeeping.\u00a0 It fully funds our commitments to key allies like Israel and Jordan.\u00a0 And it fulfills our commitments to the United Nations and other international organizations.\r\nHere are a few more specifics:\r\nFunding to combat HIV/AIDS has long been a bipartisan priority. \u00a0\u00a0Members of both parties continue to unite in efforts to curb the scourge of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases that threaten millions of lives each year, especially in the world\u2019s poorest countries. \u00a0In fiscal year 2015 we will provide a total of $6 billion, matching the current level for programs to combat HIV/AIDS, including $4.32 billion for PEPFAR and $1.35 billion for the Global Fund.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe bill provides historic levels to combat polio, malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, and it provides $200 million for the GAVI Alliance which provides life-saving vaccines to children in the poorest countries.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nIt provides $386 million in economic and law enforcement assistance for El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which is $130 million above the budget request, to address the migration of unaccompanied children from Central America, a problem that ebbs and flow but cannot be ignored.\u00a0 These funds are available for border security, reintegration of migrants, and programs to improve education, employment, counter gangs, prevent human trafficking, and professionalize police forces.\r\nThe bill also provides $400 million for Middle East Response in addition to funds otherwise made available for humanitarian aid and refugees and direct support for our allies in the region, and over $500 million to support our allies in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine and other former Soviet republics, to counter Russian aggression.\r\nI am pleased that we were able to include the amounts requested for programs that protect biodiversity and tropical forests, support clean energy and reduce global warming, and combat wildlife poaching and trafficking.\u00a0 These are important national security issues.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThere is a lot more in this bill to support friends and allies and combat disease, hunger, and poverty, and to strengthen the rule of law and protect human rights.\u00a0 These are all programs that are directly linked to our national security, and fulfill our moral obligations as Americans.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThere are some things I wish were not included, particularly a House provision carried from last year that would weaken limits on carbon emissions from projects financed by the Export-Import Bank and Overseas Private Investment Corporation. \u00a0Our European partners are wisely ending public subsidies for coal, in favor of cleaner, healthier, renewable energy.\u00a0 But the House continues to block such progress here.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nI am also very disappointed that a Senate provision to bring the United States into compliance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations was rejected again this year by the House.\u00a0 Even the Bush Administration understood the necessity of this.\r\n\u00a0\r\nBut I am pleased with the reforms that were agreed to, including to improve the way we train our aid workers, and to enhance how we track the impact of humanitarian aid to maximize its effectiveness. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nI am also pleased that provisions relating to our contributions to the international financial institutions, particularly relating to evaluations, beneficial ownership, human rights, industrial scale logging, and financing for large dams, were included.\u00a0 I look forward to discussing them with officials at the Treasury Department.\r\n\u00a0\r\nMr. President, no bill is perfect, and this one is no exception.\u00a0 But the State, Foreign Operations portion of this Omnibus is a whole lot better than a continuing resolution that ignores the changing global realities and challenges we face.\u00a0 It was a collaborative effort from beginning to end and it should be supported overwhelmingly.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-committee-sends-three-judicial-nominees-to-full-senate", "Judiciary Committee Sends Three Judicial Nominees To Full Senate", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Committee Sends Three Judicial Nominees To Full Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Panel Also Approves Nominee To Serve As Drug Policy Director\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Thursday, December 11, 2014)  The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday unanimously approved three judicial nominees who now go to the full Senate for consideration. Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) urged the Senate to take up and pass all pending nominations before the end of the year.\r\nIt is imperative for the Senate to continue to work on nominations. With cooperation there is still time to confirm these non-controversial nominees before we adjourn for the year, Leahy said.\r\nThe district court nominees approved Thursday to fill vacancies in Virginia, North Carolina and New Yorkwhich is an emergency vacancynow join nine other judicial nominees pending on the Senate floor. Three of those nominees already pending on the executive calendar would fill emergency vacancies in Texas, the longest running of which has been vacant for more than six years. \r\nI hope that at the very least, the Texas senators will work to get consent on their side of the aisle to confirm the three district court nominees to fill judicial emergency vacancies pending on the Executive Calendar, Leahy said. These Texas nominees were nominated more than five months ago and reported out on unanimous voice vote. There is no objection on my side of the aisle to confirming them today.\r\nThe Committee also approved the nomination of Michael Botticelli to serve as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). His nomination was approved on a voice vote.\r\nResults of the meeting can be found online.\r\nNominations Pending On The Senate Calendar \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStephen Bough (WD MO)\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on September 18, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJorge Alonso (ND IL)\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHaywood Gilliam (ND CA)\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAmit Mehta (D DC)\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAllison Burroughs (D MA)\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJohn Blakey (ND IL)\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAmos Mazzant (ED TX)*\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRobert Pitman (WD TX)*\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRobert Schroeder (ED TX)*\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on November 20, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJoan Azrack (ED NY)*\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on December 11, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nElizabeth K. Dillon (WD VA) \r\n\r\n\r\nReported on December 11, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLoretta Biggs (MD NC)\r\n\r\n\r\nReported on December 11, 2014\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n*Indicates this nominee will fill a Judicial Emergency\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-committee-chairman-leahy-chairs-confirmation-hearing-with-intellectual-property-nominees", "Judiciary Committee Chairman Leahy Chairs Confirmation Hearing With Intellectual Property Nominees", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Committee Chairman Leahy Chairs Confirmation Hearing With Intellectual Property Nominees \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Wednesday, December 10, 2014) \u2013 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is chairing a confirmation hearing this morning for Michelle Lee, nominated to serve as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and Daniel Marti, nominated to serve as Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC). Testimony, member statements, and a webcast of the hearing are available online. \r\nStatement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On Executive Nominations December 10, 2014\r\nToday the Committee is considering nominees to two important leadership positions charged with supporting our Nation\u2019s creators, artists, and inventors.\u00a0 I take a strong personal interest in these positions both as a leader of this Committee, and as the senior Senator for Vermont.\u00a0 Vermont is home to a diverse range of artists, writers, and creators.\u00a0 Every year, it ranks among the most innovative States that have the highest patents per capita.\u00a0 Vermonters know firsthand that creators and innovators are the lifeblood of this country\u2014fueling our imagination while creating jobs and contributing billions of dollars to the economy.\r\nThe two nominations we are considering today play a central role promoting this important work.\u00a0 The Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator or \u201cIPEC\u201d was created by legislation I authored in 2008 that was reported by this Committee and passed the Senate with unanimous support.\u00a0 Our objective was to take a comprehensive approach to intellectual property enforcement within the U.S. government, to ensure that law enforcement has the tools it needs and that agencies are working together efficiently.\u00a0 The IPEC plays a valuable role bringing together members of the Internet ecosystem to address the complex problem of online IP theft.\u00a0 Earlier this year, Ranking Member Grassley and I sent a letter to President Obama urging him to nominate someone to fill this position, which has been vacant for well over a year.\u00a0 Today\u2019s confirmation hearing is an important step in filling this vacancy. I hope the nomination will move swiftly so the IPEC Office can return fully to its important work.\r\nCompared to the IPEC, the position of Director of the Patent and Trademark Office, or \u201cPTO,\u201d is not so new:\u00a0 our Nation\u2019s first official charged with granting patents was Thomas Jefferson, when he was Secretary of State.\u00a0 Since its early days, the PTO has grown to play a vital role driving the engine of our economy.\u00a0 Close to 600,000 patent applications and 450,000 trademark class applications are filed with the Office each year.\u00a0 By serving America\u2019s innovators, the PTO helps Vermonters and citizens across the country build their businesses and bring their inventions to the global marketplace.\r\nThree years ago, Congress came together to pass the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, the greatest transformation to our patent system in over 60 years.\u00a0 This Committee worked for six years to pass that landmark legislation and bring our patent system into the 21st Century.\u00a0 The AIA has helped simplify the process for patent approval, reduced backlogs at the USPTO, and harmonized our patent system with the rest of the world.\u00a0\r\nThe AIA sought to improve patent quality by creating new and more efficient administrative proceedings at the PTO.\u00a0 Three years later, the PTO has now received over 2000 petitions for post-grant review.\u00a0 These measures are important to help businesses that fall into the cross-hairs of over-broad patents.\u00a0 But improving the quality of patents also improves their value for inventors and investors, too.\u00a0 The PTO is doing tremendous work to implement these new programs.\u00a0 Because of the AIA, there are now four satellite offices around the country to make the PTO more accessible to inventors and small businesses.\u00a0 The PTO has strengthened its pro bono program, and used its fee-setting authority created by the AIA to gain better financial independence.\u00a0 The PTO has been without a Senate-confirmed director for almost two years. I want to hear more from Ms. Lee about these and other efforts as the PTO continues its work to deliver on the promise of the AIA.\u00a0 I am pleased that in the funding bill released last night, we were able to ensure that PTO receives a budget of $3.46 billion, reflecting amounts it collects through user fees that were strengthened by the AIA. Full funding of PTO should remain a priority.\r\nCongress needs to do more work to strengthen our patent system.\u00a0 This Committee has worked for the past 18 months to address misconduct by bad actors who are abusing the patent system.\u00a0 When these so-called patent trolls send threatening letters to small businesses in Vermont and tie up companies across the country in bad-faith law suits, they hamper innovation and harm our economy.\u00a0 We dedicated months of Committee time to this issue and we made significant bipartisan progress.\u00a0 I look forward to continuing that work in the new year.\r\nI also look forward to continuing this Committee\u2019s productive relationship with the IPEC.\u00a0 The role of the IPEC is particularly important in addressing counterfeiting and infringement online, a complex, global problem that requires creative, multi-party solutions.\u00a0 Every business that operates in the Internet ecosystem has a role to play.\u00a0 Last month, I sent a letter to major credit card companies urging them to do more to prevent use of their payment networks for illegal theft online.\u00a0 Since then, my staff has had productive conversations with the companies, and Visa, for one, has taken proactive steps against a number of cyberlockers engaged in online piracy.\u00a0 I have asked the companies to continue that conversation with the new IPEC once the position is filled.\u00a0 I hope the IPEC will also renew the Office\u2019s work with advertising networks that drive so much of the online economy.\u00a0 Smart solutions are also needed for the \u201cwhack-a-mole\u201d problem that plagues copyright holders online, where illegal content or sites are taken down only to spring back up again moments later in a new location.\r\nThe nominees before us are eminently qualified to fill these roles.\u00a0 Mr. Marti is currently the managing partner of the Washington, D.C. office of Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton LLP.\u00a0 He has spent his entire legal career specializing in intellectual property law, with a focus in trademark law and the protection of intellectual property both domestically and internationally.\u00a0 Mr. Marti is a graduate of Georgetown University and Emory University School of Law.\r\nMs. Lee currently serves as the Deputy Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.\u00a0 She previously was the first director of the Silicon Valley satellite office of the PTO, and has served on the PTO\u2019s Public Patent Advisory Committee.\u00a0 Prior to joining the Office, Ms. Lee was Deputy General Counsel and Head of Patents and Patent Strategy at Google.\u00a0 She earned an advanced degree in electric engineering and computer science from M.I.T. and her law degree from Stanford Law School.\u00a0 I welcome both witnesses and look forward to working with Senator Grassley to consider your nominations.\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-hails-historic-funding-levels-for-crime-victims", "Leahy Hails Historic Funding Levels For Crime Victims", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Hails Historic Funding Levels For Crime Victims \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Support for Violence Against Women Act Programs Also Benefit From Appropriations Agreement\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Wednesday, December 10, 2014) \u2013Legislation to fund the government through next year includes a substantial increase for critical victims\u2019 support programs championed by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy.\r\nUnder the Omnibus Appropriations Bill agreement struck between House and Senate negotiators, the Crime Victims Fund, which provides support for crime victims and their families, will be able to reach more victims of crime thanks to a raise in the fund\u2019s cap. \u00a0The fund is financed by criminal fines and penalties \u2014 not taxpayer dollars \u2014 and it is currently capped at $745 million. \u00a0Under the funding agreement reached late Tuesday, that cap will now be $2.3 billion, a 200 percent increase.\r\nLeahy, chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the most senior member of the Appropriations Committee, hailed the announcement on Wednesday.\u00a0 \u201cFor years I have urged Congress to show its support for victims of crime. \u00a0The Crime Victims Fund represents our commitment to our citizens, and with this funding bill, we are renewing that commitment. \u00a0I applaud this important announcement, and I will continue to work across the aisle to protect this Fund and ensure it helps the victims of crime,\u201d Leahy said.\r\nLeahy, a former prosecutor who worked day to day with crime victims, has long urged Congress to raise the cap for the Crime Victims Fund so that it can reach more victims of crime. \u00a0Leahy introduced the bipartisan Crime Victims Fund Preservation Act in 2009, and he has also worked to ensure money from the fund goes directly to victims. \u00a0Money from the fund supports a broad range of services for crime victims, including compensation for hospital bills, burial costs, or other restitution.\u00a0\r\nThe Vermont Center for Crime Victims Services (VCCVS) receives funding from the federal Crime Victims Fund.\u00a0 Among many services supported by the VCCVS, this fund supports the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, a coalition of 14 Member Organizations that offer services like shelter, counseling, and housing assistance throughout Vermont.\r\nOther key programs that support Vermont initiatives received increased funding under this budget agreement.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nFunds for programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act increased in this budget bill over past year\u2019s levels, and a total of $430 million is included in the bill for the Office on Violence Against Women.\u00a0 Previously, the highest level of appropriations that the Office on Violence Against Women had received was $418.5 million in Fiscal Year 2010.\u00a0 Funding for sexual assault services, and programs to prevent and respond to assaults on college campuses, both increased over last year\u2019s levels. \u00a0Earlier this year Leahy steered through Congress legislation he authored, with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) that has strengthened the Violence Against Women Act. \u00a0\r\nFunding for victims of trafficking will increase from $14 million to $42 million, nearly three times the previous level.\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/vermont-wins-33-million-for-pre-k_delegation-and-governor-announce", "Vermont Wins $33 Million for Pre-K,  Delegation and Governor Announce", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.14\n\t\t\t Vermont Wins $33 Million for Pre-K,  Delegation and Governor Announce \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, Dec. 10 \u2013 Vermont was awarded $7.3 million in what is expected to be a $33.4 million, four-year federal grant for pre-kindergarten programs at public schools and Head Start agencies throughout the state.\r\nSens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) announced the grant today.\r\nSanders, a member of the Senate education committee, worked with the U.S. Department of Education, the congressional delegation and the Shumlin administration to secure the funding to operate the Pre-K program.\r\n\u201cAt a time when working families are struggling to find quality and affordable child care, this grant is a big boost for Vermont,\u201d Sanders said. \u201cThe grant will help Vermont lead the nation in early-childhood education as we better prepare our kids for school and the challenges and opportunities of life.\u201d\r\n\u201cVermont has always understood the importance of early-childhood education and how effective it can be in helping children break the cycle of poverty,\u201d Leahy said.\r\n\u201cThis is great news for Vermont and recognition of the quality of our education system and its leaders,\u201d Welch said.\u00a0\r\n\u201cVermont is one of the top states in America when it comes to early childhood education, and we\u2019re committed to being the best. We know that investments in our youngest children pay huge dividends in their ability to achieve in school and succeed in life,\u201d Shumlin said. \u201cWe will use this $33 million directly to expand access to quality early education for Vermont children most in need.\u00a0 I congratulate those at\u00a0Agencies of Education and Human Services, my own staff, and our many grant partners statewide\u00a0for their hard work in securing these funds for our children,\u201d the governor added.\r\nThe latest award is in addition to $37 million Vermont received last year to lay the foundation for its pre-K program. The earlier federal grant made the state eligible for today\u2019s round of awards to implement the program.\r\nSanders, Leahy and Welch made the case for Vermont\u2019s application in an Oct. 10 letter from the delegation to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell. The letter said Vermont has demonstrated a strong and enduring commitment to provide early-education for all 4-year-olds and called the state \u201ca model for other states and federal policymakers that will demonstrate the profound impact and effectiveness universal pre-kindergarten can have on the healthy development and future success of low-income students.\u201d\r\nThe grants to Vermont were announced as President Barack Obama prepared to host a White House meeting today on ways that early-childhood education narrows the achievement gap and boosts children\u2019s earnings later in life.\r\nContacts: \r\nDavid Carle (Leahy) 202 224-3693 Michael Briggs (Sanders) 202-228-6492 Ryan Nickel (Welch) 202 225-4115\r\nScott Coriell (Shumlin) 802 353-1449\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/with-adjournment-now-only-hours-away-leahy-calls-on-house-to-pass-foia-improvement-act", "With Adjournment Now Only Hours Away, Leahy Calls On House To Pass FOIA Improvement Act", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.14\n\t\t\t With Adjournment Now Only Hours Away, Leahy Calls On House To Pass FOIA Improvement Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Wednesday, December 10, 2014) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) called on the House to pass the bipartisan FOIA Improvement Act that the Senate unanimously approved earlier this week before adjourning for the year.\r\n\u201cThis legislation is all about government transparency. If House Republicans want this administration to be more accountable, then they must put it on the suspension calendar without delay. Let\u2019s get it done,\u201d Leahy said. \u201cWith the sun about to set on this congressional session, the House should not leave this sunshine bill undone, on the table.\u00a0 Time is quickly running out, and the House must act without further delay.\u201d\r\nThe bill strengthens the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the nation\u2019s premier open government law, by requiring Federal agencies to operate under a \u201cpresumption of openness\u201d when considering the release of government information. This is the same language the President laid out in his historic memorandum in 2009, and which is already being followed by government agencies. \u00a0The Leahy-Cornyn bill would make this presumption a permanent fixture in FOIA.\u00a0 The legislation would not require the disclosure of information that is prohibited from being released, such as classified information, and Leahy worked with relevant Committees in the Senate to ensure the bill would allow government attorneys to do their jobs while still upholding transparency.\r\nLeahy worked with Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), his longtime partner on transparency issues, to usher their bipartisan bill through the Senate. The FOIA Improvement Act is supported by more than 70 groups that advocate for government transparency, as well as the Sunshine in Government Initiative.\u00a0 An outline of the FOIA Improvement Act can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-announces-key-win-for-lake-champlain-in-federal-budget-bill", "Leahy Announces Key Win For Lake Champlain In Federal Budget Bill", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Announces Key Win For Lake Champlain In Federal Budget Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10, 2014)  Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday announced that key funding for Lake Champlain has been included in the comprehensive budget package that will be considered by Congress later this week, as the clock runs out on the congressional session.\r\nLeahy is the most senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and played a key role in negotiating several parts of the final federal budget bill, which was unveiled Tuesday night.\r\nAt Leahy's urging, the final appropriations bill includes a $3 million increase over last year for Lake Champlain through the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Geographic Program. The total allocation under the program for Lake Champlain is $4.399 million. The Geographic Program, and Lake Champlain in particular, have seen gradual funding reductions in recent years, and the President's budget request for federal Fiscal Year 2015 included just $1.399 million. In the new bill, Leahy was able to reverse that trend for this federal fiscal year.\r\nWe have invested far too much and for far too long in the restoration and preservation of Lake Champlain to walk back on that commitment, Leahy said. With new federal requirements forcing Vermont, New York and all of our Lake partners to make difficult decisions about how to maintain our Great Lake,' this federal support will go a long way toward preserving one of Vermont's greatest natural resources for generations to come.\r\nThrough his work on the Appropriations and Agriculture Committees, Leahy long has led efforts to direct tens of millions of federal dollars to support efforts to restore Lake Champlain.\r\nLeahy added, Lake Champlain and its tributaries are a celebrated part of Vermont's natural landscape. We have worked so hard over so many years to address many challenges, but threats to the Lake remain. Lake Champlain supports our local economies and is a pillar of our tourism industry. I am as committed as ever to ensuring we don't lose ground on the progress we have made over the last few decades in restoring the Lake.\r\nLeahy worked closely with Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) to protect funding through the Geographic Program. Reed chairs the Senate's Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over EPA programs.\r\nAt Leahy's request, Lake Champlain will also receive federal support to address sea lamprey infestation through funding for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Leahy reported that the comprehensive budget bill also includes funding for conservation programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and for the EPA's clean water revolving loan fund -- programs through which Vermont is also likely to see federal dollars. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced $40 million in federal conservation funding for Vermont when he visited the state in August. \r\nThe Omnibus Appropriations Bill will provide funding for nearly every federal agency through September 30, 2015. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the package on Thursday. The Senate could consider the bill as early as Friday.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-statement-on-the-state-of-civil-rights", "Leahy Statement On The State of Civil Rights", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Statement On The State of Civil Rights \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 9, 2014) \u2013 The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights is currently holding a hearing on \u201cThe State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States.\u201d Committee Chairman Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) helped to pass the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was enacted in 2009 and broadened federal hate crimes law to include crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.\u00a0 He is the author of the bipartisan, bicameral legislation to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and combat voter discrimination in all states and jurisdictions, and a cosponsor of the bipartisan Smarter Sentencing Act, which would lower nonviolent drug mandatory sentences. Senator Leahy\u2019s statement for the record for today\u2019s hearing is below. Testimony, member statements, and a webcast of the hearing are available online.\r\n\u00a0\r\nStatement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing on \u201cThe State of Civil and Human Rights in the United States\u201d December 9, 2014\r\nDr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, \u201cThe arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.\u201d\u00a0 However, the arc does not bend towards justice without effort.\u00a0 We must put in the necessary hard work \u2013 as well as build the foundation and structure \u2013 for justice to prevail.\u00a0 It has taken the blood, sweat, and tears of many Americans to push for a \u201cmore perfect union.\u201d\u00a0 We must not stop now.\r\nThere are too many cracks in this foundation, especially in areas such as voting rights, the criminal justice system, and privacy and civil liberties.\u00a0 In the area of voting rights, states continue to pass restrictive voting laws that disenfranchise millions of voters, a disproportionate number of which are minorities.\u00a0 Discriminatory voting laws have become even more common in the wake of last year\u2019s Supreme Court decision dismantling key provisions of the Voting Rights Act.\r\nOur criminal justice system incarcerates too many individuals, especially non-violent drug offenders, because of its reliance on mandatory minimum sentences.\u00a0 And there continues to be distrust between law enforcement and communities of color because of a long history of unfair treatment towards minorities.\r\nOn privacy, we have seen that the Federal government can overreach when we do not remain vigilant.\u00a0 We have seen the privacy rights of American citizens violated through the indiscriminate bulk collection of data about their lives without compelling justification.\u00a0 These are just some of the significant problems that continue to test our Nation \u2013 and which we have not adequately addressed.\r\nAs Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and as a Senator who has served the state of Vermont and this country for nearly 40 years, I will continue to fight to address these problems.\u00a0 I believe in being part of a constructive process to reform our system and address these injustices.\u00a0 That is why I have introduced bipartisan bills this past Congress to help ensure that the moral arc continues to bend towards justice.\r\nIn January 2014, on the eve of the weekend celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King\u2019s holiday, I introduced the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014 along with Congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner, John Conyers, and John Lewis that would have restored the most fundamental protections of the law.\u00a0 Senator Durbin was an original cosponsor of our legislation.\u00a0 This bill was drafted in response to the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Shelby County v. Holder in which five justices disregarded extensive findings of Congress and gutted the Voting Rights Act. \u00a0A narrow and conservative majority of the Court struck down the coverage formula and dramatically undercut the Act\u2019s ability to protect Americans from racial discrimination in voting.\u00a0 I have been disappointed that not a single Senate Republican has joined our efforts to restore the voting rights of all Americans, despite mounting evidence that in too many places, racial discrimination in voting persists.\r\nWithin weeks of the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling, Republican governors and state legislatures exploited the Shelby County decision in order to implement sweeping voter suppression laws that disproportionately prevent African Americans from voting.\u00a0 In North Carolina, the Republican legislature and governor passed the most comprehensive voter suppression law in recent memory.\u00a0 That state law resulted in many minorities, students, elderly and lower income individuals being disenfranchised this past election.\u00a0 In Texas, then-Attorney General Greg Abbott pushed to immediately implement the most restrictive voter ID law in the country.\u00a0 A Federal judge found the restrictive Texas voter ID law to be an \u201cunconstitutional poll tax\u201d that could disenfranchise up to 600,000 voters, most of whom would be African Americans and Hispanics.\u00a0 Nevertheless, the Supreme Court allowed the law to be implemented for this past November\u2019s election.\u00a0 We must act in the new Congress to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act.\r\nReforming our nation\u2019s sentencing laws must also remain a high priority.\u00a0 The United States has a mass incarceration problem.\u00a0 Between 1970 and 2010, the number of people incarcerated grew by 700 percent.\u00a0 Although the United States has only five percent of the world\u2019s population, we incarcerate almost a quarter of its prisoners.\u00a0 This is largely driven by inflexible and unfair mandatory minimum sentences, which disproportionately impact communities of color.\u00a0 Our one-size-fits-all approach to sentencing has been a great mistake, and Congress must fix it.\u00a0 Our Smarter Sentencing Act would allow reductions in certain drug sentences by providing judges more discretion to determine an appropriate sentence.\u00a0\u00a0It is time to stop relying on decades-old policy that has been disproven and is simply unjust.\u00a0 The Judiciary Committee approved this legislation on a bipartisan basis this year, and I hope we can work together so that the full Senate can pass this legislation next year.\r\nRight now, Americans are having an important conversation about the loss of human life in communities across the country.\u00a0 A critical piece of this conversation is about the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color.\u00a0 We must reexamine the militarization of our law enforcement because while no one questions that law enforcement must maintain order, equipping police officers with the tools of war does nothing to repair a torn community.\u00a0 I have long worked to improve our civil asset forfeiture program, and I am confident both parties can work to address this in the new year.\r\nThe issue of privacy and our civil liberties is also in need of reform.\u00a0 The advancement of our civil rights includes the preservation of our civil liberties.\u00a0 Last summer, Americans learned for the first time that the government is secretly collecting the telephone records of innocent Americans \u2013 regardless of whether there is any connection whatsoever to terrorism or criminal activity.\u00a0 In response, I introduced the USA FREEDOM Act to end the indiscriminate bulk collection of our private records and enact much-needed reforms to the government\u2019s surveillance authorities.\u00a0 This bipartisan bill was supported by the Intelligence Community, privacy and civil liberties groups of all interests and viewpoints, the high-tech industry, and lawmakers across the political spectrum.\u00a0 I fought to advance the bill last month because it was of critical importance, both to preserve the civil liberties of our citizens but also to protect our national security.\u00a0 Despite its broad support, Senate Republicans would not even allow a debate to begin on our legislation, but I will continue to fight for these reforms in the new Congress.\r\nAs the 113th Congress comes to a close, it is essential to have this critical examination of the state of civil rights in this Nation and I thank Senator Durbin for chairing this important hearing.\u00a0 Bending the arc towards justice can oftentimes be very, very difficult.\u00a0 We know from our shared experience that we cannot be the Nation that we strive to be by setting the dial on autopilot and assuming that all will be well.\u00a0 Recently we have seen and experienced setbacks.\u00a0 We must, however, continue the fight by building bridges and proposing solutions.\u00a0 I will continue to do so in my role as a United States Senator and hope that other members of this body will as well.\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/leahy-speaks-on-release-of-senates-historic-report-on-torture", "Leahy Speaks On Release Of Senate’s Historic Report On Torture", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 9, 2014) \u2013 The summary of a thoroughly researched Congressional report on the Central Intelligence Agency\u2019s (CIA) use of torture during the Bush administration finally makes details of the program public to policymakers and all Americans who had previously been misled, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said in a lengthy floor speech on Tuesday.\r\nLeahy, who as chairman of the Judiciary Committee presided over several of the many hearings that collected dozens of hours of testimony on the legality and use of harsh interrogation techniques under the Bush administration, said the release of the executive summary of the Senate Intelligence Committee Study of the CIA\u2019s Detention and Interrogation Program \u201cdisproves CIA claims that the torture program was necessary to protect our nation and that it thwarted attacks.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-senate-consideration-of-trafficking-legislation", "Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Senate Consideration of Trafficking Legislation", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Senate Consideration of Trafficking Legislation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tI could not be a stronger supporter of efforts to prevent human trafficking. But we must offer comprehensive solutions that provide meaningful and reliable resources to support these survivors.\r\nJust this Congress, I have led the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act \u2013 widely recognized as this country\u2019s most important tool in combatting human trafficking. The law reasserted the United States as a global leader in fighting trafficking by strengthening tools available to prosecutors and providing services for victims, including those victims here at home.\u00a0\r\nThe Leahy-Crapo Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act also passed this Congress. \u00a0That bill expanded the availability of grants to support victims of human trafficking, as well as sexual assault and domestic violence.\r\nAnd now I am working to enact the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (S.2646). This bill authorizes the critical resources needed to provide shelter and services for the 1.6 million youth in this country who are homeless. Many of these young people are, or are at risk of becoming, victims of human trafficking.\r\nIt is time we put our money where our mouth is. We must reauthorize these existing programs that work. These children, whether in Vermont, Minnesota, or Texas, need a place to stay and be safe. And I will not leave these priorities behind for political reasons.\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-speaks-on-release-of-senates-historic-report-on-torture-", "Leahy Speaks On Release Of Senates Historic Report On Torture", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Speaks On Release Of Senate's Historic Report On Torture  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Our nation needed a full accounting of the CIA's treatment of detainees.  With this report, at last we have it.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 9, 2014)  The summary of a thoroughly researched Congressional report on the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) use of torture during the Bush administration finally makes details of the program public to policymakers and all Americans who had previously been misled, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said in a lengthy floor speech on Tuesday.\r\nLeahy, who as chairman of the Judiciary Committee presided over several of the many hearings that collected dozens of hours of testimony on the legality and use of harsh interrogation techniques under the Bush administration, said the release of the executive summary of the Senate Intelligence Committee Study of the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program disproves CIA claims that the torture program was necessary to protect our nation and that it thwarted attacks.\r\nThis program did not make us safer, Leahy said, adding: This should not come as a surprise. The Senate Judiciary Committee held numerous hearings on the Bush administration's interrogation policies and practices. What we heard time and again, from witness after witness, is that torture and other cruel treatment do not work.\r\nLeahy is a longtime advocate for government transparency and the accountability that it brings. Just yesterday he shepherded his bipartisan FOIA Improvement Act through the Senate based on the principle that Americans have the right to know what their government is doing. Earlier this year, he spoke in support of the Intelligence Committee releasing the summary of its report, noting that it provides critical Congressional oversight of a program that was not subject to such transparency when it was in use under President George W. Bush. In his floor statement, Leahy again praised Senator Feinstein for her work on the exhaustive report and on the summary that was released Tuesday.\r\nAs Americans, we cannot sweep our mistakes under the rug and pretend they did not happen, said Leahy. We must acknowledge our mistakes. We must learn from our mistakes. And in this case, we as Americans must and will do everything we can to ensure that our government never tortures again.\r\nSenator Leahy's full statement is below and available online.\r\n# # # # #\r\nStatement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Release of the Senate Intelligence Committee Report on the CIA's Torture Program December 9, 2014\r\nMore than a decade ago, the Central Intelligence Agency began detaining and torturing human beings in the name of the war on terrorism. Employees and contractors of the United States government  paid by taxpayer dollars  abused, degraded, and dehumanized people. They stripped them of their basic humanity. And they stripped America of its standing in the world as a leader in promoting and protecting human rights.\r\nPresident Obama banned torture and cruel treatment when he took office. But only now, as a result of the courage and conviction of Senator Feinstein and other members of the Intelligence Committee, and their staffs, do we have the full and public accounting of the CIA's actions that the American people deserve.\r\nThe decision to release this historic report has been difficult. But it was the right and moral thing to do. Releasing this report demonstrates that America is different. As Americans, we cannot sweep our mistakes under the rug and pretend they did not happen. We must acknowledge our mistakes. We must learn from our mistakes. And in this case, we as Americans must and will do everything we can to ensure that our government never tortures again.\r\nIn 2009, I called for a Commission of Inquiry to review the Bush administration's detention and interrogation program and other sweeping claims of executive power. I believed that, in order to restore America's moral leadership, we must acknowledge what was done in our name. Our nation needed a full accounting of the CIA's treatment of detainees. With this report, at last we have it.\r\nThis is not the first report to record and condemn the detention and interrogation policies and practices that were used during the Bush administration. But it is the first to fully chronicle the actions of the most secretive of government agencies: the Central Intelligence Agency.\r\nThis report finally lays bare the dark truth about the CIA's program. And that truth is far worse, far more brutal, than most Americans ever imagined. We all have seen the shocking pictures from Abu Ghraib, and we have read the cold, clinical descriptions of harsh or enhanced techniques written by Department of Justice attorneys to justify such treatment. This report makes clear one fundamental truth: the CIA tortured people  plain and simple. And no euphemistic description or legal obfuscation can hide that fact any longer.\r\nThe Intelligence Committee report shows that techniques like waterboarding and sleep deprivation were used in ways far more frequent, cruel, and physically harmful than previously known. It also shows that gross mismanagement at the CIA and a shocking indifference to human dignity led to horrendous treatment and conditions of confinement that went far beyond what had been approved. Senior CIA leadership did not even know that enhanced techniques were being used at one CIA detention facility. In one instance, a CIA prisoner died as a result  left shackled on a concrete floor in a dungeon room to die, likely of hypothermia.\r\nSo-called enhanced interrogation techniques were not just used on the worst of the worst, either. In some instances, the CIA did not even know who it was holding. CIA records show that at least 26 of the people detained by the CIA did not meet the CIA's own standard for detention. And some individuals subjected to enhanced techniques were determined not even to be members of Al Qaeda.\r\nMoreover, the CIA relied on contractors who had no experience as interrogators to develop this program. The CIA eventually outsourced all aspects of the program to the company these contractors set up  to the tune of 80 million taxpayer dollars. This was a program out of control, and this is yet another reason why Congress must exercise its oversight responsibilities.\r\nThis report also disproves CIA claims that the torture program was necessary to protect our nation and that it thwarted attacks. This program did not make us safer. As is laid out in meticulous detail in the report, the use of these techniques did not generate uniquely valuable intelligence. This report thoroughly repudiates each of the most commonly cited examples of plots thwarted and terrorists captured.\r\nThis should not come as a surprise. The Senate Judiciary Committee held numerous hearings on the Bush administration's interrogation policies and practices. What we heard time and again, from witness after witness, is that torture and other cruel treatment do not work.\r\nStill there are those who continue to argue, even in the face of overwhelming testimony and now hard evidence to the contrary, that this program thwarted attacks and saved lives. They defend the CIA's actions and argue that the report does not tell the full story.\r\nBut these are often the same people who participated in the rampant misrepresentations detailed in this report. The report shows that CIA officials consistently misled virtually everyone outside the Agency about what was actually going on, and about the results of CIA interrogations. That includes members of Congress, White House officials, and even Justice Department lawyers being asked to review the legality of CIA techniques.\r\nIn the coming weeks, as we head into a new Congress with new leadership, we will hear a lot about the need for oversight. This report and its revelations should be at the top of the list. So too should the unprecedented spying by the CIA on the congressional staff investigating this program, and the troubling pattern of intimidation that included the CIA referring its own congressional overseers to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution. This report and those actions show a CIA out of control, and it is incumbent upon Congress to hold the agency accountable.\r\nThe Judiciary Committee in particular needs to take a hard look at the role of the Department of Justice and its legal justifications for this program. Much ink has been spilled criticizing the OLC opinions written during the Bush administration by John Yoo, Jay Bybee, and Steven Bradbury. Those opinions sullied the reputation of that office and have been rightly repudiated. But this report also demonstrates that even those opinions were the result of key misrepresentations by the CIA about the seniority of the people subjected to these techniques, the implementation of the techniques, and the intelligence resulting from them. As an institution, we have a responsibility to examine the systemic failure that allowed this to happen  and to ensure that it does not happen again.\r\nThose who attack the credibility of this report are wrong. This report is not based on conjecture or theory or insinuation. Anyone who reads it can see that this careful, thorough report was meticulously researched and written. It is based on more than 6 million pages of CIA cables, emails, and other documents containing descriptions that CIA employees and contractors themselves recorded. Senator Feinstein and the other members of the Intelligence Committee who worked on this deserve our respect and appreciation.\r\nIntelligence Committee staffers, too, have dedicated years of their lives to this report. They have demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of enormous challenges. This past year, they were even threatened with criminal prosecution  simply for doing their jobs. But they would not be intimidated. They have served their country well. They have my deepest appreciation for bringing us this truly historic study. Their families, too, deserve our thanks.\r\nI am disappointed that those same honorable staffers had to spend so many months arguing with this White House about redactions to this report  a White House that is supposed to be dedicated to transparency. This report should have been issued months ago, and it still contains more redactions than it should. But I am gratified that we are finally able to shine light on this dark chapter. Among the many lessons we can take from this report is that Americans deserve more government transparency, and that it is essential to a strong democracy. Just yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill that significantly improves the Freedom of Information Act. Today's release of this report is another important victory for greater government transparency.\r\nTo those who argue that this report should not come out and who have tried to pressure and silence Senator Feinstein, let me be clear. The blame should be placed squarely where it belongs: on those who authorized and carried out a systematic program of torture and secret detention, in violation of domestic law, in violation of international law, and in violation of the principles on which this nation was founded.\r\nIn trying times, like those we faced after September 11, and those we face now, we look to our intelligence, military and law enforcement professionals to keep us safe. We are lucky to have so many talented individuals willing to take on that responsibility. But one of the lessons of this report is that we cannot become so blinded by fear that we are willing to sacrifice our own principles, laws, and humanity. No matter what, our enemies are human beings. And no matter how hardened and evil they are, no matter how repulsive their actions, no matter how horribly they have treated their own victims, we do not torture them. We do not join them on the dark side of history.\r\nGenerations of men and women have given their lives, and even endured torture themselves, in order to protect this nation. They did so not to protect our way of life, but to protect our principles. Our understanding of right and wrong. Of humanity and of evil. The shameful actions uncovered by this report dishonored those men and women, as well as the men and women who continue to put their lives at risk for this country.\r\nAmericans know that we are better than this and that we will never let this happen again. The world must know that too.\r\n# # # # #\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-and-cornyn-urge-senate-to-pass-foia-improvement-act-today", "Leahy & Cornyn Urge Senate To Pass FOIA Improvement Act TODAY", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.14\n\t\t\t Leahy & Cornyn Urge Senate To Pass FOIA Improvement Act TODAY \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Monday, December 8, 2014) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) urged Senators Monday to pass historic legislation that strengthens the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the nation's premier open government law.\r\nThe FOIA Improvement Act of 2014, which was approved unanimously by the Judiciary Committee last month, requires Federal agencies to operate under a presumption of openness when considering the release of government information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This is the same language the President laid out in his historic memorandum in 2009, and which is already being followed by government agencies. The Leahy-Cornyn bill would make this presumption a permanent fixture in FOIA. The legislation would not require the disclosure of information that is prohibited from being released, such as classified information.\r\nMaintaining an open government is fundamental to our democracy. The FOIA Improvement Act will help open the government to the 300 million Americans it serves by placing a statutory priority on openness and transparency, rather than allowing agencies simply to hide behind exemptions, Senator Leahy said. As a former prosecutor, I also understand the need for attorneys to do their work. Our legislation increases transparency while allowing government attorneys to do their job. The Senate must pass our legislation today so it can be sent over to the House and enacted this year.\r\nAn open and transparent government is the linchpin of American democracy, and the Senate should pass our bill without delay to improve this important law and promote greater accountability for the American people from their government, Senator Cornyn said.\r\nThe FOIA Improvement Act is supported by more than 70 groups that advocate for government transparency, as well as the Sunshine in Government Initiative. An outline of the FOIA Improvement Act can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online.\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-monday-night-passes-leahys-foia-improvement-act-", "Senate Monday Night Passes Leahys FOIA Improvement Act", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.14\n\t\t\t Senate Monday Night Passes Leahy's FOIA Improvement Act  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Leahy And Cornyn Call On House To Pass Legislation, Send It To The House For Signature This Week\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Monday, December 8, 2014) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) hailed the Senate's passage late Monday of historic legislation that strengthens the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the nation's premier open government law.\r\nThe FOIA Improvement Act of 2014, which was approved unanimously by the Judiciary Committee last month, requires Federal agencies to operate under a presumption of openness when considering the release of government information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This is the same language the President laid out in his historic memorandum in 2009, and which is already being followed by government agencies. The Leahy-Cornyn bill would make this presumption a permanent fixture in FOIA. The legislation would not require the disclosure of information that is prohibited from being released, such as classified information.\r\nMaintaining an open government is fundamental to our democracy. The FOIA Improvement Act will help open the government to all Americans by placing an emphasis on openness and transparency, rather than allowing agencies simply to hide behind exemptions, Leahy and Cornyn said in a joint statement.\r\nThe Senators added: With the Senate's action today, it is critical the House take up and pass the FOIA Improvement Act this week so it can be enacted this year.\r\nThe FOIA Improvement Act is supported by more than 70 groups that advocate for government transparency, as well as the Sunshine in Government Initiative. An outline of the FOIA Improvement Act can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online.\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-unanimous-consent-request-seeking-passage-of-s-2520-the-foia-improvement-act-of-2014-", "Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Unanimous Consent Request Seeking Passage of S. 2520 The FOIA Improvement Act of 2014", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.14\n\t\t\t Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Unanimous Consent Request Seeking Passage of S. 2520 The FOIA Improvement Act of 2014  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Freedom of Information Act is one of our Nation's most important laws. For nearly 50 years, FOIA has given Americans a way to access government information, ensuring their right to know what their government doing. Today, the Senate is poised to build on that important legacy with passage of the Leahy-Cornyn FOIA Improvement Act.\r\nThe FOIA Improvement Act will codify what the President laid out in his historic executive order in 2009. It will require Federal agencies to adopt a Presumption of Openness when considering the release of government information under FOIA. Prioritizing the people's interest in what their government is doing, our bill will reduce the overuse of exemptions to withhold information where there is no foreseeable harm. It will make information available for public inspection, and make frequently requested documents available online. It will provide the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), with additional independence and authority to carry out its work. I believe this legislation reaffirms the fundamental premise of FOIA, that government information belongs to all Americans.\r\nPassage of the FOIA Improvement Act will help open the government to the more than 300 million Americans it serves. The bill is supported by more than 70 public interest groups that advocate for government transparency. The Sunshine in Government Initiative said the Leahy-Cornyn bill strengthens government transparency by limiting the ability of agencies to hide decades old documents from the public. At the Judiciary Committee's business meeting to consider this legislation, which was reported to the full Senate with unanimous support, Ranking Member Grassley said the FOIA Improvement Act opens wide the curtains and provides more sunlight on the Federal government. Senator Cornyn, my partner for many years on government transparency, noted our bipartisan efforts to open up the government and make it more consumer and customer friendly. I thank both Senators for their work on this legislation.\r\nToday I ask for unanimous consent that the Senate pass S. 2520, the bipartisan FOIA Improvement Act of 2014. We often talk about the need for government transparency, and many also note how rare it is that Democrats and Republicans can come together on any legislation. Today, we have can accomplish both of those things but time is running out. We drafted this bill in a bipartisan fashion after a long and thoughtful process of consultation. It has broad support from a range of stakeholders. I urge all Senators to support passage of this legislation today, so it can be taken up by the House, and sent to the President to be signed into law before the end of this Congress.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-vermont-nets-250000-for-low-income-housing-improvements", "Leahy: Vermont Nets $250,000 For Low-Income Housing Improvements", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.14\n\t\t\t Leahy: Vermont Nets $250,000 For Low-Income Housing Improvements \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . NEK REAP Zone Status Helps To Propel VT To 2nd-Highest Awards In The Nation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t (THURSDAY, Dec. 4, 2014) \u2013 Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Thursday joined in announcing $250,000 in awards to four organizations across Vermont to improve housing conditions for low-income rural residents. \u00a0Two of the grants were given preference because of the Leahy-led Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone in Vermont\u2019s Northeast Kingdom -- a USDA Rural Development Designation recognizing the unique rural nature of a region that prioritizes the region\u2019s grant applications.\u00a0 Thanks in part to Vermont\u2019s REAP Zone status, Vermont received more than nearly every other state in this round of awards, second only to California. \u00a0\r\nLeahy said:\u00a0 \u201cThese are community-strengthening investments that will make a real difference to families in Vermont. \u00a0The NEK\u2019s REAP Zone continues to be a catalyst for investment in housing, infrastructure and economic growth in the region.\u201d\r\nUSDA Rural Development New Hampshire and Vermont State Director Ted Brady\u00a0said:\u00a0 \u201cThese USDA grants enable low-income homeowners to address major safety, health and weatherization concerns in their homes, reducing the likelihood that they\u2019ll lose their home or be forced to move. Vermont is fortunate that a provision of the 2014 Farm Bill authored by Senator Leahy gives organizations from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont preference in receiving these funds.\u201d\r\nLeahy was instrumental in securing the NEK REAP Zone in 2000 and won an extension of the designation in this year\u2019s Farm Bill.\u00a0 The NEK\u2019s REAP Zone status has been the key to securing ongoing investments in collaborative and citizen-led efforts to strengthen economic development.\u00a0 These latest grants were awarded through the USDA Rural Development\u2019s Housing Preservation Grant Program, which provides assistance to low-income homeowners to repair and rehabilitate their homes.\u00a0 The grants were part of $4.8 million released by the Housing Preservation Grant Program on Thursday.\u00a0\r\nThe grants were awarded to Northeast Employment and Training Organization, Vermont Center for Independent Living, Southeastern Vermont Community Action and Gilman Housing Trust, Inc. to make weatherization and efficiency improvements to more than 60 low-income homes.\r\nThe grants are listed below:\r\nVermont Center for Independent Living:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0$25,000\r\nSoutheastern Vermont Community Action: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0$25,000\r\nNortheast Employment and Training Organization: \u00a0 $100,000\r\nGilman Housing Trust, Inc.:\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0$100,000\r\n# # # # #\r\nPress Contact:\r\nDavid Carle 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-passage-of-hr-5108-to-establish-the-law-school-clinic-certification-program-of-the-united-states-patent-and-trademark-office", "Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On Passage of H.R. 5108, To Establish the Law School Clinic Certification Program of the United States Patent and Trademark Office", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.14\n\t\t\t Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On Passage of H.R. 5108, To Establish the Law School Clinic Certification Program of the United States Patent and Trademark Office \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tToday, the Senate has acted to ensure that law school students can gain valuable experience providing legal assistance to inventors before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).\u00a0 This legislation is a clear win-win:\u00a0 students will gain tangible, hands-on experience in a vital area of the law, and inventors and small businesses will receive valuable legal assistance with their patent and trademark applications.\u00a0 By promoting innovation and helping creators turn their inventions into reality, the American public benefits from the results.\r\nThe USPTO plays a key role in driving the engine of our economy.\u00a0 Close to 600,000 patent applications and 450,000 trademark class applications are filed with the Office each year.\u00a0 I am proud that Vermont routinely ranks among the most innovative States that have the highest patents per capita each year.\u00a0 By serving America\u2019s innovators, the USPTO helps Vermonters and citizens across the country build their businesses and bring their inventions to the global marketplace.\r\nThree years ago, Congress came together to pass the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act of 2011, the greatest transformation to our patent system in over 60 years.\u00a0 We worked for six years to pass this legislation to bring our patent system into the 21st Century.\u00a0 It helped simplify the process for patent approval, reduced backlogs at the USPTO, harmonized the U.S. patent system with the rest of the world, and improved patent quality.\r\nImportantly, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act also contained key provisions to help inventors when they appear before the USPTO; something this law school clinic legislation builds on today.\u00a0 Because of the America Invents Act, the USPTO now has four satellite offices around the country to make the Office more accessible to inventors and businesses.\u00a0 The USPTO\u2019s pro bono program is expanding nationwide to provide resources to individuals who appear before the Office without counsel.\u00a0 The Patent Ombudsman for Small Businesses provides patent filing support and services.\r\nThe Law School Clinic Certification Program established by this legislation expands the USPTO\u2019s strong efforts to support inventors and small businesses, while training our next generation of lawyers in how this important agency operates.\u00a0 After six years of a successful pilot program run by the USPTO, it is time to pass this legislation and make the program permanent.\u00a0 Representative Hakeem Jeffries should be congratulated for his work on this bill in the House. \u00a0I thank my fellow Senators for joining me in support of this sensible program and continuing our work to support innovators in our home States and across the Nation.\r\n####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-supporting-government-transparency-and-urging-passage-of_the-foia-improvement-act-of-2014-", "Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Supporting Government Transparency And Urging Passage of  The FOIA Improvement Act of 2014", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.14\n\t\t\t Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Supporting Government Transparency And Urging Passage of  The FOIA Improvement Act of 2014  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Freedom of Information Act is one of our Nation\u2019s most important laws. James Madison said the people \u201cmust arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.\u201d\u00a0 For nearly 50 years, FOIA has given Americans a way to access government information ensuring their right to know what their government doing. The FOIA Improvement Act advances this fundamental democratic principle.\u00a0 It is why I urge all Senators to support the FOIA Improvement Act of 2014, without delay.\r\nThis legislation builds on what the President laid out in his historic executive order in 2009 by requiring Federal agencies to adopt a \u201cPresumption of Openness\u201d when considering the release of government information under FOIA. Prioritizing the people\u2019s interest in what their government is doing, our bill will reduce the overuse of exemptions to withhold information where there is no foreseeable harm. It will make information available for public inspection and frequently requested documents available online.\u00a0 It will provide the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), with additional independence and authority to carry out its work. I believe this legislation reaffirms the fundamental premise of FOIA, that government information belongs to all Americans.\u00a0\r\nSupporting these commonsense reforms will help open the government to the 300 million Americans it serves. The bill is supported by more than 70 public interest groups that advocate for government transparency. The Sunshine in Government Initiative, said the Leahy-Cornyn bill \u201cstrengthens government transparency by limiting the ability of agencies to hide decades old documents from the public.\u201d At the Judiciary Committee\u2019s business meeting to consider this legislation, which was reported to the full Senate with unanimous support, Ranking Member Grassley said the FOIA Improvement Act \u201copens wide the curtains and provides more sunlight on the Federal government.\u201d Senator Cornyn, my partner for many years on government transparency, noted our bipartisan efforts \u201cto open up the government and make it more consumer and customer friendly.\u201d I thank both Senators for their work on this legislation.\r\nWe often talk about the need for government transparency, and many also note how rare it is that Democrats and Republicans can come together on any legislation. We have accomplished both with the FOIA Improvement Act. It was drafted in a bipartisan fashion after a long and thoughtful process of consultation. This week, we can pass this bill in the Senate and send it over to the House, where I am confident that it will pass, and send it to the President to sign before the end of the year. There is no reason to delay this legislation, which has broad support from a range of stakeholders, costs very little to implement and will improve access to government for all Americans.\u00a0 I urge the Senate to pass the FOIA Improvement Act now, without delay.\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-urging-passage-of-hr-1447-the-death-in-custody-reporting-act-of-2013", "Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Urging Passage of H.R. 1447, the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.14\n\t\t\t Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Urging Passage of H.R. 1447, the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tI have long worked to pass legislation to bring additional transparency and accountability to the government. I do so again today by calling on all Senators to support the Death in Custody Reporting Act, a bill that has moved multiple times through the Senate Judiciary Committee and should pass the Senate without further delay.\u00a0\r\nThis is about an open and fair government. The Death in Custody Reporting Act requires that local and Federal law enforcement officials report deaths that occur while people are held in their custody, including those that occur during arrest.\u00a0 Nothing more.\u00a0 Just yesterday the Wall Street Journal reported that hundreds of police-related deaths are unaccounted for in federal statistics.\u00a0 I ask that the article, \u201cHundreds of Police Killings Are Uncounted in Federal Stats,\u201d be made part of the record. The details of the article are unacceptable. \u00a0The Justice Department should have an opportunity to analyze the data and see what we can learn from it. And the American people deserve the same.\u00a0\r\nThis important opportunity for needed transparency comes at a time when many Americans are losing faith in our justice system.\u00a0 We are having an important conversation about the loss of human life in communities across the country.\u00a0 Here we have an opportunity to instill some measure of accountability, and hopefully begin to restore some measure of trust in these communities.\u00a0\r\nThis legislation, sponsored by Congressman Bobby Scott, overwhelmingly passed the House last year in a bipartisan vote. \u00a0We reported the bill out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in a similarly strong bipartisan vote, with Ranking Member Grassley speaking in strong support of the legislation.\u00a0 Currently, every single Senate Democrat is in support of its passage, but a handful of Senate Republicans are not yet convinced.\u00a0 It is my hope that they soon reconsider, and we can send this legislation to the President for signature without delay.\u00a0 The American people would expect as much.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/-comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-the-expiring-authorization-for-the-bulk-records-collection-program-under-section-215-of-fisa", "Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Expiring Authorization for the Bulk Records Collection Program Under Section 215 of FISA", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.14\n\t\t\t  Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Expiring Authorization for the Bulk Records Collection Program Under Section 215 of FISA \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[The current FISA court authorization for the government to engage in the bulk collection of phone records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act expires on Friday. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is the author of the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act of 2014, which would end this dragnet collection of Americans\u2019 phone records.] \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cLast month, Senate Republicans filibustered the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014, which would have ended the NSA\u2019s bulk collection of innocent Americans\u2019 phone records.\u00a0 While I am disappointed that Senate Republicans would not even let us debate the bill, I will continue to fight for strong reforms to government surveillance laws in order to protect the privacy of Vermonters and all Americans.\u00a0 The President can end the NSA\u2019s dragnet collection of Americans\u2019 phone records once and for all by not seeking reauthorization of this program by the FISA Court, and once again, I urge him to do just that.\u00a0 Doing so would not be a substitute for comprehensive surveillance reform legislation \u2013 but it would be an important first step.\u201d\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/able-act-co-authored-rep-welch-approved-house-strong-bipartisan-vote", "ABLE Act, co-authored by Rep. Welch, Approved by House on Strong Bipartisan Vote; Authorizes tax-free savings account for persons with disabilities", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last evening, the House approved legislation co-authored by Rep. Peter Welch that will allow persons with disabilities to open tax-free saving accounts to help pay for qualified expenses. Similar to college and health savings accounts, these new accounts can be used to cover basic needs like education, housing, transportation and health care. Opening such an account will not jeopardize an individual's eligibility for federal disability benefits. \nH.R. 647, the ABLE Act (Achieving a Better Life Experience), passed on a vote of 404 to 17.\nThis small change to the tax code will go a long way towards helping those with disabilities achieve financial independence, said Welch. It's a practical solution that will give peace of mind to parents who worry about how they will pay for the significant expenses of caring for a disabled child. I'm proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this common sense legislation that puts the tax code to work for disabled Americans.\nThe ABLE Act is life-changing for Vermonters with developmental disabilities and their families, who will now have a simple way to save for transportation and housing costs without losing essentials like health coverage, said Karen Schwartz, Executive Director of the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council. These families and the loved ones they care for, can now work and save towards a brighter future.\nEligibility for federal programs, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, can be jeopardized when a person with disabilities has a job or has money gifted to them because their savings can easily exceed the asset limits for those programs. The ABLE Act allows for a tax-free savings account of up to $100,000 to be used for medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation, and would not be counted towards the asset limits for those programs.\nSimilar legislation (S.313) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), and is cosponsored by Senators Leahy and Sanders.\n######", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/after-learning-speaker-boehners-secret-ingredient-turkey-brine-rep-welch", "After learning of Speaker Boehner's \"secret ingredient\" for turkey brine, Rep. Welch pays him a visit with a special delivery", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After learning of SpeakerBoehner's secret ingredient for turkey brine, Rep. Welch pays him a visit with a special delivery\nLaunches Instagramaccount(@PeterWelchVT) with video of visit\nOn Thanksgiving Day, Speaker John Boehner shared with the world Boehner's Turkey Brine'. According to the Speaker, the real secret is 16 ounces of pure maple syrup. This afternoon, Rep. Welch delivered to Boehner the world's best pure Vermont maple syrup to ensure his next turkey is the best ever.\nWatch Full Video on Facebook \nWatch Video on Instagram\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-lankford-welch-introduce-bipartisan-bill-help-community-financial", "Reps. Lankford, Welch Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Community Financial Institutions", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today proudly introduced H.R. 5786, the Small Financial Institutions Regulatory Relief Act of 2014. These simple, bipartisan reforms to certain Dodd-Frank regulations will provide much-needed relief for community financial institutions, who are sometimes the only accessto banking services in rural areas.\nI am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill that takes a first step to give our community financial institutions relief from some of Dodd-Frank's most onerous provisions, said Lankford.\nCommunity banks and credit unions know their customers personally because they live and work in their communities. They know the financial goals and obstacles their neighbors face and can offer the most personalized solutions, but new federal regulations prevent them from providing options to their customers.\nWhile we may differ in our overall approach and on the value of Dodd-Frank,Rep. Welch and I are happy to take steps in areas where we have common ground to ease the federal regulations preventing our community financial institutions from fully serving their customers.\nCommunity banks are in the business of lending money to the real economy by providing much-needed loans to American small businesses and families, said Rep. Welch. They do not engage in the casino-style financial trading that plunged the American economy into a deep recession and that Dodd-Frank was designed to prevent.\nI am proud to join with Rep. Lankford to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will provide common-sense regulatory relief to our community banks to allow them to better serve Main Street, concluded Welch.\nI look forward to consideration of this bill and welcome any opportunities to provide a reprieve from burdensome federal regulations to our community financial institutions, concluded Lankford.\nThe bill:\n \nProvides qualified mortgage safe harbor status for loans originated and held in portfolio for the life of the loan by banks with less than $10 billion in assets, including balloon mortgages. This addresses the ability to repay rule recently implemented by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which significantly increased the risk of litigation and regulatory burden on small financial institutions access to credit for families and businesses.\n \n \nExempts banks with assets below $10 billion from escrow requirements for loans held in portfolio. Current escrow requirements under Dodd-Frank make it too expensive and cumbersome for small financial institutions to originate loans for certain consumers.\n \n \nThis provision would direct the CFPB to provide exemptions or adjustments for servicers of 10,000 mortgage loans or fewer from Section 6 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). Section 6 of RESPA requires the disclosure to applicants relating to assignment, sale, or transfer of loan servicing.\n \n \nEliminates the requirement under Dodd-Frank that financial institutions mail annual privacy notices even when no change in policy has occurred. Financial institutions would still be required to notify their customers when they change their privacy policies.\n \n \nRaises the threshold under the Small Bank Holding Policy Statement (12 CFR 225, appendix C) from $500 million to $5 billion with the goal of easing capital requirements for small bank and thrift holding companies and allow them to downstream more capital to their banking subsidiaries.\n \n \nRequires that the Federal Reserve Board shall at all times have one member with experience working in or supervising community banks having less than $10 billion in assets.\n \n \nWould re-work the way the CFBP determines a bank to be in a rural or underserved area. The CFPB's Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule allows balloon loans made by small creditors that operate predominantly in rural or underserved areas to be qualified mortgages. The CFPB's regulatory definition of rural designates entire counties as either rural or non-rural, which can be too narrow.\n \nTo view a copy of the bill, please click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-sanders-welch-thursdays-final-extension-of-enrollment-deadline-for-new-dairy-insurance-program-will-further-help-vermont-farmers-weigh-their-options", "Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Thursdays Final Extension Of Enrollment Deadline For New Dairy Insurance Program Will Further Help Vermont Farmers Weigh Their Options", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.14\n\t\t\t Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Thursday's Final Extension Of Enrollment Deadline For New Dairy Insurance Program Will Further Help Vermont Farmers Weigh Their Options \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tVermont's congressional delegation  Sen. Patrick Leahy (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) and Rep. Peter Welch (D)  commended U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for announcing Thursday that the application deadline for the new dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) will be extended until Dec. 19, 2014.\r\nIn a joint statement, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said: This final extension is helpful to Vermont's dairy farmers as well as those across the country who may still be weighing their options with the new Margin Protection Program for Dairy. Many are looking at the latest market forecasts with dropping prices and are considering increasing their protection levels under the insurance program. For dairy farmers who have not yet contacted their local county USDA Farm Service Agency offices, now is the time to pick up the phone make an appointment or to just drop in. This is a small but important step to ensure coverage.\r\nLeahy, Sanders and Welch also encourage all dairy producers to go online to use the Web tool for MPP at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to find the best levels of coverage for their particular dairy operations. Farmers can simply enter their specific operation data and explore price projections and market scenarios to determine what levels of coverage is best for them. The tool also allows them to compare data to see how the program would have helped in previous years, such as 2008, when margins dropped from $8 to $3 in just three months. The online resource is on a secure website that can be accessed from computers, mobile phones or tablets, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.\r\nThey pointed out that farmers who do not sign up for MPP now for the 2015 calendar year will also miss out on the opportunity for a reduced premium rate for their first 4 million pounds of production for this initial year of the program's operation. The 25 percent reduction in the premium rates for margin levels of $4.50 to $7.50 for calendar year 2015 was a provision that Leahy was able to secure in the final days of negotiations on the 2014 Farm Bill, knowing that it would help Vermont's dairy farmers ease into the new program. After 2015 the premium rates for the first 4 million pounds enrolled in the program will rise by 25 percent to their statutory level, where they will remain for the life of the Farm Bill.\r\n# # # # #\r\nCONTACTS:\r\nDavid Carle (Leahy): 202-224-3693\r\nMichael Briggs (Sanders): 202-228-6492\r\nRyan Nickel (Welch): 202-225-4115\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-mexico-and-the-leahy-law", "Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Mexico And The Leahy Law", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.14\n\t\t\t Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Mexico And The Leahy Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u201cThere are two laws -- both of which I wrote and defend each year against attempts by some in Congress and the Pentagon to weaken them -- which tie a portion of our aid to foreign governments, and to Mexico specifically, on protection of human rights and punishment of those who violate human rights.\u00a0 The Mexican Army and police have a long history of violating human rights with impunity, and\u00a0no one in Congress has worked harder than I have to keep our aid to Mexico from going to those who commit such crimes.\u00a0 I will continue to do that.\u201d\r\n# # # # #\r\n[This is one of many cases involving Mexico where the Leahy Law could come into play.\u00a0 It is up to the State Department to implement the Leahy Law, and Senator Leahy hopes and expects that they will.] \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-committee-approves-nominee-to-lead-key-immigration-office", "Judiciary Committee Approves Nominee To Lead Key Immigration Office", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Committee Approves Nominee To Lead Key Immigration Office \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . Sarah Salda\u00f1a To Be Considered Next By Full Senate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Wednesday, December 3, 2014) \u2013 The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved the nomination of Sarah Salda\u00f1a to be Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, where she will lead the office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hailed the nominee and called on the Senate to quickly confirm her.\r\n\u201cMs. Salda\u00f1a has earned a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor. She has stated unequivocally that she will enforce the law, and we should move swiftly to confirm her,\u201d Leahy said.\u00a0\r\nICE has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since last year, and Salda\u00f1a\u2019s nomination to lead the office was approved on a 10-8 vote. Her nomination was also considered and approved last month by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, where she earned strong bipartisan support. Salda\u00f1a currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, a position to which she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2011.\r\nThree judicial nominees to fill vacancies in New York, North Carolina and Virginia were held over by Republicans at Thursday\u2019s meeting. Republicans also held over the nomination of Michael Botticelli to serve as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Results of the meeting can be found online.\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/vpr-house-passes-tax-credit-extension-welch-votes-no", "VPR: House Passes Tax Credit Extension, Welch Votes No", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Vermont Public Radio\nCongressman Peter Welch has voted against the extension of a package of tax credits for businesses and individuals. The $45 billion plan passed the House late yesterday. The vote was 370 to 46.\nThe legislation will allow dozens of credits to be used during the 2014 tax year. It includes deductions for NASCAR race track owners, college students, commuters, and some teachers. It also extends research and development tax credits for many businesses.\nWelch says there are elements of the bill that he supports, such as production tax credits for renewable energy sources and the construction of new energy efficient homes.\nBut he says he voted against the bill because it fails to address tax reform in a long term and comprehensive way.\n\"These temporary tax provisions are not a substitute for the tax reform that the American people really know we need, said Welch.\nThe measure now goes to the Senate and backers hope it will be voted on in the near future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-vermont-nets-100000-to-connect-schools-and-local-farms-", "Leahy: Vermont Nets $100,000 To Connect Schools And Local Farms", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.14\n\t\t\t Leahy: Vermont Nets $100,000 To Connect Schools And Local Farms  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . Leahy-Led Farm-To-School Programs Have Helped Make Vermont A National Pace-Setter\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t (TUESDAY, Dec. 2, 2014)  A farm-to-school program championed by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is investing $100,000 in bringing locally grown food to cafeteria tables and classrooms in Vermont. Leahy, who has led the national farm-to-school efforts in the Senate, commended VT FEED, a partnership of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-Vt.), and Shelburne Farms, which Tuesday received a federal grant to support farm-to-school initiatives across the Green Mountain State.\r\nLeahy said: Vermont has long been a pace-setter in the farm-to-school movement. By bringing local food to the cafeteria table and into the classroom, we improve nutrition, promote healthy eating choices, and help all children understand where their food comes from. It's a winning strategy for our farmers and our students and Vermont is proving how well this program works.\r\nLeahy championed the creation of the program in the child nutrition bill of 2010, the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, assuring $5 million a year for the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm-to-School program. Since the program began awarding grants two years ago, Vermont has received $291,712 in total grant funding, supporting more than 200 schools across the state that participate in the program. Leahy, the most senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrtion, and Forestry, is currently working on a reauthorization of the program ahead of consideration of child nutrition programs in the Senate next year.\r\nLeahy said this project will allow VT FEED to support and expand farm-to-school programs across the state and will help schools incorporate nutrition, farm, and hands-on-learning curriculum in their classrooms. Betsy Rosenbluth, Project Director for Vermont FEED and Northeast Regional Lead for theNational Farm to School Network said, Farm to School programs help create thriving local economies, healthier kids, stronger schools, and vibrant communities. VT FEED is proud to have helped over a third of Vermont schools develop groundbreaking programs. We are now thrilled to receive a USDA Farm to School Support Service grant to continue this great work and to also help spread those best practices throughout the Northeast.\r\nUSDA Tuesday also announced that the Northeast Regional Steering Committee of the Farm to School Network will receive a $50,000 grant that will enable a new convening of regional farm to school leaders working to improve access to local foods in regional schools. In partnership with the five other New England states and New York, VT FEED will be leading the Northeast Farm to School Leadership Summit, an integral part of the 2015 Northeast Farm to Institution Conference. The Summit will emphasize the importance of developing supply chain relationships and programming designed to connect eligible schools with local or regional farmers, food processors and manufacturers in order to serve local and regionally procured foods in school cafeterias.\r\nLeahy, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) wrote a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in April 2014 supporting the funding. The letter can be viewed here.\r\nThe Vermont grants are among 82 projects across 42 states to receive funding to connect local farmers with school cafeterias. USDA's Farm-to-School Grants help schools respond to the growing demand for locally sourced foods and increase market opportunities for producers and food businesses, including food processors, manufacturers and distributors. Grants will also be used to support agriculture and nutrition education efforts like school gardens, field trips to local farms, and cooking classes.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-judiciary-committee-to-hold-hearing-on-families-and-immigration-next-week", "Senate Judiciary Committee To Hold Hearing On Families & Immigration Next Week", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.14\n\t\t\t Senate Judiciary Committee To Hold Hearing On Families & Immigration Next Week \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Hearing Marks Continuation Of Committee's Focus On Family Unity\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 2, 2014)  Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced on Tuesday that the Committee will hold a hearing next week about the impact of the President's executive action on immigrant families and the need to keep children and their parents together. \r\nThe hearing follows up on the Committee's hearing last year entitled How Comprehensive Immigration Reform Should Address the Needs of Women and Families. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), an immigrant who came to the United States from Japan as a child, presided over last year's hearing and will again lead the discussion about family unity at next week's hearing, Leahy announced.\r\nFar too many hard-working immigrant families today live in fear. Fear of being torn apart -- of losing a mother, a father, a sister, a brother to deportation. Bringing stability and peace to those children and families was one of the things that most motivated me last year as we spent hours debating and marking up comprehensive immigration reform, said Leahy, who also delivered a floor statement Tuesday to announce the hearing. Senator Hirono has worked tirelessly to reform our broken system, and I am glad that she can lead our discussion about the President's recent announcement. Her unique personal experience gives her important insight into the impact these changes will have for real families.\r\nLeahy spoke last month on the Senate floor about the President's executive action to provide temporary relief for some immigrant families. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he also steered the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act through the Senate last year. The Committee held six hearings and debated the legislation for more than three weeks, considering over 200 amendments and reporting the legislation to the Senate on a bipartisan vote. The bill was approved by the full Senate on June 27 of last year, earning the support of 68 Democratic and Republican Senators.\r\nNext week's hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 10, at 2 p.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Astrid Silva, a young woman whose story the President highlighted during his announcement, will be among the witnesses testifying on the impact of the executive action for her family. Additional details will be announced in the coming days. Member statements, witness testimony, and a live webcast will be available online on December 10.\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/advisory-for-tomorrow-tues_judiciary-chairman-leahy-meets-with-atty-gen-nominee-loretta-lynch", "ADVISORY for TOMORROW (Tues.):  Judiciary Chairman Leahy Meets With Atty Gen. Nominee Loretta Lynch", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.14\n\t\t\t ADVISORY for TOMORROW (Tues.):  Judiciary Chairman Leahy Meets With Atty Gen. Nominee Loretta Lynch \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t********N E W S\u00a0\u00a0 A D V I S O R Y *********\r\nTOMORROW: SJC Chairman Leahy To Meet With AG Nominee Loretta Lynch\r\nSenate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) will meet with Loretta Lynch, President Obama\u2019s nominee to be the next Attorney General of the United States, TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 2, around 11 a.m. in Room S-126 in the Capitol.\u00a0 Photo-op at the top of the meeting, around 11 a.m.\u00a0 Camera pre-set at 10:50 a.m.\r\nContact: Jessica Brady, 202-224-7703, David Carle, 202-224-3693\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-and-cornyn-press-for-cia-to-retain-email-records", "Leahy & Cornyn Press For CIA To Retain Email Records", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.14\n\t\t\t Leahy & Cornyn Press For CIA To Retain Email Records \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t In Letter To National Archivist, Senators Call Email Access \u201cA Piece Of American History\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Monday, December 1, 2014) \u2013Responding to reports that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is seeking to adopt a new email retention policy that would allow the agency to purge thousands of emails from nearly all of its employees, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) are urging the archivist of the United States to reject the proposal that undermines oversight of the agency.\r\n\u201cWe are concerned that this policy would undermine the ability of citizens to understand how their government works and hold it accountable,\u201d Leahy and Cornyn wrote in a letter to David Ferriero, the Archivist of the United States.\u00a0 \u201cIn an era when critically important government activities and decisions are conducted via email, a plan to delete the majority of emails at any agency should raise great concern.\u201d\r\nThe National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) sets recordkeeping policies for federal agencies. The CIA is seeking approval with the independent agency to overhaul its email policy to allow all employees and contractors to purge their emails three years after they leave the agency, while the email accounts of the agency\u2019s top officials would become permanent documents. In their letter, Leahy and Cornyn noted that \u201cDue to the nature of the CIA\u2019s work, it is particularly important to evaluate carefully any changes to CIA recordkeeping policies.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe urge you to take these considerations into account as you consider whether to approve the new retention schedule for CIA employee email,\u201d the Senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cTo lose permanent access to the email of every CIA employee, except the 22 most senior officials at the agency is to lose access to a piece of American history.\u201d\r\nLeahy and Cornyn have long partnered on open government issues, and together have authored several bipartisan bills to make improvements to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).\u00a0 Last month, the Judiciary Committee unanimously approved their FOIA Improvement Act that would require Federal agencies to adopt a \u201cPresumption of Openness\u201d when considering the release of government information under FOIA.\r\nA copy of the Leahy-Cornyn letter to the national archivist can be found online and below.\r\n#####\r\nDecember 1, 2014\r\nThe Honorable David Ferriero\r\nArchivist of the United States\r\nThe National Archives and Records Administration   8601 Adelphi Road   College Park, MD 20740-6001\r\nDear Mr. Ferriero:\r\nWe write to express concern about a recent proposal to allow the destruction of the emails of most Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employees three years after they leave CIA employment, \u201cor when no longer needed, whichever is sooner.\u201d\u00a0 We understand that this policy would apply to all CIA employees except the 22 most senior officials of the agency.\r\nTransparency and accountability are critical to a functioning democracy.\u00a0 We have worked together for years to improve the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with the goal of making our government more open and transparent.\u00a0 We are concerned that this policy would undermine the ability of citizens to understand how their government works and hold it accountable.\u00a0 In an era when critically important government activities and decisions are conducted via email, a plan to delete the majority of emails at any agency should raise great concern.\r\nDue to the nature of the CIA\u2019s work, it is particularly important to evaluate carefully any changes to CIA recordkeeping policies.\u00a0 Many CIA activities are not declassified for years or even decades.\u00a0 Therefore, historians and other researchers, who rely on FOIA requests to learn about CIA programs and understand how the CIA\u2019s activities fit into the larger picture of U.S. foreign affairs, may not have any basis to make FOIA requests until decades after the activities at issue occurred.\u00a0 That is all the more reason why it is so important to maintain a permanent, full accounting of CIA activities.\u00a0\r\nWe also know that CIA personnel have in some instances deliberately destroyed records or other materials, suggesting that the National Archives must be particularly cautious in approving any policy permitting permanent destruction of CIA records.\u00a0 Further, this new policy could undermine congressional oversight efforts, as pointed out by the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in their letter dated November 17, 2014.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWe urge you to take these considerations into account as you consider whether to approve the new retention schedule for CIA employee email.\u00a0 To lose permanent access to the email of every CIA employee, except the 22 most senior officials at the agency, is to lose access to a piece of American history.\u00a0 Thank you for your consideration.\r\nSincerely, PATRICK LEAHY\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 JOHN CORNYN\r\nUnited States Senator\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Senator\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/deadline-looming-welch-urges-dairy-farmers-sign-new-dairy-insurance", "With Deadline Looming, Welch Urges Dairy Farmers To Sign Up For New Dairy Insurance Program", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This morning at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Williston office, Rep. Peter Welch, flanked by dairy farmers Eric and Jane Clifford, Vermont Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross, and Vermont Farm Service Agency Director Bob Paquin,renewed his call for farmers to enroll in a new federal dairy insurance program. This Friday, December 5, is the last day to enroll in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) being administered by the USDA.\nWelch and Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders fought to include the program in the new Farm bill signed into law this year.\n\"After a long fight in Congress, dairy farmers finally have a real safeguard against the booms and busts of the market, said Welch. I strongly encourage farmers to take a good hard look at this important program and sign up before Friday's deadline. While 2014 has been a good year, history tells us that milk prices can drop quickly and dramatically. This insurance program will give farmers peace of mind by insulating them from the punishing roller coaster ride of milk prices.\nMPP is the only federal safety net available for dairy farmers when milk prices fall, replacing the expired Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC).It will offer a revenue risk management tool for dairy producers when the difference between the price of milk and price of feed falls below coverage levels that farmers themselves choose.Farmers not enrolling by Friday will not have another opportunity to do so until July 2015.\nAn administrative fee of $100 is required to enroll and provides the minimum catastrophic level of protection against margin losses for the coming year. Additional coverage may be purchased to protect more of your margin.\nMPP information is available through:\n Local FSA offices throughout Vermont; \n The UVM Extension Service which can be reached at 802- 349-2966; and\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-chair-leahy-urges-visa-mastercard-to-recommit-their-efforts-to-address-illegal-activity-online", "Judiciary Chair Leahy Urges Visa, MasterCard To Recommit Their Efforts To Address Illegal Activity Online", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.25.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Chair Leahy Urges Visa, MasterCard To Recommit Their Efforts To Address Illegal Activity Online \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Tuesday, November 25, 2014) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is urging leading payment processors to prevent use of their payment networks by websites that are dedicated to online copyright infringement.\r\nWhile Visa and MasterCard both have policies prohibiting the use of their cards for illegal activities, a recent study released by the Digital Citizens Alliance and NetNames revealed that 29 of 30 leading websites known as cyberlockers, which exist to unlawfully store and disseminate infringing files around the world, rely on Visa and MasterCard to process payments. Leahy, who has long stressed the responsibility that all business have in minimizing the prevalence of websites dedicated to infringement, sent letters to Visa and MasterCard on Monday calling on them to step up their efforts.\r\nIn recent years, strides have been made to help reduce online infringementand payment processors have played a role in that progress. But more can and should be done, Leahy wrote in letters to Charles Scharf, Chief Executive Officer of Visa, and Ajaypal Banga, Chief Executive Office of MasterCard.\r\nThe cyberlockers listed in the NetNames report bear clear red flags of having no legitimate purpose or activity, Leahy added. I ask Visa to swiftly review the complaints against those cyberlockers and to ensure that payment processing services offered by Visa to those sites, or any others dedicated to infringing activity, cease. I also urge you to continue working with copyright owners to develop methods and practices for the efficient investigation of sites alleged to engage in infringement. Voluntary agreements, developed and refined over time between the relevant stakeholders, hold great promise for addressing the problem of infringement online.\r\nA copy of the letters can be found online.\r\n\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/of-the-departure-of-defense-secretary-hagel", "Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The President's Announcement Of The Departure Of Defense Secretary Hagel", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.24.14\n\t\t\t Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The President's Announcement Of The Departure Of Defense Secretary Hagel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"I thank Secretary Hagel for his decades of military and public service, and for his commitment to the American people and American values, at home and abroad.\r\n\"Having worked with Chuck in the Senate, as well as during his tenure leading the Defense Department, I know firsthand of his integrity, decency and tirelessness. He was the first former enlisted combat soldier to serve as defense secretary, and it was this experience that has been ever present in his work at the Pentagon. His vocal support for equal opportunity in our Armed Forces has been groundbreaking and has made a real difference. I advocated for the continued drawdown of our forces in Afghanistan, and I want to commend Chuck for his leadership on that and other difficult issues.\r\n\"I particularly appreciate his work on U.S. landmine policy, from supporting President Obama's ban on the use of anti-personnel mines outside Korea and beginning the destruction of our stockpile of mines outside Korea, to cosponsoring my 1997 legislation upon which these changes were based. This is a priority he and I share.\r\n\"Marcelle and I offer Chuck and Lilibet all best wishes for the future.\"\r\n# # # # #\r\n[Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is a senior member of the Defense Department's budget committee (Defense Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee), co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, and president pro tempore of the Senate.]\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-of-the-appropriations-subcommittee-on-state-foreign-operations-and-related-programs-on-the-ongoing-nuclear-negotiations-with-iran", "Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman Of The Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, And Related Programs, On The Ongoing Nuclear Negotiations With Iran", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.14\n\t\t\t Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman Of The Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, And Related Programs, On The Ongoing Nuclear Negotiations With Iran \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"I strongly support the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran and hope that a verifiable agreement that prevents Iran from developing a nuclear weapon can be reached by the November 24th deadline.\u00a0 I recognize that some of our allies in the region have voiced concerns about the process.\u00a0 I urge all parties to engage in a constructive dialogue, which is crucial for progress and for the integrity of any outcome.\u00a0 Over the past year there has been progress toward eliminating the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran, and any actions taken should not undermine that progress.\u00a0 I look forward to reviewing the outcome of the negotiations.\"\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-extends-satellite-tv-law-to-ensure-continued-coverage-for-viewers", "Senate Extends Satellite TV Law To Ensure Continued Coverage for Viewers", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.21.14\n\t\t\t Senate Extends Satellite TV Law To Ensure Continued Coverage for Viewers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (FRIDAY, November 21, 2014)  The Senate Thursday night approved bipartisan legislation shaped by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and others that will ensure that 1.5 million satellite TV subscribers in Vermont and across the country will continue to receive access to their current television content for the next five years. The legislation reauthorizes the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, a law known as STELA, that provides consumers access to distant broadcast television content by satellite. The legislation has also been approved in the House, and it now goes to the White House for signature. The current copyright authorization for STELA expires on December 31. The legislation approved today extends that authorization another five years and ensures that consumers in Vermont and across the country who cannot otherwise receive broadcast signals over-the-air will not lose access to their current television content.      Today the Senate has acted to ensure that 1.5 million Vermonters and Americans across the country will continue to receive satellite television programming at the end of the year, Leahy said. Sending this bill to the President shows the American people that Congress can come together in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion to pass legislation.\r\nThe bill was the product of four committees in the House and Senate, and includes key copyright provisions from the bill Leahy authored with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) that was unanimously approved by the Judiciary Committee in June. Leahy also chaired a Judiciary Committee hearing on STELA in March.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-committee-unanimously-approves-leahy-cornyn-foia-improvement-act", "Judiciary Committee Unanimously Approves Leahy-Cornyn FOIA Improvement Act", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Committee Unanimously Approves Leahy-Cornyn FOIA Improvement Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . Nine Judicial Nominees Also Approved At Thursday Business Meeting\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Thursday, November 20, 2014) -- The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday unanimously approved bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) that strengthens the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the nation's premier open government law.\r\nThe FOIA Improvement Act requires Federal agencies to adopt a Presumption of Openness when considering the release of government information under FOIA, and it aims to reduce the overuse of exemptions to withhold information from the public. The legislation also provides the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS), an office created by the Leahy-Cornyn OPEN Government Act in 2007 the authority and tools it needs to help mediate FOIA disputes, with additional independence and authority to carry out its work.\r\nThe Freedom of Information Act is one of our Nation's most important laws. It is about giving Americans greater access to their government and to hold government accountable, said Senator Leahy, who chaired a Judiciary Committee hearing in March on FOIA, where he outlined his concerns about the growing use of exemptions. It is up to us as Democrats and Republicans to work together to ensure that open government is a reality for the people we serve. I thank Senator Cornyn for his strong partnership on this issue, and I hope all Senators will support our legislation.\r\nLeahy urged the Senate to quickly take up and pass the FOIA Improvement Act, and send it to the House for approval so it can be signed into law before the end of the year. The bill is supported by more than 70 groups that advocate for government transparency, as well as the Sunshine in Government Initiative, and it marks the fourth collaboration between Leahy and Cornyn on legislation to support FOIA. The two joined together in 2007 on the OPEN Government Act, and in 2009 on the OPEN FOIA Act, which requires Congress to clearly state its intentions when providing statutory exemptions to FOIA in new legislation. In 2012, the two successfully steered to Senate passage of the Faster FOIA Act, to curb the growing backlogs of FOIA requests and reduce delays in granting requests.\r\nAn outline of the FOIA Improvement Act can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online.\r\nEight nominees to fill vacancies on our Federal district courts and one nominee to the U.S. Court of International Trade were also reported on Thursday.Those nominees now join 20 judicial nominees awaiting confirmation by the full Senate. There are currently 61 judicial vacancies throughout the country, and Leahy urged the Senate to approve the pending nominees who could fill some of those seats before the end of the year.\r\nResults and a webcast of Thursday's executive business meeting can be found online.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-reminds-congress-that-immigration-executive-action-is-no-substitute-for-legislation", "Leahy Reminds Congress That Immigration Executive Action Is No Substitute For Legislation", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Reminds Congress That Immigration Executive Action Is No Substitute For Legislation' \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . Cites 511 Days Of House Inaction\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, Nov. 20, 2014)  In a Senate floor statement Thursday, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said the President's expected action on immigration is necessary, but noted that the move is not a replacement for legislation like the bill he steered to passage in the Senate last year.\r\nThe Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill with a bipartisan vote last year, but the House has failed to take up that measure or any other to address the nation's broken immigration system. Leahy said the President's action will provide temporary relief to some of the nation's 11 million immigrants, but that it is no substitute for legislation.\r\nOur system will not fix itself, and it should be no surprise that the President has decided to use his authority to make our country safer, stronger, and more humane. If Republicans really, truly want congressional action on reforms, they can take action, right now, today, and simply allow a vote on the Senate-passed bill, Leahy said.\r\nAs chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Leahy steered the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act through the Senate last year. The Committee held six hearings and debated the legislation for more than three weeks, considering over 200 amendments and reporting the legislation to the Senate on a bipartisan vote. The bill was approved by the full Senate on June 27 of last year, earning the support of 68 Democratic and Republican Senators.\r\nLeahy has called on the House to take up and pass the Senate bill. He has also urged the administration to ensure the physical safety and due process rights of women and children seeking asylum in the United States. In his floor statement Thursday, Leahy reminded lawmakers of the very real consequences the nation's broken immigration system has on countless families.\r\nNext week, millions of families in this country will gather around a table to give thanks for the many blessings they have received, Leahy said. The President's actions will be counted among them for the millions of loved ones who worry that their mother, father or grandparent could be deported at any moment. The security that the President's action will give to these families is powerful and indispensable.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141127204654/http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/senator-leahy-and-senator-reid-on-the-usa-freedom-act-", "Senator Leahy and Senator Reid on the USA FREEDOM Act", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t   \t\n\t\t              \n              \n\t\t\t \n                    \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t        \n\t        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                    \n                    \t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                    \t\n                    \n    \n                \n                \n            \n                \n                    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n               Senate Republicans on Tuesday night blocked the Senate from even debating widely supported legislation to reform the nation\u2019s surveillance laws and protect Americans\u2019 privacy rights, the USA FREEDOM Act.\u00a0 Sen. Leahy and Sen. Reid Wednesday spoke about the vote on the Senate Floor.\n               \n\t\t\t\t \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n               \t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n        \t\n        \t\n        \n            \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n            \n                \n                     \n                      \n                        Video\n                        Audio\n                        Photos", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leahy-sanders-welch-encourage-vermont-dairy-farmers-enroll-new-dairy", "Leahy, Sanders, Welch Encourage Vermont Dairy Farmers To Enroll In New Dairy Safety Net Program", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We want to get this message to every Vermont dairy farmer as quickly as possible, because the deadline for taking advantage of the new dairy safety net program is just around the corner.    We are encouraging every Vermont dairy farmer to consider participating in the new Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy that we worked to include as a part of the 2014 Farm Bill. With the end of the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program, MPP is now the only federal safety net available for dairy farmers when milk prices fall. It will offer a revenue risk management tool for dairy producers when the difference between the price of milk and price of feed falls below coverage levels that farmers themselves choose. While the MPP is not as effortless to use as MILC, it can provide much better protection for all of Vermont's dairy farms. We specifically worked to help design this program to be simple to use and to offer advantages to all dairy producers regardless of management style or business model.    The deadline to enroll in MPP is now just a few short weeks away, December 5, 2014. If dairy farmers do not sign up for protection by the upcoming deadline, they will not be able to sign up to receive any revenue risk protection until 2016. While the dairy industry has had a good year in 2014, we all know that the only thing constant for dairy prices is change. We are concerned that these good times may not continue and that is why this program was created, to help insure and protect against those challenging times. It is our hope that every Vermont dairy farmer will do themselves a favor by learning more about the program at your local county FSA or extension offices, ask your cooperative about the program, or get online and use the MPP decision tool. An administrative fee of $100 is required to enroll and provides the minimum catastrophic level of protection against margin losses for the coming year and additional coverage may be purchased to protect more of your margin. You owe it to yourself to learn more about this valuable new program and how it can help your operation.    Information about MPP is available from the following resources:\nYour local FSA office. County staff are well-informed and ready to sign you up.\n UVM Extension Service. They are working with FSA to reach out to farmers with information about MPP. Contact 802- 349-2966. \n Online, information is available at: www.fsa.usda.gov. There, you will find a fact sheet about MPP, and web-based tool to help you determine your level  of coverage. \nAs always, if we can be of assistance to you, do not hesitate to contact our offices.    We hope every Vermont dairy farm will consider MPP to be an important resource for your operation and consider enrolling within the coming weeks. We wish you all the best.\n  Senator Patrick Leahy\nSenator Bernie Sanders\nCongressman Peter Welch", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-committee-on-the-judiciary-on-record-breaking-fraud-enforcement-penalties-in-2014", "Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Committee On The Judiciary, On Record-Breaking Fraud Enforcement Penalties In 2014", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.14\n\t\t\t Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Committee On The Judiciary, On Record-Breaking Fraud Enforcement Penalties In 2014 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) commented Thursday on news that the Department of Justice has recovered a record-breaking $24 billion in settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act and similar laws in 2014. Much of these penalties were paid by financial institutions, including Citibank and JPMorgan, for their roles in the mortgage and financial crisis that began in 2008. Senator Leahy is the author of the Fraud Enforcement Recovery Act, a law that strengthens tools and increase resources available to federal prosecutors to find, prosecute and jail those who commit financial fraud, which was signed into law in 2009. Last Congress the Judiciary Committee also overwhelmingly supported the bipartisan Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act, a bill coauthored by Senator Leahy and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) that would responsibly reinvest a small portion of money collected from fraud cases back into fraud enforcement at no expense to taxpayers.]\r\n\r\nThis is a win for taxpayers, for law enforcement, and for accountability. The Justice Department should be commended for its record-breaking recovery of nearly $24 billion in civil and criminal penalties for fraud against the government and the American people, and particularly those families who suffered financial hardship as a result of the 2008 economic crisis. Many of these cases were brought under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act  a critical tool I have long supported which fights waste, fraud and abuse. Congress can and should do more to ensure that law enforcement can prosecute these crimes. We can do that by coming together to support the bipartisan Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act, a bill I have previously coauthored with Senator Grassley that would responsibly reinvest a small portion of money collected from fraud cases back into fraud enforcement at no expense to taxpayers. I look forward to continuing my work with Senator Grassley on the Judiciary Committee on this important issue.\r\n\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/danville-vermont-post-office_-named-after-thaddeus-stevens", "Danville, Vermont Post Office   Named After Thaddeus Stevens", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, Nov. 19  Vermont's congressional delegation today announced that Congress has passed a measure that will rename the post office in Danville after Thaddeus Stevens. The Vermont native led efforts in the Civil War-era to pass a constitutional amendment to abolish slavery in the United States.The legislation will be sent to the president.\r\nThe Academy Award winning movie Lincoln provided a fresh look at Stevens' role in fighting for the passage of the 13th Amendment to end slavery. Stevens is also credited with shepherding the 14th and 15th Amendments through Congress in the wake of the Civil War.\r\nThaddeus Stevens was adamant and unrelenting in pursuing bold legislation that would fulfill his belief in equality and social justice. He was a true Vermont hero and someone that we should all learn more about, the delegation said in a joint statement.\r\nStevens was born in Danville in 1792. He was elected to Congress seven times after moving to Pennsylvania, serving until his death in 1868. As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Stevens was one of the most powerful members of Congress during this period.\r\nTo honor Stevens and help Vermonters learn about his legacy, the Senate passed the legislation, introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and sponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), in August 2013. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led efforts to have the House pass the Senate legislation on a voice vote Monday afternoon. The bill, which renames Danville's post office as the Thaddeus Stevens Post Office, will now be sent to the White House.\r\nStevens faced a series of challenges as a child. He was born with a club foot, which made it difficult to walk. Stevens' own disability helped mold his passionate advocacy for those in need. As one of four children raised primarily by their mother, Stevens' family struggled with poverty. His mother fought to make sure her children had a chance to obtain a good education and, in 1807, the future congressman's mother moved from Danville to Peacham so her children could attend Caledonia County Grammar School, also known as Peacham Academy.\r\nAfter moving to Pennsylvania, Stevens fought for a public education system in the state Legislature. His dedication to free public education can be traced back to the importance his mother placed on his own education as a way to rise from poverty.\r\nStevens was a man whose views were far ahead of his time. Just a few years after the end of slavery, and at a time when America was rigidly segregated by race, Stevens choose to be buried in an integrated cemetery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.\r\nThe epitaph he composed for his tombstone speaks eloquently about his life-long commitment to social justice: I repose in this quiet and secluded spot, not from any natural preference for solitude, but finding other cemeteries limited by charter rules as to race, I have chosen this that I might illustrate in my death the principles which I advocated through a long life, equality of man before his Creator.\r\n##", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-sanders-welch-encourage-vermont-dairy-farmers-to-enroll-in-new-dairy-safety-program", "Leahy, Sanders, Welch Encourage Vermont Dairy Farmers To Enroll In New Dairy Safety Program", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.14\n\t\t\t Leahy, Sanders, Welch Encourage Vermont Dairy Farmers To Enroll In New Dairy Safety Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWe want to get this message to every Vermont dairy farmer as quickly as possible, because the deadline for taking advantage of the new dairy safety net program is just around the corner.      We are encouraging every Vermont dairy farmer to consider participating in the new Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy that we worked to include as a part of the 2014 Farm Bill. With the end of the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program, MPP is now the only federal safety net available for dairy farmers when milk prices fall. It will offer a revenue risk management tool for dairy producers when the difference between the price of milk and price of feed falls below coverage levels that farmers themselves choose. While the MPP is not as effortless to use as MILC, it can provide much better protection for all of Vermont's dairy farms. We specifically worked to help design this program to be simple to use and to offer advantages to all dairy producers regardless of management style or business model.      The deadline to enroll in MPP is now just a few short weeks away, December 5, 2014. If dairy farmers do not sign up for protection by the upcoming deadline, they will not be able to sign up to receive any revenue risk protection until 2016. While the dairy industry has had a good year in 2014, we all know that the only thing constant for dairy prices is change. We are concerned that these good times may not continue and that is why this program was created, to help insure and protect against those challenging times. It is our hope that every Vermont dairy farmer will do themselves a favor by learning more about the program at your local county FSA or extension offices, ask your cooperative about the program, or get online and use the MPP decision tool. An administrative fee of $100 is required to enroll and provides the minimum catastrophic level of protection against margin losses for the coming year and additional coverage may be purchased to protect more of your margin. You owe it to yourself to learn more about this valuable new program and how it can help your operation.      Information about MPP is available from the following resources:\r\n \r\nYour local FSA office. County staff are well-informed and ready to sign you up.\r\n \r\n \r\nUVM Extension Service. They are working with FSA to reach out to farmers with information about MPP. Contact 802- 349-2966.\r\nOnline, information is available at: www.fsa.usda.gov. There, you will find a fact sheet about MPP, and web-based tool to help you determine your level of coverage.\r\n \r\n   As always, if we can be of assistance to you, do not hesitate to contact our offices.      We hope every Vermont dairy farm will consider MPP to be an important resource for your operation and consider enrolling within the coming weeks. We wish you all the best.      Senator Patrick Leahy\r\nSenator Bernie Sanders\r\nCongressman Peter Welch\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/services/online-chats/ludlow-", "Ludlow Elementary School", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.19.14\n\t\t\t Ludlow Elementary School \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOn November 19, Senator Leahy held an online chat with 12 students from Ludlow Elementary School's 6th grade classroom. The Senator enjoyed answering the students' challenging questions related to immigration policy, the recent midterm elections and the ways that Democrats and Republicans can work together to solve the nation's problems. He enjoyed telling the students the story of when he brought batman to visit the Kellogg Hubbard Library in Montpelier.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-the-usa-freedom-act-of-2014", "Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the USA FREEDOM ACT of 2014", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.14\n\t\t\t Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the USA FREEDOM ACT of 2014 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIt has been more than a year since Americans first learned that the government had been secretly sweeping up the telephone records of innocent Americans \u2013 regardless of whether there was any connection whatsoever to terrorism or criminal activity.\u00a0 I introduced the original USA FREEDOM Act last October with Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, and the Judiciary Committee held six public hearings to address these issues.\u00a0\r\nDuring those hearings, we learned that the bulk phone records collection program had not \u2013 as previously advertised \u2013 thwarted 54 terrorist plots, or even dozens, or even a few.\u00a0 In fact, we learned through our public hearings that the number was maybe one.\u00a0 That is an important fact for those who now argue that the NSA\u2019s bulk phone records program is somehow essential to our fight against ISIL or other terrorists.\u00a0 Our bill enhances privacy protections and ends indiscriminate data collection by the NSA, but also preserves the essential tools necessary for our intelligence community to protect our nation.\u00a0 That is the simple truth that cannot be obfuscated by scare tactics.\u00a0\r\nAs someone who worked in law enforcement, and as a native of Vermont where the right to privacy is cherished, I know that we can have both liberty and security.\u00a0 The USA FREEDOM Act provides for commonsense reforms to government surveillance, and promotes greater accountability and transparency of the government\u2019s surveillance programs, and it improves the FISA Court.\r\nThis is a carefully crafted bill that builds on the work of the House of Representatives, and has the unprecedented support of the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, the Director of the NSA, American technology companies, and privacy and civil liberties groups across the political spectrum \u2013 ranging from the ACLU and EFF to the NRA and TechFreedom.\u00a0 Lawmakers from all parts of the political spectrum \u2013 from the right to left \u2013 support this bill because they know it is a reasonable and responsible compromise.\u00a0 There is no reason why we should not proceed to a debate on this important bill.\r\nI understand that some members want votes on a whole host of issues in the waning hours of this Congress. \u00a0Senator Wyden has an amendment that relates directly to the bill \u2013 and I will support his right to offer that amendment.\u00a0 But time is short, and we cannot get bogged down in unnecessary procedural votes and debate about unrelated amendments.\u00a0 Senators should allow us to get onto this bill and help us reach an agreement on a limited list of germane amendments to be considered.\u00a0 If we work together, we can finish the bill by the end of the week.\u00a0\r\nWe cannot afford to delay action on these reforms until next year. As the ACLU and the NRA pointed out yesterday in a joint op-ed in The Washington Times, \u201cevery day that the Senate fails to vote on these reforms is a day in which law-abiding citizens have reason to fear that the constitutional protections so dear to the Founders and so crucial to the functioning of a free society no longer apply.\u201d\r\nEvery day that we fail to act is another day that American businesses are harmed.\u00a0 One conservative think tank estimated that the \u201cmistrust engendered by the NSA\u2019s programs could cost the U.S. technology industry between $35 billion and $180 billion over the next three years.\u201d\u00a0 That is a staggering figure.\r\nSenators should listen to the intelligence community professionals who protect our nation every day, and who are calling for swift passage of this bill.\u00a0 Ask the Director of National Intelligence.\u00a0 Ask the Attorney General.\u00a0 They will tell you that it is better for our national security, and better for our fight against terrorism if we pass the USA FREEDOM Act.\r\nThis is a reasonable compromise that all Senators should support, and I thank the Majority Leader for bringing this legislation to the floor.\u00a0 And I thank Senators Dean Heller, Mike Lee, Dick Durbin, Al Franken, and Richard Blumenthal for their steadfast work on this bill.\u00a0\r\nOur bill is good for privacy and civil liberties, and upholds our Constitution.\u00a0 It is good for American business.\u00a0 It is good for national security.\u00a0 And most importantly, it is the right thing to do on behalf of Vermonters and the rest of the American people. \u00a0I urge all Senators to vote in favor of the cloture motion pending before us.\r\nI ask unanimous consent that the Statement of Administration Policy in support of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 be printed in the Record.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141127204746/http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/leahy-takes-to-senate-floor-in-strong-opposition-of-keystone-xl-pipeline", "Leahy Takes To Senate Floor In Strong Opposition of Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t   \t\n\t\t              \n              \n\t\t\t \n                    \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t        \n\t        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                    \n                    \t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                    \t\n                    \n    \n                \n                \n            \n                \n                    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n               Senate Republicans on Tuesday night blocked the Senate from even debating widely supported legislation to reform the nation\u2019s surveillance laws and protect Americans\u2019 privacy rights, the USA FREEDOM Act.\u00a0 Sen. Leahy and Sen. Reid Wednesday spoke about the vote on the Senate Floor.\n               \n\t\t\t\t \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n               \t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n        \t\n        \t\n        \n            \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n            \n                \n                     \n                      \n                        Video\n                        Audio\n                        Photos", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141127204801/http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/leahy-on-senate-floor-calls-on-senators-to-protect-americans-privacy-rights-", "Leahy On Senate Floor Calls On Senators To Protect Americans’ Privacy Rights", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t   \t\n\t\t              \n              \n\t\t\t \n                    \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t        \n\t        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                    \n                    \t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                    \t\n                    \n    \n                \n                \n            \n                \n                    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n               Senate Republicans on Tuesday night blocked the Senate from even debating widely supported legislation to reform the nation\u2019s surveillance laws and protect Americans\u2019 privacy rights, the USA FREEDOM Act.\u00a0 Sen. Leahy and Sen. Reid Wednesday spoke about the vote on the Senate Floor.\n               \n\t\t\t\t \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n               \t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n        \t\n        \t\n        \n            \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n            \n                \n                     \n                      \n                        Video\n                        Audio\n                        Photos", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-calls-on-senators-to-protect-americans-privacy-rights-and-support-nsa-reform", "Leahy Calls On Senators To Protect Americans Privacy Rights & Support NSA Reform", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Calls On Senators To Protect Americans' Privacy Rights & Support NSA Reform \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)  Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) urged Senators to take up and pass the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014, which faces a critical procedural vote Tuesday night.\r\nLeahy introduced the bipartisan legislation in July, after the Judiciary Committee had six public hearings on the nation's surveillance authorities. Ahead of Tuesday night's procedural vote, editorials in the Washington Post and the New York Times each called on the Senate to act before the end of the year.\r\nIn a floor statement Tuesday, Leahy said that We cannot afford to delay action on these reforms any longer, as the American people continue to demand stronger protections for their privacy.\r\nSome would rather use scare tactics than legislate, Leahy said. Some would have us wait while American businesses continue to lose tens of billions of dollars in the international marketplace. Or we could even wait until we are facing down the expiration of Section 215 in a matter of months, thereby creating dangerous uncertainty and risk for the intelligence community. The American people have had enough delay; they want action and real reform.\r\nAn outline of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online. A list of supporters of the legislation can also be found online.\r\n# # # # #\r\nStatement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the USA FREEDOM ACT of 2014 Senate Floor November 18, 2014\r\nThis week, the Senate has the opportunity to demonstrate that we can work in a constructive, bipartisan way to defend the privacy rights and civil liberties of innocent Americans, while protecting our national security. The Senate should take up and pass the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 without further delay.\r\nLast year, Americans learned that Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act had been secretly interpreted for years to authorize the bulk collection of their telephone records. This disclosure led to numerous congressional hearings, including six public hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee. And at least two panels of independent experts have concluded that the bulk collection program has not been essential to keeping our country safe.\r\nWe now have wide, bipartisan agreement in both the Senate and the House that the bulk phone records collection program is not essential, that it violates Americans' privacy, and that it needs to end. So the question before Congress is not whether to end the bulk collection of Americans' phone records, but when and how.\r\nThe USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 ends the NSA's bulk collection program, but does so responsibly. The bill contains key reforms to safeguard Americans' privacy by prohibiting the indiscriminate collection of their data. It also provides for greater accountability and transparency of the government's surveillance programs, and it improves the FISA Court. The bill also ensures that the intelligence community has the tools it needs to keep our country safe.\r\nThese reforms were the product of several months of intense discussions and deliberations with the intelligence community and stakeholders from every perspective. It has the unprecedented support of the Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, American technology companies, and privacy and civil liberties groups across the political spectrum  ranging from the ACLU and EFF to the NRA and TechFreedom. The Director of the NSA and lawmakers from all parts of the political spectrum  from the right to left  support this bill because they know it is a reasonable and responsible compromise.\r\nWe cannot afford to delay action on these reforms any longer, as the American people continue to demand stronger protections for their privacy. Unfortunately, some would rather use scare tactics than legislate. Some would have us wait while American businesses continue to lose tens of billions of dollars in the international marketplace. Or we could even wait until we are facing down the expiration of Section 215 in a matter of months, thereby creating dangerous uncertainty and risk for the intelligence community.\r\nThe American people have had enough delay; they want action and real reform. It is time to get back to work, to show leadership, and to govern this country responsibly. The USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 is an opportunity to do just that.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/reaction-of-senator-patrick-leahy_to-senate-defeat-of-the-keystone-xl-pipeline-bill-tuesday-night", "Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy  To Senate Defeat Of The Keystone XL Pipeline Bill Tuesday Night", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.14\n\t\t\t Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy  To Senate Defeat Of The Keystone XL Pipeline Bill Tuesday Night \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Senate has narrowly avoided a wrong turn that would have reflected the energy policy of the past.\r\nI hope this will help open the door to a constructive debate about energy policy. We need to continue to promote a cleaner energy future. For our national interest, for our economic vitality, and for cleaner air to counter climate change, America needs renewable energy sources and greater efficiencies and the new jobs that go with them.\r\n# # # # #\r\n[Leahy voted no on the bill and spoke against it in the Senate debate. The bill was defeated in a vote of 59 to 41, with 60 votes needed for passage.]\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-floor-statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-in-opposition-to-s2280-the-bill-to-approve-the-keystone-xl-pipeline", "Senate Floor Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) In Opposition To S.2280, The Bill To Approve The Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.14\n\t\t\t Senate Floor Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) In Opposition To S.2280, The Bill To Approve The Keystone XL Pipeline \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLater today, the Senate will vote on whether to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. I strongly oppose the fast-tracking of this process. This pipeline poses considerable safety and environmental risks here in the United States, and it threatens the natural landscapes that are in the heartland of America.\r\nThis pipeline is one of the most striking examples of how our unquenchable thirst for oil is destroying our environment. This destruction will continue until we move forward with the implementation of a comprehensive, national energy plan. The debate over the Keystone pipeline will not move us toward a sustainable energy future. Instead this pipeline ties us to an energy policy of the past, while simultaneously accelerating our impact on the climate. These tar sands require an energy-intensive process, rife with pollutions and harmful emissions, to get them out of the ground, extract them, and refine them.\r\nWe should not rubberstamp a project like this that poses such serious risks to the Nation's and the world's environment, and to our communities' safety. I am astounded by the fact that in its first year of operation, the existing Keystone Pipeline  which was billed as the safest pipeline in history when it was built in 2010  has spilled 12 times in its first year of operation. That is more than any other pipeline in U.S. history.\r\nThese spills are even more worrisome because the tar sands oil is so hard to clean up after a spill. Just ask the communities along the Kalamazoo River in Michigan, where it has cost more than $1 billion -- so far -- to clean up a tar sands spill in 2010. Now, more than four years later, it is still a mess, and landowners continue to wait for help to restore property damaged by the spill and to rebuild the ravaged pipeline.\r\nWe do not need more empty assurances from the oil industry. Before the Valdez spill in Alaska, Exxon executives told us their oil tankers were safe. We heard similar promises from BP, which insisted that it could handle an oil spill in a deep-water drilling operation. The images from both of those spills are still fresh in our memories.\r\nProponents argue that this pipeline will help our energy security here in the United States. But this tar sands oil is not headed to Americans' gas stations to help lower the price of gas here at home. No, TransCanada is bypassing the refineries in the Midwest and heading straight for the coast so this oil can be used in export markets, pumped on ships headed for China. That may be good news for the Chinese, but it is the American people who are stuck with the safety risks, health challenges, future environmental disasters and the rapid acceleration of our contribution to climate change.\r\nThese facts are clear: The Keystone pipeline significantly worsens the problem of carbon pollution, and it is not in our national interest. The Presidential Permit should be denied, not fast-tracked by Congress here today.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-republicans-block-historic-legislation_to-reform-nations-sweeping-surveillance-laws", "Senate Republicans Block Historic Legislation  To Reform Nations Sweeping Surveillance Laws", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.14\n\t\t\t Senate Republicans Block Historic Legislation  To Reform Nation's Sweeping Surveillance Laws \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Leahy: I am disappointed by tonight's vote, but I am not new to this fight\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)  Senate Republicans on Tuesday night blocked the Senate from even debating widely supported legislation to reform the nation's surveillance laws and protect Americans' privacy rights.\r\nThe USA FREEDOM Act of 2014, which is strongly supported by privacy advocates, technology leaders, and reformers from across the political spectrum, would usher in the most significant surveillance reforms since the USA PATRIOT Act was enacted in 2001. Key provisions in that law are set to expire next year, and intelligence leaders have been urging Congress to act now so that they can continue to perform their jobs while ensuring that Americans' civil liberties are protected.\r\nTonight, Senate Republicans have failed to answer the call of the American people who elected them, and all of us, to stand up and to work across the aisle. Once again, they reverted to scare tactics rather than to working productively to protect Americans' basic privacy rights and our national security, said Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who introduced the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act in July after convening six hearings on the nation's surveillance authorities.\r\nI am disappointed by tonight's vote, but I am not new to this fight, Leahy added. Over the past decade, I have consistently opposed extending USA PATRIOT Act and FISA Amendments Act sunsets without including meaningful reforms. I have fought the status quo every step of the way in these efforts, but the broad coalition we have built in favor of the USA FREEDOM Act shows that we are gaining ground.\r\nThe Senate voted 58-42 on Tuesday's procedural vote, earning a majority of support but not the 60 votes needed to break a Republican filibuster. While Tuesday's vote was not successful, it was the Senate's strongest showing of support for a major reform in recent years.\r\nThe USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 has a broad range of supporters. The Director of National Intelligence, the Attorney General, and the Administration have expressed support for the bill. Earlier this week, the nation's leading technology companies urged the Senate to take up and pass the legislation. And ahead of Tuesday night's procedural vote, editorials in the Washington Post and the New York Times each called on the Senate to act before the end of the year.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/supporters-amp-up-pressure-for-senate-to-take-up-and-pass-historic-nsa-reform-ahead-of-key-vote-tuesday", "Supporters Amp Up Pressure For Senate To Take Up & Pass Historic NSA Reform Ahead Of Key Vote Tuesday", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.14\n\t\t\t Supporters Amp Up Pressure For Senate To Take Up & Pass Historic NSA Reform Ahead Of Key Vote Tuesday \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Monday, November 17, 2014) \u2013 Supporters of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 continued urging Senators to take up and pass the legislation, which faces a critical procedural vote on Tuesday.\r\nAn unprecedented coalition of the nation\u2019s leading technology companies sent an open letter to the Senate on Monday declaring that \u201cNow is the time to move forward on meaningful change to our surveillance programs.\u201d The letter was signed by AOL, Apple, Dropbox, Evernote, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Twitter and Yahoo!.\r\nThe American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association joined together over the weekend in an op-ed appearing in the Washington Times, writing that \u201cWhile there is much the Senate shouldn\u2019t or needn\u2019t do during the \u201clame-duck\u201d session, the USA Freedom Act is badly needed legislation that has bipartisan support and will protect the rights of all Americans. The NRA and the ACLU, along with many members of Congress from both parties, support these reforms and they should be enacted, without weakening amendments, by the Senate and sent to the White House as soon as possible.\u201d\r\nMeanwhile, an editorial in Bloomberg View said passage of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 \u201cwould represent some substantial and unexpected progress in Washington.\u201d\r\nAnd on Friday, all five members of the President\u2019s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technology said the legislation \u201cis broadly consistent with the recommendations we made last year in our report on how to safeguard both liberty and security in a rapidly changing world.\u201d \u00a0The group appeared before the Judiciary Committee earlier this year to discuss their recommendations to reform the nation\u2019s broad surveillance laws, a number of which align with Leahy\u2019s bipartisan legislation.\u00a0\r\nSenate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is the author of the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act of 2014, which represents the most significant reform of government surveillance authorities since Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act in 2001. The House passed similar legislation reining in surveillance authorities in May, and the Senate bill authored by Leahy includes stronger protections supported by a range of stakeholders who are now urging Congress to act before the end of the year.\r\n\u201cSection 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act expires on June 1, and our intelligence officials are asking for operational certainty.\u00a0 Likewise, the American people are asking us to protect their privacy,\u201d Leahy said.\u00a0 \u201cIt is time to show the American people that Congress is about more than talking points, sound bites, and the next campaign.\u00a0 It is time to get back to work, and to pass the USA FREEDOM Act.\u201d\r\nAn outline of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online. \u00a0A list of supporters of the legislation can also be found online.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-applauds-senate-passage-monday-night-of-the-child-care-development-block-grant-act-of-2014", "Leahy Applauds Senate Passage Monday Night Of The Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 2014", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Applauds Senate Passage Monday Night Of The Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 2014 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (MONDAY, Nov. 17, 2014)  U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the following statement after the Senate gave its final approval to the Child Care Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG). The CCDBG serves as the primary federal grant program providing child care assistance for low-income families and child care initiatives. Vermont uses the block grants to assist low-income families gain access to quality child care and after school programs.\r\nIt is promising to see such strong bipartisan support behind reauthorization of the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. Congress has been unable to authorize a child care spending bill for nearly two decades, and I hope that today's action results in bipartisan momentum in support these critical human service programs. I am encouraged by the emphasis this reauthorization places on safe, high quality care, by implementing new safety requirements for day care providers so that families can remain confident that their child is able to succeed in a dependable environment. Vermont is leading the way in caring for our youngest children and this bill will surely strengthen Vermonters' ability to take advantage of all child care programs, regardless of their cost.\r\n#####\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/2015-health-care-open-enrollment_-november-15-2014--february-15-2015", "2015 Health Care Open Enrollment - November 15, 2014  February 15, 2015", "2014-11-15", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.14\n\t\t\t 2015 Health Care Open Enrollment - November 15, 2014  February 15, 2015 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t If you would like your health care coverage to start January 1, 2015, you must sign up by December 15\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t For Vermonters already enrolled in Vermont Health Connect:\r\n \r\nIf you have changes to your information (income, employment, personal), you must complete this form and mail to: VERMONT HEALTH CONNECT, 103 SOUTH MAIN STREET, WATERBURY, VT 05671-8100.\r\n \r\n \r\nYou may visit Vermont Health Connect at any time to estimate your premium tax credit and browse new plans.\r\n \r\n \r\nUseful information on the Affordable Care Act Tax Provisions can be found here.\r\n \r\nFor Vermonters signing up for the first time:\r\n \r\nIf this is your first time using the health care exchange to sign up for coverage, visit Vermont Health Connect to browse plans, calculate your premium tax credit, and to get covered.\r\n \r\n \r\nUseful information on the Affordable Care Act Tax Provisions can be found here.\r\n \r\nAre you covered by Medicaid?\r\n \r\nIf you already have Medicaid, you will be contacted by the State when it is time for your annual renewal.\r\nIf you enrolled your child in Dr. Dynasaur through Vermont Health Connect, his or her plan will be renewed during Open Enrollment.\r\nTo see if you qualify for Medicaid, visit Vermont Health Connect to use the subsidy estimator. http://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/Subsidy_Estimator\r\nIf you qualify for Medicaid, sign up for coverage through Vermont Health Connect.\r\n \r\nNeed help signing up for Medicare?\r\n \r\nContact a Caseworker in Senator Leahy's office for assistance Ph: 802-863-2525; Toll Free:800-642-3193\r\n \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/further-comments-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-fairpoint-labor-impasse-", "Further Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The FairPoint Labor Impasse", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.14\n\t\t\t Further Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The FairPoint Labor Impasse  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tI am encouraged to see that FairPoint, IBEW, and CWA have responded positively to the meeting requested by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS), scheduled to convene in Boston on November 18.\u00a0 Hopefully the exploratory nature of this meeting, as part of the FMCS process, will present an opportunity for the parties to re-engage in dialogue.\r\nThousands of Vermonters and customers throughout New England rely on FairPoint for their businesses, residential, and emergency services.\u00a0 Customers, workers, friends, and neighbors are affected by this standoff.\u00a0 A lengthy impasse benefits no one.\r\nIn our tradition of acknowledging our differences and working to resolve our problems in a respectful manner, I am pleased to see the parties have agreed to meet in Boston.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-statement-on-presidents-3-billion-climate-change-pledge-friday-november-14-2014", "Leahy Statement on President’s $3 Billion Climate Change Pledge Friday, November 14, 2014", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Statement on President\u2019s $3 Billion Climate Change Pledge Friday, November 14, 2014 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (FRIDAY, Nov. 14, 2014) \u2013 U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released a statement about the announcement of President Obama\u2019s pledge that the United States will contribute as much as $3 billion to a new international fund, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to help the world\u2019s poorest countries limit the impacts of climate change.\u00a0 The GCF has many similarities with Global Environment Facility (GEF), which was strongly supported by the administration of President George W. Bush.\u00a0 With this announcement the United States joins other nations that have already pledged financial support to the Fund, including Mexico, Korea, Germany, France, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland. \u00a0Additional countries are expected to pledge soon.\u00a0 Leahy\u2019s statement follows:\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cClimate change threatens food production, the availability of water, and the survival of millions of people in countries where a rise in sea level could be catastrophic. \u00a0The commitment of up to $3 billion over the next four years to the Green Climate Fund shows that the United States is ready and willing to help lead a global effort to enable poor countries to adapt to climate change and to mitigate its causes.\u00a0 I am also pleased that the White House is making it clear that other developed countries need to participate in the GCF by setting a 30 percent cap on the U.S. share of total contributions.\u201d\r\n\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-vermonts-village-revitalization-initiative-recognized-with-award-by-the-national-trust-for-historic-preservation", "Leahy: Vermont’s Village Revitalization Initiative Recognized With Award By The National Trust For Historic Preservation", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.14\n\t\t\t Leahy: Vermont\u2019s Village Revitalization Initiative Recognized With Award By The National Trust For Historic Preservation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (FRIDAY, Nov. 14, 2014) \u2013 The Village Revitalization Initiative \u2013 a cooperative effort between Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and the Preservation Trust of Vermont \u2013 is drawing more national recognition as the recipient of a National Trust for Historic Preservation Richard H. Driehaus Award for the preservation and restoration of Vermont\u2019s historic buildings and communities, in downtowns across the state. \u00a0The award to the Trust and to Leahy was presented at the annual National Preservation Conference in Savannah, Ga., on Nov. 13.\r\nThe award recognizes the partnership between Leahy and the Preservation Trust of Vermont to direct funding through the HUD Economic Development Initiative (EDI) to build stronger and more economically vibrant village centers.\u00a0 Funding secured by Leahy through his work on the Appropriations Committee has been used to rehabilitate historic community buildings located in the heart of a Vermont community center or small downtown.\u00a0 The Village Revitalization Initiative has supported 27 unique projects in 25 communities throughout Vermont, resulting in a total federal investment of $2,435,200.\u00a0 This investment played a crucial role in leveraging nearly $27 million toward total project costs.\r\nLeahy said, \u201cThe Village Revitalization Initiative successfully demonstrated how federal, state and local leaders can partner to safeguard some of Vermont\u2019s most important assets \u2013 our cherished community structures.\u00a0 Vermonters are committed to finding creative solutions to tough challenges, and I am proud of the work that the Preservation Trust and the other partners have done to ensure a vibrant future for so many communities. \u00a0I will always be committed to preserving Vermont\u2019s rich legacy and will continue to advocate for support to enhance the infrastructure and livability of our communities.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nLeahy initiated the program in an effort to make federal support more readily available for small scale rehabilitation projects.\u00a0 The successful reconstruction of community-based projects often requires a mix of federal, state and local resources to meet high project costs.\u00a0 As the most senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Leahy secured funding, which was sub-granted to communities by the Preservation Trust.\u00a0 The grants ranged from $20,000 to $250,000 for revitalization projects that spanned from $50,000 to $7 million in total costs.\r\nThe Preservation Trust of Vermont provided hands-on technical assistance, project management and grants management assistance.\u00a0 Preservation Trust Executive Director Paul Bruhn said, \u201cThis grant funding has helped to conserve great architecture and inspire many community uses.\u00a0 It has rewarded community commitment and allowed for renewed prosperity in some of Vermont\u2019s smallest towns. Whether opening a shuttered performance hall, rehabilitating a former mill building and providing space for a grocery store, or rebuilding a village store, or developing an active community center, projects helped to increase the vitality and the beauty of their village center.\u201d\r\nThe collection of village-scaled historic preservation projects supported by the Initiative includes opera houses, libraries, village stores, a healthcare facility, housing block and community gathering spaces.\u00a0 This success received similar recognition in 2011, when Leahy and the Preservation Trust received the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation\u2019s (ACHP) Chairman\u2019s Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation.\r\nThe projects also serve as job creation engines by creating both short-term and long-term construction opportunities for Vermonters.\u00a0 HUD-EDI investments continue to play a vital role in the successful development of communities.\r\nThe locations of the Vermont projects to date and their grants/total costs are:\r\nAddison County\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Salisbury \u2013 Shard Villa\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $100,000/$200,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ferrisburgh \u2013 Grange/Town Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $100,000/$2.5 million\r\nBennington County\r\nReadsboro \u2013 Bullock Block\r\n$100,000/$200,000 first phase\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCaledonia County \r\nHardwick \u2013 Jeudevine Memorial Library\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $50,000/$200,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2013 Memorial Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $20,000/$40,000 total\r\n\u00a0 \u2013 Town House\r\n$30,000/$50,000\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Groton \u2013 Village Store and Library\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $54,900/$3.5 million total\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nChittenden County \r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Richmond \u2013 Round Church fire suppressions system\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $25,000/$215,000 in this phase\r\nEssex County \r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bloomfield \u2013 Town Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $70,000/$75,000 this phase/$200,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brighton \u2013 Town Hall/Opera House\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $60,000/$500,000 total\r\nFranklin County\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Richford \u2013 Sweat Comings Health Care Center\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $100,000/$7 million total\r\nGrand Isle County\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 North Hero \u2013 Community Center\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $100,000/$800,000 total\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nOrange County\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brookfield \u2013 Old Town Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $100,000/$400,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Strafford \u2013 Town House Bell Tower\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $50,000/$100,000\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bradford \u2013 Public Library\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $75,000/$203,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Randolph \u2013 Chandler Music Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $250,000/$3.5 million total\r\nRutland County\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brandon \u2013 Old Town Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $70,000/$900,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pawlet \u2013 Town Hall Auditorium\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $75,000/$200,000 this phase\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 West Rutland \u2013 Carving Studio\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $75,000/$200,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sudbury \u2013 Meeting House\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $75,000/$130,000 phases 5 & 6/$250,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Poultney \u2013 Bentley House\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $100,000$/$220,000 total\r\nWashington County\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Worcester \u2013 Town Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $50,000/$162,300 total\r\nWindham County \r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rockingham Bellows Falls \u2013 Town Hall Theatre\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $200,000/$850,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Putney \u2013 General Store (Putney Historical Society)\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $160,000/$800,000 total\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Guilford \u2013 Housing and General Store (Friends of Algiers Village)\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $65,000/$250,000 first phase\u00a0\r\nWindsor County\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rochester \u2013 Pierce Hall\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $100,000/$700,000 this phase\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Springfield \u2013 Ellis Block\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $125,000/$3,401,051 total\r\n# # # # #\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nContacts:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDavid Carle (Leahy): 202-224-3693 Paul Bruhn (Preservation Trust of Vermont): 802-658-6647\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/broad-coalition-of-stakeholders-line-up-in-support-of-nsa-reform-ahead-of-key-senate-vote-next-week", "Broad Coalition of Stakeholders Line Up In Support Of NSA Reform Ahead Of Key Senate Vote Next Week", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.14\n\t\t\t Broad Coalition of Stakeholders Line Up In Support Of NSA Reform Ahead Of Key Senate Vote Next Week \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Friday, November 14, 2014)  Privacy advocates, technology leaders, and reformers from across the political spectrum are urging the Senate to take up and pass the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 next week. Senators are expected to vote on a procedural motion Tuesday on the bipartisan legislation.\r\nSenate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the author of the bipartisan bill to end the government's dragnet collection of phone records, is urging Senators to act ahead of next year when key provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act are set to expire.\r\nI thank the Majority Leader for bringing this legislation to the floor next week. Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act expires on June 1, and our intelligence officials are asking for operational certainty. Likewise, the American people are asking us to protect their privacy, Leahy said. It is time to show the American people that Congress is about more than talking points, sound bites, and the next campaign. It is time to get back to work, and to pass the USA FREEDOM Act.\r\nLeahy introduced the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 in July with bipartisan cosponsors including Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Leahy has also worked closely with Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), who earlier this week said There is no excuse not to pass this fundamental piece of legislation during the lame duck.\r\nAn outline of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online. A list of supporters of the legislation can also be found online.\r\n# # # # #\r\n\r\nBipartisan Stakeholders Agree: The Time Is NOW for the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014\r\nSenators should approve the bill and send it to the House before the 113th Congress passes into history. \r\nLos Angeles Times (editorial, November 14)\r\n \r\nThe Reform Government Surveillance coalitionapplaudsthe Senate for taking up the USA Freedom Act, which will help restore trustin the Internet by ending the government's bulk Internet metadata collection and increasing transparency around U.S. surveillance practices. Reform Government Surveillance Coalition (statement)\r\n \r\n \r\nAmericans want meaningful reform to protect the Fourth Amendment, and it's time for Congress to take clear action without watering down key protections in this bill. FreedomWorks (blog post)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThis bill would begin to restore that trust and strengthen not only our privacy but our security. There is no reason to continue a program that vacuums up the data of innocent Americans without any proven counterterrorism benefit. Brennan Center for Justice (release)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nOur surveillance programs must be reformed to restore the public's trust that personal privacy concerns are properly balanced with national security interests. The USA Freedom Act does this by ending bulk collection of telephone and Internet metadata, improving transparency and allowing for greater oversight when government requests access to personal data for national security purposes. We strongly urge Senators to act now to pass this important legislation. BSA | The Software Alliance (release)\r\n \r\n \r\nThere are few remaining legislative days left to allow a vote on the bill so that it can become law. Failure to move the bill in the lame duck session will leave some tough questions for the new Senate to deal with in 2015. ACLU (blog post)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nWe need strong and decisive reforms of the nation's intelligence gathering programs to restore trust in American companies and preserve our national competitiveness. Consumer Electronics Association (release)\r\n \r\n \r\nThe U.S. surveillance revelations are having a corrosive impact on the public's trust in our government and on perceptions of the independence of U.S. technology companies. The choice couldn't be more clear and we strongly urge the Senate to seize this opportunity and pass surveillance reform without further delay. Information Technology Industry Council (release)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThe Internet Association is pleased with the Senate's decision to vote on the USA Freedom Act, which aims to end government's bulk Internet metadata collection and increase transparency around government's surveillance practices. Passage of this important legislation will strengthen Internet users' trust and ensure their confidence in the Internet. The Internet Association (release)\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nThe USA FREEDOM Act is a good first step towards successful surveillance reform. It will limit the NSA's program collecting Americans' calling records, introduce a special advocate into the secretive court overseeing the spying, and introduce much needed transparency requirementsEFF urges the Senate to pass the bill without any amendments that will weaken it. Electronic Frontier Foundation (statement) \r\n \r\n\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141113193024/http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/leahy-recognized-for-leadership-in-addressing-global-water-issues-", "Leahy Recognized For Leadership In Addressing Global Water Issues", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t   \t\n\t\t              \n              \n\t\t\t \n                    \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t        \n\t        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                    \n                    \t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                    \t\n                    \n    \n                \n                \n            \n                \n                    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n               WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, Nov. 13, 2014) \u2013 Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday was presented with the WASH Advocate Award for his strong support for ending the global safe drinking water crisis.\nIn a presentation in the U.S. Capitol, Leahy was joined by Vermont advocates Carolyn Meub and Barbara Carris of Pure Water For The World.\u00a0 Also on hand was his wife, Marcelle Leahy, a Registered Nurse.\u00a0 In one of Leahy\u2019s visits to Haiti to inspect relief efforts funded by Leahy\u2019s panel in the aftermath of the massive 2010 earthquake, she visited a project headed by the Vermonters.\n               \n\t\t\t\t \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n               \t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n        \t\n        \t\n        \n            \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n            \n                \n                     \n                      \n                        Video\n                        Audio\n                        Photos", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-recognized-for-leadership-in-addressing-global-water-issues", "Leahy Recognized For Leadership In Addressing Global Water Issues", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Recognized For Leadership In Addressing Global Water Issues \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . Lives Are Saved And Health Of Many Is Improved Each Year Through U.S. Efforts Funded By Leahy's Legislation And Used By Service Organizations Based In Vermont And Elsewhere\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, Nov. 13, 2014) Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday was presented with the WASH Advocate Award for his strong support for ending the global safe drinking water crisis.\r\nIn a presentation in the U.S. Capitol, Leahy was joined by Vermont advocates Carolyn Meub and Barbara Carris of Pure Water For The World. Also on hand was his wife, Marcelle Leahy, a Registered Nurse. In one of Leahy's visits to Haiti to inspect relief efforts funded by Leahy's panel in the aftermath of the massive 2010 earthquake, she visited a project headed by the Vermonters. \r\nThe 2014 WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Advocate award was presented by Patti Simon, wife of the late Senator Paul Simon (D-Ill.), Meub, executive director for the Vermont-based Pure Water for the World (PWW), and Carris, board member for PWW.\r\nLeahy said: It is shocking that in the 21st Century, billions of people lack safe water, or any form of sanitation. It reminds us of what we in this country take for granted, and how much more needs to be done. But we can also take satisfaction in the progress that has been made, and you have played an important part in that. Patti, we are honored to have you here today both to remember Paul's extraordinary legacy on these issues, and to recognize your own work to continue what he started and to promote water as a key priority for our foreign aid programs.\r\nLeahy, long an advocate of assuring access to safe drinking water around the world, has made water and sanitation improvements a priority in U.S. foreign aid, amid tight overall budgets. This year he increased funding for sustainable water and sanitation projects to $400 million in his role as chairman of the State Department and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee  the budget panel for the State Department and U.S. foreign assistance. If these funds are approved, they would be used in part to implement the Simon Water for the Poor Act.\r\nPatti Simon said: Senator Leahy, thank you so much for all your hard work over the years. We know that these projects not only provide clean drinking water to those who desperately need it, but also help prevent the spread of disease and combat malnourishment in young children. Your work truly carries on the mission and legacy of my husband.\r\nCarolyn Meub said: Pure Water for the World started as a Rotary Club project that has now grown into an international organization. I would like to thank Senator Leahy for his strong support of the Water for the Poor Act over the years. There are many Americans in both Vermont and all the 50 states who are working hard to provide water and sanitation to more people. As Executive Director of Pure Water for the World and as a Rotarian, I am doing what I can, and so are many others. We hope you will continue to support robust funding for water and sanitation projects.\r\nEvery year U.S. WASH programs bring better WASH access to millions of people across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In FY11 and FY12, USAID provided almost 7 million people with improved access to drinking water supply, and almost 3 million with improved access to sanitation. This work is now supported and reinforced by USAID's first-ever Water and Development Strategy, launched in October 2013.\r\n# # # # #\r\n\r\nPHOTO http://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/image/111214-20750-0015-jy.jpg\r\nLeft To Right: Manny Rouvelas (Partner, K&L Gates), Sean McGlynn (Government Affairs Analyst, K&L Gates), John Oldfield (CEO, WASH Advocates), Carolyn Meub (Vermont constituent, head of Pure Water for the World), Patti Simon (wife of late Senator Paul Simon), Senator Leahy, Mrs. Leahy, Cecilia Snyder (Communications Director, WASH Advocates), Barbara Carris (Vermont constituent, Board Member for Pure Water for the World)\r\n\r\nPhoto Credit: The United States Senate\r\n\r\nhttp://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/image/111214-20750-0007-jy.jpg\r\nhttp://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/image/111214-20750-0009-jy.jpg\r\nhttp://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/image/111214-20750-0010-jy.jpg\r\nhttp://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/image/111214-20750-0012-jy1.jpg\r\nhttp://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/image/111214-20750-0015-jy.jpg\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-committee-on-the-judiciary_on-senate-consideration-of-the-runaway-and-homeless-youth-and-trafficking-prevention-act", "Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Committee on the Judiciary  On Senate Consideration of the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.14\n\t\t\t Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Committee on the Judiciary  On Senate Consideration of the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAs another polar vortex bears down on states across the country this week, we must consider how the dropping temperatures across the nation will impact those who do not have refuge from the cold. The issue of homelessness is especially urgent in places like my home state of Vermont. For those of us lucky enough to have warm homes, winter brings a magical beauty. But for those without shelter, the cold nights can be deadly. Unfortunately, for homeless teens, winter can also mean even greater vulnerability to being victimized by human traffickers. \r\nThat is why we must pass the Leahy-Collins Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act today. This should be unanimous. We are talking about helping homeless children and victims of human trafficking. There is no good reason to oppose this measure.\r\nThe programs supported by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program provide essential resources to homeless children who need our help. Amanda, for example, is an 18-year-old living in Bellows Falls, Vermont, and participating in the Transitional Living Program at the Youth Services of Windham County. Amanda's mother gave her and her four siblings up for adoption when she was two. When she was 13, her adoptive mother died of a stroke. Amanda was devastated, suffered academically and eventually dropped out of school, then struggled with substance abuse and became homeless. \r\nFortunately, Amanda was connected with the Youth Services of Windham County, and has turned her life around. She is sober, she is on track to graduate from high school, and she has a job. Amanda says of her youth worker Danielle, she is part of the reason why I try to keep doing so goodWithout her, I wouldn't have what I have today. Funds authorized by this bill made Amanda's transformation possible. Once headed for a life of dependency, she is now poised to become a successful and contributing young adult.\r\nThere are currently 1.6 million homeless teens in this country like Amanda, and they need us to do our job and pass this bill. This bill reauthorizes critical outreach and emergency shelter services that have provided lifesaving support for the last 40 years. It takes historic steps to address the growing population of homeless LGBT youth by ensuring that no young person is denied services based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It also addresses new dangers that our young people face, like sexual exploitation and human trafficking, which urgently require our attention. \r\nHuman trafficking is a growing problem in the United States, and traffickers prey upon our weakest young people, especially those in need of money or shelter. Too often, homeless children become trapped in devastating cycles of abuse and exploitation.\r\nRunaway and homeless youth service providers are our first line of defense. This bill makes sure they are trained to identify victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking, so they can help victims become survivors. \r\nAfter this bill was first introduced in July, it was considered by the Judiciary Committee, and was voted out in September with strong bipartisan support. We had bipartisan input on the legislation, including from Senator Cornyn who offered an amendment that included nearly every provision of his Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. This amendment gives law enforcement new tools to combat human trafficking and provides expanded support for victims of sexual exploitation.\r\nWorking across the aisle to enhance this bill and get it passed reminds me of the way both houses of Congress came together to pass the Leahy-Crapo Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act just last year. Domestic violence, like youth homelessness, is not new. However, the challenges faced by victims are constantly changing and we must be responsive to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. We cannot become complacent in the face of suffering. We need to pass this bill.\r\nI thank Senator Collins for working with me on this legislation and for joining me as an original cosponsor. I ask for the support of every Senator to pass the Leahy-Collins Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act. The American people expect it, and our humanity demands it.\r\nI ask unanimous consent that my full statement be printed in the Record.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-judicial-nominations7", "Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Judicial Nominations", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.13.14\n\t\t\t Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Judicial Nominations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAs we return from recess for the remaining days of the 113th Congress, I begin by congratulating my friend, Senator Chuck Grassley, who will become Chairman of the Judiciary Committee beginning in the 114th Congress. We have a very good working relationship, and I hope that this will continue when he assumes the chairmanship in January.\r\nWe still have several weeks left in this Congress with much work left to be done. As history shows, when both sides work together, the lame duck session can be a productive one for filling vacancies on our courts. In 2002, after the midterm elections, Senate Democrats worked to confirm all 20 of President Bush's judicial nominees pending on the Executive Calendar  all but one by voice vote. In the 2006 lame duck session, after Senate Democrats won the majority in the elections, Democrats agreed to confirm all 14 of President Bush's judicial nominations pending on the Executive Calendar, but this package was blocked by a Republican Senator. In the most recent lame duck sessions, in 2010 and 2012, a total of 32 judicial nominees were confirmed. With the 2014 midterm elections behind us I hope that we will, as the incoming Majority Leader suggests, clear the decks on pending business so that we can start fresh next year.\r\nCurrently, there are 16 district court nominations that have been pending before the full Senate for months, and another eight district court nominations and one Court of International Trade nomination that will be reported out of the Judiciary Committee before the end of the month. There are also six nominees pending before the Senate to fill vacancies on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, two nominees to fill vacancies on Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and three nominees to fill vacancies on the U.S. Tax Court.\r\nToday, we will vote to overcome the needless filibuster of just two of the district court nominations that have been pending before the full Senate since June, one of which will fill a judicial emergency vacancy in Georgia.\r\nRandolph Moss is nominated to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary unanimously rated Mr. Moss Well Qualified to serve on that court; its highest rating. Since 2001, he has been a partner at the law firm of Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale and Dorr LLP. He has also served in various capacities for the U.S. Department of Justice. Upon graduating from Yale Law School, Mr. Moss clerked for Judge Pierre N. Leval on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and for Justice John Paul Stevens on the U.S. Supreme Court.\r\nLeigh May is nominated to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. She is currently a partner at the law firm of Butler, Wooten & Fryhofer, LLP, in Atlanta, Georgia, where she has practiced since 2000. After graduating, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia Law School, she served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Dudley H. Bowen, Jr., of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.\r\nWe still have much work to do to fill the 64 current and 27 known upcoming judicial vacancies on our Federal district and circuit courts. Before the end of this Congress we could cut the number of current vacancies on our district and circuit courts by one-third. To get this done, however, we must stop delaying for delay's sake on votes for consensus nominees. Unless there is cooperation from Republican Senators, we will not have time clear the Executive Calendar before adjournment. At the very least, I would hope that the Republican Senators who recommended many of the pending judicial nominees to the President will work within their caucus to get consent to confirm nominees to their home states.\r\nI hope that all Senators will vote to put an end to the filibuster of these nominations.\r\n\r\n\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141113193027/http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/multimedia/questions-and-answers-on-ebola_senator-patrick-leahy-questions-expert-panel-at-appropriations-committee-hearing-about-ebola", "Questions and answers on Ebola – Senator Patrick Leahy questions expert panel at Appropriations Committee hearing about Ebola.", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Multimedia \n\t   \t\n\t\t              \n              \n\t\t\t \n                    \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t        \n\t        \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n                    \n                    \n                    \t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                    \t\n                    \n    \n                \n                \n            \n                \n                    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n               WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, Nov. 13, 2014) \u2013 Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Wednesday was presented with the WASH Advocate Award for his strong support for ending the global safe drinking water crisis.\nIn a presentation in the U.S. Capitol, Leahy was joined by Vermont advocates Carolyn Meub and Barbara Carris of Pure Water For The World.\u00a0 Also on hand was his wife, Marcelle Leahy, a Registered Nurse.\u00a0 In one of Leahy\u2019s visits to Haiti to inspect relief efforts funded by Leahy\u2019s panel in the aftermath of the massive 2010 earthquake, she visited a project headed by the Vermonters.\n               \n\t\t\t\t \t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n               \t\n\t\t\t\t\n                \n        \t\n        \t\n        \n            \n        \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n            \n                \n                     \n                      \n                        Video\n                        Audio\n                        Photos", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-applauds-groundbreaking-us-china-agreement-to-combat-climate-change-", "Leahy Applauds Groundbreaking U.S.-China Agreement To Combat Climate Change", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.12.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Applauds Groundbreaking U.S.-China Agreement To Combat Climate Change  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (WEDNESDAY, Nov. 12, 2014)  U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the following statement about the announcement made Tuesday night by President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping onsignificant near-term pollution cuts that will help the two largest emitters in the world chart a path to the deep reductions needed by mid-century to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Leahy spoke with Secretary of State Kerry about the agreement on Wednesday:\r\nThis announcement from the world's two largest economies and the two largest greenhouse gas emitters is the kind of leadership and cooperation that is needed to protect the planet and its people from the worst impacts of climate change. Though these targets are ambitious, they are also achievable when we tap our technological and manufacturing expertise that will drive the next generation of green jobs here in America that can cut pollution and avert the worst dangers of climate change.\r\nI hope that last this breakthrough will drive progress at next month's climate summit in Peru and spur positive action by other nations, and overall, leading up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations in December 2015 in Paris. We must now work to ensure that all countries follow our lead do their parts to address the many threats of global climate change.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-introduces-bill-to-ensure-equal-treatment-for_all-spouses-under-the-copyright-act", "Leahy Introduces Bill to Ensure Equal Treatment for  All Spouses Under the Copyright Act", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.12.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Introduces Bill to Ensure Equal Treatment for  All Spouses Under the Copyright Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)  Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Wednesday introduced legislation to close a loophole in the Copyright Act that discriminates among lawfully married couples. A provision in the Copyright Act grants rights to the surviving spouse of a copyright owner only if the marriage is recognized in the owner's state of residence at the time he or she dies. This means that a writer who lawfully marries his or her same-sex partner in Vermont or California is not a spouse under the Copyright Act if they move to Florida, Georgia, or one of the other states that do not currently recognize their lawful marriage.\r\nArtists are the creative lifeblood of our Nation, and our laws should protect their families equally, Leahy said. It is wrong for the federal government to deny benefits or privileges to couples who have lawfully wed.Statutes like the Copyright Act, or laws governing the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs which also contain remnants of discrimination, are no place for inequality in our country. It is time to fix these outdated laws once and for all.\r\nThe Copyright and Marriage Equality Act, a version of which was introduced in the House by bipartisan Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), IIeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.), amends the Copyright Act to consider simply whether a couple is lawfully marriednot where a married couple happens to live when the copyright owner dies. It will ensure that the rights attached to the works of our nation's gay and lesbian authors, musicians, painters, photographers, and other creators pass to their widows and widowers.\r\nLeahy published an op-ed announcing introduction of the bill in The Hollywood Reporter this week. A copy of the bill is available online.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-poised-to-take-up-usa-freedom-act-of-2014_this-month-", "Senate Poised To Take Up USA FREEDOM Act of 2014  This Month", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.12.14\n\t\t\t Senate Poised To Take Up USA FREEDOM Act of 2014  This Month  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Leahy Urges All Senators To Support Historic NSA Reform To Protect Americans' Privacy Rights\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Wednesday, November 12, 2014) Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Wednesday urged swift passage of the USA FREEDOM Act in the final weeks of the 113th Congress, after the Senate moved toward a vote on the historic legislation.\r\nThe bipartisan bill, which Leahy introduced in July, will restore Americans' privacy rights by ending the government's dragnet collection of phone records and by requiring greater oversight, transparency and accountability for domestic surveillance authorities. It has broad bipartisan support among the Intelligence Community, the technology industry, and privacy advocates. The USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 will give the Intelligence Community an updated legal framework while also protecting the privacy rights of Americans.\r\nThe American people are wondering whether Congress can get anything done, Leahy said Wednesday night, after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) filed the first procedural motion for the Senate to consider the bill. The answer is yes. Congress can and should take up and pass the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act, without delay.\r\nAn outline of the USA FREEDOM Act of 2014 can be found here, and text of legislation can be found online. A list of supporters of the legislation can also be found online.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-chairman-leahy-on-the-expected-nomination-of-loretta-lynch-to-be-the-attorney-general-of-the-united-states-", "Judiciary Chairman Leahy On The Expected Nomination Of Loretta Lynch To Be The Attorney General Of The United States", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.07.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Chairman Leahy On The Expected Nomination Of Loretta Lynch To Be The Attorney General Of The United States  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tJudiciary Chairman LeahyOn The Expected Nomination Of Loretta LynchTo Be The Attorney General Of The United States \r\nNovember 7, 2014\r\n\u201cI congratulate Loretta Lynch, the expected nominee to be the next Attorney General of the United States.\u00a0 The Attorney General serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the entire Nation, and it is important for that person to have the right prosecutorial and management experience for the job.\u00a0 Ms. Lynch is an experienced prosecutor, and if confirmed, she will make history as the first African-American woman to lead the Department of Justice.\r\n\u201cAs the body that considers the President\u2019s nominee, the Senate has an important role in this debate, and that process begins in the Judiciary Committee.\u00a0 I have spoken with the President about the need to confirm our next attorney general in a reasonable time period, and I look forward to beginning that process.\u201d\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-calls-on-speaker-boehner-to-let-house-vote-on-bipartisan-senate-passed-immigration-reform-bill", "Leahy Calls On Speaker Boehner To Let House Vote On Bipartisan, Senate-Passed, Immigration Reform Bill", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.07.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Calls On Speaker Boehner To Let House Vote On Bipartisan, Senate-Passed, Immigration Reform Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tI agree with Speaker Boehner that Americans want their government to get things done.' And that is exactly why he should simply allow the House to vote on the comprehensive immigration bill that a bipartisan majority in the Senate passed last year. For years, Congressional Democrats have been working to fix our broken immigration system and have led efforts to do that under both Republican and Democratic Presidents. But a vocal bloc of Republicans has consistently stood in the way. House leaders have catered to them, and not to the national interest in fixing these problems. Instead, these obstructionists continue to use our broken system to promote fear and division and short-term partisan goals. These political ploys must end. There is still time this year for the House to do its job and take action to end the needless separation of families and the unnecessary economic costs caused by this broken system. If Speaker Boehner actually wants to boost the American economy, he could do that next week by taking up the bill we passed a year and a half ago.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/in-letter-senator-leahy-senator-feinstein-and-senator-durbin-urge-president-obama-to-reject-bush-era-interpretation-of-international-treaty-against-torture-", "In Letter, Senator Leahy, Senator Feinstein and Senator Durbin Urge President Obama To Reject Bush-Era Interpretation Of International Treaty Against Torture", "2014-11-06", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.06.14\n\t\t\t In Letter, Senator Leahy, Senator Feinstein and Senator Durbin Urge President Obama To Reject Bush-Era Interpretation Of International Treaty Against Torture  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn a letter released Friday, Senator Leahy, Senator Feinstein and Senator Durbin urged President Obama to reject the Bush-Era interpretation of the International Treaty Against Torture. The letter can be found here. \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-chairman-leahy-on-todays-ftc-settlement-concerning-patent-demand-letters", "Judiciary Chairman Leahy, On Today’s FTC Settlement Concerning Patent Demand Letters", "2014-11-06", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.06.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Chairman Leahy, On Today\u2019s FTC Settlement Concerning Patent Demand Letters \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday announced a settlement agreement with MPHJ Technology Investments LLC and its law firm concerning charges that they made deceptive claims and false legal threats in letters that accused thousands of small businesses around the country of engaging in patent infringement. The FTC settlement bars the company and its law firm from making deceptive representations when asserting patent rights. Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced bipartisan legislation last year with Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) that among other things targets the widespread sending of fraudulent or materially misleading demand letters. That provision was a key feature of broader patent troll legislation Leahy negotiated with other Senators earlier this year.]\r\n\u201cThese steps taken by the FTC will stop one notorious patent assertion entity from using misleading demand letters to harass small businesses in Vermont and across the country, but this action alone with not stop abuse the patent system.\u00a0 The demand letter provision I included in the bipartisan Patent Transparency and Improvements Act would have empowered the FTC to seek meaningful monetary penalties from bad actors, which is an important deterrent for misconduct.\u00a0 Small businesses should be able to focus on their work and on their customers \u2014 not frivolous exploitation schemes.\u00a0 I am committed to addressing the problem of patent trolls through legislation in the coming year, including a strong provision to address deceptive demand letters.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/letter-fairpoint-ceo-welch-strongly-urges-return-bargaining-table", "In Letter to FairPoint CEO, Welch Strongly Urges Return to Bargaining Table", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Representative Peter Welch sent the following letter to FairPoint CEO Paul Sunu:\nDear Mr. Sunu:\nAcross Northern New England, 1,700 hardworking FairPoint employees are on strike. Yesterday, I visited with those walking the picket line in Burlington. What I heard was a passionate commitment to customer service and a deep concern about their jobs, their pensions and their livelihood. They told me they want nothing more than a fair settlement that gets them back to work providing good service to Vermonters, and food and shelter for their families.\nMr. Sunu, your employees are struggling, anxious about their futures, but resolute in their insistence on fair treatment. I strongly urge you to return to the bargaining table in good faith and find common ground with the working men and women of your company. Ending this dispute promptly is the right thing to do for them, their families, your customers, and your shareholders.\nSincerely,\nRep. Peter Welch\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-celebrates-restoration-rutlands-historic-post-office-carrier-annex", "Welch Celebrates Restoration of Rutland's Historic Post Office Carrier Annex", "2014-10-29", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Peter Welch", "W000800", "welch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today in Rutland, Representative Peter Welch joined city, state, postal and historic preservation leaders in celebrating restoration of the historic Post Office Carrier Annex, also known as the Cootey Building. As a result of a close collaboration between the City of Rutland, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Representative Welch, and the United States Postal Service, the building's original Art Deco faade has been fully restored. Thanks to the steadfast determination of Rutland residents, and city and state officials, this historic building once again stands as a beautiful landmark at Rutland's western gateway, said Welch. Conserving this landmark with its original character and charm intact, is an exciting milestone in the economic revitalization of Rutland's downtown. I am happy to celebrate the Annex's return to the city and applaud the persistence and leadership of all parties, as well as the patience of the community. Rep. Welch joined with those involved in the restoration project, including Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras, Director of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority Brennan Duffy, Vermont Historic Buildings Specialist Devin Coleman, and U.S. Postal Service District Manager John Godlewski. We are very pleased to celebrate the return of the Cootey Building' to Rutland's interesting and historic streetscape, said Mayor Louras. The Post Office building faade looks wonderful, and it is a pleasure to welcome residents and visitors to downtown Rutland via the revitalized West Street Gateway. Thank you to all who contributed to the long-awaited completion of this project.  The recent public and private investment along West Street has been substantial and the completion of the faade renovation at the Rutland Carrier Annex marks an important step in improving the aesthetic character of this important gateway, said Brennan Duffy. \"Just like this great building, the Postal Service plays a central public service role in Rutland and the daily lives of our customers across Vermont, said John Godlewski. We advance America's history and culture. The Postal Service remains a highly visible presence in every community and connects people to their country in a myriad of ways, most consistently through the releases of our Limited Edition stamps and historic properties like the Rutland Carrier Annex we are honoring today. Built in 1930, the Carrier Annex's terra cotta faade began to show deterioration after 80 years of exposure to the elements. Rehabilitation of this nationally registered Historic Place included replacing and refurbishing damaged terra cotta material, broken spandrel glass panels, and existing steel frame windows. The Art Deco-style faade, which is made of colorful terra cotta blocks, is the only known example of its kind in Vermont. #####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-hails-extension-of-signup-deadline-for-new-dairy-price-insurance-program-for-farmers", "Leahy Hails Extension Of Signup Deadline For New Dairy Price Insurance Program For Farmers", "2014-10-29", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.29.14\n\t\t\t Leahy Hails Extension Of Signup Deadline For New Dairy Price Insurance Program For Farmers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t . . . Also Urges Vermont Farmers To Take Advantage Of Deadline Extension For Comment Period On The New Program's Future\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is urging Vermont's dairy farmers to take advantage of U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's decision to extend for a week the signup period for the new dairy farm production price insurance program created under the 2014 Farm Bill.\r\nVilsack on Wednesday afternoon announced that the signup deadline for the new Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) will be extended to December 5, 2014, and that the comment period for the new MPP-Dairy rule would be extended until December 15, 2014.\r\nLeahy said, This extension is good and useful news for dairy farmers in Vermont and across the country who are weighing their options and still learning about the new Margin Protection Program for Dairy. USDA and the University of Vermont Extension Service have worked hard to help educate farmers across our state, and we all recognize that farmers will need more time. This will give them more time to study their options and make informed decisions on signing up for this new risk management tool.\r\nLeahy has encouraged dairy producers to use the online MPP-Dairy web tool at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to determine the best coverage levels for their farms. Leahy, the most senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a conferee on the Farm Bill, pushed to ensure that the web tool was authorized and funded in this year's Farm Bill to allow farmers to review past market scenarios to help them better understand how the new program would help if poor market conditions arise in the dairy sector. The web tool is run on a secure website that can be accessed by computers, tablets and smartphones.\r\nLeahy has also urged dairy farmers, especially new and beginning farmers, to consider submitting public comments on the Margin Protection Program rule that will guide the program's future.\r\nAll dairy farmers in Vermont, including beginning farmers, and those who plan to become dairy farmers, have the opportunity to help shape this program to ensure that it will work for the next generation of farmers, Leahy said. Parents hoping to bring their children into their operations in the coming years should consider commenting about how this safety net should cover potential growth in their production. It is important that this program not hinder inter-generational growth, and that it does not encourage gaming of the program or excess production that runs counter to market signals. The Agriculture Department needs to hear from dairy producers, and especially our young co-op members and those future farmers considering a return to their family farms.\r\nComments can be submitted to USDA via the http://regulations.gov website at http://go.usa.gov/GJSA.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-impasse-between-fairpoint-and-its-workers", "Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Impasse Between FairPoint And Its Workers", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.14\n\t\t\t Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Impasse Between FairPoint And Its Workers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tComment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Impasse Between FairPoint And Its Workers Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014\r\n\r\n\u201cThousands of Vermonters rely on FairPoint for their businesses, residential and emergency services. \u00a0These are essential connections for real people, and I encourage all parties involved in the negotiations to return to the bargaining table and work in good faith to resolve the remaining differences.\u00a0 Vermonters expect both sides of the table to be respectful and to remain focused on the customers, workers, friends and neighbors affected by this impasse.\u201d\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-chairman-leahy-presses-leading-broadband-providers_to-fight-against-internet-fast-lanes--", "Judiciary Chairman Leahy Presses Leading Broadband Providers  To Fight Against Internet Fast Lanes", "2014-10-23", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.23.14\n\t\t\t Judiciary Chairman Leahy Presses Leading Broadband Providers  To Fight Against Internet Fast Lanes   \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Leahy Continues His Call for AT&T, Verizon, and other Internet Service Providers To Demonstrate Their Commitment to an Open Internet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON (Thursday, October 23, 2014) \u2013 Following a letter to Comcast sent earlier this week, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Thursday continued his call for leading broadband providers to take a stand against fast lanes on the Internet.\u00a0 In letters sent to AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, and Charter Communications, Leahy pressed for concrete commitments that the companies will not enter into paid prioritization agreements to charge websites for priority access over the Internet.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAllowing the Internet to become a two-tiered system of \u2018haves\u2019 and \u2018have-nots,\u2019 controlled by a small number of corporate gatekeepers, would destroy everything that has made it one of the greatest innovations in human history,\u201d Leahy wrote in the letters.\u00a0 \u201cWe need meaningful pledges from our Nation\u2019s broadband providers that they share the American public\u2019s commitment to an Internet that remains open and equally accessible to all.\u201d\r\nLeahy previously raised concerns about a tiered Internet at a Judiciary Committee hearing in April, and he chaired hearings in July and September on the need to keep the Internet open to all Americans.\u00a0 He also introduced legislation with Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) that would ban paid prioritization arrangements.\r\nFollowing a similar request to Comcast earlier this week, Leahy asked each broadband provider \u201cto pledge that it will not engage in paid prioritization.\u201d\u00a0 He also pressed each company for a specific commitment \u201cnot to engage in any activity that prioritizes affiliated content or services over unaffiliated content or services, helping to ensure that vertical integration does not threaten competition online.\u00a0 Making these pledges will go a long way to ensuring that the Internet as we know it will remain open, vibrant, and competitive.\u201d\u00a0\r\nA copy of the letters to AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, and Charter Communications can be found online.\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee_on-the-decision-in-the-blackwater-trial", "Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,  On the Decision in the Blackwater Trial", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.22.14\n\t\t\t Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,  On the Decision in the Blackwater Trial \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t[Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) issued the following comment Wednesday after the verdict was handed down in the Blackwater trial. A jury found one Blackwater security guard guilty of first-degree murder and three other guards guilty of voluntary manslaughter.\u00a0 Leahy is the author of the Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (CEJA), a bill he introduced in July that would close a gap in current law and ensure that government employees and contractors working overseas can be prosecuted in the United States for criminal acts they commit abroad. \u00a0Currently, the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act provides criminal jurisdiction over Defense Department employees and contractors, but it does not explicitly cover people working for other federal agencies, such as the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security, unless they are operating in support of a DOD mission. CEJA would fill this gap and provide federal jurisdiction over all government contractors and employees.] \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI applaud today\u2019s verdict, which comes seven years after Blackwater security contractors working for the State Department opened fire on unarmed civilians on the streets of Baghdad, killing at least 14 of them and injuring many others. Efforts to prosecute those responsible for these shootings have been fraught with difficulties, and the lack of clarity regarding U.S. jurisdiction over these crimes complicated the initial prosecution and investigation.\u00a0 It should not have taken this long for justice to be served.\u00a0 My bill, the Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (CEJA), would clarify U.S. jurisdiction so we can effectively prosecute wrongdoers without delay, and uphold the rule of law.\u00a0 Ensuring that our government has the ability to hold government contractors accountable should be a bipartisan issue, and I hope Senators of both parties will work together to pass this important reform.\u201d\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 498, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "VT", "p2": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VT&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 498, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VT&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VT&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 498, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VT&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VT&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "VT", "label": "VT", "count": 498, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VT&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 498, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VT", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-10-22,http~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eleahy~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress~2Fcomment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee_on-the-decision-in-the-blackwater-trial", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VT&year=2014&_next=2014-10-22%2Chttp~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Eleahy~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress~2Fcomment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-chairman-senate-judiciary-committee_on-the-decision-in-the-blackwater-trial&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 137.0067256502807, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}