home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

952 rows where chamber = "House", state = "VT" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

party 2

  • Democrat 643
  • Independent 309

year 1

  • 2013 · 952 ✖

state 1

  • VT · 952 ✖

chamber 1

  • House · 952 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-sjc-chairman-leahy-on-chief-justice-roberts-year-end-report-on-the-federal-judiciary Comment Of SJC Chairman Leahy On Chief Justice Roberts' Year-End Report On The Federal Judiciary 2013-12-31 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.31.13 Comment Of SJC Chairman Leahy On Chief Justice Roberts' Year-End Report On The Federal Judiciary “The Chief Justice's annual year-end report again focuses on the significant financial strain on our Federal courts.  These cuts have a real impact for Americans seeking justice, and pose real threats to the dedicated public servants who work in our nation’s Federal courts as well as to members of the public.  A return to regular order in our appropriations process will, I hope, ensure that our courts have the resources they require.   “In his report, Chief Justice Roberts warns against the danger of reduced funding to public safety. Congress earlier this month passed an extension of the Supreme Court Police’s authority to protect Justices, their staff, and official guests when they are away from Supreme Court grounds.  Our courts must have the resources they need not just to process litigation, but to protect those seeking justice.   “One threat facing our courts which is unaddressed in the Chief's year-end report are the continuing vacancies plaguing the Federal courts.  This year, the number of vacancies has hovered around 90 because obstruction in Congress has led to filibuster after filibuster of qualified nominees. We must not take for granted that we have the greatest justice system in the world, and ensuring this continues requires the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty of advice and consent.” Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/photos/december-2013 December 2013 2013-12-31 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.31.13 December 2013 View photos from various events in December. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-agreement-by-governor-shumlin-attorney-general-sorrell-and-entergy-concerning-vermont-yankee Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Agreement By Governor Shumlin, Attorney General Sorrell And Entergy, Concerning Vermont Yankee 2013-12-23 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.23.13 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Agreement By Governor Shumlin, Attorney General Sorrell And Entergy, Concerning Vermont Yankee “I am pleased to hear that the State of Vermont and Entergy have been able to come to agreement with respect to the future of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, and I look forward to learning the details of this agreement when they become available.  Moving ahead with a safe decommissioning of Vermont Yankee is of the utmost importance to the State of Vermont, and especially to the Vermonters in the plant’s vicinity.  I believe that safety must remain a top focus as this process moves forward.  I am committed to working closely with the state and the Vermont congressional delegation as this process advances.  I am also pleased that support for economic development in Southeastern Vermont is also addressed in this agreement.  This transition needs to accommodate local residents and communities and to address their interests and concerns.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/in-the-news/bad-times-for-big-brother Bad Times for Big Brother 2013-12-22 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy Bad Times for Big Brother Sunday, December 22, 2013 The New York Times It has been a long week for the National Security Agency. Last Monday, a federal judge ruled for the first time that the agency's continuing sweep of Americans' phone data -- a once-secret program legally sanctioned for seven years and illegally conducted for five years before that -- was very likely unconstitutional. Judge Richard Leon denounced the agency's activities in collecting data on all Americans' phone calls as ''almost Orwellian.'' Two days later, the Obama administration released a comprehensive report that found ''the current storage by the government of bulk metadata creates potential risks to public trust, personal privacy and civil liberty.'' And last Friday, the latest release of classified documents from Edward Snowden revealed surveillance efforts that included the office of the Israeli prime minister and the heads of international companies and aid organizations. If the N.S.A. had not already gotten the message, the 300-plus-page advisory report, by a panel of intelligence and legal experts selected by President Obama, surely drove it home. All three branches of the federal government are now on record as recognizing that the agency has repeatedly misused, if not plainly abused, its powers, and that it must be reined in. The report's 46 wide-ranging recommendations include stopping the bulk collection and storage of phone data, reforming the structure and processes of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, installing a civil liberties advocate to argue against the government's position in that court, and introducing stricter oversight of the agency's actions across the board. Most of these would be welcome reforms, and some of them Mr. Obama can put in place on his own. In fact, when he was a member of the Senate Mr. Obama supported many reforms that were similar or identical to the ones now on his desk. Yet as president, he has allowed the surveillance programs to continue and even g… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/presidents-review-group-to-appear-before-sjc-next-month President’s Review Group To Appear Before SJC Next Month 2013-12-22 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.13 President’s Review Group To Appear Before SJC Next Month Leahy Announces Jan. 14th Hearing During “Meet the Press” Appearance WASHINGTON (Sunday, December 22, 2013) – The members of the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee next month to provide testimony on their recent recommendations to overhaul the government’s surveillance authorities, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Sunday. This will be the Judiciary Committee’s first full committee hearing in the new year. “The recommendations from the President’s Review Group make clear that it is time to recalibrate our government’s surveillance programs. The Judiciary Committee plays a critical role in this discussion, and that is why I have invited all members of the review group to testify publicly before our Committee next month,” Leahy said in a statement, after appearing on “Meet the Press” to discuss the issue. “Momentum is building for real reform.” Members of the Review Group will appear before the Committee on Tuesday, January 14. The White House last week released the group’s recommendations to reform the nation’s broad surveillance laws, a number of which align with Leahy’s bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act.  Among other things, the bill would end the bulk collection of phone records under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. In its lead editorial today, the New York Times highlights Leahy’s bipartisan measure with Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and notes that “Congress has the power to change the surveillance laws.” # # # # # The USA FREEDOM Act Several recommendations from the President’s review group align with provisions in the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act, a bill authored by Senator Leahy that has drawn broad support from across the political spectrum and a host of technology companies, trade associations and nonprofit organizat… 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-target-data-breach Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Target Data Breach 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Target Data Breach “Like many Americans, I am troubled by the revelation that Target suffered a major data security breach involving 40 million credit and debit cards used to pay for purchases at its stores.  This data security breach is just the latest in a series of breaches that have impacted the privacy of millions of American consumers in recent years.  It is also an important reminder that the Congress must act to develop a comprehensive national strategy to improve the nation’s cybersecurity.   “In the Digital Age, Americans face new threats to their privacy as consumers and businesses alike collect, share and store more information in cyberspace.  That is why I have worked for many years to enact Federal data privacy legislation that would better protect American consumers and businesses from cybercrime.  I commend the dedicated men and women of the United States Secret Service and the Department of Justice who are working tirelessly to investigate this data security breach and to protect the public during the holiday shopping season.  I will continue to closely monitor the ongoing investigation and to work with others in Congress to enact meaningful data privacy legislation in the new year.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-hails-confirmation-of-mayorkas-to-top-dhs-position Leahy Hails Confirmation Of Mayorkas To Top DHS Position 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Leahy Hails Confirmation Of Mayorkas To Top DHS Position Mayorkas To Fill No. 2 Spot At Department WASHINGTON (Friday, December 20, 2013) –Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hailed the Senate’s vote Friday to confirm Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The position has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since April. “The Department of Homeland Security is the leading agency for some of the most pressing issues facing our Nation, from providing disaster relief to protecting our borders,” said Leahy, who spoke on the floor in favor of the nomination Friday.  “To serve the American people, this agency needs a full complement of leaders. With the Senate’s action today, the Department now has in place its most important leaders in Alejandro Mayorkas and Jeh Johnson.” Leahy, who earlier this year shepherded consideration of comprehensive immigration reform through the Senate, also hailed Mayorkas’ leadership of the EB-5 Regional Center Program while serving as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and he blasted the Department’s inspector general for conducting a deeply mismanaged review of the program and of Mayorkas.   “It is unfortunate that Director Mayorkas’ nomination has been the subject of unfair and partisan attacks, and it is wrong that some tried to create controversy about Director Mayorkas even before his confirmation hearing occurred in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee,” Leahy said.  “The attacks mounted against Director Mayorkas are made even less credible by the conduct of the former DHS Deputy Inspector General, who was forced to resign in the face of allegations of serious misconduct.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-republicans-block-nine-judicial-nominees-from-confirmation Senate Republicans Block Nine Judicial Nominees From Confirmation 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Senate Republicans Block Nine Judicial Nominees From Confirmation WASHINGTON (Friday, December 20, 2013) – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) blasted Republicans for needlessly blocking the confirmation of nine judicial nominees currently pending on the floor before the end of the year. “Republicans are once again—for the fifth year in a row—rejecting the longstanding Senate practice of scheduling confirmation votes on consensus nominees before the end of the session,” Leahy said. “The result is that we will spend a significant portion of the next year on the Senate floor doing work that should have been completed this year.” A total of 55 judicial nominees pending in the Judiciary Committee and on the floor will be returned to the White House because of Republican delay tactics, Leahy said, including recent obstruction of the Committee even meeting to consider nominees. Leahy noted that the Senate confirmed on Friday Brian Davis to a district court seat in Florida. Davis’s nomination lagged for 660 days. Judge Robert Wilkins, a nominee to serve on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, will be considered early next year. “As we approach the new year, I hope that reasonable Republicans will join us in restoring the Senate’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties and do its work for the American people,” he said. Leahy’s full statement on judicial nominations can be found online. ##### Nominations Pending On The Senate Calendar Jeffrey A. Meyer (D CT) Reported on September 19, 2013 Timothy L. Brooks (WD AR) Reported on October 31, 2013 James Donato* (ND CA) Reported on October 31, 2013 Beth L. Freeman* (ND CA) Reported on October 31, 2013 Pedro D. Hernandez* (D PR) Reported on October 31, 2013 Carolyn B. McHugh (10th Cir, UT) Reported on November 14, 2013 Pamela L. Reeves (ED TN) Reported on November 14, 2013 Vince G. Chhabria* (ND CA) Reported on Nov… 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-judicial-nominations-in-2013 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Judicial Nominations in 2013 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Judicial Nominations in 2013 Republicans are once again—for the fifth year in a row—rejecting the longstanding Senate practice of scheduling confirmation votes on consensus nominees before the end of the session.  Rather than working in a bipartisan fashion to confirm consensus nominees to fill judgeships as we wind down for the year, Senate Republicans have deliberately refused to agree to vote on consensus nominees who could and should be confirmed without delay.  The result is that we will spend a significant portion of the next year on the Senate floor doing work that should have been completed this year.  And now the Republican abuse of Senate rules has further escalated—Republicans have for the first time ever, refused to allow any currently pending judicial nominees to be held over so that they could be ready for immediate action next year.  For purely political reasons, Senate Republicans are forcing us to duplicate work next year that we have already completed in 2013.  It is a waste of taxpayer dollars and valuable resources that could be spent addressing the difficult issues facing our Nation.           As it stands, nine judicial nominations pending on the Senate Executive Calendar—all reported by the Judiciary Committee unanimously or with significant bipartisan support—are being returned to the President.  Another 15 judicial nominees who could have been reported to the full Senate and confirmed by the end of this year had Senate Republicans not blocked the Judiciary Committee’s ability to meet to report these nominees to the full Senate are being returned to the President.  Another 31 judicial nominees pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee will also be returned to the President.  Each of these nominations represents a significant amount of work by the nominees themselves, the White House, the Department of Justice, and Senate staff on both sides of the aisle.  The only judicial nomination… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-2014-defense-authorization-act- Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy on the 2014 Defense Authorization Act. 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy on the 2014 Defense Authorization Act. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, the compromise Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act is an important authorization bill that I intend to support. This will be the second legislative matter considered by the Senate this week that reflects the kind of compromise too often missing from our deliberations in Congress. It does not meet the needs of every Senator, but it marks a step in the right direction and will allow the Department of Defense to move forward key programs in the coming year. I understand the frustration of some Senators who were keen to offer amendments to this authorization bill. In fact, two measures I introduced during the Senate's consideration were not included in the compromise. These provisions would have extended protections for human rights by aiding international efforts to prosecute war criminals and compensating innocent civilians who fall victim to combat operations. Both provisions have significant support, and I remain committed to continuing to work to see them enacted in the new year. But despite the best efforts of Chairman Levin and Ranking Member Inhofe, the amendment process in the Senate was derailed by irrelevant proposals, which prevented provisions like these from receiving consideration. Nonetheless, I will support this compromise.. The bill before the Senate authorizes the activities of the Department of Defense, the single largest U.S. Government entity. As a result, manufacturers and service providers across the United States will keep Americans employed making and doing things for the Department. It means that the U.S. Armed Forces can take the steps needed to address threats to our security. Most importantly, it means the members of the Armed Forces and their families can count on having the equipment and support they need while selflessly serving to keep us safe. The Defense authorization bill before us also contains important changes that will help the administra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-farm-bill-conference-progress Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Farm Bill Conference Progress 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Farm Bill Conference Progress While the days are limited before the end of 2013, the Farm Bill Conference Committee presses on, working together in a bipartisan fashion to resolve differences and to take the steps necessary to enact a comprehensive and balanced Farm Bill. Under the leadership of Chairwoman Stabenow and Chairman Lucas, it now appears we are on target to complete our work on this bill early in the New Year. Nonetheless, it has now been more than 440 days since the Farm Bill first expired. Farms are businesses, and farmers in Vermont and across the country are desperate to have a new Farm Bill enacted to give them the much-needed certainty for their planting and other farm decisions. Since the 2008 Farm Bill expired last year, we have seen parts of the country ravaged by blizzards that wiped out cattle herds while commodity prices slump. More than 20 programs, including the Organic Certification Cost Share Program, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant Program, livestock disaster, renewable energy programs, and assistance for rural small business owners have been stranded without updated charters, and the USDA has had to press the pause button since these programs are stuck with no authorized funding. Those who participate in these programs are left hanging. That is as unwise as it is unfair. Last week the House of Representatives quickly took up and passed a short-term extension of the Farm Bill with very little debate and has asked the Senate to do the same. I have heard a lot of concern here in the Senate that this short, one-month extension could allow direct payment subsidies to continue for another full year. We have already agreed on a bipartisan and bicameral basis to get rid of these unnecessary and expensive direct payment subsidies to agribusiness, so we should not fall into this trap of extending them for a full year. That would be unacceptable, and, according to Secretary Vilsack, unnecessary. Secretary Vilsa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy_chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-the-first-session-of-the-113th-congress--progress-made-and-much-left-incomplete Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the First Session Of The 113th Congress Progress Made And Much Left Incomplete 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the First Session Of The 113th Congress Progress Made And Much Left Incomplete Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the First Session Of The 113th Congress Progress Made And Much Left Incomplete   As the first session of the 113th Congress comes to a close, it is appropriate to reflect on some of the accomplishments of the year, while acknowledging that so much more could have been done had Republicans in both the Senate and the House cooperated.  We have passed some common sense, good government legislation.  As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I am proud of the work of the Senate Judiciary Committee this year.  While there remains much work to be done, these accomplishments illustrate what we as a Congress are capable of when we set aside partisan politics and put the good of the American people first. Violence Against Women Act My first legislative priority at the beginning of this Congress was to complete our work to improve and re-invigorate the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  Vermont has been a national leader in addressing domestic and sexual violence.  In Vermont, VAWA funding has helped the National Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence provide services for more than 7,000 adults and nearly 1,400 children in 2011 alone.  The Burlington-based Women Helping Battered Women and Middlebury-based WomenSafe have supported thousands of children and adults by offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling and legal assistance.  These dedicated service providers help victims recover from unspeakable trauma and abuse, but the need for VAWA remains.  Three women are killed every day by abusive husbands or boyfriends.  In Vermont, 51 percent of all homicides are related to domestic violence.  After months of work, the Senate came together in the best tradition of the institution to reauthorize VAWA with a strong bipartisan vote.  This bill, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/chairman-senate-judiciary-committee-on-the-confirmation-of-alejandro-mayorkas-to-be-deputy-secretary-of-homeland-security Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Confirmation of Alejandro Mayorkas To be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.13 Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Confirmation of Alejandro Mayorkas To be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security is the leading agency for some of the most pressing issues facing our Nation, from providing disaster relief to protecting our borders. To serve the American people, this agency needs a full complement of leaders, and that is why I am glad the Senate is considering the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. I commend Senator Carper, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, for making his nomination to this important position a priority for the Committee and getting his nomination to the Senate. Alejandro Mayorkas currently serves as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is the agency that makes our immigration system work and Director Mayorkas has made it a stronger, better-functioning agency. His expertise on immigration issues will help him in his new role, where he is sure to improve coordination within the Department. Those Senators who claim to care about protecting our borders and improving our broken immigration system should support this nomination, just as they should call on the House to pass comprehensive immigration reform as we did here in the Senate earlier this year. It is unfortunate that Director Mayorkas' nomination has been the subject of unfair and partisan attacks, and it is wrong that some tried to create controversy about Director Mayorkas even before his confirmation hearing occurred in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The attacks mounted against Director Mayorkas are made even less credible by the conduct of the former DHS Deputy Inspector General, who was forced to resign in the face of allegations of serious misconduct. On the eve of Director Mayorkas' confirmation hearing, this former Deputy Inspector General, Charles Edwards, authorized the transmittal of an email to a Republi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/in-the-news/http//wwwnytimescom/2013/12/20/opinion/protecting-citizens-and-their-privacyhtmlhpandrrefopinion_r1 Protecting Citizens, and Their Privacy 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-bipartisan-budget-act- Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Bipartisan Budget Act 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.13 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Bipartisan Budget Act In what I hope is a sign of things to come, today, I expect the Senate to pass the Bipartisan Budget Act. The result of the long awaited budget conference -- one that had long been requested by Chairwoman Murray but never agreed to by Senate Republicans – the agreement has found some common ground and reflects a shared commitment to work for the American people, something in short supply in Congress these days. The budget deal we are considering today is a true compromise. I believe it would be difficult to find any Member of Congress who fully embraces every aspect of this agreement. In spite of that, there is broad, bipartisan support for the bill, as evidenced by the overwhelming bipartisan vote in the House late last week, and the bipartisan vote by which cloture was invoked here in the Senate. There is bipartisan support for the overall goal of ending this manufactured budget stalemate that we currently face. The Bipartisan Budget Act will provide us with the our topline spending levels for the remainder of this fiscal year and next, and, most importantly, will prevent the full force of a second round of sequestration’s indiscriminate and devastating cuts. This is welcome news for nearly every American who has seen how devastating the sequester has been for their communities, and for those who have anxiously awaited a second round of deeper, more painful cuts. With agencies facing budgets that just simply could not meet their basic obligations to the public and to the Nation’s priorities, and with their coffers to insulate programs and prevent furloughs and layoffs exhausted, allowing the sequester to lengthen and deepen truly would have been debilitating and would have stunted our ongoing economic recovery. While this is not the budget I would have written, and while it is paid for in a number of ways with which I simply disagree, we are at a juncture at which we cannot allow the goal of perfection to bring on another b… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/news-vermont-delegation-vermont-wins-37-million-universal-pre-school News from the Vermont Delegation: Vermont Wins $37 Million for Universal Pre-School 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Vermont today won a $37 million federal grant for a statewide, pre-kindergarten program at public schools. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a member of the Senate education committee, worked closely with federal officials and Gov. Peter Shumlin's administration to secure the grant for early childhood education. Sanders said, Psychologists tell us that, in terms of human development, the most important years are birth through four years of age. Yet, in terms of early childhood education, our nation does a very inadequate job in making quality pre-kindergarten education available to working families. This major federal grant will significantly improve early childhood education in our state and better prepare our kids for school and the challenges and opportunities of life. I am very appreciative that the Department of Education provided Vermont with this major grant. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) supported Vermont's application for the award from a U.S. Department of Education program called Race to the Top. Leahy said, An educated Vermont is a prosperous and better Vermont. Vermont has always understood the importance of early childhood education and how effective it can be in helping children break the cycle of poverty. This funding will allow Vermont to reach an even greater number of young children and expand their programs to ensure all children have access to quality, early education. I am excited to see the further work this federal partnership with Vermont will make possible in the next few years and the difference it will make for so many Vermont families. Welch said, This is great news for Vermont and recognition of the quality of our education system and its leaders. Investments in early childhood education give children the best opportunity to succeed in school and in their future careers.Vermont has distinguished itself with this integrated, statewide approach to serving and educating children. The four-year grant will help establish an innovative system to serve every child in th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-celebrates-success-energy-efficiency-retrofits-vermont-colleges Welch celebrates success of energy efficiency retrofits at Vermont colleges 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Funds provided by federal grant championed by Sen. Leahy and Rep. Welch Today at Champlain College, Rep. Peter Welch celebrated the success of federally funded energy efficiency projects on seven Vermont campuses. Federal funding for these projects was secured in 2007 by Welch and Senator Patrick Leahy. Welch was joined by college presidents from the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges and representatives from Senator Leahy's office and the Preservation Trust of Vermont. Investments in energy efficiency are a no-brainer. They create jobs, save money, and improve the environment. Efficiency retrofits made by these colleges are already yielding substantial savings on their energy bills. In an era of escalating college tuition fees, I applaud their leaders for doing all they can to reduce energy costs that ultimately must be passed on to students and their families. They have also taken advantage of the grants as an educational opportunity for students to learn about the latest techniques for responsible energy use that reduces environmental impact. In 2007, $1.5 million in federal funds was awarded to AVIC for energy efficiency upgrades, which went towards retrofit projects at Burlington College, Champlain College, College of St. Joseph, Green Mountain College, Goddard College, Marlboro College and Sterling College. Upgrades included investments in energy efficient lighting, thermal windows and doors, additional insulation, replaced window air conditioners and updated plumbing. ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-awards-to-vermont-boys-and-girls-clubs-top-500000 Leahy: Awards To Vermont Boys & Girls Clubs Top $500,000 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.13 Leahy: Awards To Vermont Boys & Girls Clubs Top $500,000 Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Thursday that Vermont's Boys & Girls Clubs are being awarded $500,350 to help fund activities and programs administered by the six clubs that operate in Vermont. This latest round of awards brings the total for Vermont to over $8 million since 2005. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides awards to state clubs using funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice dedicated to youth mentoring. This funding supplements the private contributions the clubs receive. At a time when drug addiction and related crimes are posing tremendous challenges in our communities, these clubs are more important than ever, said Leahy, a former prosecutor and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Justice Department. As Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling puts it, the Boys & Girls Clubs act as the glue in the neighborhood.' Leahy has long led in partnering with Vermont's Boys & Girls Clubs and in championing federal support for the clubs. In 2001 he successfully led a strong bipartisan coalition in Congress to restore funding for the clubs when federal support was threatened with elimination from the federal budget and has authored legislation renewing the federal partnership with the clubs. Announcing the awards, Leahy stressed the need to continue support for the clubs in Vermont and nationwide, amid shifting federal budget priorities. Leahy said he was grateful that Vermont's funding held steady this year -- Vermont clubs received $500,000 in federal fiscal year 2012 -- but that a greater investment in youth mentoring programs is needed, particularly during difficult economic times. Leahy pledged to work with members on both sides of the aisle to support funding for national youth mentoring programs. Leahy continued: This funding is a direct investment in the future of these young people, in their communities, and in our future. The Boys & Girls Clubs of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-sanders-welch-welcome-fdas-pledge-to-redraft-controversial-fda-food-safety-rules-reflecting-concerns-they-raised-on-behalf-of-vermont-food-producers Leahy, Sanders, Welch Welcome FDAs Pledge To Redraft Controversial FDA Food Safety Rules, Reflecting Concerns They Raised On Behalf Of Vermont Food Producers 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.13 Leahy, Sanders, Welch Welcome FDA's Pledge To Redraft Controversial FDA Food Safety Rules, Reflecting Concerns They Raised On Behalf Of Vermont Food Producers The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed Thursday that they will redraft controversial new food safety rules, and then seek additional public input, as requested last month by Vermont's congressional delegation -- Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I), and Congressman Peter Welch (D). In a joint statement Leahy, Sanders and Welch said: We supported the Food Safety Modernization Act when it was adopted in 2011, but we also have serious concerns about FDA's first draft of rules to implement the law. In our view and in the view of the many Vermonters who have contacted us about the draft rules they could deal a crippling blow to Vermont's burgeoning local agricultural economy, while making only marginal gains in actual food safety outcomes. We are pleased that FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg and Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Michael Taylor listened to the concerns raised in our letter to the FDA last month, as well as to the thousands of farmers, food producers and food safety advocates who weighed in from Vermont and across the country. We look forward to working with the FDA and Vermont producers in refining the implementation of the law to truly protect consumers and build the Vermont brand, without burdening our producers with unnecessary rules, fees and paperwork. We recognize that these rules have been a major undertaking for the FDA, and we are cautiously optimistic that this decision to revisit these issues will help to ensure that they take the time to get this right, for the sake of our producers, processors and consumers. Several aspects of the proposed new rule of particular concern to Vermont producers are identified by the FDA for further revision and comment, including irrigation water quality standards and testing, standards for using raw manure and compost, an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/vermont-wins-37-million-for-universal-pre-school- Vermont Wins $37 Million for Universal Pre-School 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.13 Vermont Wins $37 Million for Universal Pre-School Vermont today won a $37 million federal grant for a statewide, pre-kindergarten program at public schools. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a member of the Senate education committee, worked closely with federal officials and Gov. Peter Shumlin's administration to secure the grant for early childhood education. Sanders said, Psychologists tell us that, in terms of human development, the most important years are birth through four years of age. Yet, in terms of early childhood education, our nation does a very inadequate job in making quality pre-kindergarten education available to working families. This major federal grant will significantly improve early childhood education in our state and better prepare our kids for school and the challenges and opportunities of life. I am very appreciative that the Department of Education provided Vermont with this major grant. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) supported Vermont's application for the award from a U.S. Department of Education program called Race to the Top. Leahy said, An educated Vermont is a prosperous and better Vermont. Vermont has always understood the importance of early childhood education and how effective it can be in helping children break the cycle of poverty. This funding will allow Vermont to reach an even greater number of young children and expand their programs to ensure all children have access to quality, early education. I am excited to see the further work this federal partnership with Vermont will make possible in the next few years and the difference it will make for so many Vermont families. Welch said, This is great news for Vermont and recognition of the quality of our education system and its leaders. Investments in early childhood education give children the best opportunity to succeed in school and in their future careers.Vermont has distinguished itself with this integrated, statewide approach to serving and educating children. The four-… 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-release-of-recommendations-by-the-presidents-review-group-on-intelligence-and-communications-technologies Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Release of Recommendations by the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.13 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Release of Recommendations by the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Release of Recommendations by the President’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies December 18, 2013 [Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the following comment Wednesday after the White House released recommendations from the Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies to reform the nation’s broad surveillance laws.] “The message to the NSA is now coming from every branch of government and from every corner of our nation:  You have gone too far.  The bulk collection of Americans’ data by the U.S. government must end.  This momentous report from the President’s closest advisers is a vindication of the efforts of a bipartisan group of legislators that has been working for years to protect Americans’ privacy by reining in these intelligence authorities.  I welcome the report and call on the President to immediately consider implementing the recommendations that can be achieved without legislation. “I will continue to push the USA FREEDOM Act to end the dragnet collection of Americans’ phone records and recalibrate the government’s surveillance authorities.  I have invited the members of the President’s Review Group to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee next month, and look forward to discussing their important recommendations.” # # # # # The USA FREEDOM Act Several recommendations from the President’s review group align with provisions in the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act, a bill authored by Senator Leahy that has drawn broad support from across the political spectrum and a host of technology companies, trade associations and nonprofit organizations. Those provisions include: An End To Bulk Collection of Americans’ Communications R… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-lauds-rutlands-record-breaking-blood-drive Welch lauds Rutland's record breaking blood drive 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter Welch issued the following statement after it was reported that Rutland's Gift of Life Marathon blood drive collected 2,337 pints of blood, beating the national record for a single community in one day. "In the end, it wasn't even close. Yesterday, Rutland showed Vermont and the nation that it has heart -- big time heart. And it demonstrated what a community can accomplish when its residents work together on a shared goal, said Welch. What did Rutland accomplish? They saved the life of future accident victims. They ensured good outcomes to complicated surgical procedures. They provided peace of mind to the families of critically ill patients. And they proved once and for all that perseverance pays off. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who put Rutland in the record books." ##### 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-republican-opposition-to-judicial-confirmation-hearing-on-consensus-nominees Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Republican Opposition To Judicial Confirmation Hearing On Consensus Nominees 2013-12-18 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.13 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Republican Opposition To Judicial Confirmation Hearing On Consensus Nominees [On Wednesday, Senate Republicans invoked procedural tactics to prevent the Judiciary Committee from convening a confirmation hearing for five district court nominees. The hearing was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.] The Republican shutdown of the Judiciary Committee is consistent with the obstruction we have witnessed over the last five years, which has led to record high vacancies in federal courts throughout the country. Home state Senators were consulted with respect to the nominees scheduled to appear before the Committee today who, when confirmed, will fill vacancies in California, Maine and Maryland, and an emergency vacancy in Kansas.The families of these nominees invested time and personal expense to travel to Washington for this hearing, losses they will never recover. This escalating obstruction undermines the Senate's constitutional responsibility of advice and consent. Just last week, Republicans prevented the Judiciary Committee from holding an executive business meeting to consider 18 highly qualified nominees, including two Texas U.S. Marshals. Those two nominees should have been approved by the Committee last month, but Republicans failed to attend the meeting to report their nominations. As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I have consistently shown my commitment to work with all Senators to process nominations. This obstruction sets back the bipartisan cooperation we have seen in recent weeks on such legislative matters as the budget, the defense authorization bill, and the Farm Bill. If this obstruction continues with respect to judicial nominees, I will be forced to reconsider long-held policies that have upheld the rights of the minority party in this process. # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-announces-bill-spur-use-energy-efficient-heat-pumps Welch announces bill to spur the use of energy efficient heat pumps 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy The Home Heating and Cooling Efficiency Act expands efficiency tax credit Today, at the home of Rutland resident Bruce Bentley, Rep. Peter Welch unveiled legislation that will make it more affordable for Vermonters to install money saving and energy efficient heat pumps in their homes. Rep. Welch and Mr. Bentley were joined by representatives from Green Mountain Power, Efficiency Vermont and Excel Plumbing and Heating. Heating homes in Vermont is a significant financial challenge for many Vermonters. That financial burden can be reduced by making our homes as energy efficient as possible including the installation of energy efficient heat pumps which can put a big dent in monthly heating bills. My legislation will make heat pumps more affordable, cut energy bills, create American manufacturing jobs, and improve the environment. Installing a heat pump can lower a Vermont home owner's heating costs by as much as $800 per year. According to Mr. Bentley, he now uses 900 less gallons of fuel oil per year as a result of installing a heat pump. Welch's legislation, the Home Heating and Cooling Efficiency Act (H.R. 3772), would expand the current tax credit for heat pumps from $300 to $500, or up to 10 percent of the cost of the product. Interest in heat pumps has surged in states like Vermont as recent technical advancements enable the pumps to function in colder climates throughout the winter. ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-judiciary-committee-holds-hearing-on-abusive-patent-practices Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing On Abusive Patent Practices 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.13 Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing On Abusive Patent Practices WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 17, 2013) The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing titled Protecting Small Businesses and Promoting Innovation by Limiting Patent Troll Abuse. Chairman Patrick Leahy is the author of the Patent Transparency and Improvements Act of 2013, a bipartisan bill to protect businesses and innovators who are being improperly targeted by patent trolls. Member statements, witness testimony and a live webcast are available online. Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Protecting Small Businesses and Promoting Innovation by Limiting Patent Troll Abuse December 17, 2013 Last Congress, members of this Committee and the Congress came together to pass common-sense, bipartisan reform to modernize our patent system. The America Invents Act has taken significant steps to improve the quality of patents that are issued by the Patent and Trademark Office, by allowing outside parties to challenge the validity of a patent after it issues and improving the information available to patent examiners. Unfortunately, bad actors are continuing to abuse the patent system. I have heard from an increasing number of businesses in Vermont and across the country that are being targeted by so-called patent trolls. Instead of asserting a patent claim against the manufacturer of a product, entities are targeting small businesses that merely use the product. In Vermont, small businesses have received aggressive demand letters claiming payments of $1,000 per employee for using document scanners in their offices. Across the country, thousands of coffee shops, hotels, and retail stores received demand letters and were threatened with patent suits simply for using a standard, off-the-shelf, WiFi router. Many of the letters are vague form letters with no description of how the recipient infringes on a relevant patent. I have also heard examples of patent assertion entities … 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-dc-district-court-ruling-on-the-nsas-telephone-surveillance-program Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On D.C. District Court Ruling On The NSA’s Telephone Surveillance Program 2013-12-16 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.13 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On D.C. District Court Ruling On The NSA’s Telephone Surveillance Program [Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) released the following comment Monday after a D.C. District Court judge issued a preliminary injunction ruling regarding the National Security Agency’s phone surveillance program. Leahy introduced in November the USA FREEDOM Act, a bipartisan bill that would end the bulk collection of phone records under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act.]  “Americans deserve an open and transparent debate about the constitutionality, efficacy, and appropriateness of the government’s dragnet collection programs.  I welcome today’s district court ruling regarding the collection of phone metadata, particularly because the litigants were afforded the opportunity to participate in an adversarial process.  The Senate Judiciary Committee has held three full committee hearings and a subcommittee hearing on these issues in recent months, and it is clear to me that even more oversight is needed in the future. Our continued work on the USA FREEDOM Act that I introduced will also offer further opportunities for oversight, and for action.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous 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-on-the_the-10th-anniversary-of-the-passage-of-the-hometown-heroes-survivors-benefits-act-senate-floor Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On the The 10th Anniversary of the Passage of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act Senate Floor 2013-12-16 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On the The 10th Anniversary of the Passage of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act Senate Floor Today I am proud to recognize the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the “Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act” which occurred this past Saturday.  Back in 2003, I worked with a bipartisan group of senators to pass this legislation to improve the Department of Justice's Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program by allowing families of public safety officers who suffer fatal heart attacks or strokes to qualify for federal survivor benefits. I am proud to mark the 10-year anniversary of this important program.  I first want to thank each of our Nation’s brave law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical responders for the work they do for the American public each and every day.  This legislation, like the Public Safety Officers Benefits program, is for them.  It is Congress’ recognition of the importance of their service to their communities and to the Nation.  Our public safety officers are often the first to respond to a crime scene or emergency situation.  They are often the first line of defense in a natural disaster or national security emergency.  They are among our most courageous and dedicated public servants.  I applaud their efforts in responding to more than 240 million emergency calls each year - whether those calls involve a fire, crime, medical emergency, natural disaster, or act of terrorism - without hesitation.  They act with a steadfast commitment to the safety and protection of their fellow citizens and sadly, sometimes lose their own lives in the protection of their communities.  Each year, hundreds of public safety officers nationwide lose their lives and thousands more are injured while performing their duties.  And while these benefits can never be a substitute for the loss of a loved one, the families of all these fallen heroes deserve this financial support from the Federal government. The PSOB p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-confirmation-of-jeh-johnson-to-be-secretary-of-homeland-security Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Confirmation of Jeh Johnson To be Secretary of Homeland Security 2013-12-16 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Confirmation of Jeh Johnson To be Secretary of Homeland Security I am pleased to support the confirmation of Jeh Johnson to be the Secretary of Homeland Security.  Mr. Johnson’s distinguished career in public service, including his service as a Federal prosecutor and as General Counsel of the Department of Defense, will suit him well as he takes on this new and very challenging responsibility. I look forward to inviting Mr. Johnson to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee for an oversight hearing in the new year, which he has committed to do.  Mr. Johnson will oversee many issues within the Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction, not the least of which is Federal immigration policy.   I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Johnson recently and discuss some of the issues that have been of interest to me over the last several years.  I encouraged him to continue to support the exceptional work U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas has done to make USCIS a better, stronger agency.  In particular, I encouraged Mr. Johnson to build upon Director Mayorkas’ work to strengthen and improve the EB-5 Regional Center Program, which is a successful, job creating immigration program that has transformed parts of Vermont and other communities across the country.  I look forward to working with Mr. Johnson, and Director Mayorkas following his confirmation as Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security, to continue the partnership the Senate Judiciary Committee developed with USCIS to make the improvements necessary to maintain the highest standards of integrity in this important program, and to sustain it as a significant economic engine for the United States.  I relayed to Mr. Johnson my concerns about Border Patrol checkpoints in the interior of the country, like the one that the previous administration implemented and operated nearly 100 miles south of the Canadian border on Interstate 91 in Vermont.  Over the past several years, I… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-welch-bill-fund-pediatric-research House Passes Bipartisan Welch Bill to Fund Pediatric Research 2013-12-16 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Kids First Research Act (H.R. 2019) invests in NIH research Last week, the House passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Welch and Rep. Greg Harper (R- MS) which authorizes $126 million in funding for pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health. The new funding is offset by eliminating taxpayer support for the Democratic and Republican political conventions held every four years. This is a small but important step in advancing life-saving research into pediatric cancer and other chronic diseases affecting children, said Welch. Passing this bipartisan bill demonstrates that this Congress can put down the partisan battle axes and do something constructive. And I hope it represents the first step in restoring drastic cuts in the NIH budget triggered by the irresponsible budget sequester. The legislation would invest $12.6 million annually for 10 years in scientific research for pediatric disease and disorders by creating a `10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund'. The initiative wouldbe administered by the Common Fund at the NIH. It was named in memory of Gabriella Miller, a 10-year-old children's health research advocate, who recently died of brain cancer. Her story is told in this CNN report. ##### 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-one-year-anniversary-of-the-tragedy-at-sandy-hook-elementary-school Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On The One Year Anniversary Of The Tragedy At Sandy Hook Elementary School 2013-12-14 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.14.13 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On The One Year Anniversary Of The Tragedy At Sandy Hook Elementary School “It has been one year since our hearts were broken by the unimaginable tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  Marcelle and I give our thoughts and prayers in honor and remembrance of the innocent children and educators whose lives were taken, and to their brave and loving families who bear so great a burden.  On this solemn anniversary, we keep in our hearts these families and a community that has lost so much.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous 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-confirmation-of-patricia-m-wald-to-be-a--member-of-the-privacy-and-civil-liberties-oversight-board Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee on the Confirmation of Patricia M. Wald to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board 2013-12-13 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee on the Confirmation of Patricia M. Wald to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board I commend the Senate for confirming Judge Patricia M. Wald to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board ("PCLOB").  The Senate previously confirmed Judge Wald to this post on August 2, 2012.  The President re-nominated Judge Wald to this position in March, and the Judiciary Committee favorably reported the nomination without objection months ago.  Like many other nominees, her confirmation has been held up on the floor for months by Senate Republicans. During her tenure on this important oversight board, Judge Wald has served with great professionalism and dedication.  And last month, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor that the President can bestow. For the past several months, our nation has been engaged in a national debate about the ever-growing need for limits on the government’s surveillance powers.  The House and the Senate are considering bipartisan legislation to rein in those expansive powers, in an effort to better protect Americans’ privacy and to increase transparency and oversight. The PCLOB is also expected to issue an important report on the government's surveillance programs to the President and Congress.   Today's confirmation vote will ensure that the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board remains at full strength as the board continues this work to safeguard our constitutional rights.  Democrats, Independents, and Republicans alike have supported the work of this non-partisan board.  I commend the Senate for confirming this well qualified nominee, so that the PCLOB can continue to carry out its important responsibilities.     # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reed-and-welch-laud-provision-house-passed-budget-agreement-protects Reed and Welch laud provision in House-passed budget agreement that protects rural hospitals and communities 2013-12-13 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) announced today that the budget agreement passed by the House yesterday included a six-month extension strongly advocated by both Members to fund the federal low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals programs. Funding for this program, which helps rural hospitals provide quality health care in the communities they serve, had expired at the end of September. Our rural hospitals will see a much-needed extension in funding as part of the bipartisan budget agreement, Congressman Reed said. It's important we protect and care for our rural hospitals and the jobs they support, just as we rely on them for high-quality care close to home. I am pleased this policy was included and will continue to partner with the rural hospitals moving into next year to ensure long-term program funding. "Vermont's rural hospitals have a strong reputation for providing high quality health care to seniors in the communities they serve," Congressman Welch said. "This legislation will make sure our hospitals continue to serve them in the short term. Earlier this year, Congressmen Reed and Welch had introduced the bipartisan Rural Hospital Access Act (HR 1787) which reauthorizes for one year the Medicare-dependent hospital and enhanced low-volume hospital programs. New York's 23rd Congressional District has three Medicare-dependent hospitals: Corning Hospital, Ira Davenport and St. Joseph's of Elmira, and three low-volume hospitals: Jones Memorial, Ira Davenport, and St. James Mercy. Vermont has two Medicare-dependent hospitals: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and three low-volume hospitals: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medical Center and Central Vermont Medical Center. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-announces-witness-list-for-next-weeks-patent-troll-hearing Leahy Announces Witness List For Next Weeks Patent Troll Hearing 2013-12-13 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.13 Leahy Announces Witness List For Next Week's Patent Troll Hearing WASHINGTON (FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2013) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Friday released a witness list for the December 17 hearing on bipartisan legislation to combat so-called patent trolls. New England Federal Credit Union President and CEO John Dwyer, from Williston, Vt., is among those scheduled to testify. Leahy has also invited Michael Makin, president and CEO of Printing Industries of America, to appear before the panel. When small businesses in Vermont and across the country are threatened with patent lawsuits merely for offering wi-fi to their customers or using document scanners in their offices, we can all agree the system is not being used as intended, said Leahy. I am committed to passing effective legislation that will help innovators and inventors succeed, and I look forward to next week's hearing on this important subject. Leahy joined with Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) to introduce the Patent Transparency and Improvements Act in November. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at 10 a.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Member statements, witness testimony, and a live webcast will be available online on Tuesday. # # # # # Witness List Hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary On Protecting Small Businesses and Promoting Innovation by Limiting Patent Troll Abuse Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226 10:00 a.m. Panel I John J. Dwyer, Jr. President & CEO New England Federal Credit Union Williston, VT Michael Makin President & CEO Printing Industries of America Sewickley, PA Dana Rao Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Intellectual Property Litigation Adobe Systems, Inc. San Jose, CA Philip S. Johnson Senior Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel, Johnson & Johnson Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform New Brunswick, NJ Panel II Steve B… 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-agreement-to-restoring-users-ability-to-unlock-cellphones Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Agreement To Restoring Users’ Ability to Unlock Cellphones 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.13 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Agreement To Restoring Users’ Ability to Unlock Cellphones [The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday announced that it had reached a voluntary agreement with the wireless industry allowing consumers to “unlock” their cell phones.  Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced the bipartisan Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, S. 517, in March after the United States Library of Congress declined to renew an exemption to section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that allowed consumers to easily transfer their cell phones to other providers. Leahy’s legislation restores the previous rule authorizing cell phone unlocking.  A companion bill was approved by the House Judiciary Committee in July.] “Today the wireless industry listened to the complaints of consumers and lawmakers by voluntarily agreeing to allow individuals to transfer their cell phones to other carriers. Nine months ago, I introduced bipartisan legislation to provide consumers the ability to keep their phones and make their own decision about which wireless provider to use. I am glad the wireless industry agrees with this commonsense approach, and I applaud the industry’s actions taken today. The Judiciary Committee will continue in its oversight capacity to monitor the implementation of this agreement and ensure that it provides consumers the freedom to choose the wireless provider that best suits their needs.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-confirms-pillard-to-the-dc-circuit-court- Senate Confirms Pillard To The D.C. Circuit Court 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.13 Senate Confirms Pillard To The D.C. Circuit Court WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) applauded on Thursday the confirmation of Nina Pillard to serve on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Pillard's confirmation to a seat left vacant since October 2011 also marks an historic milestone for the prestigious court that will now have five active female judges currently serving. Despite having filled nearly half of law school classrooms for the last 20 years, women are grossly underrepresented on our Federal courts. We need women on the Federal bench, Leahy said. The Senate moved another step forward in that effort by voting to confirm Nina Pillard, one of several highly qualified women nominated by President Obama like Patricia Millett, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor. I am proud to support such incredible nominees, and I applaud the Senate for voting to confirm Nina Pillard. Pillard, who was nominated in June and testified before the Committee in July, has a unanimous rating of well qualified from the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. She has argued nine cases before the Supreme Court and drafted the government's successful argument in the landmark Supreme Court case, United States v. Virginia, which opened the doors of the Virginia Military Institute to female cadets. Her nomination to the D.C. Circuit is supported by Viet Dinh, the former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy under President George W. Bush, former FBI Director and Chief Judge of the Western District of Texas William Sessions, 30 former members of the U.S. armed forces including 8 retired generals, 25 former Federal prosecutors and other law enforcement officials, and 40 Supreme Court practitioners including Laurence Tribe and Carter Phillips. # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous… 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-the-nomination-of-cornelia-nina-pillard1 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Nomination of Cornelia Nina Pillard 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Nomination of Cornelia Nina Pillard Tonight we will vote on the nomination of Nina Pillard to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. On Tuesday, we were finally able to invoke cloture on her nomination, after it had been unjustifiably filibustered by Senate Republicans for nearly three months after being favorably voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The D.C. Circuit is often considered to be the second most important court in the Nation and should be operating at full strength. We are finally taking another step towards making this Court operate at full strength for the American people. Nina Pillard is an accomplished litigator whose work includes 9 Supreme Court oral arguments, and briefs in more than 25 Supreme Court cases. She drafted the Federal government's brief in United States v. Virginia, which after a 7-1 decision by the Supreme Court made history by opening the Virginia Military Institute's doors to female students and expanded educational opportunity for women across the country. Since then, hundreds of women have had the opportunity to attend VMI and go on to serve our country. Ms. Pillard has not only stood up for equal opportunities for women, but for men as well. In Nevada v. Hibbs, Ms. Pillard successfully represented a male employee of the state of Nevada who was fired when he tried to take unpaid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act to care for his sick wife. In a 6-3 opinion authored by then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the Supreme Court ruled for her client, recognizing that the law protects both men and women in their caregiving roles within the family. She has also worked at the Department of Justice as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel, an office that advises on the most complex constitutional issues facing the Executive Branch. And prior to that, Ms. Pillard litigated numerous civil rights cases as an assistant couns… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-judiciary-committee-holds-third-oversight-hearing-on-government-surveillance-programs Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Third Oversight Hearing On Government Surveillance Programs 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.13 Senate Judiciary Committee Holds Third Oversight Hearing On Government Surveillance Programs WASHINGTON (Wednesday, December 11, 2013) The Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday afternoon is holding a hearing titled Continued Oversight of U.S. Government Surveillance Authorities. Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) convened similar oversight hearings in July and October on the use of government surveillance programs. Member statements, witness testimony and a webcast of today's hearing are available online. Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Hearing on Continued Oversight of U.S. Government Surveillance Authorities December 11, 2013 Today, the Judiciary Committee meets to conduct further oversight of the intelligence community's surveillance activities. This Committee has held a series of open hearings that have sharpened the Committee's thinking and furthered the public dialogue on these important issues. Today marks our third full Committee hearing, and Senator Franken also convened a hearing on transparency issues last month in the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law. At our first hearing in July, we discussed with Deputy Attorney General Cole the broad relevance standard that is being used to justify the bulk collection of Americans' phone records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act, and I appreciate that the Deputy Attorney General has returned today to continue that discussion. We also discussed the utility of the bulk phone records collection program in light of statements by some officials that had conflated the usefulness of Section 215 with Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and left the inaccurate impression that 54 terrorist plots had been thwarted as a result of these programs. Deputy Director Inglis helped to clear up this confusion, and we learned that in fact there was only one example of the Section 215 phone records program being the but-for cause of disrupting a terrorist event. That … 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-the-nomination-of-alejandro-mayorkas-to-be-deputy-secretary_of-the-department-of-homeland-security Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On The Nomination Of Alejandro Mayorkas To Be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security 2013-12-11 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.13 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On The Nomination Of Alejandro Mayorkas To Be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security [Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) issued the following comment Wednesday after the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee reported out the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The position has not had a Senate-confirmed leader since April.] I applaud Chairman Carper and members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for approving the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas, a nominee who would fill an important role at the Department of Homeland Security. This nomination deserves consideration by all Senators, and that consideration should not be delayed by a highly questionable investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. It is unfortunate that like Director Mayorkas' confirmation hearing, a majority of Republican Senators declined to attend today's business meeting and discuss the issues about which they claim to be concerned. It is also unfortunate that Republicans are using a seriously flawed review of Director Mayorkas's performance at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obstruct his nomination. The conduct of the Deputy Inspector General at the Department of Homeland Security relative to his investigation of Director Mayorkas, including the Deputy Inspector General's public disclosure of sensitive information about the investigation and his failure even to interview Director Mayorkas, severely undermines the legitimacy of the investigation.In my view, this flawed investigation does not merit the delay of Director Mayorkas' confirmation process. Finally, I appreciate Chairman Carper's recognition of the bipartisan work the Judiciary Committee has done, in cooperation with USCIS, to improve the job-creating EB-5 Regional Cent… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/hearing-on-assistance-for-jordan-and-lebanon-and-refugee-relief-related-to-the-civil-war-in-syria Hearing On Assistance For Jordan And Lebanon And Refugee Relief, Related To The Civil War In Syria 2013-12-10 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.13 Hearing On Assistance For Jordan And Lebanon And Refugee Relief, Related To The Civil War In Syria Chairman Patrick Leahy Hearing On Assistance For Jordan And Lebanon And Refugee Relief, Related To The Civil War In Syria Department of State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee December 10, 2013 I want to welcome our witnesses:  Anne Richard, who is the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration; Ambassador Bouran of Jordan and Ambassador Chedid of Lebanon; and Andrew Harper and Ewen Macleod from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Thank you for being here.   I know our United Nations witnesses traveled a long distance, and for that we are very grateful. The High Commissioner, who Senator Graham and I know personally, is highly regarded here. I also want to thank Senator Graham who proposed this hearing because of his deep concern, which we all share, with the Syria situation we are here to discuss.    We have all been following the humanitarian catastrophe that continues to unfold for the people of Syria and surrounding countries.  No neighbors of Syria have borne the brunt of this disaster more directly than Jordan and Lebanon, and the world is grateful for their generosity.  Estimates of the total number of Syrian refugees vary, but we are told that it exceeds 2.2 million, of who some 557,000 are in Jordan and 825,000 in Lebanon.  In Jordan they are mostly living in sprawling tent camps, and you see the photograph of one here.  In Lebanon they are scattered among the general population.  But whatever their situation, it is extremely dire and it is putting huge strains on the two governments and local populations. Most worrisome, the civil war in Syria shows no sign of ending. This is a protracted crisis that will impose long-term burdens on Jordan and Lebanon, as well as Turkey and Iraq, and almost certainly require significant international donor aid for years to come.   And whenever the war ends, the tas… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-confirms-millett-to-the-dc-circuit-court Senate Confirms Millett To The D.C. Circuit Court 2013-12-10 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.13 Senate Confirms Millett To The D.C. Circuit Court Senate Confirms Millett To The D.C. Circuit Court  WASHINGTON (Tuesday, December 10, 2013) –Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) applauded on Tuesday the confirmation of Patricia Millett to serve on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Millett will be just the sixth woman ever to serve on the influential court in its 120-year history.  “Patricia Millett has risen through the ranks of government and private practice to earn a place among the best appellate practitioners in the country,” said Leahy, who ushered her nomination from the Committee to the Senate floor.  Millett has served in Democratic and Republican administrations in the Solicitor General’s office and has argued 32 cases before the Supreme Court. In addition to her record of public service, Millett is a military spouse whose husband was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom while she served in the Solicitor General’s office.  In October, Senate Republicans blocked Millett’s nomination to fill the 9th seat previously held by John Roberts, who the Senate confirmed to that seat by voice vote in 2003. Because of Leahy’s support of changes to the Senate rules to overcome Republican abuse of filibuster rules to block qualified nominees, Millett was finally able to be confirmed today. “By refusing to allow a vote for any existing vacancy on the D.C. Circuit, Republicans took their determined obstruction to an unprecedented level,” Leahy said. “Now that the Senate has changed its precedents to overcome the escalating obstruction of some, I hope reasonable Republicans will join us in restoring the Senate’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties.”  # # # # # Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Nomination of Patricia Millett to the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit December 10, 2013 Today, the Senate will finally have the opportunity to vote on the conf… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-moves-closer-to-filling-vacancies-on-dc-circuit Senate Moves Closer To Filling Vacancies On D.C. Circuit 2013-12-10 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.13 Senate Moves Closer To Filling Vacancies On D.C. Circuit Pillard Poised To Be Confirmed To 10th Seat WASHINGTON The Senate moved closer Tuesday to confirming Nina Pillard to serve on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals after voting to overcome a filibuster of her nomination. Republicans last month blocked the Senate from debating Pillard's nomination, but recent changes to Senate rules have now enabled the chamber to overcome such obstruction. As a result, Pillard is poised to be confirmed to what is often referred to as the nation's second most important court behind the Supreme Court. The D.C. Circuit is often considered to be the second most important court in the Nation and should be operating at full strength, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said in a statement. Today we will take a step toward making this Court operate at full strength for the American people. Pillard has argued nine cases before the Supreme Court and briefed dozens more before the Supreme Court and other Federal appellate courts. The procedural vote tonight on her nomination comes the same day the Senate confirmed Patricia Millett to serve on the D.C. Circuit. If confirmed, Pillard would become the fifth active female judge currently serving on the D.C. Circuit, an historic milestone that Leahy said would break yet another barrier and move in the historic direction of having our Federal appellate courts more accurately reflect the gender balance of the country. Never before have five women jurists actively served on this court at one time, Leahy said. I look forward to that moment and to further increasing the diversity of our federal bench. # # # # # Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Nomination of Cornelia Nina Pillard December 10, 2013 Today, for the second time in a month, we are debating whether to allow a confirmation vote on the nominati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/boxer-casey-leahy-shaheen-cardin-blumenthal-and-ayotte-urge-president-hamid-karzai-to-protect-women-in-the-afghan-national-police BOXER, CASEY, LEAHY, SHAHEEN, CARDIN, BLUMENTHAL AND AYOTTE URGE PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI TO PROTECT WOMEN IN THE AFGHAN NATIONAL POLICE 2013-12-06 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.06.13 BOXER, CASEY, LEAHY, SHAHEEN, CARDIN, BLUMENTHAL AND AYOTTE URGE PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI TO PROTECT WOMEN IN THE AFGHAN NATIONAL POLICE An Alarming 70 Percent of Afghan Policewomen Report Experiencing Sexual Harassment or Sexual Violence BOXER, CASEY, LEAHY, SHAHEEN, CARDIN, BLUMENTHAL AND AYOTTE URGE PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI TO PROTECT WOMEN IN THE AFGHAN NATIONAL POLICE An Alarming 70 Percent of Afghan Policewomen Report Experiencing Sexual Harassment or Sexual Violence Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today sent a letter to Afghan President Hamid Karzai urging him to take immediate action to protect women within the Afghan National Police (ANP). We are deeply concerned by recent reports of endemic sexual violence and harassment of Afghan policewomen by their male counterparts, the Senators wrote. These brave women deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. A recent United Nations report found that 90 percent of Afghan police women viewed sexual harassment and sexual violence as a serious problem and that 70 percent had personally experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence. In the bipartisan letter, the Senators praised the steps the Afghan government has already taken to protect and support women in the ANP, but urged President Karzai to expand efforts to recruit, retain and promote qualified women, who currently make up less than one percent of the ANP force. As Afghan policewomen work to build a better future for their communities, we hope you agree they deserve nothing less than to know their government will do everything it can to protect them in return, the Senators wrote. The full text of the letter follows: December 6, 2013 His Excellency Hamid Karzai President, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Dear President Karzai: We… 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-house-passage-of-legislation-to-combat-patent-trolls Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On House Passage Of Legislation To Combat Patent Trolls 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.13 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On House Passage Of Legislation To Combat Patent Trolls [Judiciary Committee Chairman Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) issued the following comment Thursday after the House of Representatives passed legislation to combat patent troll abuse. Leahy recently introduced the Patent Transparency and Improvements Act of 2013 to protect retailers and innovators from misuse of the patent system. The Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the legislation later this month.] “I commend the House for taking action to address the growing problem of patent trolls.  Supporting American innovators and protecting those who are being targeted by patent trolls is a bipartisan priority. Targeted reforms should address abuses in the system while ensuring that legitimate inventors can continue to succeed and grow our economy. I look forward to working through the Committee process in the Senate to achieve this goal.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comments-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-president-pro-tempore-of-the-senate-on-the-death-of-nelson-mandela Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., President Pro Tempore Of The Senate) On The Death Of Nelson Mandela 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.13 Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., President Pro Tempore Of The Senate) On The Death Of Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela is a legend for our times and for the ages.  He was the world’s compass through the dark night of South African apartheid, leading his country into the light.  The images of his walk to freedom through the prison gates are etched in our memories and on the pages of history. His courage is a lesson to us all, and so is his selflessness.  I will always cherish the memory of meeting with him when he came to the Capitol in 1994.  I had the honor of serving on the Senate’s escort committee to accompany him to the House Chamber for his address to a joint meeting of Congress.  Sitting together in a room off the House floor, I said to him, “Mr. President, you spent decades in prison, unjustly, yet you don’t seem bitter.”  He replied, “Patrick, because of my imprisonment I was able to lead my country out of apartheid.  For that I do not feel bitterness, but joy.”  The world, his beloved nation and humankind are incalculably richer for his leadership and for his example.  Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-support-extension-energy-efficiency-initiative Bipartisan Support for Extension of Energy Efficiency Initiative 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), and Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded the decision by the Obama Administration to extend President Obama's federal buildings energy efficiency initiative. The Administration announced yesterdaythat federal agencies will work with the Energy Department's Federal Energy Management Program in early 2014 to identify a pipeline of additional project commitments to further reduce energy use through 2016. Gardner, Welch, Coons, and Boozman joined by 118 House colleagues and 26 Senate colleagues sent a letter last monthto President Obama requesting an extended residential initiative setting a goal of $1 billion a year for the next five years for the federal government to utilize performance contracts to achieve energy savings. Americans are tired of a Congress that has a seemingly endless inability to work together, Rep. Cory Gardner said. A growing bipartisan group of Members of Congress have come together to achieve a simple goal: save taxpayer money, and reduce the amount of energy the federal government uses. I am glad the Obama Administration had made the decision to extend this commonsense initiative. Energy efficiency is a practical idea that cuts through partisan gridlock in Washington and achieves real progress for the American people by creating jobs and saving taxpayer dollars. There is broad bipartisan and bicameral support for energy efficiency investments and the Administration's announcement today reflects that support. I applaud their decision to extend this program and look forward to working with them achieve even more energy savings, Rep. Peter Welch said. "Investments in energy efficiency upgradespromote energy independence, help our environment, and support American jobs,"Senator Chris Coonssaid. "Outdated federal facilities spend billions intaxpayerdollars every year on energy use alone. In just two years, thefederal buildings energy efficiency initiativehas already yieldedsignificantenergy and cost savings for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-senate-judiciary-committee-to-hold-hearing-on-patent-trolls-this-month Leahy: Senate Judiciary Committee To Hold Hearing On Patent Trolls This Month 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.13 Leahy: Senate Judiciary Committee To Hold Hearing On Patent Trolls This Month December 17th Hearing To Focus On Legislation To Combat Patent Abuse WASHINGTON (Thursday, December 5, 2013) The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing this month to examine pending patent troll legislation, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Thursday. The hearing, titled Protecting Small Businesses and Promoting Innovation by Limiting Patent Troll Abuse, comes just weeks after Leahy and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Patent Transparency and Improvements Act of 2013. The bipartisan bill aims to protect businesses and innovators who are being improperly targeted by patent trolls. Witnesses at the December 17th hearing will provide testimony on the Leahy-Lee bill and other proposals before the Judiciary Committee. America's patent system is the envy of the world and an engine for job creation, Leahy said. Supporting American innovators and protecting those who are being targeted by patent trolls is a bipartisan priority. I look forward to hearing testimony on this important issue and working to pass meaningful legislation this Congress. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, December 17, at 10 a.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Member statements, witness testimony, and a live webcast will be available online on December 17. # # # # # NOTICE OF COMMITTEE HEARING The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled Protecting Small Businesses and Promoting Innovation by Limiting Patent Troll Abuse for Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. By order of the Chairman. # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senator-patrick-leahy-keynote-address-human-rights-first-summit-the-newseum-washington-dc- SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY KEYNOTE ADDRESS HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST SUMMIT THE NEWSEUM WASHINGTON, D.C. 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.13 SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY KEYNOTE ADDRESS HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST SUMMIT THE NEWSEUM WASHINGTON, D.C. Thank you, Elisa, for inviting me here. I also want to thank all the Human Rights First staff and board members who made this two day summit possible. The breadth of the issues you are covering is impressive. I have long been an admirer of Human Rights First. A great deal of what I have been able to do on human rights during my time in the Senate is because of the research and advocacy of your organization and of others who are involved in this work. There are several topics I want to touch on briefly, but none more important than rededicating ourselves to the mission that Human Rights First has had for many years. It may seem obvious that that is a central purpose of this summit, but I think it needs to be said nonetheless: We are here because each of us feels a responsibility to defend the fundamental freedoms and principles that define our humanity and that we regard as universal, but which are often violated or denied by the very governments whose responsibility it is to protect them. As we all know, the history of the United States has been one of groundbreaking human rights leadership, and tragic failures. Certainly the Bill of Rights was a monumental achievement that inspired the Universal Declaration and the freedoms enshrined in the constitutions of many other nations. The more recent advances we have seen in support of the rights of people with disabilities, women, and LBGT and immigrants are examples of what we can accomplish by persevering against longstanding prejudice. I am encouraged by our recent efforts in Congress to further support those who need our help with improvements to the Violence Against Women Act, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and Senate-led efforts to achieve comprehensive immigration reform. I am also very pleased that you will be honoring Bob Dole this evening. His leadership in passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act more than two decades ago… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comments-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-secretary-hagels-commitment-to-facilitate-equal-access-to-benefits-for-same-sex-partners-in-the-national-guard Comments of Senator Patrick Leahy On Secretary Hagel’s Commitment To Facilitate Equal Access To Benefits For Same-Sex Partners In The National Guard 2013-12-04 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.13 Comments of Senator Patrick Leahy On Secretary Hagel’s Commitment To Facilitate Equal Access To Benefits For Same-Sex Partners In The National Guard “As co-chair of the National Guard Caucus and a strong supporter of equal rights for same-sex partners, I was pleased to hear Secretary Hagel's announcement that we are close to reaching the goal of equality for all men and women in the National Guard and for their loved ones.  Vermonters and all Americans rely on the dedication and professionalism of all of the members of our National Guard, whoever they are, to defend our security in times of conflict and to support our communities in times of need.  It is only right and just that we as a nation also provide for the spouses and partners of every member of the National Guard, without discrimination.” # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-sanders-welch-shumlin_on-afs-selection-of-burlington-for-f-35-basing- Leahy, Sanders, Welch, Shumlin On AFs Selection Of Burlington For F-35 Basing 2013-12-03 2013 2013-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.13 Leahy, Sanders, Welch, Shumlin On AF's Selection Of Burlington For F-35 Basing BURLINGTON, Vt. Vermont's congressional delegation Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) -- and Gov. Peter Shumlin (D) Tuesday issued the following statement after the Air Force announced its decision on basing F-35 aircraft at the Vermont Air National Guard: The Air Force decision to base its newest generation of planes in Burlington is a tribute to the Vermont Air National Guard, which is the finest in the nation. It reflects the Guard's dedication to its mission and long record of outstanding performance. The Air Force has made clear that this aircraft, which will anchor our national air defenses, is the Air Force's future. Now the men and women of Vermont's Air National Guard have been chosen for a vital role in that future. The decision ensures the Vermont Air Guard's continuing mission and protects hundreds of jobs and educational opportunities for Vermonters while securing its significant contribution to the local economy. We appreciate the Guard's commitment to continue working with its airport neighbors to address legitimate concerns about noise and other environmental concerns. Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/photos/november-2013 November 2013 2013-11-30 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.30.13 November 2013 View photos from various events in November. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comments-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-interim-nuclear-agreement-with-iran Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Interim Nuclear Agreement With Iran 2013-11-25 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.13 Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Interim Nuclear Agreement With Iran [Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is President Pro Tempore of the Senate and chairs the State Department And Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee.]   "I’ve been briefed by our negotiators in Geneva.  I am encouraged that they and most of our allies believe this is a good, interim deal with the necessary checks and balances.  Obviously some of our friends in the region like Saudi Arabia and Israel have concerns about the deal.  The Administration will have a short window before Congress is back in session to make their case.  I will listen to all the arguments and will also discuss this with experts outside the government, and then I will decide if this is an agreement that I can support." # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-sanders-welch-urge-rewrite-of-food-safety-rules Leahy, Sanders, Welch Urge Rewrite Of Food Safety Rules 2013-11-22 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.22.13 Leahy, Sanders, Welch Urge Rewrite Of Food Safety Rules Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise rules implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act in a way that enhances food safety and the continued strength of Vermont's agricultural sector. Leahy said, Strong food safety rules are essential to protecting consumers and ensuring the quality that has become synonymous with the Vermont' brand, and that is why I supported the Food Safety Modernization Act. However, the implementation rules, as drafted, would place unacceptable burdens on small, diversified Vermont farms and stifle our burgeoning local food movement, while making only marginal gains in food safety. We can do better. Sanders said, Food safety is our priority and I support the FDA's focus on strong, consistent food safety rules to protect consumers. In our state of Vermont, the Food Safety Modernization Act must support the dynamic agricultural enterprises that are strengthening our economy. Welch said, We all agree that safe food production is vitally important for public health, the health of our food systems, and the integrity of our strong Vermont brand. But steps taken to protect our food supply should reflect best practices and an appreciation for the diversity of agriculture nationwide. The 2011 Food Safety Modernization act, signed into law in 2011, broadened the authority of the FDA to regulate food production and allows the agency to order recalls of contaminated food. But the draft rules, as subsequently drawn by FDA to implement the law, have the serious potential to disrupt Vermont's small, local and diversified farmers and food hubs with large fees and expensive testing and booking requirements. Last week the members of Vermont's congressional delegation wrote a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, urging that the FDA rewrite the rules and allow for a second public comment period befo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-supports-change-in-senate-rules-to-address-unprecedented-filibusters- Leahy Supports Change In Senate Rules To Address Unprecedented Filibusters 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.21.13 Leahy Supports Change In Senate Rules To Address Unprecedented Filibusters “As a result of Republican obstruction of nominees, the Senate has failed to do its job for the courts and for the American people” U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Thursday voted in favor of making changes to the Senate rules to overcome Republican abuse of filibuster rules and ensure the Senate’s ability to confirm qualified nominees to judicial and executive posts. Leahy, the President Pro Tempore and the Senate’s longest-serving member, presided over the series of procedural votes. In recent weeks, Senate Republicans have blocked three highly qualified nominees to serve on the D.C. Circuit.  Since 2009, 14 circuit court nominees have been filibustered, and Senate Republicans have forced cloture to end filibusters on nearly three dozen of President Obama’s judicial nominees.  Meanwhile, federal judicial vacancies have consistently hovered around 90.  The obstruction, Leahy said, “is damaging our ability to fulfill the Senate’s unique constitutional responsibility of advice and consent to ensure that the judicial branch has the judges it needs to do its job.” “I have always believed in the Senate’s unique protection of the minority party, even when Democrats held a majority in the Senate,” Leahy said.  “When the minority has stood in the way of progress, I have defended their rights and held to my belief that the best traditions of the Senate would win out; that the 100 of us who stand in the shoes of over 310 million Americans would do the right thing.  That is why I have always looked skeptically at efforts to change the Senate rules.” Today, Leahy said, the Senate “is faced with what to do to overcome this abuse and what action we should take to restore this body’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties and do its work for the American people.”   # # # # # Statement Of Senator Patrick … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-on-national-homelessness-and-hunger-awareness-week Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), On National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.21.13 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), On National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week Next week, Americans across the country will gather with family and friends to celebrate a national tradition, Thanksgiving. Some will give thanks for their good fortune or health over the past year, while others will simply be thankful to see their loved ones together in one place. What most of us will take for granted, however, is that we will have a meal to eat and have a home in which to gather. Far too many Americans will not have that luxury. During this time of reflection, and in honor of National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness week, I would like to take a moment to speak about those who are all too often overlooked, the homeless and the hungry. Each and every day, millions of Americans face the uncertainty of when their next meal will be or when they will be able to feed their family. On any given night, a disgraceful number of Americans face the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sleep. Sadly, many have nowhere to turn. These Americans live in both large states and small, in urban centers, and small, rural towns across the country. These are men, women, and children who live, work, and attend schools in our communities without the basic needs of food security and a place to call home.  There are nearly 3000 Vermonters who do not have a roof over their head each night. And while organizations like the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), Spectrum Youth and Family Services, and the Vermont Coalition for Runaway and Homeless Youth do their best to provide emergency shelter, services, and housing for people who are homeless or marginally housed, the need far outweighs their capacity.  Nationally, we have made some progress to address this issue and have seen the number of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and homeless veterans significantly decrease. Unfortunately, the face of homelessness is changing, and the number of families facing homelessness has dramatically i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-on-sexual-assault-in-the-us-military Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On Sexual Assault in the U.S. Military 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.21.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On Sexual Assault in the U.S. Military Earlier this year, as many others were, I was shocked when the Department of Defense released a stunning report about the increase in sexual assault among the branches of the armed forces.  Sexual assault in the military is neither a new issue, nor an uncommon one.  It has been a problem for decades.  Its occurrence is a stain on the honor of our military and nation that we must all work to eliminate.  Military bases are where our troops are supposed to be safe, and to know that they risk being in harm’s way not only when deployed, but among their fellow service members as well, is horrible.  I have worked hard to bring greater attention to the ongoing problem of sexual violence in our communities and am proud of the significant improvements we made in the recent reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act earlier this year. It is time we bring the same level of attention to the crisis on our military bases. While this epidemic is not representative of the vast majority of our service men and women, who serve honorably and conduct themselves commensurate with our expectations of those in uniform, it is also not isolated to just a handful of bad actors.  We can no longer ignore that the time is long overdue for meaningful changes to help end sexual assault and harassment in the ranks of our armed forces.  We must work together to protect victims and provide appropriate help and support, and to ensure that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable.  Just as our civilian justice system is the envy of the world, our military justice system must also meet that standard.  That is why I am a cosponsor of Senator Gillibrand’s Military Justice Improvement Act, and why I support her amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In last year’s defense authorization bill, Congress included provisions meant to address sexual assault in the military.  That legislation required the Secretar… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-impact-of-a-continuing-resolution-and_sequestration-on-americas-children-teachers-and-families Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On Impact of a Continuing Resolution and Sequestration on America’s Children, Teachers and Families 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.21.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On Impact of a Continuing Resolution and Sequestration on America’s Children, Teachers and Families Mr. President.  It has been only a few short weeks since the needless government shutdown that cost the Treasury more than $20 billion dollars, disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands of federal workers and their families in every state, threatened to wreak havoc with the world’s financial markets, and accomplished nothing.  But an important deadline, one critical to determining how we resolve the current budget crisis, is just a few days away. While this approaching deadline does not come with the threat of another government shutdown, if Congress is going to complete work on Appropriations bills before the continuing resolution expires on January 15th, we need a top-line number from the Budget conferees by the end of this week. By Friday, the Budget conferees need to find enough common ground to agree on a level to fund the Federal Government for the remainder of the fiscal year.  And while many have expressed their doubts, there is no reason this cannot be done.  People are fed up with putting the process of setting and funding our national priorities on autopilot.  It is an abdication of responsibility and a wasteful way to do business. It is equally important that the level of funding replace sequestration.  A long term continuing resolution that funds the Government at the House level of $967 billion would be a disaster.  Sequestration would become the new normal, funding programs and agencies at levels far below those passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee and below fiscal year 2013. It is stunning – and frightening -- that instead of looking to replace sequestration’s devastating cuts, we hear from some members that it is “working.”  If their intention is to stunt the economic recovery and indiscriminately slash services upon which American families and businesses depend, then I guess they are right.  But I don’t think most Members o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gardner-welch-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-reduce-federal-utility Gardner, Welch introduce bipartisan legislation to reduce federal utility bill 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Today, Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bipartisan energy efficiency legislation that gives federal agencies greater opportunities to reduce energy use through Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs). The federal government is the largest consumer of energy in the country, spending $6 billion annually in federal facilities. Congress has had no shortage of partisan battles lately, and it can be difficult to imagine any area where both parties can find common ground but it does exist. I believe there lies a great deal of bipartisan promise in energy efficiency, said Gardner. This commonsense legislation would advance important projects to allow the government to use less energy and save taxpayer dollars. There is a groundswell of bipartisan support in Congress for energy efficiency investments. Extending the terms of UESCs is a positive step that Congress can take to save the taxpayer money, create jobs and improve the environment, said Welch. The Utility Energy Service Contracts Improvement Act of 2013 allows federal agencies to enter into performance contracts with utility companies for up to 25 years, allowing agencies to achieve longer term energy savings goals. Under a UESC, a utility negotiates a contract with a federal agency that specifies the amount of energy savings it will achieve through retrofits and other measures. The utility is then paid for its performance out of the savings it achieves.Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Dan Coats (R-IN) recently introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Yesterday, Rep. Gardner, Rep. Welch, Sen. Coons and Sen. Boozman announced a bipartisan coalition of 117 House Members and 22 Senators calling for a 5-year extension of President Obama's federal buildings energy efficiency initiative. The 2011 executive order employed the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESCs) to achieve energy savings in federal buildings. ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/broad-coalition-of-tech-companies-nonprofit-groups-offers-support-for-the-leahy-sensenbrenner-usa-freedom-act Broad Coalition Of Tech Companies, Nonprofit Groups Offers Support For The Leahy-Sensenbrenner USA FREEDOM Act 2013-11-21 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.21.13 Broad Coalition Of Tech Companies, Nonprofit Groups Offers Support For The Leahy-Sensenbrenner USA FREEDOM Act WASHINGTON Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), coauthors of the USA FREEDOM Act to end dragnet collection of Americans' phone records, Thursday welcomed the support of a broad coalition of technology companies, trade associations and nonprofit organizations that advocate privacy protections, oversight and accountability mechanisms that govern surveillance authorities. In a letter to Leahy and Sensenbrenner, the group of nearly 60 signees including Hewlett-Packard, Dropbox and Tumblr outline their priorities to address privacy and transparency concerns raised by revelations of sweeping surveillance use. They call for legislation to allow companies to disclose surveillance requests, to provide greater transparency on government use of surveillance authorities, to focus intelligence gathering on foreign powers, and to protect constitutional and human rights. A copy of the letter is below and available online. The USA FREEDOM Act, which Leahy and Sensenbrenner introduced last month, would end the dragnet collection of Americans' phone records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act and ensure that other authorities cannot be used to justify similar dragnet collection. The bill also provides more safeguards for warrantless surveillance under the FISA Amendments Act. The bill includes other significant privacy and oversight provisions, provides for the creation of a Special Advocate to focus on the protection of privacy rights and civil liberties before the FISA Court, and requires more detailed public reporting about the number and types of FISA orders that are issued. The USA FREEDOM Act has over 115 cosponsors in the House and Senate and is supported by dozens of groups and businesses crossing the political spectrum. A full list of supporters can be found online. # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-117-house-members-and-22-senators-push-extend-2011 Bipartisan coalition of 117 House Members and 22 Senators push to extend 2011 energy efficiency initiative in federal buildings 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rep. Peter Welch, (D-VT), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), joined by 117 House colleagues and 22 Senate colleagues, are calling for a 5-year extension of President Obama's federal buildings energy efficiency initiative. In 2011, the President kicked off a 2-year initiative to achieve $2 billion in energy savings in federal buildings. The bipartisan, bicameral coalition of legislators is calling on the President to continue the successful use of performance contracting in federal facilities by launching a 5-year, $5 billion extension of the 2011 initiative. The 2011 executive order employed the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESCs) to achieve energy savings in federal buildings.Under an ESPC or UESC, an energy services company or a utility negotiates a contract with a federal agency that specifies the amount of energy savings it will achieve through retrofits and other measures. The company or utility is then paid for its performance out of the savings it achieves rather than through appropriated funds. The federal government spends over $6 billion annually on energy use in federal facilities. Rep. Gardner, Rep. Welch, and Senator Coons have introduced legislation(H.R.2689 and S.1308) to advance the use of ESPCs and UESCs in the federal government that mirrors the expansion proposed in the coalition's letter to the President. The legislators point out in their letter that the 2011 initiative has led to a substantial increase in federal facility upgrades carried out by private-sector entities without any upfront cost to the taxpayer There is still substantial potential for achieving more savings and the success of the past two years' effort has created important momentum that should now be continued. 117 House Members, including 70 Democrats and 47 Republicans, have signed onto the Gardner-Welchletter which can be read here. 22 Senators, including 16 Democrats and 6 Republicans, have signed the identical Coon… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-welch-jp-morgan-do-right-thing-do-not-shift-settlement-costs Rep. Welch to J.P. Morgan: Do the right thing: Do not shift settlement costs to taxpayers. 2013-11-19 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Leads House effort to stop write offs of settlements over corporate wrongdoing Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) made the following statement after this afternoon's announcement that J.P. Morgan and the U.S. Justice Department have reached final agreement on a $13 billion settlement over J.P. Morgan's role in the near collapse of the American economy in 2008. It appears that, under current law, a portion of the settlement would be tax deductible. Welch said, J.P. Morgan, whose conduct caused great harm to taxpayers and the American economy, should not ask the taxpayer to pay any portion of its penalty in this important settlement. Jamie Dimon should do the right thing and direct his accountants to forgo the exploitation of any tax loopholes that could reduce the burden imposed by this settlement. He should accept full responsibility for J.P. Morgan's egregious conduct and that includes paying the full cost of this settlement. Rep. Welch and Rep. Luis Gutierrez(D-IL) recently sent a letter to J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon demanding that his company accept the full payment of any fine. They also introduced the Stop Deducting Damages Act (HR 3445) which would prevent corporations from reaching into the taxpayer's pocket to pay their fines for breaking the law. ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/in-the-news/leahy-arguments-of-convenience-block-judicial-appointments Leahy: Arguments of Convenience Block Judicial Appointments 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy Leahy: Arguments of Convenience Block Judicial Appointments Monday, November 18, 2013 By:  Patrick Leahy The National Law Journal During nearly four decades in the Senate, I have served with Demo­cratic majorities and Republican majorities, through both Republican and Democratic administrations. I have always believed in the Senate's unique protection of the minority party, even when Democrats held a majority in the Senate. Yet, over the past five years, Senate Republicans have changed the tradition of the Senate with an escalating obstruction of judicial nominations. These actions threaten the Senate's ability to do the work of the American people. Through this obstruction, Senate Republicans have crossed the line from use of the Senate rules to abuse of the rules, exploiting those rules to undermine our ability to address national problems. This same abuse recently, and needlessly, shut down our government, and also poses a threat to the independent, judicial branch of government. As chairman of the Judiciary Com­mittee, I am especially concerned with how Republican obstruction is damaging our ability to fulfill our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent. The Senate has a unique responsibility to ensure that the judicial branch has the judges it needs to do its job. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans have abandoned this responsibility, using unprecedented filibusters to delay and obstruct President Obama from appointing to the federal bench even nominations that enjoy bipartisan support. Senate Republicans have forced cloture, a procedural mechanism to bring a matter to a vote, to end filibusters on 34 nominees, nearly twice as many nominees than required cloture during President Bush's two terms. Almost all of these nominees were, by any standard, noncontroversial and ultimately were confirmed overwhelmingly. Republican obstruction has left the federal judiciary often with 90 or more vacancies over the past five years. Senate Republicans once insisted … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/in-the-news/senator-leahy-on-watching-jfks-funeral-cortege Senator Leahy on watching JFK's funeral cortege 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy Senator Leahy on watching JFK's funeral cortege Monday, November 18, 2013 The Washington Post Below is the LINK to a Washington Post/Witnify video interview with Senator Leahy, about his recollections from the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, 50 years ago this Friday.  Patrick Leahy at the time was a law student at the Georgetown Law Center, and he and wife Marcelle were in Washington as they lived through the trauma that roiled the nation.    Senator Leahy on watching JFK's funeral cortege 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/patent-trolls-leahy-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-vt-businesses-from-patent-lawsuit-abuse- PATENT TROLLS: Leahy Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Protect VT Businesses From Patent Lawsuit Abuse 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.18.13 PATENT TROLLS: Leahy Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Protect VT Businesses From Patent Lawsuit Abuse WASHINGTON  -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Committee member Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) joined together Monday to introduce legislation to protect businesses and innovators who are being improperly targeted by so-called “patent trolls.” The Patent Transparency and Improvements Act of 2013 would increase transparency in patent ownership, customers who are sued for patent infringement by allowing the case against them to be stayed while the manufacturer litigates the suit, target the widespread sending of frivolous demand letters, and improve resources for small businesses that are targeted in patent infringement suits, among other provisions.  Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is an original cosponsor of the bill. “America’s patent system is the envy of the world, but unfortunately some bad actors are misusing the system to sue unsuspecting consumers or extort monetary settlements by making misleading demands,” Leahy said.  “When small businesses in Vermont and across the country are threatened with lawsuits for offering wi-fi to their customers or using document scanners in their offices, we can all agree the system is not being used as intended.  The bipartisan legislation I am introducing today takes important steps to protect those who are targeted by patent trolls while preserving what has made America’s patent system great.” Jerry Tarrant, the chief operating officer of Winooski, Vt.-based MyWebGrocer, said today’s bill introduction “is a great example of our elected leaders working together to make small changes in federal law that will foster innovation and job creation across the country.” “As a Vermont based company, we and our coalition members appreciate Senator Leahy’s willingness to listen to our concerns and be one of the leaders in D.C. on this issue,” Tarrant said. Leahy previously announced his intent to introduce legislation on this issue an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/energy-savings-performance-contracts Energy Savings Performance Contracts 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pdf-example PDF Example 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/sjc-chairman-leahy-dc-circuit-vacancies-must-be-filled SJC Chairman Leahy: D.C. Circuit Vacancies Must Be Filled 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.18.13 SJC Chairman Leahy: D.C. Circuit Vacancies Must Be Filled I am especially concerned with how Republican obstruction is damaging our ability to fulfill our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent. WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the Senate's longest-serving member, spoke out against the growing obstruction to highly-qualified judicial nominees in a floor statement Monday. Speaking in favor of Judge Robert Wilkins, a nominee to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Leahy stated Over the course of almost four decades, I have seen dramatic changes in Senate majorities and leadership styles. But nothing in all that time compares to the change that has occurred over the last five years. Wilkins currently serves on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, a position to which he was confirmed in 2010 on a voice vote. Now appointed to serve on the powerful D.C. Circuit, Wilkins's nomination is being blocked by Republicans. Wilkins is the third D.C. Circuit Court nominee in as many weeks to require a procedural vote. Republicans once insisted that the filibustering of judicial nominations was unconstitutional. The Constitution has not changed but when a Democrat was elected to the White House, they reversed course and filibustered this president's very first judicial nomination despite that nominee having the support of the most senior Republican then serving in the Senate, Leahy said, suggesting that a filibuster of Wilkins's nomination would be a tipping point for efforts to change Senate rules to ensure consideration of judicial nominees. Leahy also wrote about the issue of GOP obstruction to D.C. Circuit Court nominees in an op-ed appearing in the National Law Journal. The Washington Post also highlighted the issue in a Monday editorial. After tonight the talk about changing the cloture rules fo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ethanol-policy-reform-legislators-react-epa-decision-ethanol-blend Ethanol policy reform legislators react to EPA decision on ethanol blend requirement 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC. (November 15th, 2013)- Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA) and Steve Womack (R-AR), authors of the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act (H.R. 1462), reacted this afternoon to the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to reduce the amount of ethanol blended into fuel in 2014. These same Members led an October letter signed by 169 House colleagues urging the EPA to adjust ethanol levels. Today's announcement is welcome news and a call to action for Congress to move forward with much needed ethanol policy reform. While well-intentioned, the federal ethanol mandate is inflicting significant economic harm on families by driving up food prices, on dairy farmers by driving upfeed prices, and on homeowners and outdoorsmen by ruining small engines, Rep. Welch said.The EPA's decision to lower the fuel standard is a clear sign that this law isn't working. Congress should get about the business of overhauling this misguided policy before more harm is done. While the EPA's slight reduction of the RFS for 2014 acknowledges that the mandate is unworkable, it is not enough to provide the much-needed relief businesses, farmers, and consumers need,' said Goodlatte.Today's announcement makes it even clearer that it will now be up to Congress to fix this broken mandate.There is a growing appetite in Congress to reform the ethanol mandate, and I urge Chairman Upton and the House Energy and Commerce Committee to consider the RFS Reform Act (H.R. 1462) as a legislative fix to the growing problems with the RFS. EPA has finally realized that it was time to step back and stop gambling our food and energy security on a broken policy. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was well-intentioned, but this flawed policy needed to be brought back into balance, said Costa. There is still more that needs to be done to restore balance to our energy and ethanol policies, but this is the good-faith effort we needed to continue the conversation about the future of the RFS. Today's decision by the EPA is a st… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-statement-after-vote-house-republican-health-care-bill Welch statement after vote on House Republican health care bill 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter Welch made the following statement after a vote this afternoon on the Republican majority's health care bill offered by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI). Where there are problems with the Affordable Care Act, they should be swiftly acknowledged and fixed. It's time for Congress to get about the business of making health care reform work for the American people. I support the President's decision to allow Americans who wish to do so to keep their health insurance plans while health care reforms are implemented.Today, the House Republican majority erred in passing a bill that restores the practice of insurance companies selling unreliable and deceptive policies to their customers.That is a practice long ago banned in Vermont through our progressive insurance reforms. Health insurance should work for you when you need it the most. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-sanders-welch-vermont-nets-350000-for-housing-condition-improvements Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Nets $350,000 For Housing Condition Improvements 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.14.13 Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Nets $350,000 For Housing Condition Improvements U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Thursday announced $350,000 in grants awarded to four organizations across Vermont to improve housing conditions for limited income rural residents. Nearly $300,000 of the grants were designated to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont – Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties – as a Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone, a USDA Rural Development designation recognizing the unique rural nature of a region that prioritizes the regions’ grant applications.  In a joint statement, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said:   “These lifeline investments in housing improvements will make lives and communities better.  The Northeast Kingdom’s REAP Zone standing is the key to three of these grants.   Again and again, the NEK’s REAP Zone has been a catalyst for growth, for progress and for helping to build a durable rural economy.  It’s a program that works, and it deserves to be renewed in the pending Farm Bill.” In the 2013 Senate Farm Bill, Leahy fought to continue the REAP Zone authorization that has been so successful in establishing collaborative and citizen-led efforts to enhance economic development.  As the senior most member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a conferee in the 2013 Farm Bill conference, Leahy will continue to fight for a balanced Farm Bill that preserves the REAP Zone authorization.   The grants are part of the $3.8 million released by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant program Tuesday.  Vermont’s allocation of nearly 9 percent of the total grant awards make it the second largest recipient in the country and will be used to make general repairs, energy and weatherization improvements and code updates to more than 130 households in Vermont. The grant recipients are listed below: Vermont Center for Independent Living:                   $100,… 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-closing-guantanamo Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Closing Guantanamo 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.14.13 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On Closing Guantanamo More than 12 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, as our military presence in Afghanistan winds down, it is time to take a hard look at our counterterrorism policy.  We need to consider which of our policies are working and which, while perhaps well-intentioned when they were adopted in the highly charged weeks and months after 9/11, are not making us safer.  There is ample evidence that the status quo is unsustainable.  As recent revelations have made clear, we need a careful review of our surveillance activities.  This summer, many Americans learned for the first time that Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act has for years been secretly interpreted to authorize the collection of Americans’ phone records on an unprecedented scale.  Despite the massive privacy intrusion of this program, the executive branch has not made the case that this program is uniquely valuable to protecting our national security.  That is why I have introduced the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act with Congressman Sensenbrenner, to end this dragnet collection and finally place appropriate safeguards on a wide range of government surveillance authorities. We also must close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.  In the coming days the Senate will take up and debate the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which contains many provisions that are central to our national security.  Among the most important are provisions that would help make it possible to close the detention facility at Guantanamo.  As long as Guantanamo remains open, it will serve as a recruiting tool for terrorists, needlessly siphon away critical national security dollars, and discredit America’s historic role as a global leader that defends human rights and the rule of law. Currently, 164 individuals remain detained at Guantanamo.  Most of them have been there for more than a decade.  Of those, more than half – 84 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leahy-sanders-welch-vermont-nets-350000-housing-condition-improvements Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Nets $350,000 For Housing Condition Improvements 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Thursday announced $350,000 in grants awarded to four organizations across Vermont to improve housing conditions for limited income rural residents. Nearly $300,000 of the grants were designated to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties as a Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone, a USDA Rural Development designation recognizing the unique rural nature of a region that prioritizes the regions' grant applications. In a joint statement, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said: These lifeline investments in housing improvements will make lives and communities better. The Northeast Kingdom's REAP Zone standing is the key to three of these grants. Again and again, the NEK's REAP Zone has been a catalyst for growth, for progress and for helping to build a durable rural economy. It's a program that works, and it deserves to be renewed in the pending Farm Bill. The grants are part of the $3.8 million released by the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development's Housing Preservation Grant program Tuesday. Vermont's allocation of nearly 9 percent of the total grant awards make it the second largest recipient in the country and will be used to make general repairs, energy and weatherization improvements and code updates to more than 130 households in Vermont.In the 2013 Senate Farm Bill, Leahy fought to continue the REAP Zone authorization that has been so successful in establishing collaborative and citizen-led efforts to enhance economic development. As the senior most member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a conferee in the 2013 Farm Bill conference, Leahy will continue to fight for a balanced Farm Bill that preserves the REAP Zone authorization. The grant recipients are listed below: Vermont Center for Independent Living: $100,000 for repair and code compliance of very low income homes Southeastern Vermont Community Action Program: … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-welch-questions-agency-officials-border-wait-times-stressing Rep. Welch questions agency officials on border wait times, stressing economic impact on Vermont 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy At a Congressional oversight hearing today, Rep. Peter Welch questioned agency officials in charge of border crossings about the NEXUS program that allows for expedited processing for Vermonters and Canadian visitors. Vermonters have contacted Rep. Welch to tell him that it can still take up to 30-45 minutes to get across the border even after they have paid out-of-pocket and gone through the trouble to get a NEXUS card. Rep. Welch emphasized that long wait times at the Canadian border do real economic harm to our state's economy. Watch here: ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-welch-questions-agency-officials-border-wait-times-stressing-0 Rep. Welch questions agency officials on border wait times, stressing economic impact on Vermont 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy At a Congressional oversight hearing today, Rep. Peter Welch questioned agency officials in charge of border crossings about the NEXUS program that allows for expedited processing for Vermonters and Canadian visitors. Vermonters have contacted Rep. Welch to tell him that it can still take up to 30-45 minutes to get across the border even after they have paid out-of-pocket and gone through the trouble to get a NEXUS card. Rep. Welch emphasized that long wait times at the Canadian border do real economic harm to our state's economy. Watch here: ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-welch-questions-agency-officials-border-wait-times-stressing-1 Rep. Welch questions agency officials on border wait times, stressing economic impact on Vermont 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy At a Congressional oversight hearing today, Rep. Peter Welch questioned agency officials in charge of border crossings about the NEXUS program that allows for expedited processing for Vermonters and Canadian visitors. Vermonters have contacted Rep. Welch to tell him that it can still take up to 30-45 minutes to get across the border even after they have paid out-of-pocket and gone through the trouble to get a NEXUS card. Rep. Welch emphasized that long wait times at the Canadian border do real economic harm to our state's economy. Watch here: ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-portman-introduce-legislation-to-support-ex-offenders-and-reduce-crime Leahy, Portman Introduce Legislation To Support Ex-Offenders & Reduce Crime 2013-11-13 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.13.13 Leahy, Portman Introduce Legislation To Support Ex-Offenders & Reduce Crime . . Second Chance Reauthorization Act Would Extend Successful Programs WASHINGTON -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday to reauthorize the Second Chance Act, a law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism.   Wednesday’s bill introduction comes as the Judiciary Committee is considering ways to reduce prison costs for federal, state and local governments. The Second Chance Act, which was first enacted in 2008, aims to tackle those costs by improving prisoner reentry policy at the state and federal levels, ultimately decreasing the number of repeat offenders. “As a former prosecutor, I believe strongly in securing tough and appropriate prison sentences for people who break our laws,” Leahy said. “It is also important that we do everything we can to ensure that when people get out of prison, they enter our communities as productive members of society, so we can start to reverse the dangerous cycle of recidivism and violence.  The Second Chance Reauthorization Act helps break this cycle.” Leahy and Portman joined in 2011 to introduce a similar reauthorization bill to the one they introduced today.  Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.), coordinating in a bipartisan, bicameral effort, introduced a companion bill in the House today. “Second Chance works, and that is why we have joined together to craft a reauthorization bill for the legislation that has strong bipartisan support,” Portman said. “We all want to reduce the crime and violence that plagues our communities; that we read about in the paper and see on the news every night. Rather than incarcerating repeat offenders in the same families generation after generation, we can put our taxpayer dollars to better use to break t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-calls-on-senate-republicans-to-end-filibuster_of-highly-qualified-circuit-court-nominee Leahy Calls On Senate Republicans To End Filibuster Of Highly Qualified Circuit Court Nominee 2013-11-12 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.12.13 Leahy Calls On Senate Republicans To End Filibuster Of Highly Qualified Circuit Court Nominee WASHINGTON (Tuesday, November 12, 2013) U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Tuesday called on Republicans to end their filibuster of Nina Pillard's nomination to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and confirm this highly qualified nominee. Pillard would fill one of three vacancies on what is widely considered the second most important court in the country. Pillard is also the third woman nominated to the D.C. Circuit in the Obama administration to be subjected to a filibuster by Senate Republicans. Like Caitlin Halligan, and like Patricia Millett, I am confident that Nina Pillard would be confirmed if Republicans would stop filibustering and allow an up or down vote on her nomination, Leahy said in a floor statement. If Republicans vote in lock step to continue their filibuster against Nina Pillard, Senate Republicans will have blocked three outstanding women in a row from being confirmed to what is considered the second highest court in our country. Pillard, who testified before the Judiciary Committee in July, has a unanimous rating of well qualified from the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. She has argued nine cases before the Supreme Court as well as drafted the government's successful argument in the landmark Supreme Court case, United States v. Virginia, which opened the doors of the Virginia Military Institute to female cadets. She is currently a professor at Georgetown University Law Center. She serves as the Faculty Co-Director of the Supreme Court Institute, where she has helped prepare fellow lawyers in dozens of cases. We need women on our Federal courts, Leahy said. A vote to end this filibuster is a vote in the historic direction of having our Federal appellate courts more accurately reflect the gender balance of the country. # # # # # Press Contact Press 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-judiciary-committee-on-the-nomination-of-cornelia-nina-pillard Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Nomination of Cornelia Nina Pillard 2013-11-12 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.12.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On the Nomination of Cornelia Nina Pillard Here we are again. For the third time this year, we are debating whether to end a Republican filibuster and allow a confirmation vote for a highly qualified woman to the D.C. Circuit. In March, it was Caitlin Halligan. Last month, it was Patricia Millett. Today, it is Nina Pillard. The qualifications of each of these nominees surpass those of many other attorneys confirmed to the Federal bench. These three women have earned their way to the top of the legal profession and it appears that Senate Republicans are going to continue to launch filibuster after filibuster at these stellar nominees. Like Caitlin Halligan, and like Patricia Millett, I am confident that Nina Pillard would be confirmed if Republicans would stop filibustering and allow an up or down vote on her nomination. If Republicans vote in lock step to continue their filibuster against Nina Pillard, Senate Republicans will have blocked three outstanding women in a row from being confirmed to what is considered the second highest court in our country. Senate Republicans have an opportunity to make this right by voting to end the filibuster of Nina Pillard's nomination today, and by voting on the nomination of Patricia Millett once the Majority Leader brings it again before the Senate as he said he intends to do. Confirming these two highly qualified nominees is the right thing to do and it will make history--once these two extraordinary women are confirmed, the D.C. Circuit will be the first Federal appellate court in our country to have an equal number of women serving as judges as men. Despite having filled nearly half of law school classrooms for the last 20 years, women are grossly underrepresented on our Federal courts. What kind of message are Senate Republicans sending by refusing to even allow a vote on three of the most qualified female attorneys in the country? We need women on our Federal courts.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-leads-coalition-of-lawmakers-in-welcoming-the-fdas-release-of-proposed-rules_to-protect-consumers-using-generic-drugs Leahy Leads Coalition of Lawmakers in Welcoming the FDAs Release of Proposed Rules To Protect Consumers Using Generic Drugs 2013-11-08 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.08.13 Leahy Leads Coalition of Lawmakers in Welcoming the FDA's Release of Proposed Rules To Protect Consumers Using Generic Drugs WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and a coalition of lawmakers on Friday welcomed the Food and Drug Administration's release of proposed rules to ensure that generic manufacturers of prescription drugs can update their warning labels to provide betterpatient safety information to consumers. Leahy, Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.), Senate HELP Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Senate Aging Committee Chairman Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Bruce Braley (D-Iowa), Matthew Cartwright (D-Pa.) and other lawmakers have long called for the FDA to act on this important patient safety issue. The rulemaking follows a Supreme Court case in which a patient who was gravely injured by a prescription drug was unable to seek relief from the drug's manufacturer because she took the generic version of the drug. The Court held that generic manufacturers could not be held responsible for inadequate labeling because they lack authority to update their warning labels, even if they become aware of new safety problems. That issue would be addressed by the proposed rule released Friday. Lawmakers applauded the FDA's announcement: A consumer should not have her rights foreclosed simply because she takes the generic version of a prescription drug, Leahy said. I welcome this action by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that generic manufacturers can improve their patient safety labels. Responsible brand-name and generic manufacturers alike should have the ability, and the obligation, to give doctors and patients the information they need to avoid injuries. A senior in Minnesota may have no idea that a prescription drug they're taking could cause devastating complications because generic drug manufacturers aren't allowed to update their labels to accurately reflect all side effects or risks, F… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/sjc-to-begin-consideration-of-legislation-to-address-the_nations-burgeoning-prison-population SJC To Begin Consideration Of Legislation To Address The Nations Burgeoning Prison Population 2013-11-08 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.08.13 SJC To Begin Consideration Of Legislation To Address The Nation's Burgeoning Prison Population WASHINGTON (Friday, November 8, 2013) The Senate Judiciary Committee will begin consideration next week of legislation to confront the unsustainable growth of the federal prison population, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Friday. After years of debate, I am encouraged that we have bipartisan agreement that we must act; that we must reevaluate how many people we send to prison and for how long. Public safety demands it. Fiscal responsibility demands it. Justice demands it. Leahy said. We have in the Judiciary Committee an historic opportunity to improve, in a comprehensive way, our nation's sentencing laws. I urge all members of the Committee who want to join this effort to come together toward a comprehensive solution to confront the unsustainable costs of our federal prisons. Leahy is the coauthor of bipartisan legislation with Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013, that would expand the so-called safety valve that allows judges to impose a sentence below the mandatory minimum when, based on the individual circumstances of a case, it is counterproductive and unnecessary to protect public safety. He is also a cosponsor of the Smarter Sentencing Act, a bill authored by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), which would lower certain drug mandatory sentences, modestly expand the existing federal safety valve and promote sentencing consistent with the bipartisan Fair Sentencing Act. Those bills, along with the Recidivism Reduction and Public Safety Act of 2013 authored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), are listed on the Committee's agenda for the upcoming executive business meeting. # # # # # NOTICE OF COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE BUSINESS MEETING An Executive Business Meeting has been scheduled by the Committee on the Judiciary for Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. By order of the Cha… 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-the-employment-non-discrimination-act Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On The Employment Non-Discrimination Act 2013-11-07 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.07.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On The Employment Non-Discrimination Act The Senate has an historic opportunity today to take discrimination out of the workplace by casting a vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Today's vote has been 20 years in the making, and it is long overdue for Congress to extend these protections to all American workers. Years from now we will look back on this remedy as another substantial milestone on our Nation's everlasting quest to achieve a more perfect union a quest to realize more completely the motto engraved in Vermont marble above the Supreme Court building that declares: Equal Justice Under Law. We now have protections for workers from discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin and disability, as we should. Yet there are no Federal protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In 29 states, it is still legal for an employer to fire employees based on their sexual orientation, and in 33 states employees can be fired based on their gender identity. Maintaining the status quo would keep in place a system that supports a second-class of workers in a majority of states. This runs counter to our founding values. It is time to remedy that. As the son of Vermont printers, I learned at an early age the primary importance of the First Amendment. The First Amendment in our Bill of Rights is the foundation of our democracy and our way of life. It is one of the most defining principles of our national character. It helps preserve all of our other rights. By guaranteeing a free press and the free exercise of religion, it ensures an informed electorate and the freedom to worship God and to practice our religion as we choose or to practice no religion at all. Religious freedom does not end with the vital protections afforded by the First Amendment. The bill before us contains important protections for religious organizations by ensuring that… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-announces-bipartisan-telehealth-legislation-improve-rural-care Welch announces bipartisan telehealth legislation to improve rural care 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter Welch, joined by representatives from the Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC), announced his bipartisan legislative initiative to expand the use of telehealth technology in the health care system. The announcement was followed by a demonstration of CVMC's telehealth system which focused on remote patient care for stroke patients. Rep. Welch said, This legislation will advance the use of technology in improving health outcomes and in providing better access to health care in underserved rural communities.I applaud CVMC's leadership in the use of this exciting technology to better serve their patients. Judy Tartaglia, CVMC President and CEO, spoke about the benefits of telehealth to Vermont hospitals. We do a great job providing health care to our patients but we do not havethe wide range of specialistsin central Vermont that are available at Fletcher Allen Health Care, said Tartaglia. Telemedicine makes it possible for us to have a specialist at FAHC speak to a physician at CVMC in real time while also viewing the patient. Rep. Welch's legislation, The Telehealth Enhancement Act of 2013, is cosponsored by Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS), Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA). It adjusts Medicare home health payments to account for remote patient monitoring and expands coverage to all critical access and sole community hospitals. The bill also covers home-based video services for hospice care, home dialysis, and homebound beneficiaries. It would also give states the opportunity to expand Medicaid coverage to include telehealth services for women with high-risk pregnancies. ##### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/guest-column-by-senator-patrick-leahy-another-successful-vermont-drug-take-back-day Guest Column By Senator Patrick Leahy: Another Successful Vermont Drug Take Back Day 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.13 Guest Column By Senator Patrick Leahy: Another Successful Vermont Drug Take Back Day Another Successful Vermont Drug Take Back Day by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy On October 26, police agencies around Vermont took part in a program that allowed Vermonters to dispose of their prescription drugs, no questions asked, at safe disposal sites in every county of the state. In just one day, Vermonters turned in 3,429 pounds of unused prescription drugs at 57 collection sites, taking thousands of dangerous pills out of circulation. They include leftover painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin that could have been targets for theft and resale, fueling the addictions of our teenagers and young adults. Unused drugs when flushed away also pollute water supplies. These impressive results would not have been possible without the cooperation of local and county law enforcement agencies, working closely with Vermont State Police and their federal counterparts at the Drug Enforcement Administration. In Chittenden County alone, we saw 1,188 pounds of drugs turned in at 13 different sites, including 93 pounds collected at the Vermont National Guard. Bennington County officials collected 367 pounds of pills; Franklin County, 292 pounds; Windsor County, 228; Rutland County, 226 pounds, and the list goes on. Combined with a similar Take Back Day last April, these efforts have removed 5,822 pounds of pills from potential circulation this year alone. It's so effective that some police stations are now offering to take back drugs any day of the year, not just on chosen dates. Our small state suffers from a big addiction problem. We hear this from law enforcers, addiction specialists, courts and health departments in every corner of Vermont. Filmmaker Bess O'Brien is currently touring the state to show the toll of such addiction in her touching documentary, The Hungry Heart, based on the experience of a St. Albans pediatrician treating dozens of young addicts. Thanks and congratulations to all involved -- particularl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/sjc-holds-oversight-hearing-on-bureau-of-prisons SJC Holds Oversight Hearing On Bureau Of Prisons 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.13 SJC Holds Oversight Hearing On Bureau Of Prisons WASHINGTON The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing titled Oversight of the Bureau of Prisons & Cost-Effective Strategies for Reducing Recidivism. Charles Samuels, the director of the Bureau of Prisons, is testifying before the panel. Chairman Leahy, who has made sentencing reform a priority this year and is a coauthor of the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013, delivered the following statement at the beginning of today's hearing. Member statements, witness testimony and a webcast of today's hearing are available online. Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Oversight of the Bureau of Prisons & Cost-Effective Strategies for Reducing Recidivism November 6, 2013 This is the second hearing this fall in which the Judiciary Committee turns its attention to the unsustainable growth in the federal prison population. In the last 30 years, the Bureau of Prisons has seen a 700 percent increase in its population, which now accounts for a full quarter of the Justice Department's operating budget. This dramatic increase in the prison population threatens public safety and critical funding for victim services. As BOP's budget diverts more and more resources from the basic law enforcement functions of the Department of Justice, we are losing the prosecutors and agents necessary to investigate and charge the crimes that threaten our communities. We are cutting support for the critical work of our state and local law enforcement partners and the victim services providers that help rebuild lives. And we are placing the men and women who work and live in our prison facilities at ever greater risk. It is urgent that we act to reverse these trends. As we discussed at the Committee's hearing in September, the main drivers of prison growth are front-end sentencing laws enacted by Congress, like the proliferation of mandatory minimum sentences. I am committed to addressing sentencing reform t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/sjc-to-hold-additional-oversight-hearing-on-government-surveillance-programs- SJC To Hold Additional Oversight Hearing On Government Surveillance Programs 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.13 SJC To Hold Additional Oversight Hearing On Government Surveillance Programs Leahy To Preside Over Third Oversight Hearing In Recent Months WASHINGTON The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a third oversight hearing on the government's use of surveillance authorities later this month, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Wednesday. Leahy has invited Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, Gen. Keith Alexander, Director of the National Security Agency, and Deputy Attorney General James Cole to testify before the Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at a hearing titled Continued Oversight of U.S. Government Surveillance Authorities. Leahy also chaired oversight hearings in July and October on the scope of the government's intelligence-gathering powers following revelations of massive collection of Americans' phone records. Leahy last week introduced bipartisan legislation, the USA FREEDOM Act, to end this dragnet collection. The intelligence community faces a trust deficit, and I am particularly concerned that the NSA has strayed and overreached beyond its core missions, Leahy said in a Record statement Wednesday. One important step toward rebuilding that trust would be for the NSA to spend less of its time collecting data on innocent Americans, and more on keeping our nation's secrets safe and holding its own accountable. Additionally, the Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, chaired by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), will hold a separate hearing next week on the Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013. That hearing will be held next Wednesday. Leahy is a cosponsor of Franken's bill, which would provide more transparency about the number of FISA orders issued and the number of Americans affected. # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next 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-hearing-on-oversight-of-the-bureau-of-prisons-and-cost-effective_strategies-for-reducing-recidivism Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Oversight of the Bureau of Prisons & Cost-Effective Strategies for Reducing Recidivism 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Oversight of the Bureau of Prisons & Cost-Effective Strategies for Reducing Recidivism This is the second hearing this fall in which the Judiciary Committee turns its attention to the unsustainable growth in the federal prison population. In the last 30 years, the Bureau of Prisons has seen a 700 percent increase in its population, which now accounts for a full quarter of the Justice Department's operating budget. This dramatic increase in the prison population threatens public safety and critical funding for victim services. As BOP's budget diverts more and more resources from the basic law enforcement functions of the Department of Justice, we are losing the prosecutors and agents necessary to investigate and charge the crimes that threaten our communities. We are cutting support for the critical work of our state and local law enforcement partners and the victim services providers that help rebuild lives. And we are placing the men and women who work and live in our prison facilities at ever greater risk. It is urgent that we act to reverse these trends. As we discussed at the Committee's hearing in September, the main drivers of prison growth are front-end sentencing laws enacted by Congress, like the proliferation of mandatory minimum sentences. I am committed to addressing sentencing reform this year - as I know other Senators are from both sides of the aisle. It is a problem that Congress created and it is time that we fix it. Public safety demands it. But it is also true that there are important steps that can be taken to reduce the prison population already in custody. For example, the first and easiest thing we could do is to clarify how good time credit is calculated to ensure that prisoners may earn the 54 days a year for appropriate behavior that Congress intended, rather than the 47 days BOP actually credits them. This was a change I included in the Second Chance Reauthorization … 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-nsa-oversight-and-accountability1 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On NSA Oversight and Accountability 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, On NSA Oversight and Accountability We are at a watershed moment in the history of intelligence oversight, like nothing I have seen since the Church Committee. Some of the recent revelations have led to important national conversations about the scope of our nation's intelligence-gathering powers here at home, and to renewed legislative efforts to recalibrate those authorities and the related oversight regimes. The USA FREEDOM Act that Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner and I introduced last week along with more than 100 members of Congress does just that. It is important, however, to acknowledge that some of the leaks have led to needless risk to our national security and have threatened our relationships with some of our most important international partners. And all of this leads back to a 29-year-old contractor named Edward Snowden. Let me make clear once more that I do not condone the way any of these highly classified programs were disclosed. I am deeply concerned about the potential damage to our intelligence-gathering capabilities, foreign relationships, and national security. I am also deeply concerned that one person could wreak this much havoc in such a short period of time. Especially in the wake of the Private Manning leaks, I do not understand how the National Security Agency could have allowed this to happen. This past weekend, Colbert King wrote in The Washington Post that this damage was, in a sense, self-inflicted. I ask unanimous consent that the King op-ed be placed in the record. As Mr. King put it, I want to know how Snowden got his hands on so much of the nation's most sensitive intelligence and was able to flee the country, all within three months. I want to know too. We need to hold people accountable for allowing such a massive leak to occur, and we need to change the way we do business to ensure that we prevent this type of breach in the future. In public and in private, I have contin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-reducing-waste-and-unnecessary-spending-at-the-department-of-state_and-the-us-agency-for-international-development- Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On Reducing Waste and Unnecessary Spending at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On Reducing Waste and Unnecessary Spending at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development Mr. President, during this time of budget constraints, sequestration, and continuing resolutions, it is crucial that every Federal department and agency identify maximum cost savings and improve efficiencies to minimize the impact of reductions on critical programs and personnel. It is also the responsibility of Congress to encourage departments and agencies to consistently identify and implement such savings and efficiencies. We do not have the luxury of allowing the continuation of programs that are no longer relevant, are redundant with other Federal programs, can be done more cheaply, or that perpetuate past mistakes. Unfortunately it seems that the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are not able to identify some potential savings. It takes outside watchdogs such as the Inspectors General and the Government Accountability Office to review and independently evaluate department or agency programs and operations. As Chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds the State Department and USAID, I and Ranking Member Lindsey Graham have taken steps to avoid wasteful and unnecessary spending. We have reduced costs based on Inspector General findings, directed the State Department to eliminate unnecessary overseas support staff and administrative expenses, and directed the Department and USAID to improve financial and contract management. We will continue to look for opportunities to reduce waste, terminate programs that are poorly designed or not meeting their goals, and save taxpayer dollars. But this is not enough. The State Department, USAID, and other federal agencies need to act proactively to identify efficiencies and reduce costs. Unfortunately, some of the Inspector Generals' findings are so obvious it is surprising, and troubling, that the State Department or USAID did not identify the savi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy_consequences-of-the-house-allocation-for--the-department-of-state-and-foreign-operations Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy Consequences of the House Allocation for the Department of State and Foreign Operations 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.06.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy Consequences of the House Allocation for the Department of State and Foreign Operations Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as the Budget conferees work to reach agreement on the fiscal year 2014 budget, I want to join those who have expressed strong support for their efforts. We all know what the consequences will be if they do not reach agreement on a budget. Draconian cuts to defense acquisitions and readiness, to social safety net programs, to infrastructure, public schools, police every federal program will suffer, and every American will feel the impact. Having been in the Senate a long time I know that anything that gets done around here happens as a result of compromise. And when it comes to a budget agreement that means increased revenues and it means additional savings. There is no other way. You have to do both. Those who think it can be done by only cutting spending, or by only closing corporate tax loopholes, but not by doing both together, are legislators in name only. That is a recipe for continued gridlock and another year of sequestration, which would be a disaster. The outcome of this budget conference will determine the extent to which the Congress will play a meaningful role in federal spending for the rest of this Administration, and possibly well beyond. There is no better way to illustrate what is at stake than to use concrete examples. I want to do that by comparing the impact of the fiscal year 2014 House and Senate versions of the bill that funds the Department of State and foreign operations. The choices are stark, and it puts things in perspective. The House bill provides $40 billion to fund the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and our contributions to the World Bank, UN peacekeeping, and countless other organizations and programs that contribute to global security. In contrast, the Senate bill would provide $50 billion, 25 percent more than the House bill for these same agencies and programs. B… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leahy-sanders-welch-vermont-receives-166-million-home-heating-assistance Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Receives $16.6 Million In Home Heating Assistance 2013-11-05 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.), who have pressed for the release of federal home heating aid funds as winter weather has descended on Vermont, welcomed the federal release Monday of $16.6 million in heating assistance to the state. Leahy, Sanders and Welch have long championed the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The new funding, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is part of a nationwide release of $2.9 billion in LIHEAP funds to help struggling families heat their homes and represents 90 percent of the block grant funding approved for LIHEAP under the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2014. In a joint statement, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said: With temperatures already dropping well below freezing, many Vermonters are struggling to heat their homes, and this is a timely infusion for this vital lifeline. But more is needed, much more must be done, and we will continue to press for additional support for LIHEAP to ensure that struggling Vermonters are able to heat their homes this winter. Vermonters seeking home heating assistance may visit the website of the Department of Children and Families at https://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/fuel_assistance. # # # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-unanimously-passes-leahy-grassley-bill_to-protect-whistleblowers-in-criminal-antitrust-cases Senate Unanimously Passes Leahy-Grassley Bill To Protect Whistleblowers In Criminal Antitrust Cases 2013-11-05 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.05.13 Senate Unanimously Passes Leahy-Grassley Bill To Protect Whistleblowers In Criminal Antitrust Cases WASHINGTON The Senate on Monday night unanimously passed legislation to extend whistleblower protection for employees who provide information to the Department of Justice related to criminal antitrust violations. U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and coauthors of the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act, applauded the Senate's quick action on the bipartisan measure. Approval of the bill comes just days after the Judiciary Committee unanimously reported it to the full Senate. Leahy and Grassley joined together last year to introduce the bill, and reintroduced the measure in January. I applaud the Senate for quickly passing bipartisan legislation that will improve the enforcement of the antitrust laws to protect consumers, Leahy said in a statement. The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act makes whole employees who have been fired or discriminated against for blowing the whistle on criminal conduct. I urge the House to act quickly to pass this important bill. Current law encourages self-reporting of criminal antitrust activity, yet it doesn't provide any protections for innocent third-parties who blow the whistle on such activity. Our bill strengthens the enforcement of criminal antitrust laws by adding a civil remedy for antitrust whistleblowers who are retaliated against, Grassley said. I appreciate the Senate's quick action on this bipartisan bill. The bill is based on recommendations from a Government Accountability Office report released July 2011. It allows employees who believe they are victims of retaliation to file complaints with the Secretary of Labor, and provides for those employees to be reinstated to their former status if the Secretary finds in their favor.Leahy and Grassley authored similar whistleblower statutes as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002. A copy of the measure… 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-nominations-of-debra-brown-and-gregory-woods Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On the Nominations of Debra Brown and Gregory Woods 2013-11-04 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.04.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On the Nominations of Debra Brown and Gregory Woods Today, we are voting on the nominations of Debra Brown and Gregory Woods to fill vacancies on the District Courts of Mississippi and New York.  If confirmed, Ms. Brown would be the first African American woman to serve as a Federal judge in Mississippi.  I am proud that together we will reach a landmark moment in diversity on the Federal bench, and I commend President Obama, Senator Wicker, and Senator Cochran for their important efforts. These nominations come at a trying time for the Federal courts.  We have more than 90 judicial vacancies, and 37 of these vacancies have been designated as emergency vacancies due to high caseloads by the non-partisan Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.  While it is a sign of progress that we will vote to confirm two additional judges today, it is essential that the Senate move faster to confirm those judges that the Federal judiciary so urgently needs.  Last week, when debating whether we would be allowed to have an up or down vote on the nomination of Patricia Millett to the D.C. Circuit, there was a lot of talk by Senate Republicans that Senate Democrats should be concerned with filling judicial emergency vacancies, rather than the D.C. Circuit, which they claim does not need more judges.  We all know that their arguments about the D.C. Circuit have nothing to do with caseload and everything to do with the political party of the president nominating.  As one of only three members of my caucus who has served in the Senate since the 1970, and having served both in the majority and the minority, I have cautioned against changing the rules. However, if the filibuster rules continue to be abused by my Republican colleagues I will have no option but to reconsider my longstanding opposition to such a change. I also find the Senate Republicans’ newfound concern about judicial emergency vacancies particularly rich with irony… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-sanders-welch-vermont-receives-166-million-in-home-heating-assistance Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Receives $16.6 Million In Home Heating Assistance 2013-11-04 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.04.13 Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Receives $16.6 Million In Home Heating Assistance Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Receives $16.6 Million In Home Heating Assistance (MONDAY, Nov. 4, 2013) Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.), who have pressed for the release of federal home heating aid funds as winter weather has descended on Vermont, welcomed the federal release Monday of $16.6 million in heating assistance to the state. Leahy, Sanders and Welch have long championed the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The new funding, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is part of a nationwide release of $2.9 billion in LIHEAP funds to help struggling families heat their homes and represents 90 percent of the block grant funding approved for LIHEAP under the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2014. In a joint statement, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said: With temperatures already dropping well below freezing, many Vermonters are struggling to heat their homes, and this is a timely infusion for this vital lifeline. But more is needed, much more must be done, and we will continue to press for additional support for LIHEAP to ensure that struggling Vermonters are able to heat their homes this winter. Vermonters seeking home heating assistance may visit the website of the Department of Children and Families at http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/fuel_assistance. # # # # # Press Contact Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous 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-the-employment-non-discrimination-act Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On The Employment Non-Discrimination Act 2013-11-04 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.04.13 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On The Employment Non-Discrimination Act Leahy: Until we pass legislation banning all discrimination in the workplace, we will fail to achieve the motto engraved in Vermont marble above the Supreme Court building that declares Equal justice under law.' Today, Senators will finally have a chance to cast a vote that will put, on the Record, where every Senator stands on a fundamental issue of fairness. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act will help bring this great Nation one step closer to the goal of equal rights for all Americans. I have long believed that American workers should be evaluated based on how they perform, not on irrelevant considerations such as race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. And in these difficult economic times, ensuring equal protection in the workplace is even more critical. We must do better. Maintaining the status quo would keep in place a system that supports a second-class of workers in a majority of states. This runs counter to the values upon which America was founded and it must end. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would prohibit workplace discrimination by making it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees simply based on an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Currently, Federal law protects against employment discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin or disability, but not sexual orientation or gender identity. It is long overdue for Congress to extend these protections to all American workers. I am proud to represent Vermont, which has led the country on many civil rights issues. Vermonters believe in individual rights, in fairness, and in equality. More than two decades ago, the State of Vermont added sexual orientation to the list of protected categories in its anti-discrimination employment law, and Vermont expanded its protections to include gender identity protection six years ago.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-introduces-bill-blocking-jp-morgan-writing-wall-street-meltdown Welch introduces bill blocking J.P. Morgan from writing off Wall Street meltdown penalty 2013-11-01 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter Welch introduced legislation this week that would prevent J.P. Morgan from writing off as a business expense any portion of a penalty imposed by an emerging settlement with the Justice Department.News reports indicate that the Department is close to settling with J.P. Morgan over its actions that contributed to the near collapse of the American economy in 2008. According to these reports, the company would be able to write off a significant portion of a multi-billion dollar fine under the terms of the settlement. The Stop Deducting Damages Act(HR 3445) would put a stop to corporations reaching into the taxpayer's pocket to pay their fines for breaking the law.Rep. Welch circulated a letter yesterday to House colleagues seeking support for the bill. Rep. Welch also sent a letter earlier this week to J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon demanding that the company accept full responsibility for full payment of any fine related to any settlement. His letter to Dimon posed the question, Should a wrongdoer whose conduct caused harm to the taxpayer ask the taxpayer to help pay the fine for the wrong done? We think not. .... It was the taxpayer who initially funded the bailout of Wall Street. It was the taxpayer who continues to endure the consequences of the worst recession since the Great Depression. The taxpayer should not, therefore, be required to contribute a nickel towards the fines imposed. Rep. Luis Gutierrez(D-IL) is an original cosponsor of H.R. 3445 and also signed Rep. Welch's letter to Mr. Dimon. You can read the full text of the letter below: Mr. James Dimon Chairman, President and CEO J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. 270 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 Dear Mr. Dimon, Should a wrongdoer whose conduct caused harm to the taxpayer ask the taxpayer to help pay the fine for the wrong done? We think not. Yet news reports indicate that J.P. Morgan, in its negotiations with the Justice Department over a $13 billion fine related to its mortgage activities, is seeking to do just that shift a significant por… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/usa-freedom-act-draws-bipartisan-praise USA FREEDOM Act Draws Bipartisan Praise 2013-11-01 2013 2013-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.01.13 USA FREEDOM Act Draws Bipartisan Praise Legislation To End Dragnet Collection Of Phone Data Earns Early Praise WASHINGTON -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), chairman of the Crime and Terrorism Subcommittee in the House, welcomed the broad support among stakeholders for legislation they introduced this week that would end the government's dragnet collection of phone records and require greater oversight, transparency and accountability with respect to domestic surveillance authorities. The breadth of support for our bipartisan, bicameral legislation demonstrates that protecting Americans' privacy not only cuts across the party divide, but also addresses concerns raised by the technology industry and other advocates, Leahy and Sensenbrenner said in a joint statement. The time is now for serious and meaningful reform. We are committed to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get this done so we can restore confidence in our intelligence community and protect the privacy rights of our citizens. The USA FREEDOM Act has over 100 cosponsors in the House and Senate and dozens of supporters including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Rifle Association, the Project on Government Oversight and several technology companies including Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, Facebook, AOL, Google, LinkedIn and Mozilla. A full list of supporters can be found online. Early Support For The USA FREEDOM Act We are two veteran lawmakers who believe now is the time for that reform and for a meaningful discussion about protecting privacy and national security in the 21st century. We are not alone, Leahy & Sensenbrenner op-ed (Politico, Oct. 29) The Freedom Act takes an important step toward rebuilding user trust by adding limitations on government collection of data in the name of national security. The idea is simple. The NSA sh… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/photos/october-2013 October 2013 2013-10-31 2013 2013-10 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 10.31.13 October 2013 View photos of various events from October of 2013. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-urges-reevaluation-federal-ethanol-mandate-joins-169-members Welch urges reevaluation of Federal Ethanol Mandate: Joins 169 Members in sending bipartisan letter to EPA 2013-10-31 2013 2013-10 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter Welch joined 169 Members of Congress in sending a bipartisan letter to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency calling on her to reevaluate the federal ethanol mandate that is wreaking havoc on farmers, sportsmen, and family food budgets. Welch made the following comments after signing the letter: While well-intentioned, the federal ethanol mandate is inflicting significant economic harm on families by driving up food prices, on dairy farmers by driving upfeed prices, and on homeowners and outdoorsmen by ruining small engines, Welch said.Administrator McCarthy has at her fingertips the authority to push the pause button so that Congress can reevaluate this misguided policy before more harm is done.She should do so immediately. Read the full letter here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/in-the-news/for-freedoms-sake For Freedom's Sake 2013-10-31 2013 2013-10 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy For Freedom's Sake Thursday, October 31, 2013 The Caledonian-Record On Tuesday Senator Pat Leahy introduced the USA Freedom Act. It would dramatically curtail the National Security Agency's dragnet domestic surveillance programs by creating privacy advocates in the FISA Courts, requiring transparency of the secret court's decisions, and obligating the government to justify the collection of Americans' communications before doing so. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Wisconsin Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R). The House bill is particularly notable in that Sensenbrenner is credited with authoring the Patriot Act which, in the wake of September 11, expanded government's surveillance power in the first place. Together on Tuesdays, Leahy and Sensenbrenner said, "The dragnet collection of millions of Americans' phone records every day - whether they have any connection at all to terrorism - goes far beyond what Congress envisioned or intended to authorize it must stop. "Over the past five months, we have seen a slow trickle of additional disclosures that have only added to our concerns. Since the revelation that the National Security Agency is collecting the details of Americans' phone calls on an unprecedented scale, it has come out that the government searches the content of huge troves of emails, collects in bulk the address books from email accounts and social networking sites, at least temporarily collected geolocation data from our cellphones, committed thousands of privacy violations and made substantial misrepresentations to courts and Congress. "Not only do many of these programs raise serious legal questions, they have come at a high cost to Americans' privacy rights, business interests and standing in the international community. It is time for a new approach." By Wednesday the legislation had 16 Senate co-sponsors and 70 in the House - many of whom voted against an effort this spring to defund parts of the NSA (brought by Justin Amash, R-Mich., and John… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-more-than-42-m-in-grants-awarded-to-tackle-domestic-violence-in-vermont Leahy: More Than $4.2 M. In Grants Awarded To Tackle Domestic Violence in Vermont 2013-10-31 2013 2013-10 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 10.31.13 Leahy: More Than $4.2 M. In Grants Awarded To Tackle Domestic Violence in Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Thursday announced that Vermont organizations have received more than $4.2 million in federal grants to support programs that are vital in preventing and prosecuting crimes related to domestic violence. The funding was recently awarded in a total of 10 grants from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women. Leahy chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Justice Department. Leahy authored and, this year, steered to enactment his landmark Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 that won overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Leahy also is the most senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which oversees funding these programs. Leahy said, As a husband, father and grandfather, and as a former prosecutor who saw the aftermath of this type of violence firsthand, I know we can and must do better. Funding these essential programs in Vermont will help us to better address the needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, and to help keep these crimes from claiming more victims. The grants awarded to Vermont will bolster programs aimed at preventing intimate partner homicides, counseling children and younger victims of domestic and sexual violence, and providing legal assistance for victims. Since May, five people have been killed and at least one victim remains seriously injured in reported domestic violence-related crimes in Vermont. With October designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Leahy credited Vermont's network of service providers for their efforts to reduce domestic violence, support victims and help prosecute abusers. We have a great model in Vermont for addressing these crimes, but the sad truth remains that half of all homicides in our state continue to result from domestic violence, Leahy said. There is a clear and present need for… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-panel-approves-nomination-to-dc-circuit Senate Panel Approves Nomination To D.C. Circuit 2013-10-31 2013 2013-10 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 10.31.13 Senate Panel Approves Nomination To D.C. Circuit . . . Wilkins Would Fill Third Vacancy On Court; Two Leahy-Authored Bills Also Approved WASHINGTON (Thursday, October 31, 2013) -- The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday continued its work of processing judicial vacancies by approving the nomination of Robert Wilkins to serve on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Wilkins would fill one of three vacancies on the 11-seat court. The Committee's approval of Judge Wilkins's nomination comes as the full Senate is poised to consider another nominee to the D.C. Circuit, Patricia Millett. Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said the Senate must confirm these highly-qualified nominees to the court. Later today the Senate will vote on whether to end a filibuster against another nominee to the D.C. Circuit, Patricia Millett. In the course of that debate, I have heard Republicans argue that the D.C. Circuit does not need any more judges, Leahy said. History shows that these Republican arguments have nothing to do with caseload and everything to do with the party of the president. Judge Wilkins currently serves on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, a position to which he was confirmed in 2010 on a voice vote. He appeared before the Judiciary Committee in September for his confirmation hearing. Five district court nominees were also approved on Thursday, including four who would fill vacancies deemed judicial emergencies. The Judiciary Committee also approved two Leahy-authored bills with bipartisan support. The Justice For All Act, which is cosponsored by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), takes important steps to improve public confidence in the criminal justice system, by protecting victims' rights, reducing the backlog of untested rape kits, encouraging DNA testing to exonerate the wrongfully convicted, and improving representation for indigent defendants. The Judiciary Committee approved a sim… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 389.736ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press