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

1,063 rows where chamber = "House", state = "VT" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

party 2

  • Independent 594
  • Democrat 469

year 1

  • 2018 · 1,063 ✖

state 1

  • VT · 1,063 ✖

chamber 1

  • House · 1,063 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/123118bipartisandemlegstmt Statement Of Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On House Democrats Introducing Legislation To Reopen the Government 2018-12-31 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.31.18 Statement Of Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On House Democrats Introducing Legislation To Reopen the Government There is one reason and one reason only that much of our federal government is shut down through the holidays and countless Americans are living with uncertainty and that reason is President Trump. For 10 days he has held the federal government hostage in an attempt to force us to pay for an ineffective and expensive wall on the southern border, a wall he promised that Mexico would pay for. It will not work. He does not have the votes. Today, House Democrats introduced a commonsense path forward to end the Trump Shutdown: six bipartisan appropriations bills and a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security. Following this path, we can finish six of the seven appropriations bills this week and get the government back open and working for the American people. The six bills are the product of bipartisan compromise and provide billions of dollars in new resources to address critical needs of the American people and to protect U.S. national security. They provide much-needed funding to help combat our nation's opioid epidemic, and critical investments in infrastructure to help rebuild our nation's crumbling roads, bridges, and highways. They provide resources to protect the environment and help ensure that the water we drink and the air we breathe is safe and clean for this generation and the next. And they support key allies and national security programs that enable the United States to be a global leader. For 10 days this funding has been held hostage by the President. Which of this funding would he have cut to pay for his wall? The reality is, while the President has spent days hiding away in the White House and demanding via tweets billions from U.S. taxpayers to build his misguided wall, he has completely cut off funding for the very Department tasked with securing our border, as well as eight other federal departments and dozens of agenci… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/senior-holiday-dinners Senior Holiday Dinners 2018-12-24 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Senior Holiday Dinners I am so pleased that more than a thousand Vermont seniors attended six holiday dinners my office organized around the state. These meals are a great opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a holiday meal with friends and neighbors, and hear some beautiful music from local student choirs. And to all Vermonters, I wish you a happy holiday season! 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122218trumpshutdown Statement of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On The Trump Shutdown 2018-12-22 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.18 Statement of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick LeahyOn The Trump Shutdown Today nine of our 15 federal departments, and several dozen agencies have shuttered their doors, denying vital services to millions of American citizens. Since midnight last night, and just a few days before Christmas, more than 800,000 public servants and their families have been told not to expect their next paycheck for the foreseeable future. There is one reason and one reason only that our federal government has shut down today and countless Americans are living with uncertainty and that reason is President Donald J. Trump. The President is holding the federal government hostage for $5 billion of American taxpayer dollars for his unnecessary, ineffective, and expensive wall on the southern bordera wall he repeatedly promised the American taxpayers Mexico would pay for. The President's irresponsible behavior is astounding. His job, like ours, is to keep the federal government operating for the hundreds of millions of Americans who depend on government services every day, from our national parks, to housing services for the elderly, disabled, and our veterans, and for assistance for our nation's farmers. Just two days ago, the President patted himself on the back for signing the Farm bill, and today he has precipitated a shutdown that shuttered the doors to USDA field offices that farmers rely on to understand this new law. The worst part of this situation is that it was completely avoidable. We have provided the President with several options to avoid this result. We offered to pass six full-year appropriations bills, and a Continuing Resolution for Homeland, or a Continuing Resolution for all the remaining bills. Either of these options would have kept the government open, and provided more than a billions dollars for border security, the very thing the President says he cares most about. After rejecting both of these offers, the Senate passed by voice vote a seven-week continuing resol… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122118guatemalajusticeflrspch Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Another Setback For Justice In Guatemala 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.18 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Another Setback For Justice In Guatemala Mr. President, like many Members of Congress who have long supported efforts to help build an independent judiciary and reduce public corruption and impunity in Guatemala, I have observed a pattern of alarming actions by President Morales' administration and his allies in Guatemala's Congress to thwart these efforts. In the latest development, earlier this week the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew the diplomatic immunity of 11 investigators and other personnel of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), and ordered them to leave the country. This followed an announcement by the Minister of Interior of the removal of another 15 high-ranking police officials from their posts. Over the years, the United States has invested many tens of millions of dollars to support the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, and CICIG. These actions by the Morales' administration directly undermine those investments and indicate that it cannot be trusted to keep its word, and is not serious about upholding the rule of law. Working jointly with the Attorney General's Office, CICIG has investigated cases of public corruption and other serious crimes. It has helped to strengthen the investigative capabilities of the Attorney General's Office and the police, and promoted key criminal justice reforms. For this reason CICIG, its commissioner, and the former Attorney General have been the target of acts of intimidation and a smear campaign orchestrated by the Morales' administration and its allies in the military and the media. These actions by the government threaten CICIG's independence and its ability to function effectively. According to information I have received, the professionals whose diplomatic immunity and visas were revoked include investigators and lawyers involved in some of the most sensitive cases related to alleged corruption and illicit campaign financing by top governme… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122118secondchancesigning Portman, Leahy Hail President's Signing Of Their Second Chance Act Into Law As Part Of Historic Criminal Justice Reform Package 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.18 Portman, Leahy Hail President's Signing Of Their Second Chance Act Into Law As Part Of Historic Criminal Justice Reform Package U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that their bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act was signed into law Friday by President Trump as part of the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reform America's criminal justice system The legislation passed the Senate earlier this week by a margin of 87 to 12. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act reauthorizes and strengthens the Second Chance Act, a bipartisan law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Then-Congressman Portman originally authored the Second Chance Act with the late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones in 2005, and it was later signed into law in 2008.Since 2009, more than 850 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofit organizations from 49 states for reentry programs serving adults and juveniles. As of June 2018, more than 164,000 individuals have participated in these programs.In total, Ohio has received more than $39 million in Second Chance Act grants since 2009, which includes funds to assist Ohioans re-entering the community with services such as job training, drug rehabilitation, case management and mental health treatment. Portman said: Renewing and strengthening the Second Chance Act is critical to our efforts to stop the revolving door of incarceration and help former inmates live up to their God-given potential, and I'm pleased the president signed it into law today. The Second Chance Act helps people be able to create their own future rather than be held back by the mistakes of their past. It has already changed thousands of lives in Ohio and across the country by helping ex-offenders turn their life around and become a productive members of society. The president's action today will make our communities safer while also saving taxpayer dollars. Leahy said: This is a welcome glimme… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122118sudanesediplomat Menendez, Leahy Call for Expulsion Of Top Sudanese Diplomat 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.18 Menendez, Leahy Call for Expulsion Of Top Sudanese Diplomat Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, yesterday sent a letter to President Trump calling for the expulsion and potential sanctioning of the Charge D'Affaires at the Embassy of Sudan in Washington. Citing Mohamed Atta al-Moula's former role as the head of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), the Senators refer to a well-documented pattern of gross human rights violations attributed to the NISS during Mr. Atta's tenure, including the killing of as many as 185 protesters in Khartoum in 2013. Allowing Mr. Atta to serve as a diplomat in the United States is an affront to our values and our national interests. We urge you to address this situation immediately, wrote the Senators. We urge you to immediately withdraw Mr. Atta's U.S. visa, require his departure from the United States, and make a determination as to whether Mr. Atta is subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. A copy of the letter can be found HERE. Dear Mr. President: We write to express our strong objection to your acceptance of Mr. Mohamed Atta al-Moula as Charge D'Affaires at the Embassy of Sudan in Washington in light of Mr. Atta's role as the head of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). We urge you to immediately withdraw Mr. Atta's U.S. visa, require his departure from the United States, and make a determination as to whether Mr. Atta is subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (P.L. 114-328). A pattern of gross human rights violations attributed to the NISS is detailed in the State Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and documented by human rights groups. For example, according to Amnesty International, police and NISS forces were responsible for killing as many as 185 protes… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-is-shutting-down-the-government Trump Is Shutting Down the Government 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Trump Is Shutting Down the Government Trump is shutting down the government and will leave 800,000 federal employees without paychecksdespite unanimous Republican support in the Senate and overwhelming Republican support in the House. Clearly, this president's erratic and impulsive behavior is a danger to our country and a major impediment in terms of addressing the crises we face. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122018crpassagestmt Statement of Senate Appropriations Vice Chairman Leahy On Passage Of The Third Continuing Resolution 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.18 Statement of Senate Appropriations Vice Chairman Leahy On Passage Of The Third Continuing Resolution Today we will pass a third Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating through February 8th. I support this CR because a government shutdown is never good for our country - in fact it is a terrible idea - but this whole process has been a missed opportunity. For six of the seven appropriations bills covered under today's CR, we have a clear path forward. These bills Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, Interior, Financial Services, Transportation-Housing and Urban Development, and the State-Foreign Operations bill could be done by close of business today if there was the will. They are largely finished, are the product of bipartisan compromise, and provide the funds necessary to address critical needs of the American people and to protect U.S. national security. Unfortunately, the President held them hostage for $5 billion to try to wall off our southern border a wall he promised American taxpayers that Mexico would pay for. What will be lost because of the President's intransigence? These six bills provide much-needed funding to help combat our nation's opioid epidemic, and critical investments in infrastructure to help rebuild our nation's crumbling roads, bridges, and highways. They provide resources to protect the environment and help ensure that the water we drink and the air we breathe is safe and clean for this generation and the next. They provide important assistance for our nation's farmers and rural communities who have been particularly hurt this year by the President's trade policies. And they support key allies and national security programs that are what enable the United States to be a global leader a role that is being increasingly challenged by China and Russia. Unfortunately, this much-needed assistance is put on hold because the President held out for $5 billion for his wall, at the exorbitant cost of $31 million per mile straight from the Americ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122018mattisresignation Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Resignation Of Defense Secretary Mattis 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.18 Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Resignation Of Defense Secretary Mattis I am very disappointed and concernedthat the Department of Defense will lose the exceptional leadership of Secretary Mattis. He has been an outstanding leader thereat a time when his steady hand and decades of experience were sorely needed. He and I and most Americans share the belief that the United States is stronger when we work with our allies and partners to defend an international order that protects our security and upholds our commitment to peace and respect for human rights. I deeply regret that his advice has often summarily been rejected by the President, and that he therefore felt he had no choice but to resign. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122018snaprequirements Reaction Of Senator Leahy To USDA's Proposed Rule On Work Requirements For SNAP Recipients 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.18 Reaction Of Senator Leahy To USDA's Proposed Rule On Work Requirements For SNAP Recipients Today, on the very same day the President is signing a Farm Bill that was approved in both the House and the Senate with strong bipartisan support, USDA is proposing new rules that make an end-run around this brand new Farm Bill. This bad-faith rule change relates to work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to make it harder for states to request waivers based on local job conditions. These rules will do nothing to restore the dignity of work,' and instead are a direct challenge to the decisions made by Congress in the bipartisan Farm Bill. Conferees to the 2018 Farm Bill considered changes like the one the administration now seeks through rulemaking and rejected them in favor of workforce training programs that actually help Americans get and keep employment. We should be looking for ways to better help Americans move out of poverty, instead of pulling the rug out from under them. 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/122018usafreedomletter Senators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance PowersSenators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance Powers 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.18 Senators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance PowersSenators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance Powers Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) Thursday asked the Director of National Intelligence and the Acting Attorney General to report on the government's implementation of surveillance authorities granted in the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015, which was authored by the two senators. The USA FREEDOM Act imposed substantial reforms on the government's foreign intelligence surveillance powers, including to a controversial telephone metadata program that allowed for the bulk collection of Americans' personal information. A number of these authorities are currently scheduled to expire in exactly one year from now, in December 2019. In their letter, Leahy and Lee ask the government to explain how recent changes in Supreme Court caselaw, and the National Security Agency's (NSA) report of a massive compliance problem earlier this year, have affected implementation of these powerful surveillance authorities. The senators also asked the officials to report how certain key statutory terms were being defined, and whether the government had asked the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to rule on any related novel legal issues. Leahy and Lee also asked the officials to provide certain information about the NSA's call detail record (CDR) program, which the government has not to date provided, despite a statutory obligation to do so. The senators wrote: As you know, the law requires a good faith estimate of' this information (emphasis added), which should be possible even with these technical limitations. Without this information, it is difficult for the American people, and Congress, to evaluate how broadly the CDR program may impact privacy and civil liberties. The full text of the senators' letter is below. A PDF copy is available here. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-36… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/promises-made-promises-broken-for-ohio-gm-workers Promises Made, Promises Broken for Ohio GM Workers 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Promises Made, Promises Broken for Ohio GM Workers We should not be rewarding companies like GM with tax breaks and government contracts when it lays off American workers and outsources work to Mexico where it can pay workers as little as $3 an hour. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-administration-is-an-international-embarrassment-at-climate-summit Trump Administration Is an International Embarrassment at Climate Summit 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Trump Administration Is an International Embarrassment at Climate Summit It's an international embarrassment that at the United Nations' world conference on climate change, the Trump Administration is still pushing the use of fossil fuels. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-official-laughed-at-for-promoting-fossil-fuels-at-climate-summit Trump Official Laughed At for Promoting Fossil Fuels at Climate Summit 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Trump Official Laughed At for Promoting Fossil Fuels at Climate Summit This Trump official promoted fossil fuels at the UN climate summit in Poland and then refused to answer questions about why Trump denies climate change. What a disgrace. We need immediate and bold action to transform our energy system. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121918cubamlbagreement Comment Of Senator Leahy On The Agreement Between Major League Baseball And The Cuban Baseball Federation 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.18 Comment Of Senator Leahy On The Agreement Between Major League Baseball And The Cuban Baseball Federation Baseball has always been a bridge between our two nations, facilitating people-to-people connections and larger agreements that have brought our countries closer together. One of the first breakthroughs in U.S.-Cuba relations was a baseball game that I attended in Havana in 1999 between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cuban national team. I vividly remember the crowd's enthusiasm for both the American and Cuban players, an enthusiasm that was reciprocated by American fans when they played in Baltimore. I welcome Major League Baseball's work in reaching this agreement to safely and easily allow Cuban players to play for American teams. This agreement will end top players' reliance on human traffickers and offer them a legal path to fulfilling their dreams of playing baseball in America, the baseball capital of the world. This is a welcome development for players and fans, and like countless other Americans I look forward to seeing world-class Cuban players compete in the United States. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121918firststeppassage Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Sentencing Reform Pkg.; Leahy, A Leading Cosponsor, Helped Build Strong Bipartisan Consensus 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.18 Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Sentencing Reform Pkg.; Leahy, A Leading Cosponsor, Helped Build Strong Bipartisan Consensus Leahy, A Leading Cosponsor, Helped Build Momentum And Consensus For The Rare And Commonsense' Reforms Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hails the Senate's strong bipartisan vote late Tuesday night on the First Step Act as a rare chance to reform the nation's prison and sentencing system to reduce recidivism, save tax dollars, and foster safe communities. The First Step Act is years in the making and Leahy, an original cosponsor of the bill, played a lead role in methodically forging over the past six years the bipartisan coalition that led to its passage. The bipartisan First Step Act uses evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to help inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence. It also reduces for low-level, nonviolent offenders certain mandatory minimum sentences intended for drug kingpins and high-level managers. The bill is one of the last acts of this Congress, which ends its current session this week. It was approved by a vote of 87-12 and now goes to the House for a final vote. President Trump has indicated he will sign it. Leahy helped launch this effort six years ago, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, when he convened hearings and then secured bipartisan committee approval of the core pieces of legislation that form the basis of the First Step Act. Leahy also is the co-author, with Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act, which was included in the reform package. The Portman-Leahy legislation will reauthorize reentry services for ex-offenders. The package also includes another Leahy-cosponsored bill, the GRACE Act, that will improve the approval process for compassionate release of ailing or terminally ill inmates, which will also save taxpayer dollars. Leahy said: These reforms are modest but important ste… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121918secondchancepassage Leahy And Portman Praise Senate Passage Of Their Second Chance Reauthorization Act, As Part Of Criminal Justice Reform Package 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.18 Leahy And Portman Praise Senate Passage Of Their Second Chance Reauthorization Act, As Part Of Criminal Justice Reform Package U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that their bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act passed the Senate as part of the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reform America's criminal justice system. The reform package passed the Senate late Tuesday night in a strong bipartisan vote of 87 to 12. The House is expected to pass it by the end of this week, and President Trump is expected to sign it. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act reauthorizes and amends the Second Chance Act, a law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Then-Congressman Portman originally authored the Second Chance Act with the late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones in 2005, and it was later signed into law in 2008. Since 2009, more than 850 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofit organizations from 49 states for reentry programs serving adults and juveniles. As of June 2018, more than 164,000 individuals have participated in these programs. Leahy said: This strong bipartisan vote on the First Step Act brings us one step closer to achieving the most significant reforms to our criminal justice system in a decade. Including our Second Chance Reauthorization Act is an acknowledgement that criminal justice reform is not complete without a commitment to strengthening reentry services for ex-offenders. Almost every single offender in our justice system will one day be released. We owe it to them, their families, and the communities where they will live to help ensure that they can lead productive lives. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act will strengthen state and local grant programs to promote successful prisoner reentry and improve public safety while reducing Bureau of Prison costs and saving taxpayer dollars. Specifically, the legislation will: Continue targeted funding thr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-feinstein-oppose-inclusion-of-israel-anti-boycott-act-in-appropriations-bill Sanders, Feinstein Oppose Inclusion of Israel Anti-Boycott Act in Appropriations Bill 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 As Congress considers a year-end appropriations bill, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called on Senate leadership not to include S. 720, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act. We believe including this bill would violate the spirit of cooperation and commitment that Senate appropriators have made to oppose controversial riders on appropriations bills, the senators wrote in a letter to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). While we do not support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, we remain resolved to our constitutional oath to defend the right of every American to express their views peacefully without fear of or actual punishment by the government, the senators continued. As the ACLU has repeatedly stated in its opposition to S. 720, this bill would violate Americans' First Amendment rights. Federal district courts in Kansas and Arizona have similarly considered state laws that target political boycotts of Israel and found them to violate the First Amendment At a time when the Netanyahu government is pursuing policies clearly aimed at foreclosing the two-state solution, it is deeply disappointing that Congress would consider choosing to penalize criticism of those policies. To read the letter,click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-feinstein-oppose-inclusion-of-israel-anti-boycott-act-in-appropriations-bill Sanders, Feinstein Oppose Inclusion of Israel Anti-Boycott Act in Appropriations Bill 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 As Congress considers a year-end appropriations bill, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called on Senate leadership not to include S. 720, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act. We believe including this bill would violate the spirit of cooperation and commitment that Senate appropriators have made to oppose controversial riders on appropriations bills, the senators wrote in a letter to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). While we do not support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, we remain resolved to our constitutional oath to defend the right of every American to express their views peacefully without fear of or actual punishment by the government, the senators continued. As the ACLU has repeatedly stated in its opposition to S. 720, this bill would violate Americans' First Amendment rights. Federal district courts in Kansas and Arizona have similarly considered state laws that target political boycotts of Israel and found them to violate the First Amendment At a time when the Netanyahu government is pursuing policies clearly aimed at foreclosing the two-state solution, it is deeply disappointing that Congress would consider choosing to penalize criticism of those policies. To read the letter,click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121818firststepfloorspeech Leahy On Senate Floor Urges Approval Of The First Step Act, As Senate Begins Debate On Historic Criminal Justice Reforms 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.18 Leahy On Senate Floor Urges Approval Of The First Step Act, As Senate Begins Debate On Historic Criminal Justice Reforms Today the Senate is considering perhaps the most significant bill to reform our criminal justice system in nearly a decade. The First Step Act takes modest but important steps to remedy some of the most troubling injustices within our sentencing laws and our prison system. It is my hope that this bill represents not just a single piece of legislation, but a turning point in how Congress views its role in advancing criminal justice. I have been working to bring fairness to our criminal justice system for decades. For far too long, the legislative response to any and all public safety concerns was as simple as it was flawed: No matter the perceived ill, we turned to arbitrary and inflexible mandatory minimums to cure it. That knee-jerk response, I believe, is changing. The era of mandatory minimum sentencing is coming to an end. Today there is growing recognition that one-size-fits-all sentencing is neither just nor effective. It routinely results in low level offenders spending far longer in prison than either public safety or common sense requires. And it comes at a steep human cost, especially in communities of color. It also comes at a steep fiscal cost that leaves us less safe. The United States houses more prisoners and has higher incarceration rates than any other country in the world. The cost of housing federal offenders consumes nearly one-third of the Justice Department's budget. Because public safety dollars are finite, this strips critical resources away from law enforcement strategies that have been proven to make our communities safer. By taking steps to responsibly reduce our prison population, we can both save money and reduce crime. That is a lesson states across the country have already learned: Prison rates and crime rates can fall together. It is past time for the federal criminal justice system to catch up. Five years ago, as Chairman of the Judiciar… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/15-year-old-climate-activist-calls-out-world-leaders-for-inaction 15-year-old Climate Activist Calls Out World Leaders for Inaction 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy 15-year-old Climate Activist Calls Out World Leaders for Inaction "You say you love your children above all else, yet you are stealing their futures right before their very eyes," - This 15-year-old activist just called out world leaders for their global inaction on climate change. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/banker-says-another-recession-would-be-good-for-business Banker Says Another Recession Would Be Good for Business 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Banker Says Another Recession Would Be Good for Business "I don't look at a recession as a bad thing." -Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JP Morgan Chase (one of the big banks that crashed the economy 10 years ago). See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/bernie-asks-danish-politician-why-is-denmark-so-happy Bernie Asks Danish Politician: Why Is Denmark So Happy? 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Bernie Asks Danish Politician: Why Is Denmark So Happy? The people of Denmark are some of the happiest on earth. I met with Dan Jrgensen of Denmark's Socialdemokratiet Party to learn why. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/big-pharmas-greed-killed-her-son Big Pharma's Greed Killed Her Son 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Big Pharma's Greed Killed Her Son A mother should never have to bury her son because of the hideous greed of pharmaceutical companies. This has got to stop. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/costa-rica-goes-300-days-on-renewable-energy-sources Costa Rica Goes 300 Days on Renewable Energy Sources 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Costa Rica Goes 300 Days on Renewable Energy Sources While Trump continues to push for American reliance on fossil fuels, Costa Rica just went 300 days on renewable energy alone. We can't let the rest of the world pass us by. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/historic-victory-senate-passes-war-powers-resolution HISTORIC VICTORY: Senate Passes War Powers Resolution 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy HISTORIC VICTORY: Senate Passes War Powers Resolution The Senate just passed my resolution to stop U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. This is the first time ever that the Senate has voted to end an unauthorized war. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/paid-sick-leave Paid Sick Leave 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Paid Sick Leave When it comes to guaranteeing employees paid sick days, the United States lags behind every major country on Earth. When employees don't have paid sick leave and can't afford to take time off without pay, they are forced to go to work, potentially spreading illness. The most affected are single moms, who can't even stay home to care for a sick child. We must do better by our workers and our families. That's why I'm proud that Vermont along with nine other states and Washington D.C. now guarantees paid sick leave to almost all workers. [add following for US post, DW says] It's time for the United States to do the same. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-proposes-heartless-immigration-rule Trump Proposes Heartless Immigration Rule 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Trump Proposes Heartless Immigration Rule The Trump administration's policies on immigration are heartless on every level. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-wants-a-government-shutdown Trump Wants a Government Shutdown 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Trump Wants a Government Shutdown We have a president of the United States who wants to shut down the government. That's incomprehensible. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/xiuhtezcatl-martinez-its-risky-to-not-take-on-fossil-fuel-powers Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: It's Risky to Not Take on Fossil Fuel Powers 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: It's Risky to Not Take on Fossil Fuel Powers Listen to Xiuhtezcatl Martinez: it's politically risky NOT to stand up to the powerful fossil fuel industry. The future of the planet is at stake. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121418asylumamicusrls BREAKING: Leahy Leads Senators In Filing Amicus Brief As Part Of Litigation Against President Trump's Illegal Asylum Ban 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.14.18 BREAKING: Leahy Leads Senators In Filing Amicus Brief As Part Of Litigation Against President Trump's Illegal Asylum Ban On Thursday night, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) led Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) in filing an amicus brief as part of O.A. v. Trump, a lawsuit filed by six asylum seekers in the D.C. District Court challenging the legality of President Trump's Presidential Proclamation and rule effectively barring all asylum claims outside of ports of entry. The senators' core argument in their court filing is that President Trump's executive action contravenes unambiguously clear provisions in statute protecting the right of migrants to apply for asylum anywhere along U.S. borders. Leahy and the other senators describe how this was an unlawful attempt to override overwhelmingly bipartisan congressional intent reaffirmed repeatedly, over decades by executive fiat, and that it abandons the United States' historic role as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution in the face of humanitarian crises in the Northern Triangle of Central America. Senator Leahy said: President Trump's asylum ban is illegal on its face, plain and simple. President Trump cannot just undo clear provisions of the law with the stroke of his pen. That's not how our democracy works. Since the enactment of the Refugee Act of 1980 which I proudly voted for as a young senator Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed, in statute, its understanding that migrants have the right to apply for asylum anywhere along our borders. Preserving the right to file an application for asylum along our borders is a recognition of America's role indeed, America's identity as a haven for those fleeing the horrors of war, persecution, and gang violence. Our amicus brief is a clear and detailed reminder to President Trump that he cannot and will not erase our legacy and role as the humanitarian le… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-speaks-with-winooski-high-school-students- Sanders Speaks With Winooski High School Students 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Speaks With Winooski High School Students Friday, December 14, 2018 WINOOSKI, Vt., Dec. 14 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) joined Winooski High School students for a school assembly Friday morning to discuss the importance of being involved in our democracy. I had a wonderful conversation with Winooski High School's students about their school and about some of the crucial issues facing the United States. I especially appreciated hearing directly from a panel of students about their thoughts and concerns, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. After a brief presentation, Sanders took questions from the audience on topics including the high cost of college education, access to health care, immigration policy, climate change, transgender rights, and more. Sanders stressed that in a healthy democracy, youth in Vermont and across the country can help address these and other challenges if they come together and make sure their voices are heard. What is important is not whether these kids agree with me on the issues, but rather, that they are thinking about the issues that are important to them, and understand that they have a say in what the government does or does not do about those issues, Sanders said. After all, on a very fundamental level, that is what democracy is about: having an informed citizenry that is engaged in the political process. Sanders' visit to Winooski High School is part of his ongoing efforts to encourage students to learn about the major issues facing the United States. On Thursday, Sanders held a video town meeting with students from Albany Community School, Crossett Brook Middle School, Putney Central School, Randolph Union Middle School and Twinfield Union School. Sanders also holds an annual State of the Union essay contest in which Vermont high school students write about what issues they would prioritize if they were president of the United States and organizes trips to the nonpartisan Edward M. Kennedy Inst… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-welch-legislation-closing-drug-company-loophole House Passes Welch Legislation Closing Drug Company Loophole 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, the House passed legislation introduced by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) that closes a loophole in the federal Medicaid program exploited by drug companies to minimize drug discounts required for participation in the program. Earlier this year, Rep. Welch, joined by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), introduced theMedicaid Drug Rebate Accountability Actafter a report by the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services revealed the loophole cost state and federal governments $1 billion between 2012-2016. For too long, drug companies have been ripping off the Medicaid program by misclassifying their products to limit required price discounts, said Welch. This commonsense legislation puts a stop to this unethical practice and ensures that all drugs covered by Medicaid are correctly classified. VIDEO: On House Floor, Welch Urges Colleagues to Close Billion Dollar Medicaid Loophole Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, drug manufacturers seeking to have their drugs covered by Medicaid must pay drug rebates to federal and state governments. The required rebates are higher for brand name drugs and lower for generic drugs. According to the Inspector General, hundreds of brand drugs in the rebate program are being intentionally mischaracterized by drug companies as generic. Under the Welch-Schrader legislation, if a drug company knowingly misclassifies a brand drug as generic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is authorized to asses a fine equal to a doubling of rebate amount due on that drug. The legislation also beefs up CMS and congressional oversight of the Medicaid drug rebate program. Welch is a leading advocate in the House of Representatives for cutting the price of prescription drugs and reforming the drug pricing system. He is a senior member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over the Medicaid program and the Affordable Care Act. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have introduced companion legis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318displacedvenezuelans Menendez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation to Support Displaced Venezuelans 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.18 Menendez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation to Support Displaced Venezuelans Today, Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was joined by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in introducing the Venezuela Temporary Protected Status and Asylum Assistance Act of 2018. The bipartisan legislation seeks to grant Temporary Protected Status for eligible Venezuelans fleeing the dire conditions in their home and to provide support for migration systems in the countries surrounding Venezuela. The extraordinary depth of Venezuela's political, economic, and humanitarian crisis has forced millions of Venezuelans to flee their country, creating upheaval that is now being felt throughout the region, Menendez said.Providing Temporary Protected Status for eligible individuals and supporting migration systems in the region to assist Venezuelans who are prevented from returning safely to their country is the humanitarian and morally responsible thing to do. As Venezuelans continue to face serious threats to their safety and livelihood at the hands of Maduro's narcoterrorist tyranny, it is clear in-country conditions warrant granting temporary protected status to Venezuelan nationals residing in the U.S., Rubio said. Granting this protection will provide a temporary solution to many Venezuelans who fear returning to their homeland due to the ongoing crisis and extraordinarily difficult conditions. When I traveled to Venezuela earlier this year, I found a country on the edge, facing overlapping economic, humanitarian, and political crises. The Venezuelan government under President Maduro has taken a series of repressive and undemocratic actions, including the cowardly jailing of National Assembly member Juan Requesens, that threatens its own people and has isolated it from the world,Durbin said. Venezuela faces a crisis, and the United States has a responsibility to respond in a manner … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318jjrhyastatement Leahy Statement On Passage Of The Juvenile Justice Reform Act And Short-Term Extension Of Runaway And Homeless Youth Programs 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.18 Leahy Statement On Passage Of The Juvenile Justice Reform Act And Short-Term Extension Of Runaway And Homeless Youth Programs I have long supported Juvenile Justice programs, and I have long supported Runaway and Homeless Youth programs. During the 20 years I served as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and in my current role as the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I have championed bipartisan reauthorizations and supported funding for these programs, overcoming the House of Representatives, which zeroes out Juvenile Justice programs in its appropriations bills year after year. These programs make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the children and teens they serve. The two programs are funded separately in separate appropriations subcommittees, and their reauthorizations have traditionally moved separately. I am pleased the Senate today passed the long-debated Juvenile Justice Reform Act. This legislation makes needed, comprehensive, and long overdue updates to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. It mandates research to study, identify and address disproportionate minority contact in the juvenile justice system, and separates young offenders from adult jails and prisons. It also reauthorizes funding for key juvenile justice programs. Funding for these vital programs is key to preventing youth from coming in contact with the juvenile justice system, and ensuring youth have the opportunity to get the help they need to avoid repeating the cycle. Reducing recidivism is not just the moral thing to do; it saves future state and federal dollars. The Grassley substitute amendment, which passed the Senate this evening, reauthorizes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act at a lower level than I support, and a lower level than is supported by the providers and advocates in the field who know firsthand what the actual needs are to help these youths. It also fails to make important programmatic improvements that Senator Collins and I have been working on … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318secondchancerelease Portman-Leahy SECOND CHANCE ACT Now Included In Crim. Justice Reform Pkg., Set For Senate Debate And Votes NEXT WEEK 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.18 Portman-Leahy SECOND CHANCE ACT Now Included In Crim. Justice Reform Pkg., Set For Senate Debate And Votes NEXT WEEK U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) announced that their bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act this week was incorporated into the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reform America's criminal justice system authored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The Second Chance Reauthorization Act reauthorizes and amends the Second Chance Act, a law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Then-Congressman Portman originally authored the Second Chance Act with the late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones in 2005, and it was later signed into law in 2008.Since 2009, more than 850 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofit organizations from 49 states for reentry programs serving adults and juveniles. As of June 2018, more than 164,000 individuals have participated in these programs.In total, Ohio has received more than $23 million in Second Chance Act grants since 2009, which includes funds to assist Ohioans re-entering the community with services such as job training, drug rehabilitation, case management and mental health treatment. I'm pleased that my legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Second Chance Act has been incorporated into the bipartisan criminal justice reform bill. This important law helps break the cycle of incarceration through drug treatment and job training programs, and it helps former inmates live up to their God-given potential. It also makes our communities safer and saves taxpayer dollars, Portman said. This law has changed thousands of lives in Ohio and across the country showing that the mistakes of our past should not define the potential for our future. I urge my colleagues to join … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318trumpshutdownfactcheck From Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy: FACT CHECKING Pres. Trumps Manufactured Crisis Over Funding His Proposed Wall 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.18 From Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy: FACT CHECKING Pres. Trump's Manufactured Crisis Over Funding His Proposed Wall Fact Checking President Trump's Manufactured Crisis With illegal border crossings declining for years, and no true crisis to point to, President Trump has spun a manufactured crisis to justify his ineffective and costly border wall. The President has relatedly made false allegations about the volume of border crossings and the threat posed by these migrants who in many cases are fleeing violence. Below are just a few examples from the last week: #FALSE: President Trump's repeated claim that we have a crisis-level surge of illegal immigration at our southern border. #FACT:At the end of 2017, arrests of people attempting to illegally enter the U.S. dropped to the lowest level since 1971. Between 2000 & 2018, border apprehensions fell sharply from roughly 1.6 million in fiscal year 2000 to approximately 400,000 in fiscal year 2018 that's a 75 percent drop. #FALSE: Pres. Trump's claim that we recently captured 10 terrorists at the southern border over a very short period of time. #FACT: Approximately 10 people with suspected terrorist ties are prevented from traveling to the U.S. every day by air, sea, or land. That does NOT mean they're entering the southern border. And a wall along our southern border does not stop a potential terrorist from flying into an airport. #FACT:A staunchly conservative organization that advocates for restricting immigration, the Center for Immigration Studies, issued a report concluding only 15 suspected terrorists have been apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border SINCE 2001. #FALSE: President Trump's repeated claim that wall construction is under budget, and that additional funding for the wall is an urgent need. #FACT: Border fencing construction is not under budget. The largest stretch of fencing that Congress has funded, a 25 mile barrier in the Rio Grande Valley, has ballooned in cost, from … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318yemenstatement Leahy Floor Speech On The Senate Joint Resolution On Yemen 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.18 Leahy Floor Speech On The Senate Joint Resolution On Yemen Mr. President, today we will vote on Senate Joint Resolution 54, which would remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities in or affecting the country of Yemen, except those forces engaged in operations directed at al Qaeda or associated forces, unless and until a declaration of war or specific authorization for such use of U.S. armed forces has been enacted. I want to commend my distinguished friend from Vermont, Senator Sanders, for the leadership and perseverance he has shown on this issue. He has rightly insisted that the Congress, which alone has the power to declare war, act in response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen. A catastrophe, we must acknowledge, that the United States shares responsibility for causing as a result of our support for the Saudi military, which is by any objective measure guilty of war crimes. It is long past time for us to say: enough. International outrage over this issue has been building steadily as the number of civilian casualties in Yemen one of the world's poorest countries has swollen into the thousands as a result of Saudi Arabia's intervention and ongoing aerial bombardment. We have all seen the photographs of the dead and dying; of children who are nothing but skin and bones. Some 85,000 children have starved to death. Another 13 million Yemeni civilians are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations. Of course, the Houthis and the Iranians who support them share the blame for the death and destruction in Yemen. But we are not supporting them. We are not sharing intelligence with them or providing targeting assistance. We are not selling them weapons. That is what we are doing for the Saudis. But this Joint Resolution is about more than that. As if the kidnapping of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, the blockade of Qatar, the imprisonment of Saudi women's rights activists, and the carnage in Yemen were not enough, the outrage towards Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Saman… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-holds-video-town-meeting-with-vermont-middle-school-students Sanders Holds Video Town Meeting With Vermont Middle School Students 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Holds Video Town Meeting With Vermont Middle School Students Thursday, December 13, 2018 WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) held an interactive, video town meeting with five Vermont middle schools Thursday morning to speak with students about civic engagement and democracy, and to encourage them to consider the crucial challenges facing the United States. Our students need to understand from a young age that democracy is not a spectator sport. Democracy only works when ordinary people all across this country are informed and engaged on the major issues facing our nation, said Sanders, who serves on the Senate education committee. The Vermont middle schools that participated in the video town hall on Thursday were Albany Community School, Crossett Brook Middle School, Putney Central School, Randolph Union Middle School and Twinfield Union School. Sanders participated by video conference from his Senate office in Washington. After Sanders' introductory remarks, students asked questions on a wide range of issues from climate change, to universal health care, to how students can most effectively engage in our democracy. Sanders' video town meeting with middle school students is just the most recent effort to engage students on the role citizens play in creating a healthy democracy. Sanders also holds an annual State of the Union essay contest in which Vermont high school students write about what issues they would prioritize if they were president of the United States, and organizes trips to the nonpartisan Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston to help Vermont students learn about the legislative process. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-statement-after-senate-passes-yemen-war-powers-resolution Sanders Statement after Senate Passes Yemen War Powers Resolution 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Statement after Senate Passes Yemen War Powers Resolution Thursday, December 13, 2018 WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) spoke at a press conference Thursday after the Senate voted 56-41 to pass his resolution calling for an end to US military support to the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen war. See below for a transcript of his remarks andclick herefor a link to video: "Thank you all very much for being here. Let me begin by thanking Senator Lee and Senator Murphy for the great work they have done, not just in the last few months but over the last year. I want to stress the bipartisan nature of this legislation. We have brought Republicans and Democrats together in a very historic moment. And what that moment is about is that the Senate this afternoon stated that we will not continue participation in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, which has resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth. And that crisis is about 85,000 children starving to death; 10,000 new cases of cholera every single week; and the United Nations telling us that Yemen is on the verge of imminent famine, with the possibility of millions of people dying, all because of Saudi activities in that civil war. And today what the United States Senate said in a very loud way is that we will not continue to have our military posture dictated by a despotic, murderous regime in Saudi Arabia a regime which does not respect democracy, which does not respect human rights, a regime whose leader nobody doubts was involved in the horrific murder of a dissident journalist in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Jamal Khashoggi. Today is a very important breakthrough both progressives and conservatives have made a profound statement that 45 years after the passage of the War Powers Act, 45 years later, finally the United States Senate has come together to use that authority for the first time and say that the responsibility for war, the constitutional responsibility for war rests with the United St… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fox-news-explains-why-trump-is-in-real-trouble Fox News Explains Why Trump Is in Real Trouble 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Fox News Explains Why Trump Is in Real Trouble This Fox News judge does a great job explaining why President Trump is in real trouble. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/press-conference-after-senate-vote-on-yemen-war-powers-resolution Press Conference After Senate Vote on Yemen War Powers Resolution 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/senate-passes-sanders-war-powers-resolution-on-yemen Senate Passes Sanders' War Powers Resolution on Yemen 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Senate Passes Sanders' War Powers Resolution on Yemen "Thank you all very much for being here. Let me begin by thanking Senator Lee and Senator Murphy for the great work they have done, not just in the last few months but over the last year. I want to stress the bipartisan nature of this legislation. We have brought Republicans and Democrats together in a very historic moment. And what that moment is about is that the Senate this afternoon stated that we will not continue participation in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, which has resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth. And that crisis is about 85,000 children starving to death; 10,000 new cases of cholera every single week; and the United Nations telling us that Yemen is on the verge of imminent famine, with the possibility of millions of people dying, all because of Saudi activities in that civil war. And today what the United States Senate said in a very loud way is that we will not continue to have our military posture dictated by a despotic, murderous regime in Saudi Arabia a regime which does not respect democracy, which does not respect human rights, a regime whose leader nobody doubts was involved in the horrific murder of a dissident journalist in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Jamal Khashoggi. Today is a very important breakthrough both progressives and conservatives have made a profound statement that 45 years after the passage of the War Powers Act, 45 years later, finally the United States Senate has come together to use that authority for the first time and say that the responsibility for war, the constitutional responsibility for war rests with the United States Congress not the president, whether that president is a Democrat or a Republican. And I think the historic importance of today is not only moving the United States out of that horrific war, but is having the country see that their elected representatives are about to take back their constitutional responsibilities on the issues of war, one of the most importa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-vote-farm-bill-compromise-citing-benefits-vermont-agriculture-and Welch to Vote for Farm Bill Compromise, Citing Benefits to Vermont Agriculture and the Defeat of Draconian Cuts to Nutrition Programs 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON This afternoon, Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spoke on the House floor in support of a five-year compromise farm bill hammered out by House and Senate negotiators over the last several weeks. Welch touted the overall benefits of the bill for Vermont, including provisions that benefit the dairy, maple, organic and hemp industries. He also applauded the jettisoning of draconian cuts to nutrition programs for children and low income Vermonters. The agreement was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate yesterday on a vote of 87-13. The House is expected to pass the bill this afternoon and send it to President Trump for his expected signature. It's absolutely no secret that farming communities from Franklin and Addison County in Vermont to the plains of Kansas and Iowa are facing a crisis. This bill contains a number of positive changes that will help in Vermont. While no one got everything they wanted, and many of the urgent reforms that are needed on the commodity side are not part of this, this will be a positive contribution to Vermont agriculture. Click image to view video of Rep. Welch's full remarks. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/harwood-union-middle-school Harwood Union Middle School 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.18 Harwood Union Middle School On December 12, 2018, Senator Leahy continued his series of online chats with Vermont students this time, with Harwood Union Middle School's 7th and 8th grade classes, taught by Mr. Nicolas Gordon and Ms. Sarah Ibson. He enjoyed answering the students' questions about gun safety, environmental and pollution issues, and other topics. Senator Leahy talked about some of his most memorable votes during his time in the Senate and the importance of voter participation. This chat was Senator Leahy's last chat of the 2018 calendar year, and he looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2019. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121218appropswallstatement Statement Of Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy On The Fearmongering Falsehoods Fueling President Trump's Fixation On The Wall: A REALITY CHECK 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.18 Statement Of Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy On The Fearmongering Falsehoods Fueling President Trump's Fixation On The Wall: A REALITY CHECK If Americans had any doubt that President Trump is fixated on wasting billions of dollars to wall off our 2,000 mile southern border, all they had to do was watch his jaw-dropping press conference yesterday, demanding another $5 billion of their hard earned tax dollars for his political pet project that he promised Mexico would pay for. Using words I never thought I would hear from a President, he boasted he would be, proud to shut down the government if Congress doesn't meet his funding demands. That is one of the most reckless statements I have ever heard uttered by a President of the United States. His job, like ours, is to keep the federal government operating for the hundreds of millions of Americans who depend on government services every day, from our national parks, to housing services for the elderly, disabled, and our veterans, and for assistance for our nation's farmers. Just yesterday, we passed the bipartisan Farm Bill. If the President shuts the government down, there will be nobody in local USDA offices to answer questions from farmers about what the law means for them just as farmers begin to make their plans for next year's planting season. When I first came to the Senate, the idea of threatening to shut down the federal government as a negotiating tactic was unheard of. Today, it seems that we go through this every year. Neither party is blameless. But before President Trump, no one bragged about it. No one seemed to relish it. No one was foolish enough to call it good for the country. No one treated shutting down the government as if it is a game, without the slightest concern for the consequences for the American people and hundreds of thousands of federal workers and their families over the holidays, or for the millions of dollars wasted as a result. President Trump's performance yesterday amounted to throwing a temper … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-statement-on-the-senates-passage-of-the-reciprocal-access-to-tibet-act Leahy Statement On The Senate's Passage Of The Reciprocal Access To Tibet Act 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.18 Leahy Statement On The Senate's Passage Of The Reciprocal Access To Tibet Act Mr. President, this evening the Senate unanimously passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018. I was one of the earliest cosponsors of this bill, and I strongly support it. For far too long, the Chinese government has tightly restricted access to Tibet, preventing U.S. diplomats and journalists from reporting on the systematic human rights abuses and destruction of Tibetan culture perpetrated by the Chinese government, and arbitrarily preventing Tibetan-Americans from visiting their families. Passing this legislation today represents a strong, bipartisan step toward addressing that decades-long injustice. I would like to thank Senator Rubio and Congressman McGovern for their work on this legislation over several years. The Chinese government arbitrarily requires a special permit for a foreign diplomat, reporter, or tourist to visit Tibet a requirement China does not impose for travel to any other provincial-level jurisdiction, even Xinjiang. The Chinese government frequently denies requests for these permits to Tibet. And even when it does grant permits, it generally requires foreigners to be accompanied at all times by a government-designated guide. This arbitrary system not only makes it exceptionally difficult to report on the situation in Tibet, but it also gives the Chinese government significant leverage which it reportedly exploits in various ways over persons who hope to obtain a permit. In a 2015 white paper, the Chinese government claimed that, under Chinese rule, Tibet has been transformed from a poor and backward society to one that is advanced in both economy and culture. Setting aside that this statement would look perfectly at home among the discredited justifications for 19th Century colonialism, if it were true then one would expect China to welcome the world to witness its rule in Tibet. Yet in 2016, The Washington Post reported that Tibet is harder to visit as a journalist than North K… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/projected-impacts-of-a-trump-shutdown PROJECTED IMPACTS OF A TRUMP SHUTDOWN 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.18 PROJECTED IMPACTS OF A TRUMP SHUTDOWN Prepared By Vice Chairman Leahy's Senate Appropriations Committee Staff More Than 420,000 Will Be Working Without Pay Including: More than 41,000 Federal Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers, Including: 2,614 ATF agents; 16,742 Bureau of Prisons correctional officers; 13,709 FBI agents; 3,600 deputy U.S. Marshals; and 4,399 DEA agents. Up To 88 Percent Of Department of Homeland Security Employees, Including: 53,000 TSA Employees; 54,000 Customs and Border Protection agents and customs offers; 42,000 Coast Guard employees As many as 5,000 Forest Service Firefighters 3,600 Weather Service Forecasters More Than 380,000 Will Be Furloughed, Including: 86 Percent of Department of Commerce (Approximately 41,000 Staff), 96 Percent of NASA (Approximately 16,700 Staff) More than 80 Percent of the National Park Service (Approximately16,000 Staff) At least 80 Percent of the Forest Service (Approximately 28,800 Staff) More than 30 Percent of Dept. of Transportation (Approximately 18,300 Staff) 95 Percent of HUD (Approximately 7,100 Staff) Approximately 52,000 IRS Staff Nine Out Of 15 Federal Departments And Dozens Of Agencies Will Close The government will shutter the doors of nine federal departments and dozens of agencies during the Trump Shutdown, grinding services to the American people to a halt just three days before Christmas. The Trump Shutdown Is Bad For Business: Farmers. USDA would shutter every local and state farm service center across the U.S. With the current challenges facing farmers due to the dramatic drop in commodity prices brought on by retaliatory tariffs, many farmers have had to rely on UDSA as their lender of last resort to help pay bills and stay afloat through this winter. Many farmers are already preparing for the spring planting and banks are not willing t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-and-house-lawmakers-release-updated-first-step-act Senate & House Lawmakers Release Updated First Step Act 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.18 Senate & House Lawmakers Release Updated First Step Act Majority Leader, House Speaker pledge to consider criminal justice reform package this year A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers today released revised text of the First Step Act to continue building support for criminal justice reform. This update was brokered by the White House and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in both chambers of Congress. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan have pledged to take up the revised package before the end of the year. Over the last several years, we've expanded support for comprehensive criminal justice reform by listening to stakeholders and lawmakers to strike a balance that reduces crime and recidivism, and the associated taxpayer burden, while ensuring that dangerous and career criminals face steep consequences for their actions. Today's update represents the latest in our effort to achieve this goal. I appreciate the engagement from many of my colleagues to fine tune the most significant criminal justice reform in a generation, and I applaud President Trump and the White House for bringing everyone to the table to make this happen. Following these changes and the growing demonstration of support for this bill, Leader McConnell is keeping his word by pledging to hold a vote this year, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said. The bipartisan First Step Act is a once in a political lifetime aligning of the stars. Republicans, Democrats, President Trump, Fraternal Order of Police, and ACLU have all thrown their support behind our bill. This bipartisan compromise could be one of the most important things we do when it comes to criminal justice not only this year but for a long time. I commend my colleagues for their spirit of cooperation on this important piece of legislation and I look forward to getting this job done in the closing weeks of this session, Senate Democratic… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-hails-senate-passage-of-five-year-farm-bill Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Five-Year Farm Bill 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.18 Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Five-Year Farm Bill . . . Final Leahy-Negotiated Farm Bill Includes Significant Vermont Win The U.S. Senate late Tuesday passed a new five-year Farm Bill that includes significant wins for Vermont families, dairy, organic and hemp farms, and the state's rural communities. As a member of the conference committee that negotiated the bill, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) played a central role in shaping the final provisions that are vital to Vermont's economy, farmers, working landscape, the food and nutrition of Vermont's families, and the economic vitality of rural communities throughout the state. Leahy also is a former chairman of the Agriculture Committee and is the panel's most senior member. The Senate passed the bill in a strong bipartisan vote of 87 to 13, coming only a day after a final Farm Bill compromise was concluded, signed by Leahy and other conferees, and filed in the Senate and House. The 2018 Farm Bill, titled the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, closely mirrors the bipartisan Senate-passed bill and is the result of months of challenging negotiations. The conference agreement does not include the controversial provisions conditioning nutrition assistance on new work requirements and provisions changing SNAP eligibility that would have cut off benefits to millions. The bill next must be passed by the House and then signed by the President, who has signaled that he will sign it. Leahy said: After months of hard fought and often contentious negotiations, the Senate and House have come together and done what we rarely see in Washington these days. We've resolved our differences and reached a compromise. This is a Farm Bill that will provide certainty to the nation's struggling farmers; maintain food security for millions of American families; provide for cleaner waterways, better soils, protected open space, healthier forests, and the preservation of family f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-will-vote-on-sanders-yemen-resolution-tomorrow Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow Tuesday, December 11, 2018 WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement announcing that the Senate will vote tomorrow on the resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen: "Tomorrow, I will move to proceed to S.J. Res. 54, the resolution I have offered with Senators Lee and Murphy to end U.S. involvement in the disastrous Saudi-led war in Yemen. I am optimistic that a bipartisan coalition of senators will vote to make clear that the United States will no longer support Saudi Arabia in its incredibly destructive war. The Saudi intervention in Yemen has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world, with millions of people facing imminent starvation. The time is long overdue for the United States to stop following the lead of Saudi Arabia, a brutal regime that recently murdered a dissident journalist and has no respect for human rights. Further, and importantly, the Senate must reassert its constitutional authority and end our support of this unauthorized and unconstitutional war." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/senate-will-vote-on-sanders-yemen-resolution-tomorrow Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Senate Will Vote on Sanders' Yemen Resolution Tomorrow Tuesday, December 11, 2018 WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement announcing that the Senate will vote tomorrow on the resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen: "Tomorrow, I will move to proceed to S.J. Res. 54, the resolution I have offered with Senators Lee and Murphy to end U.S. involvement in the disastrous Saudi-led war in Yemen. I am optimistic that a bipartisan coalition of senators will vote to make clear that the United States will no longer support Saudi Arabia in its incredibly destructive war. The Saudi intervention in Yemen has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world, with millions of people facing imminent starvation. The time is long overdue for the United States to stop following the lead of Saudi Arabia, a brutal regime that recently murdered a dissident journalist and has no respect for human rights. Further, and importantly, the Senate must reassert its constitutional authority and end our support of this unauthorized and unconstitutional war." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-the-climate-fight-is-our-moonshot Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: The Climate Fight Is Our Moonshot 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: The Climate Fight Is Our Moonshot "This is going to be the Great Society, the moonshot, the Civil Rights Movement of our generation. That is the scale that this movement is going to require." Rep-Elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Thank you to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for joining our groundbreaking town hall and for being a leader in the fight against climate change. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/chile-is-on-a-path-to-phase-out-coal Chile Is on a Path to Phase Out Coal 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Chile Is on a Path to Phase Out Coal Chile is on a path to phase out ALL of its coal power plants and transition to clean energy sources. There's no reason the US can't do the same. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/getting-insulin-on-the-black-market Getting Insulin on the "Black Market" 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Getting Insulin on the "Black Market" This is what happens when pharma's greed is allowed to go unchecked. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/rural-hospitals-are-closing-at-an-alarming-rate Rural Hospitals Are Closing at an Alarming Rate 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Rural Hospitals Are Closing at an Alarming Rate Rural hospitals are closing at an alarming rate acros the country, thanks to Republican policies against expanding Medicaid. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/sears-wants-to-pay-25m-in-bonuses-to-executives-after-layoffs Sears Wants to Pay $25M in Bonuses to Executives After Layoffs 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sears Wants to Pay $25M in Bonuses to Executives After Layoffs Sears wants to give its executives $25 million in bonuses after closing over 100 stores and laying off thousands of employees. My friends, this is what a rigged economy is all about. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/walmarts-anti-union-message Walmart's Anti-Union Message 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Walmart's Anti-Union Message Workers have a right to form a union and negotiate for better wages and working conditions. But what we're seeing is profitable corporations like Walmart doing everything they can to prevent that. That's unacceptable. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/wisconsin-republicans-legislative-coup Wisconsin Republicans' Legislative Coup 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Wisconsin Republicans' Legislative Coup Republicans all over this country are going to unprecedented lengths to prevent incoming Democratic officials from exercising the powers of the offices they have won. It's happening in Wisconsin. It is happening in Michigan. And it will keep happening unless we stand up and fight back. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/keep-up-the-momentum-to-fight-climate-change Keep Up the Momentum to Fight Climate Change 2018-12-10 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Keep Up the Momentum to Fight Climate Change Today was a huge day in the fight to combat climate change. Over 1,000 young people showed up on Capitol Hill to fight for a Green New Deal and a sustainable future. Let's keep up the momentum. What are your questions about how we can come together to address climate change? 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/12718sauditiesrls Following Washington Post Report, Leahy And Other Senators Reiterate Calls For Full Disclosure Of Trump-Saudi Business Ties 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.07.18 Following Washington Post Report, Leahy And Other Senators Reiterate Calls For Full Disclosure Of Trump-Saudi Business Ties A group of 11 Democratic senators, including Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Friday renewed their call for President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization to disclose any financial ties between the Trump Organization and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following aWashington Post reportthat lobbyists representing the Saudi government paid for 500 rooms at the Trump D.C. hotel shortly after President Trump's election. Last month, after the Saudi-led killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory A. Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-Ore.)wroteto President Donald Trump and to the Trump Organization seeking a full accounting of any financial ties between the Trump Organization and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but the senators never received a response to their inquiry. The administration's refusal to hold the Saudi Kingdom accountable for its murder of Jamal Khashoggi is a stain on our values as a nation,the senators said on Friday. The latest report that the Saudi government spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at President Trump's hotel shortly after his election, duping veterans in the process may offer insight into why the Trump administration is going to such great lengths to protect the crown prince. We need a full accounting of President Trump and the Trump Organization's business ties to the Saudi government, and the administration must not continue to ignore congressional oversight. The American people need answers and they will get them, one way or another. The senators previously joined nearly 200 members of Congress infiling suit against President Trump for violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, whic… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/vermont-high-school-students-what-are-your-priorities Vermont High School Students, What Are Your Priorities? 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Vermont High School Students, What Are Your Priorities? In January, the president will give his State of the Union speech to Congress. And for the ninth year, I am inviting Vermont's high school students to submit short essays describing what they think are the most pressing issues facing our country, and what they would do to solve those issues. I am always very impressed with the thoughtful essays that are submitted on a variety of topics and from different viewpoints. I will invite the twenty finalists to join me for a lively roundtable discussion at the Vermont Statehouse, and will enter their essays into the Congressional Record the official archive of Congress. The deadline to submit an essay is January 9, 2019. I hope you consider writing an essay! 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-welch-announce-2018-congressional-app-challenge-winners Stefanik, Welch Announce 2018 Congressional App Challenge Winners 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) and Peter Welch (D-VT), announced that VT residents Seth Albertus and Dalton Benjamin students at Northeastern Clinton Central School in Champlain, NY have been named the winners of the 2018 Congressional App Challenge in NY-21. I am excited to announce that Seth and Dalton's hard work and innovation has earned them the honor of showcasing their winning app in the U.S. Capitol for visitors from around the world to see, said Congresswoman Stefanik, Co-Chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus. Training in STEAM is essential for preparing students for the high-skilled careers of tomorrow, and this great achievement is proof of the valuable work being done by the teachers at Northeastern Clinton Central School. I am confident that Seth and Dalton's accomplishment will inspire other students to pursue education in computer science. I am so impressed with the talent and creativity of young people across Vermont, who are learning important skills to prepare them for tomorrow's economy, said Congressman Welch. Congratulations to Seth and Dalton, and I look forward to seeing their wonderful innovation in the Capitol. Seth and Dalton's application, My Augmented Life, uses augmented reality technology to bring 3-D objects to real-world environments. This application can be used by a variety of industries, such as interior design, which would utilize the application's augmented reality technology to place 3-D modeled furniture into various interiors. Their winning application will not only be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building but will also be featured on the Congressional App Challenge website. A video demonstration of their application can be viewed here ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/12061820mbenningtonrail Leahy Helps Vermont Score A Major $20 Million Investment In Rail Infrastructure 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.06.18 Leahy Helps Vermont Score A Major $20 Million Investment In Rail Infrastructure . . . Federal Grant Will Fund Replacement Of Rail Bridges Between Rutland And Bennington U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Thursday that the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) will receive a $20 million federal award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. The funding will support the rehabilitation or replacement of 31 rail bridges along 53 miles of the Vermont Railway. The work will be done on the southern section of the state-owned rail line that runs in Vermont between Rutland and Bennington, continuing on to Hoosick, N.Y. Leahy hailed the award as significant for the impact it will have in bolstering the state's economic development and climate change goals. Leahy, the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has made BUILD and other infrastructure investment programs high priorities in the annual Appropriations bills that fund the Department of Transportation. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called Leahy Thursday to inform him of the Vermont award. Leahy said: This investment in Vermont's rail infrastructure is a win-win for business and the environment. By increasing the capacity of the VT Railway, Vermont businesses will have better access to rail shipping, which in turn will lead to fewer trucks on our roads. As a country and a state we need to prioritize these types of infrastructure investments that will lessen the transportation sector's reliance on fossil fuels. It has been one of my priorities to ensure that rural states like Vermont have access to these programs, and I'm pleased that this project will be funded through that work. The federal funds address a top priority in the 2015 Vermont State Rail Plan, increasing the capacity of rail bridges to carry more freight. The work funded through the g… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/120618ngsmallbizrls Shaheen & Leahy Bill To Support Small Businesses With National Guard And Military Reservists Passes Senate 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.06.18 Shaheen & Leahy Bill To Support Small Businesses With National Guard And Military Reservists Passes Senate U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) issued the following statements after their legislation to support small businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists unanimously passed the Senate on Thursday. TheNational Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Act will assist small businesses when essential employees, including small business owners, are called up as part of National Guard or Reservist duties, by improving existing loan and deferral programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and making them more accessible. These programs include the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL), a direct loan program that provides emergency working capital to small businesses to meet their obligations until operations return to normal after the essential employee is released from active duty military, and the Repayment Deferral for Active Duty Reservists (Repayment Deferral), which authorizes the SBA to work with private lenders to defer interest or loan repayment for small businesses facing similar situations. Leahy, Co-Chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, said: The citizen-soldiers of the National Guard, and the small businesses that employ them, are vital to the close-knit communities that make Vermont such a special place. Our legislation will enable entrepreneurs and small businesses affected by deployments to better take advantage of every opportunity. With Vermont National Guard soldiers currently deployed, this bill is needed now more than ever. Shaheen said: The civilian men and women serving in our National Guard have committed to serve our country, and we need to have their backs. I'm very pleased that this legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support, because it will provide much-needed assistance to entrepreneurs and small business employees who are deployed. I will continue to work across the aisle and with SB… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/antroinettes-daughter-died-from-insulin-rationing Antroinette's Daughter Died from Insulin Rationing 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Antroinette's Daughter Died from Insulin Rationing Antroinette's daughter died from rationing her insulin because it was too expensive. Pharma is literally killing people with their greed and it has to stop. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/featuring-climate-deniers-is-a-disgrace-for-major-networks Featuring Climate Deniers Is a Disgrace for Major Networks 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Featuring Climate Deniers Is a Disgrace for Major Networks It is really a disgrace that the major TV networks constantly ignore climate change or give climate deniers a platform. That is exactly why I brought together some of the greatest climate experts in the world to do what the mainstream media won't do. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/nurse-narrowly-escaped-the-california-wildfires Nurse Narrowly Escaped the California Wildfires 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Nurse Narrowly Escaped the California Wildfires What's it like fleeing a wildfire? Listen to this nurse describe how she and her team narrowly escaped California's recent climate change-fueled disasters. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/republican-mayor-leads-100-renewable-city Republican Mayor Leads 100% Renewable City 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Republican Mayor Leads 100% Renewable City This Republican mayor leads the first city in Texas powered by 100% renewable energy. Addressing climate change and creating millions of green jobs should not be a partisan issue. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/the-fossil-fuel-industry-is-killing-your-beer The Fossil Fuel Industry Is Killing Your Beer 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy The Fossil Fuel Industry Is Killing Your Beer The fossil fuel industry is killing your beerand that is the least of the consequences we're already seeing due to climate change. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/saudi-arabias-war-in-yemen-has-killed-85000-kids-from-starvation-us-support-must-end-now Saudi Arabia's War in Yemen Has Killed 85,000 Kids From Starvation. U.S. Support Must End Now. 2018-12-05 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Saudi Arabia's War in Yemen Has Killed 85,000 Kids From Starvation. U.S. Support Must End Now. 12 million people in Yemen are suffering from severe hunger and 85,000 kids have already died from starvation as a result of the Saudi-led war. Right now in the U.S. Senate we are pushing to get a vote to end U.S. support for this disastrous war. We need your help. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/seeing-the-california-wildfire-effects-firsthand Seeing the California Wildfire Effects Firsthand 2018-12-05 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Seeing the California Wildfire Effects Firsthand This Californian saw the effect of the disastrous wildfires firsthand. If we don't get our act together to boldly address climate change, this is going to be the new norm. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/12418whitakerdojconflicts Senators Press Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.18 Senators Press Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest Whitaker's $1.2 million in salary from dark money group and Benczkowski's close ties to Russian Alfa Bank are serious ethical red flags, senators write Washington, DC Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) asked the Department of Justice today to detail its handling of the serious financial, professional, and political conflicts of interest of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, Brian Benczkowski. The two officials' activities before arriving at the Justice Department present ethical concerns that agency ethics officials have not yet fully resolved and memorialized. Despite repeated requests for ethics records by members of Congress, and growing concern with the influence Whitaker and Benczkowski have over highly sensitive Justice Department work like Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, the Department has not been forthcoming. To maintain the public's trust in an impartial DOJ, we urge you to provide prompt, complete, and public responses to the issues we raise, the senators write to the Justice Department's Assistant Attorney General for Administration and Designated Agency Ethics Official and Professional Responsibility Advisory Office. The impartiality and credibility of DOJ's leadership are of national importance. According to financial disclosures, Whitaker has accepted over $1.2 million in compensation as executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), an organization that filed at least 14 complaints in recent years against Democratic politicians, and has spent thousands of dollars on contracts wit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/american-womans-medication-costs-10-of-us-price-in-spain American Woman's Medication Costs 10% of US Price in Spain 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy American Woman's Medication Costs 10% of US Price in Spain This woman got her medication in Spain for just 10% of its cost in the U.S. It's time we pass meaningful legislation to stop letting pharma rip us off. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fox-analyst-makes-the-case-for-holding-corporations-accountable Fox Analyst Makes the Case For Holding Corporations Accountable 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Fox Analyst Makes the Case For Holding Corporations Accountable Even this Fox News analyst understands that there is something wrong when large corporations like General Motors can fire thousands of American workers while making billions in profits. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/fox-news-anchor-tired-of-gop-lies-on-climate Fox News Anchor Tired of GOP Lies on Climate 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Fox News Anchor Tired of GOP Lies on Climate This Fox News anchor is sick and tired of Trump and Republicans lying about climate change. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/her-mother-died-of-a-self-induced-abortion Her Mother Died of a Self Induced Abortion 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Her Mother Died of a Self Induced Abortion This woman's mother died of a self-induced abortion in 1944, when abortions were strictly criminal. We are not going back to the days when women did not have a right to control their own bodies. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/international-solutions-to-climate-change International Solutions to Climate Change 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/puerto-rico-is-dealing-with-the-impacts-of-climate-change Puerto Rico Is Dealing with the Impacts of Climate Change 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/sea-level-rise-is-impacting-miami-residents Sea Level Rise Is Impacting Miami Residents 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/solving-our-climate-crisis Solving Our Climate Crisis 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/the-impact-of-oil-drilling-in-the-arctic The Impact of Oil Drilling in the Arctic 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy   0 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/trump-using-tear-gas-on-children-at-the-border Trump Using Tear Gas on Children at the Border 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Trump Using Tear Gas on Children at the Border The situation at the border right now is tragic. More than ever it is clear that we need to finally deal with immigration in a comprehensive way. Trump is on the wrong side of history. See Video on YouTube Tweet Copy Link 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/we-must-move-toward-comprehensive-immigration-reform We Must Move Toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy We Must Move Toward Comprehensive Immigration Reform We don't need a wall and we don't need barbed wire. We do not need to break families apart. What we need is immigration reform that takes 11 million undocumented people living in the United States out of the shadows and puts them on a path toward citizenship. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/video-audio/climate-change-town-hall Climate Change Town Hall 2018-12-03 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Climate Change Town Hall Sen. Bernie Sanders hosts a national town hall on the global threat of climate change and the solutions that can protect the planet from devastation and create tens of millions of good-paying jobs. Sanders will be joined by 350.org founder and author Bill McKibben; actress, activist and Our Revolution board member Shailene Woodley; CNN host and author Van Jones; Earth Guardians Youth Director Xiuhtezcatl Martinez; Congresswoman-Elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Union of Concerned Scientists Director of Climate Science Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel; Dr. Camilla Bausch, President of Ecologic Institute; and Dale Ross, mayor of Georgetown, Texas. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/must-read/failure-of-loan-forgiveness-program-hurts-vermont-workers Failure of loan forgiveness program hurts Vermont workers 2018-12-02 2018 2018-12 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Failure of loan forgiveness program hurts Vermont workers By: Lola Duffort Vt Digger Sunday, December 2, 2018 A dysfunctional federal loan forgiveness program is throwing a wrench in the long-term financial planning of workers in Vermont, where the government and nonprofit sectors together employ roughly a third of the state's workforce. In 2007, Congress created a program intended to wipe out the federal student debt of qualified public servants who made 10 years of on-time, monthly payments. But the program has been beset by administrative problems. More than 28,000 workers in the United States applied for the program. Just 96 people nationwide have had their loans actually wiped clean, according to the New York Times. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program was created to address the rising cost of education and encourage graduates to take lower-paying jobs in government or nonprofits. A decade later, the first cohort of people who were eligible in theory at least to have their loans forgiven applied to do so. A subsequent Government Accountability Office report pinned the dismal forgiveness rate on administrative failings with the private loan servicers who process most federal students loans, and at the U.S. Department of Education, which the GAO said had never given clear guidance to loan servicers about the program's rules. The program is the subject of at least three lawsuits, including in Massachusetts, where Attorney General Maura Healey has sued FedLoan Servicing, which does the bulk of the servicing for PSLF-eligible loans, for deceptive practices. It's unknown how many in the Green Mountain State are enrolled in the program. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Education said no data was available. But tens of thousands of Vermonters work in eligible jobs. Nonprofits play an outsized role in Vermont's economy, and employ, by one estimate, one out of seven Vermont workers. And federal, state, and local go… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comments-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On The Passing Of Former President George H.W. Bush 2018-12-01 2018 2018-12 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 12.01.18 Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On The Passing Of Former President George H.W. Bush He was the last President of the Greatest Generation, and he leaves a lasting legacy of true and meaningful public service. While we had our share of differences over policy, his decency, his civility and his humility have never been a more important example to the nation than they are today. He skillfully steered our country after the collapse of the Soviet Union. His legacy includes working with many of us in enacting the Americans With Disabilities Act, a far-reaching civil rights achievement that has and will enrich the lives of millions of Americans, and the nation. I worked with him on a breakthrough in U.S.-Vietnam relations that involved assisting landmine victims through the Leahy War Victims Fund. But I came to know him best years earlier. My clearest insights into his character and his personality including his sense of humor came from our many interactions when he was President of the Senate, as Vice President, as Marcelle and I enjoyed getting to know George and Barbara. Those are fond and lasting memories that will always be with us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/113018cacerestrialverdict Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Verdicts In The First Berta Caceres Murder Trial 2018-11-30 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.30.18 Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Verdicts In The First Berta Caceres Murder Trial Berta Caceres, a widely known and respected Honduran indigenous environmental activist, was disparaged, threatened, targeted, and ultimately murdered in her home by assassins more than two and a half years ago. Since then, we have witnessed an attempted cover-up by the Honduran police, an investigation fraught with irregularities, including reports of cell phone and ballistics evidence not analyzed, and a trial laden with delays involving eight defendants who almost certainly do not include the intellectual authors of this despicable crime. The murder of Berta Caceres was one of scores of killings of Honduran environmental and social activists and journalists in recent years. No one has been prosecuted or punished for any of those crimes or countless others in a country where corruption seems to permeate practically every crevice of society and government. These verdicts in the Caceres case, in which seven of the defendants were convicted and top officials of the hydroelectric company DESA were implicated, is one step, but only one step. Only when all those responsible are held to account those who conceived of the crime and gave the orders, those who paid the assassins, and those who participated in the cover-up will justice have been served for Berta Caceres. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/113018mbsargentinainvestigation Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Probe In Argentina Of Mohammed bin Salman 2018-11-30 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.30.18 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Probe In Argentina Of Mohammed bin Salman The ongoing probe by Argentine authorities into the criminal responsibility of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for alleged war crimes in Yemen and the torture of Saudi citizens sends a powerful message to victims that justice is possible, and that those responsible for the gravest crimes may eventually be held accountable. On November 26th, Human Rights Watch filed a petition before an Argentine federal prosecutor with information on several cases of Saudi citizens tortured in government custody and violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen, including indiscriminate and disproportionate airstrikes that have killed thousands of civilians and maintaining a naval and air blockade that has contributed to the world's worst humanitarian crisis. An estimated 85,000 children have already starved to death or died in airstrikes, and according to the United Nations, millions of Yemenis face starvation. The petition also includes information on the horrific, premeditated murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Argentine judicial authorities have requested information from foreign governments on ongoing investigations elsewhere, and from Argentina's foreign ministry on Mohammed bin Salman's diplomatic status in Argentina. The White House should provide any relevant information. I hope the Argentine judicial authorities move forward expeditiously with their investigation, and that world leaders gathering in Buenos Aires today for the G-20 Summit discuss these serious issues, including the Crown Prince's alleged responsibility for these egregious crimes. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-nafta-replacement Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement 2018-11-30 2018 2018-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement Friday, November 30, 2018 BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 30 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released the following statement Friday after President Donald Trump signed a revised North American trade pact: "As someone who not only voted against NAFTA, but walked on the picket lines against it, there is no question that this unfettered trade deal needs to be fundamentally rewritten. In my view, a re-negotiated NAFTA must stop the outsourcing of U.S. jobs, end the destructive race to the bottom, protect the environment, and lower the outrageously high price of prescription drugs. Clearly, Trump's NAFTA 2.0 does not meet these standards and I will strongly oppose it in its current form. Unless strong enforcement mechanisms are written into the text of this agreement, corporations will continue to ship U.S. jobs to Mexico where workers are paid as little as $2 an hour. "Further, this deal includes some outrageous giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and big pharmaceutical companies that will harm the environment and increase prices for life-saving prescription drugs. Before this deal is sent to Congress for a vote it must include strong enforcement mechanisms to increase jobs and wages and all of the riders that benefit big fossil fuel polluters and pharmaceutical companies must be taken out of it. Trade is a good thing but it has got to be fair. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-statement-on-nafta-replacement- Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement 2018-11-30 2018 2018-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Statement on NAFTA Replacement Friday, November 30, 2018 BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 30 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released the following statement Friday after President Donald Trump signed a revised North American trade pact: "As someone who not only voted against NAFTA, but walked on the picket lines against it, there is no question that this unfettered trade deal needs to be fundamentally rewritten. In my view, a re-negotiated NAFTA must stop the outsourcing of U.S. jobs, end the destructive race to the bottom, protect the environment, and lower the outrageously high price of prescription drugs. Clearly, Trump's NAFTA 2.0 does not meet these standards and I will strongly oppose it in its current form. Unless strong enforcement mechanisms are written into the text of this agreement, corporations will continue to ship U.S. jobs to Mexico where workers are paid as little as $2 an hour. "Further, this deal includes some outrageous giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and big pharmaceutical companies that will harm the environment and increase prices for life-saving prescription drugs. Before this deal is sent to Congress for a vote it must include strong enforcement mechanisms to increase jobs and wages and all of the riders that benefit big fossil fuel polluters and pharmaceutical companies must be taken out of it. Trade is a good thing but it has got to be fair. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-improve-recreational-trails Welch Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve the Recreational Trails Program 2018-11-29 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by increasing the transparency and ensuring the accountability of its funding program. Since 1991, the Recreational Trails Program has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and 4-wheel driving. The RTP Full Funding Actwhich is supported by recreational groups from snowmobilers to cyclists and hikers to off-highway power sport vehicle groupswill ensure that federal funds collected for this program are maximized to support more trail projects in the future. Vermont has unparalleled natural beauty that provides Vermonters and tourists year-round opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors by trail, said Welch. By prioritizing funding for the Recreational Trail Program, this bipartisan legislation will ensure that future generations of Vermonters can explore and appreciate the great outdoors for many years to come. The RTP Full Funding Act will increase the accuracy and transparency of RTP funding by: Requiring a study to determine the total amount of funds collected; Improving reporting on expenditures from the RTP to improve accountability and oversight; and Streamlining RTP funding distribution to the states by reducing unnecessary paperwork. The legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Richard Burr (R-N.C.). ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/112918defendingpressfreedom Senate Floor Address Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On Threats To Journalists, And Defending Press Freedom 2018-11-29 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.29.18 Senate Floor Address Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On Threats To Journalists, And Defending Press Freedom Mr. President, in the 44 years I have served in the United States Senate I have never been more concerned about the state of press freedom around the world including, I deeply regret to say, in our own country. The pre-meditated murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi authorities, and their transparent attempt to cover it up, have shocked the consciences of people everywhere. Yesterday, by voting to discharge Senate Joint Resolution 54, the Senate showed that the Saudi royal family needs to hold accountable all those responsible for that horrific crime if it wants to salvage relations with the United States. Just a few days after Mr. Khashoggi's murder, the body of Bulgarian journalist Viktoria Marinova was discovered, and preliminary investigations suggest she was raped, beaten, and strangled. She had spent the past year reporting on corruption. At least 43 journalists have been killed for their work so far in 2018, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Fifteen other journalists have also been killed, although their deaths have not at least not yet been officially linked to their work. According to data compiled by Freedom House, the muzzling of journalists and independent news media is at its worst point in 13 years. Similarly, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the number of reporters jailed for their work is at a level not seen since the 1990s. Strongmen around the world are cracking down with impunity. Perhaps we should not be surprised. At home, President Trump regularly demonizes the news media as the enemy of the people, hoping that his acidic outbursts and threats will dissuade journalists from accurately reporting on his administration. With the eyes of the world upon him, he makes a mockery of the entire notion of an independent press, branding all who challenge him as liars or worse, while holding hands with those willing to sing hi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/112918sjres54 Full Congressional Record Statement Thursday Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On The Senate Resolution On Yemen And Saudi Arabia 2018-11-29 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.29.18 Full Congressional Record Statement Thursday Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On The Senate Resolution On Yemen And Saudi Arabia Mr. President, I hope the Saudi royal family was paying attention to yesterday's debate in the United States Senate. The bipartisan vote on Senate Joint Resolution 54, introduced by Senators Bernie Sanders, Mike Lee, and Chris Murphy, of which I am a cosponsor, was significant for multiple reasons, but most of all for what it says about the potency of the outrage and disgust in this country and in the Congress about the conduct of Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince. That outrage has been building over time, as the number of civilian casualties since Saudi Arabia's intervention and ongoing aerial bombardment of Yemen one of the world's poorest countries has swollen into the thousands. We have all seen the photographs of the dead and dying, and of children who are just skin and bones. It is said that 85,000 children already have starved to death. The United Nations warns that 13 million Yemeni civilians could starve to death by the end of this year, if the war does not end. Of course, the Houthis and their Iranian benefactors share much of the blame for the death and destruction in Yemen. But we are not supporting them. Rather, until recently we were providing aerial refueling for the Saudi warplanes, and we continue to provide the Saudis with intelligence and targeting assistance. As if the kidnapping of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, the blockade of Qatar, the imprisonment of women's rights activists, and the carnage in Yemen were not enough, the outrage toward the Crown Prince finally boiled over with the horrific, premeditated murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a respected journalist, Saudi citizen, and American resident, who had criticized the royal family. Mr. Khashoggi's murder and dismemberment by Saudi government agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul triggered an international outcry, and it exposed the depth of depravity of the Saudi royal family. That an … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-statement-house-speaker-vote Welch Statement on House Speaker Vote 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Peter Welch W000800 welch.house.gov     legacy Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) issued the following statement concerning his vote for Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 116th Congress: Earlier this month, the American people voted overwhelmingly to entrust Democrats with the responsibility of governing the House of Representatives. After eight years of Republican rule, the institution is broken, dysfunctional, and incapable of solving the many challenges facing our country. Under Republican leadership, major legislation from tax reform to health care was too often writtenby lobbyists behind closed doors in the Speaker's office.Committees were denied the right to hold public hearings, and members were given no time to read billslet alone amend them. Last year, in the Energy and Commerce Committee on which I serve, the majority's comprehensive health care reform bill would have drastically changed the way health care is delivered in this country had it become law.Yet it was written in secret and rammed through the committee during an all-night marathon meeting and with no public hearings. This hijacking and perversion of the legislative process cannot stand if we are to deliver real results for the American people. In my conversations with each of my colleagues seeking leadership positions within our Caucus, I have made clear that it matters more to me how we are led than who leads us. If we take seriously our commitment to cutting the cost of prescription drugs, investing in our infrastructure, and tackling climate change, our leaders must first commit to reforming the way Congress does business. This afternoon, I will vote for Nancy Pelosi to be our next speaker because she has personally committed to me that she will reform the legislative process, make it more transparent, and allow the diverse ideas of all members to be considered.Specifically, she shares my view that committees must be empowered to do the hard and important work of writing legislation in the light of day and ideally in a bipartisan fashion. Leader Pelosi is an extraordinary and hist… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.leahy.senate.gov/112819spaulding-high-school Spaulding High School 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.28.18 Spaulding High School On November 28, 2018, Senator Leahy continued his series of online chats with Vermont students this time, with Spaulding High School's 11th and 12th grade AP U.S. Government class, taught by Ms. Katie Saint Raymond. He enjoyed answering their questions about Vermont's priorities and communities and what he expects the Senate to do during the 116th Congress. Senator Leahy also discussed the important role that bipartisanship plays in the passage of pieces of legislations and appropriations bills, and about his experiences working with past President during his tenure in the Senate. 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-on-the-confirmation-vote-of-thomas-alvin-farr-to-the-eastern-district-of-north-carolina- Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Confirmation Vote of Thomas Alvin Farr To the Eastern District of North Carolina 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Democrat House VT Patrick Leahy L000174 www.leahy.senate.gov     legacy 11.28.18 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Confirmation Vote of Thomas Alvin Farr To the Eastern District of North Carolina Senate Floor Our constitutional obligation as Senators is to provide advice and informed consent to a President's nominees. I do my best to scrutinize each nominee on the merits, regardless of party, and decide whether they deserve a lifetime appointment to our esteemed federal bench. And during my 44 years in the Senate, I have voted for more Republican nominated judges than almost all Republican Senators in this body today. The simple fact is, given his track record of working to systematically dismantle the franchise for thousands of African American voters, Thomas Farr is one of the most controversial nominees I have ever encountered. Someone who has made a career out of attacking a sacred, constitutional right indeed, the right that gives democracy its name simply does not belong on the federal bench. Let's begin with his role on Jesse Helms' Senate campaign in 1990. The Department of Justice alleged that Senator Helms' campaign sent thousands of postcards to heavily African American precincts falsely telling voters that they were ineligible to vote and threatening prosecution against those who did. Mr. Farr served as a top lawyer to Senator Helms at the time, and he appears to have misled Congress about his role in this brazen voter suppression scheme. When Senate Judiciary Committee members asked Mr. Farr whether he knew about or had provided any counsel on the decision to send these postcards, Mr. Farr said he hadn't learned about their existence until after they were mailed out. But a former DOJ official has stated the Mr. Farr definitely knew about the postcards before they were sent out, and that his responses to Congress were contrary to the facts. Setting aside this outrageous attempt at voter suppression, each Senator in this chamber should care whether a President… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-office-to-hold-six-senior-holiday-dinners Sanders Office to Hold Six Senior Holiday Dinners 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders' Office to Hold Six Senior Holiday Dinners Wednesday, November 28, 2018 BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 28 U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced on Wednesday that his office will again organize six senior holiday dinners in December. The free meals are an opportunity for seniors to come together, enjoy a holiday meal and hear holiday music performed by local students. There will also be brief town meeting updates on senior issues. The meals will be held in Barre, Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Rutland and St. Johnsbury. Seating is limited and RSVPs are required. All meals start at noon except for Burlington's dinner, which will start at 1 p.m. St. Johnsbury Senior Holiday Dinner When: Friday, December 7 at 12:00 noon Where: St. Johnsbury House; 1207 Main Street; St. Johnsbury Details: RSVP by Tuesday, December 4 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697 Burlington Senior Holiday Dinner When: Sunday, December 9 at 1 p.m. Where: Hilton Hotel; 60 Battery Street; Burlington Details: RSVP by Wednesday, December 5 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697 Bennington Senior Holiday Dinner When: Friday, December 14 at 12:00 noon Where: St. Peter's Episcopal Church Parish Hall; 200 Pleasant Street; Bennington Details: RSVP by Friday, December 7 to Meals on Wheels of Bennington County at 802-442-8012 ext. 2 Barre Senior Holiday Dinner When: Monday, December 17 at 12:00 noon Where: Canadian Club; 414 East Montpelier Road; Barre Details: RSVP by Wednesday, December 12 to Senator Sanders' Office at 800-339-9834 (toll-free) or 802-862-0697 Rutland Senior Holiday Dinner When: Monday, December 17 at 12:00 noon Where: Godnick Adult Center; 1 Deer Street; Rutland Details: RSVP by Monday, December 10 to the Godnick Adult Center at 802-773-1853 Brattleboro Senior Holiday Dinner When: Thursday, December 20 at 12:00 noon Where: Gibson-Aiken Senior Center; 207 Main Street; Brattleboro Details: RSVP by Friday, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-advancement-of-yemen-war-powers-resolution Sanders Statement on Advancement of Yemen War Powers Resolution 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 63-37 to advance his resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen: "For the first time, the U.S. Senate voted to advance a resolutionwithdrawing U.S. Armed Forces from an unauthorized and unconstitutional war. The situation in Yemen now is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. Eighty-five thousand children have already starved to death and millions more are on the brink of starvation. All of which was caused by Saudi intervention in the civil war in Yemen. The bottom line is the United States should not be supporting a catastrophic war led by a despotic regime with a dangerous and irresponsible military policy.Let us bring this catastrophic war in Yemen to an end, help bring peace to this tortured country and with the rest of the world help provide the humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed. Negotiations are ongoing to schedule a final vote. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/recent-business/sanders-statement-on-advancement-of-yemen-war-powers-resolution Sanders Statement on Advancement of Yemen War Powers Resolution 2018-11-28 2018 2018-11 Independent House VT Bernard Sanders S000033 www.sanders.senate.gov     legacy Sanders Statement on Advancement of Yemen War Powers Resolution Wednesday, November 28, 2018 WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 63-37 to advance his resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen: "For the first time, the U.S. Senate voted to advance a resolutionwithdrawing U.S. Armed Forces from an unauthorized and unconstitutional war. The situation in Yemen now is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. Eighty-five thousand children have already starved to death and millions more are on the brink of starvation. All of which was caused by Saudi intervention in the civil war in Yemen. The bottom line is the United States should not be supporting a catastrophic war led by a despotic regime with a dangerous and irresponsible military policy.Let us bring this catastrophic war in Yemen to an end, help bring peace to this tortured country and with the rest of the world help provide the humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed. Negotiations are ongoing to schedule a final vote. 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 668.8ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press