Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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184 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "VT" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-van-hollen-reiterate-call-to-noem-urging-release-of-full-fema-review-council-report/ | Welch, Van Hollen Reiterate Call to Noem Urging Release of Full FEMA Review Council Report | 2025-12-19 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to release the FEMA Review Council’s full, unaltered report. According to reports, Secretary Noem edited the report and recommendations down dramatically, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. Senator Welch urged Secretary Noem to release the full report ahead of the Council’s final meeting last week. But, hours before the meeting was scheduled to begin, it was abruptly canceled. “On December 11, 2025, two hours before it was set to begin, the White House cancelled the meeting of the Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was set to vote on releasing its findings,” wrote the Senators. “On December 10, 2025, Senator Welch wrote you a letter urging you to release the Council’s complete findings, following reporting that you and your top advisor, Corey Lewandowski, had cut approximately 140 pages of the Council’s 160-page draft report assessing potential FEMA reforms. The Council’s draft report reflected nearly 13,000 public comments and a dozen meetings with communities across the country.” The Senators concluded: “We again request that you release the Council’s complete report, including all conclusions and recommendations, by December 23, 2025, in order to inform productive bipartisan discussions about potential improvements to FEMA.” Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act on the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023 and 2024. Senator Welch’s bill will cut red tape and empower state and local governments to access recovery assistance when it is needed. The bill will support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster respon… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-blackburn-lead-bipartisan-legislation-to-empower-visual-artists-to-protect-their-work/ | Welch, Blackburn Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Empower Visual Artists to Protect Their Work | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this week introduced the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA), bipartisan legislation to modernize copyright registration for visual artists to make it easier and less costly for high-volume visual artists to register and protect their works. “Vermont’s visual creators make significant contributions to our country, and their work should be protected. But visual artists often struggle to protect the authenticity of their work because of the unique challenges facing high-volume artists,” said Senator Welch. “We’re working to modernize copyright processes and safeguard the creativity of visual artists.” “Visual artists produce incredible work that deserves to be protected, but current copyright law has fallen short,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act would modernize copyright registration so creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists can protect their work and enforce their rights. This bill would fix a broken system by cutting unnecessary costs and bureaucracy, helping America’s creative community thrive.” The Copyright Act of 1976 offers the promise that copyrightable works are automatically protected the instant they are created. However, those rights cannot be enforced unless each work is registered with the Copyright Office. The registration process is so complicated that the time and expense of compliance is too high for high-volume creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists. We are committed to working with the Copyright Office to address these shortcomings. The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act would: Direct the Register of Copyrights to establish a process for an individual to submit a single application for copyright registration of a group of up to 3,000 photographs; Adopt a deferred copyright registration option. Under current law, the Copyright Office calculates registration fees based on thei… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bicameral-bill-to-protect-medicare-benefits-from-trump-admins-dangerous-ai-experiment/ | Welch Joins Bicameral Bill to Protect Medicare Benefits from Trump Admin’s Dangerous AI Experiment | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | As Republicans double down on health care sabotage, Democrats lead effort to halt the Trump Admin’s looming Medicare AI prior authorization takeover WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week joinedU.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, and 14 Democratic Senators in introducing the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act, bicameral legislation to prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model that is set to begin January 1, 2026, and last for six years. The Trump Administration’s WISeR model will introduce prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever—allowing private companies to use artificial intelligence to decide whether to approve or deny certain medical procedures for patients on Traditional Medicare. The model will impose new burdensome requirements on health care providers, especially those working in small or low-resource settings, and create new roadblocks for patients. Under this model, AI will get to decide what care patients receive, even after their doctors have recommended a particular procedure or medication. “From Day One, the Trump Administration has been on a rampage to wreck Medicare and make health care unaffordable. Their newest plan to let AI take over important Medicare prior authorization decisions will be a disaster for providers and make it harder for seniors to get the care they need,” said Senator Welch. “We’re fighting to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of seniors and their doctors.” “The Trump Administration is gearing up to use AI to delay and deny Medicare benefits for seniors—this is outrageous and should be a national scand… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-speaks-on-trumps-march-to-war-in-caribbean/ | Welch Speaks on Trump’s March to War in Caribbean | 2025-12-18 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) raised alarm about President Trump’s mobilization of National Guard troops, warships, and fighter jets to the Caribbean and urged Congress to enforce the War Powers Act before the United States embarks on another unauthorized war. The Senator emphasized that the Trump Administration has not provided Congress with adequate information about its recent military strikes in the region and demanded transparency and accountability for attacks that have killed nearly 100 people. “The question is: why are our warships, a carrier group, and support assets in the Caribbean? They are not there for drug interdiction. The reason they’re there is obvious, and it’s even acknowledged. President Trump wants Maduro gone. He wants regime change,” said Senator Welch. “As the President masses our forces for a war—as he and his associates have explicitly stated is one in which their goal would be the elimination of the Maduro regime—the President continues to refuse to come to Congress and seek Congressional approval for a military action, as is required under the War Powers Act. “All of us as elected members of the United States Senate have vested in us, under the Constitution Article I, the responsibility and exclusive authority to declare war. Let us all accept our duty and demand that the executive be transparent, be accountable, and comply with the provisions of the War Powers Act and come to Congress for our approval of the military action that is clearly underway.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Read Senator Welch’s remarks as delivered here. Senator Welch has urged Congress to reassert its constitutional authority and pass new legislation to prohibit the unauthorized use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities in Venezuela. The Senator also expressed strong opposition to the President’s mobilization of the Vermont Air National Guard, alongside thousands of other U.S. military units, to support Operation Southern Spear. In October… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-slams-trump-admins-efforts-to-demolish-federal-education-programs-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-reform/ | Welch Slams Trump Admin’s Efforts to Demolish Federal Education Programs: “It has nothing to do with reform.” | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week joined a spotlight hearing titled: “Dismantling Education: What the Trump Administration’s Illegal Attacks on Federal Programs Mean for Students, Families, and Educators,” to highlight how the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education would be detrimental for Vermont’s students, families, educators, and schools. “The Trump Administration has taken a wrecking ball to essential federal education programs like Title I, which ensure first-generation, rural, and lower-income students get an equal opportunity to learn and grow. Despite our taxpayers spending one of the highest rates in the country for our students’ education, Vermont now ranks well below the national average on reading and math scores. Just a decade ago, our students scored the 4th highest in the country,” said Senator Welch. “Instead of trying to dismantle the Department of Education, we should be doing everything in our power to give students the resources they need to succeed.” Senator Welch’s exchange with Rachel Gittleman, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, focused on how the Trump Administration’s policies have endangered the ability of vital federal programs like TRIO to help hundreds of underserved students in Vermont succeed at higher education institutions. Ms. Gittleman emphasized how the Trump Administration’s proposal to move the TRIO program to the Department of Labor would be disastrous for students and TRIO’s program infrastructure: “This has already led to students and higher education institutions dropping out of the program for fear of retaliation—not because these students are not citizens, but because they support high immigrant populations at these institutions. This move is nothing but harmful to the very students who rely on this funding just to have the same opportunities as kids from other backgrounds.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: The bicameral forum focused on the Trump Admin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-ndaa/ | Welch Statement on NDAA | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, and released the following statement: “This defense funding bill perpetuates the status quo. Congress is, once again, sinking taxpayer dollars into the Pentagon’s bloated budget, and neglecting to modernize and adapt to 21st century warfare. This bill does little to rein in the Trump Administration’s reckless efforts to politicize the military here in America or restrict his use of force abroad. I offered amendments to the Senate’s bill and worked with my colleagues to improve it, but ultimately Congressional Republicans advanced a bill I cannot support. “Despite the bill’s shortcomings, this annual defense spending package does contain policies and priorities I championed and support—including a pay raise for our troops and my bipartisan legislation that takes a significant step forward in banning the use of burn pits that have caused severe illnesses for so many of our soldiers. This bill requires the Department of Defense to be more transparent about accountability and actions surrounding war crime allegations, and ensures the military is trained annually in standards of conduct and government ethics. “I remain committed to working with the President and my Republican colleagues on a military budget that defends American interests for another century—but they must show a willingness to invest American taxpayer dollars in smarter, more forward-leaning ways.” The FY 2026 NDAA includes Senator Welch’s bipartisan Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act, legislation to support servicemember health and strengthen national security by improving how the U.S. military eliminates certain materials both at home and overseas. The FY 2026 NDAA also includes the following policies led and championed by Sen. Welch: War Crimes Accountability: Senator Welch’s provision would push DOD to comply with its legal commitments to retain records of alleged war crimes. Agent Ora… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-curtis-cohen-wilson-welcome-release-of-123-political-prisoners-in-belarus/ | Welch, Curtis, Cohen, Wilson Welcome Release of 123 Political Prisoners in Belarus | 2025-12-16 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bipartisan lawmakers called on Trump Admin to work to free political prisoners WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), alongside U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), today welcomed the release of 123 political prisoners held by Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenka. The news comes after the bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers called on the Trump Administration to continue working to free political prisoners in Belarus, including several U.S. nationals. The lawmakers also encouraged the Department of State to continue to hold Strategic Dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement and their exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. “While long overdue, the release of Maryia Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka and other high-profile political prisoners is a welcome development. There are still at least 1,100 political prisoners in Lukashenko’s jails, and we will continue to work for their release,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. In their November letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers urged the State Department to prioritize the release of Maryia Kalesnikava, Ales Bialiatski, Viktar Babaryka, Uladzimir Labkovich, and Maksim Znak, all of whom were released on Saturday. Other political prisoners mentioned in the lawmakers’ letter, but still imprisoned, include Marfa Rabkova, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Nasta (Anastasia) Loika, Eduard Babaryka, Dzyanis Ivashyn, and Kaciaryna Andrejeva. Senator Welch has spoken on the Senate floor to highlight the case of Maryia Kalesnikava, a leading member of the Belarusian political opposition calling for free and fair elections in Belarus, who was apprehended in 2020 by officials who attempted to forcibly deport her to Ukraine. Senator Welch also met with political and human rights advocates, including Maryia’s sister, Tatsiana Khomic to discuss ways to help secure the release of Maryia and other political prisoners in Belarus. Senator Welch has advocated for bipartisan cooperation to secur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-reintroduces-bill-to-provide-climate-finance-to-countries-in-the-global-south-while-reducing-debt/ | Welch Reintroduces Bill to Provide Climate Finance to Countries in the Global South While Reducing Debt | 2025-12-16 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Agriculture Committees, and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) today reintroduced the Global Climate Resilience Act, legislation that would create a new debt-for-resilience program to bolster the United States’ ability to provide climate finance and debt relief to countries in the Global South. This new program would enhance the United States’ ability to negotiate debt reductions with countries in the Global South that agree to undertake climate resilience initiatives. The Senators’ legislation also directs the United States to use its influence with international financial institutions to promote debt reduction for nations at risk of climate destruction and advocate for an international climate insurance program. “As the second-largest carbon emitter in the world, the United States has a responsibility to do more to combat the climate crisis. Owning up to our contributions to climate change includes helping countries in the Global South, which are often the first to feel the impacts of climate-driven extreme weather events,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill will create new pathways for climate funding to help reduce the debt burden on countries in the Global South and increase global climate resilience.” “Communities here in the United States like those impacted by Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Ida in New Jersey know the long-term damage from extreme weather caused by the climate crisis. When I meet with leaders from the Global South, I hear about the devastation caused by rising sea levels and droughts. By lending this support to countries that have faced such devastation around the world, we not only support their own resilience but also our own national security and global economic stability and resilience,” said Senator Kim. In 2025 alone, the Global South was devastated by floods and cyclones in South and Southeast Asia, hurricanes in the Caribbean, extreme heat waves in Middle East and Northern Africa, and rising sea level… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-marshall-bipartisan-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act-heads-to-presidents-desk/ | Welch-Marshall Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Heads to President’s Desk | 2025-12-15 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bill will support Vermont students and dairy farmers WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) today celebrated the House’s passage of their bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to support America’s students and dairy farmers. The Senators’ bipartisan bill would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, lactose-free milk, and non-dairy alternatives. It now heads to the President’s desk. “Dairy is at the heart of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk and inclusive alternatives in our schools is a major win for Vermont’s students and farmers. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will help future generations grow stronger and let dairy farmers in Vermont, Kansas, and around the country do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the partnership of Senator Marshall and to my House colleagues for their support in getting this bipartisan bill to the President’s desk.” “This is a win for kids, parents, and common sense. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts nutrition back in the lunchroom, gives families more choice, and ensures our children have access to the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan bill head to the President’s desk.” As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has championed efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy industry. Last week, Senator Welch joined students, educators, and farmers at St. Albans City Elementary School to celebrate the Senate’s unanimous passage the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This Congress, Senator Welch reintroduced the Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Ac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-sanders-balint-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-give-greater-local-control-over-nuclear-reactor-shutdown-plans/ | Welch, Sanders, Balint Introduce Bicameral Bill to Give Greater Local Control Over Nuclear Reactor Shutdown Plans | 2025-12-15 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, and U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large) introduced the Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025, bicameral legislation that aims to give states a more meaningful role in the development and approval of reactor shutdown plans and post-shutdown license transfers. The legislation will also provide new support for Community Advisory Boards and economic development in host communities throughout the decommissioning process. “Vermonters know first-hand that decommissioning a nuclear power plant has enormous economic and environmental impacts on neighboring communities. That’s why it is absolutely essential that state and local leaders have a seat at the table throughout the decommissioning process,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense, bicameral legislation will ensure that the decommissioning process is transparent, inclusive, and collaborative.” “For too long, working class communities across the country have been forced to deal with the safety and economic consequences of nuclear power plant while having virtually no say in the plans, which the people of Vernon understand all too well,” said Senator Sanders. “That is unacceptable. These communities deserve economic relief and a meaningful role in the decommissioning process. The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 would make sure communities like Vernon are actually part of the decision making and receive the federal support they need to deal with the very real impacts of these closures.” “When a nuclear plant decommissions, the consequences are felt first and hardest by the surrounding communities, from the loss of jobs to the long-term challenge of managing stranded waste,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These communities deserve transparency, accountability, and a meaningful seat at the table. I am proud to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-congressional-delegation-introduces-resolution-congratulating-vermont-green-football-club-on-historic-season/ | Vermont Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolution Congratulating Vermont Green Football Club on Historic Season | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), this week introduced a bicameral resolution congratulating the Vermont Green Football Club on their historic win in the 2025 USL League Two National Championship. The Vermont Green FC’s win came after an undefeated season and marks the second year in a row a Vermont-based soccer team has won a national championship. “I think I speak for the whole state in congratulating the Vermont Green on their extraordinary championship season, and I am glad to join my Vermont colleagues to recognize their accomplishments in the Congressional record. Undefeated. Two overtime playoff wins. Finally, national champions. Unbelievable,” said Senator Sanders. “Vermont Green is respected by Vermonters and soccer fans around the country for their skill and heart on the field. The founders built their team the Vermont way — by involving the community and creating an organization rooted in social and environmental justice. What they have done is truly remarkable, and we know they are just getting started.” “I’m pleased to join Senator Sanders, Rep. Balint, and all Vermonters in congratulating the Vermont Green FC on their well-deserved USL League Two National Championship win following an incredible and undefeated season. We’re so proud of this team’s achievements and of their commitment to building a soccer community that reflects the core values of Vermonters: hard work, dedication and teamwork,” said Senator Welch. “We look forward to cheering on the Boys in Green as they defend their title in 2026!” “Vermont Green FC has proven that Vermont is a soccer state. In just three years, they have not only built a team but built a community,” said Rep. Balint. “Their undefeated season, overflowing with crowds, has made our state proud. I’m looking forward to watching them defend their title in 2026.” Read and download the full text of the resolution. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-ruiz-celebrate-advancement-of-bipartisan-bicameral-wipe-act-to-eliminate-burn-pits-and-enhance-protections-for-veterans/ | Welch, Ruiz Celebrate Advancement of Bipartisan, Bicameral ‘WIPE Act’ to Eliminate Burn Pits and Enhance Protections for Veterans | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) today celebrated the advancement of the Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support servicemember health and strengthen national security by improving how the U.S. military eliminates certain materials both at home and overseas. The WIPE Act’s provisions prohibiting the use of open-air burn pits to dispose of contraband or classified materials and of burn-pit disposal systems were included in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). “When we passed the PACT Act, we took a major step forward to ensure the cost of the war will include the cost of caring for the warrior. But we can—and must—do more to address the risk burn pits and other toxic substances pose for our veterans,” said Senator Welch. “The WIPE Act will increase protections for veterans who could potentially be exposed to toxic substances and invest in waste disposal alternatives that will eliminate harmful burn pits. I’m encouraged this essential, common-sense bipartisan legislation to protect our veterans was included in the NDAA.” “As an emergency physician, I’ve seen the devastating effects of toxic exposure on our servicemembers. That’s why I championed the toxic exposure provisions of the PACT Act and why I’m committed to preventing future harm,” said Rep. Dr. Ruiz. “The WIPE Act builds on that work by moving the military away from hazardous burn pits and toward safer, modern disposal systems. I’m proud to see this bipartisan measure included in the NDAA to better protect those who protect us.” For decades, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has relied on open-air burn pits to dispose of waste in overseas contingency operations. The Department’s use of open-air burn pits—which create airborne hazards and increase health risks—has exposed an estimated 3.5 million U.S. servicemembers to harmful toxins that have been linked to long-term health conditions, inclu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-thanks-vermont-airmen-for-loyal-service-promises-to-continue-pushing-back-on-trumps-illegal-strikes-and-march-to-war-in-the-caribbean/ | Welch Thanks Vermont Airmen for Loyal Service, Promises to Continue Pushing Back on Trump's Illegal Strikes and March to War in the Caribbean | 2025-12-12 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Pentagon orders mobilization of Vermont’s 158th Fighter Wing to Caribbean as Trump ramps up conflict with Venezuela BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on the deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing to support Operation Southern Spear: “I want to thank our brave airmen for their faithful service to Vermont and the United States—and acknowledge the difficulty of leaving their families at home this holiday season. You have my full respect and gratitude. “At the same time, I strongly oppose President Trump’s mobilization of the Vermont Air National Guard alongside thousands of other U.S. military units in what appears to be a relentless march to war. An undeclared war against the Venezuelan regime would be illegal under our Constitution. If this president—or any president—wants to start a war with Venezuela, which has not attacked us and is not a source of the fentanyl that is killing Americans, then he needs to seek authorization from Congress, as the authors of the Constitution intended. “One of the gravest decisions Congress can make is to authorize the U.S. military to attack a sovereign nation—in this instance, a sovereign nation that has not attacked us. I will continue to urge my colleagues—Democrats and Republicans—not to cede our constitutional authority for a war of choice based on lies.” Senator Welch recently spoke on the Senate Floor urging Congress to reassert its constitutional authority and pass new legislation to prohibit the unauthorized use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities in Venezuela. In October, Senator Welch voted in support of a War Powers Act Resolution led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to stop President Trump’s unconstitutional attacks in the Caribbean Sea and urged the Senate to question President Trump’s legal authority to take the United States to war. Senator Welch also led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in demanding answers from the Department of Justice about the legality of military act… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-kim-raskin-beyer-reintroduce-bicameral-ranked-choice-voting-act-a-pro-democracy-bill-to-empower-voters/ | Welch, Kim, Raskin, Beyer Reintroduce Bicameral Ranked Choice Voting Act, a Pro-Democracy Bill to Empower Voters | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Legislation would require ranked choice voting for all congressional primary and general elections, giving voters more meaningful choices at the ballot box. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, alongside U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA-08), reintroduced the bicameral Ranked Choice Voting Act, legislation to bring ranked choice voting to U.S. congressional elections across America. The bill would require ranked choice voting in all congressional primary and general elections starting in 2028, allowing voters to express support for multiple candidates for public office, with the candidate receiving the most votes declared the winner. “Our democracy is at its strongest when everyone is heard and represented. Ranked choice voting offers an opportunity to break through polarization and strengthen our democracy by ensuring that our elected candidates have received the broad support of the folks they’ll represent,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my friends and former colleagues Representatives Raskin and Beyer on this pro-democracy bill to make our elections more equitable, more civil, and more representative.” “Empowering voters couldn’t be more important at a moment when so many people feel detached and disillusioned with our politics. With so much that is broken, ranked choice voting can help reinforce the American people as the drivers of our democracy and make sure that everyone’s voice is heard equally at the ballot box, and by those they chose to represent them in Congress,” said Senator Kim. “Ranked choice voting is a great advance in democracy. It gives voters more power at the ballot box and makes our politics more positive and inclusive, encouraging candidates to connect with more voters,” said Rep. Raskin. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Beyer and Senator Welch on this important legislation to keep growin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-votes-to-extend-health-care-tax-credits-protect-access-to-care-for-vermonters/ | Welch Votes to Extend Health Care Tax Credits, Protect Access to Care for Vermonters | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement after Republicans blocked a vote on the Lower Health Care Costs Act, a three-year extension of urgently-needed health care tax credits for Vermonters: “A health care crisis is literally days away, yet 48 of my Republican colleagues are refusing to act. We owe it to hardworking families in Vermont and across America to extend these health care tax credits and protect access to quality, affordable health care. Premiums are about to double—even triple—if we don’t take action in the next 20 days,” said Senator Welch. “It couldn’t be more clear: working families, farmers, and seniors can’t afford a massive spike in their premiums; millions could lose their health care; people will be forced to choose between paying for care and putting food on the table. I’m not giving up on the fight to extend these tax credits and protect Vermonters’ access to care.” The Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, which help over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—afford health care, are set to expire on December 31, 2025. So far, Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to avoid this coverage cliff, which would drive up costs for millions. Senate Democrats today offered a three-year extension of the tax credits, which was blocked by Republicans. Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, is a champion in the fight to lower health care and prescription drug costs. Last week, he joined Senator Schumer to unveil Senate Democrats’ plan to extend the tax credits and protect access to care for millions. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-welcomes-vermonter-dylan-collins-to-u-s-capitol-demands-accountability-for-netanyahu-govts-targeting-of-journalists/ | Welch Welcomes Vermonter Dylan Collins to U.S. Capitol, Demands Accountability for Netanyahu Govt’s Targeting of Journalists | 2025-12-11 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch and Mr. Collins were joined by Senator Van Hollen, Representative Balint, human rights leaders, and advocates for press freedom and safety WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Vermonter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) video journalist Dylan Collins, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Amnesty International USA to demand justice for journalists killed and injured in the Middle East. For the first time publicly, Senator Welch revealed that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has closed a review into the Israeli military’s October 13, 2023, targeted double-tap strike on a clearly identifiable group of journalists in southern Lebanon, which wounded his constituent, U.S. citizen and AFP video journalist, Dylan Collins. Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed in the first strike, and AFP photojournalist Christina Assi was gravely wounded, resulting in the amputation of her right leg. It was the first case CPJ documented of Israeli forces targeting journalists after October 7, 2023—a pattern that has since expanded into dozens of similar cases. “Here’s the bottom line: the Netanyahu government has made it crystal clear that they never had serious intentions to investigate the deadly October 2023 attack that wounded Dylan Collins. It isn’t asking much of the Israeli government to conduct an investigation that meets international standards and to punish those responsible for this attack. Yet for over two years, we have done everything reasonably possible to get answers and accountability, only to be stonewalled at every turn. But we’re not going to give up our fight for answers,” said Senator Welch. “We’re demanding accountability from the Israeli government and our own to get justice for Dylan, his colleagues, and every member of the press targeted by the IDF since October 7, 2023.” “This was not a ‘fog of war’ incident. It was a war crime carried out in broad daylight an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-noem-to-release-full-report-from-fema-review-council/ | Welch Calls on Noem to Release Full Report from FEMA Review Council | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a leader in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reform efforts, today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to release the FEMA Review Council’s full, unaltered report ahead of the Council’s final meeting. According to reports, Secretary Noem edited the report and recommendations down, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. “Public reporting indicates that upon receiving the Council’s report, you and your top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, whittled the recommendations down, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. White House officials reportedly also received the draft report. Members of the Council, appointed by President Trump, have raised concerns about your decision to alter the report. I categorically oppose any efforts to eliminate FEMA. I do energetically support reforms to streamline the disaster relief process. It is too burdensome for many small towns, particularly in rural areas,” wrote Senator Welch in his letter to Secretary Noem. Welch concluded: “Whether or not you agree with all of the Council’s conclusions or recommendations, it is essential their complete findings be released without alteration or selective changes. This welcomes a robust discussion of the best reforms to improve FEMA. I urge you to release the Council’s complete findings to the public immediately.” Established by executive order, the FEMA Review Council was created to provide the Trump Administration recommendations for FEMA’s future—which could include drastic reductions in capacity. The Council is expected to vote on the final draft report on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act on the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023 and 2024. Senator Welch’s bill will cut red tape and empower state and local governments to access recovery assistance when it is needed. The bill will support hazard mitigation effort… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-welcomes-winooski-school-district-superintendent-chavarria-to-bicameral-forum-on-trumps-detention-of-u-s-citizens/ | Welch Welcomes Winooski School District Superintendent Chavarria to Bicameral Forum on Trump’s Detention of U.S. Citizens | 2025-12-10 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this week introduced Vermont’s Wilmer Chavarria, Superintendent of the Winooski School District, during a bicameral forum focused on the Trump Administration’s cruel and inhumane mass deportation campaign. At the forum, Senator Welch expressed outrage against the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional, arbitrary, and cruel immigration policies and highlighted how these policies are impacting Vermont. “You know, so many of the people here just show how wonderful new Americans are, wherever it is they come from. This indiscriminate round-up of people—because who knows why, it’s all arbitrary—is what this hearing is about today. So, we’re very proud to have a Vermonter with us today,” said Senator Welch. Senator Welch’s introduction and exchange with Superintendent Chavarria focused on his experience with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the agency’s detention of a second grader in Chavarria’s school district who was placed in immigration detention in Texas while traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday: “I think the American people don’t understand or don’t see what you’ve experienced. And that’s why it’s so important that you’re here, because people don’t want that to happen. And if it happens to somebody they know—if it happens in their neighborhood and it’s visible—I think the American people are pretty good people. And each of you has had such an honorable life and has gone through such a horrible experience—and that feeling of the power of the State taking you away and you being invisible and having no idea whether you’re going to get out and in the physical jeopardy that you were in,” said Senator Welch. “Telling your story so that the American people can see that what we’re not talking about is an open border; what we’re not talking about is criminals, who all of us want to be protected from; we’re talking about hard working people who have families, who have careers, who have aspirations, and who de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/ahead-of-holiday-travel-season-welch-joins-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-from-flight-cancellations-and-delays/ | Ahead of Holiday Travel Season, Welch Joins Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers from Flight Cancellations and Delays | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the holiday travel season, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and 13 Senators in introducing the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, legislation to protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The Senators’ bill would also direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging as a result of flight disruptions, regardless of the cause of the delay. The legislation comes in response to the Trump Administration’s cancellation of a popular consumer protection rule in the making that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for preventable travel cancellations or delays. “From Day One, President Trump has made it clear that he doesn’t care about consumers. His decision to scrap a proposal to hold airlines accountable for delays is the latest example. Passengers impacted by delays and cancellations should get the compensation they deserve,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join this legislation which will do just that.” “Flying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,” said Senator Kelly. “We’re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don’t cost them money out of their own pockets.” “This commonsense legislation holds airlines accountable and properly compensates passengers when their flight is delayed or cancelled—protecting Americans from losing their hard-earned paychecks to flight disruptions beyond their control and alleviating the burden of chaotic travel days. The Trump Administration’s senseless backtracking on airline passenger protections only serves the airline industry, padding their pocketbooks and leaving America… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-welch-to-join-journalist-dylan-collins-members-of-congress-human-rights-leaders-for-press-conference-on-netanyahu-governments-systematic-targeting-of-journalists/ | MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch to Join Journalist Dylan Collins, Members of Congress, Human Rights Leaders for Press Conference on Netanyahu Government’s Systematic Targeting of Journalists | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Vermont journalist Dylan Collins will join call for justice for October 2023 Israeli attack that wounded him and killed a Reuters journalist in Lebanon WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, December 11th at 9:00 AM ET, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will join Vermonter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) video journalist Dylan Collins, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), U.S. Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Amnesty International USA to demand accountability for the Netanyahu government’s systematic targeting of members of the press since October 7, 2023. For the first time, Senator Welch will share findings from his office’s engagement with the Netanyahu and United States governments on the status of its probe into the attack on his constituent, U.S. citizen and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins. Collins was wounded in the October 13, 2023, double-tap Israeli attack in southern Lebanon on a group of seven journalists clearly identifiable as members of the press. Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed in the first strike, and AFP photojournalist Christina Assi gravely wounded, resulting in the amputation of her right leg. Collins reported the targeted attack to the U.S. embassy in Beirut while hospitalized from injuries sustained in the strike, and later presented video evidence of the double-tap strike to FBI and DHS investigators and the State Department in May 2024. Watch a video made by Collins of the attack that he survived on October 13, 2023, below: In May 2024, the Vermont Congressional Delegation requested that the Department of State conduct a thorough and independent investigation into these events under the War Crimes Act of 1996 as well as other relevant U.S. and customary international law. In October 2024, Senator Welch joined eleven members of Congress in calling on the Biden Administration to open an investigation on the October 13 targeted attack that injured Collins. Senator Welch has directly engaged with the Trump Administration, B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/sanders-welch-balint-and-scott-announce-more-than-12-million-in-northern-border-regional-commission-investments-for-vermont-communities/ | Sanders, Welch, Balint, and Scott Announce More Than $12 Million in Northern Border Regional Commission Investments for Vermont Communities | 2025-12-09 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | MONTPELIER, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), along with Governor Phil Scott and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), announced NBRC’s Fall 2025 Catalyst Program, Forest Economy Program, and Timber for Transit awardees. Sixteen projects in Vermont will collectively receive over $12.2 million in funding to support initiatives that will enhance public health and environmental resilience, support school expansion and regional forestry jobs, bolster tourism, and facilitate long-term community development. Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire collaboration to improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. “The Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program is instrumental in supporting projects that help Vermont’s rural communities thrive. This new federal funding will be critical in revitalizing rural economies in every corner of our state, from updating our aging water infrastructure, to expanding childcare access, to creating new community centers,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “We look forward to seeing these investments improve Vermont communities and are proud to work with local partners to support projects that make life better for all Vermonters.” “These strategic investments across Vermont will have important long-term impacts for our communities and pay dividends for future generations by supporting much needed infrastructure across the state,” said Governor Scott. “I want to thank our Congressional Delegation for their support.” When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. Awarded projects in the 2025 Catalyst Fall Competition … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-bonamici-lead-47-bicameral-lawmakers-in-call-to-provide-additional-funding-for-the-federal-public-defender-program-in-fy26-budget/ | Welch, Bonamici Lead 47 Bicameral Lawmakers in Call to Provide Additional Funding for the Federal Public Defender Program in FY26 Budget | 2025-12-08 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate’s only former Public Defender, and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), led a group of 47 bicameral lawmakers in calling on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to provide additional funding to the Federal Defender Services program in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, beyond the recently released Republican budget proposal. In their letter, the lawmakers urge committee leaders to fully fund the program at $1.76 billion, as requested by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense instead of the lower amounts in House and Senate Republicans’ appropriations bills. “As you are aware, in FY24, an inadvertent failure to account for the federal defender program’s carryforward funding structure resulted in initial funding levels that were more than $100 million less than what the program needed. In response to those marks, the program implemented a set of cost-savings measures, including a hard hiring freeze, suspension of most in-person training opportunities, and deferral of other programmatic needs such as cybersecurity upgrades. In FY25, the Defender Services budget was frozen at the artificially low FY24 levels, leaving the program with a critical shortfall woefully inadequate to meet its identified needs,” wrote the lawmakers. “As a result of two years of underfunding because of a calculation error, Defender Services began FY26 significantly in the red. The current funding level, based on the recent anomaly, is still $194 million short of what is required to fund the program.” The lawmakers continued: “We are very appreciative of your inclusion of a $1.564 billion anomaly for Federal and Community Defenders in the Continuing Resolution. This is an important step in addressing the underfunding. Now we must fully fund the program as soon as po… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-st-albans-students-educators-and-farmers-to-cheer-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act/ | Welch Joins St. Albans Students, Educators, and Farmers to Cheer Senate Passage of Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act | 2025-12-08 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | ST. ALBANS, VT — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined students, educators, and farmers at St. Albans City Elementary School to celebrate the Senate’s unanimous passage of his bipartisan bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which supports America’s students and dairy farmers. The bipartisan bill, co-led with Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, lactose-free milk, and non-dairy alternatives. It now moves to the House of Representatives, which is expected to consider the legislation soon “Dairy is at the heart of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why this bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers alike. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will help our next generation grow stronger and let Vermont dairy farmers do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I look forward to the President signing this bill into law to ensure students in St. Albans and around the country can get the key nutrients they need.” View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website: Senator Welch has been a leading advocate for protecting and expanding access to nutrition programs in the Senate. Senator Welch recently introduced legislation to help more Americans access SNAP and improve child nutrition, including the Farm to School Act, Local School Foods Expansion Act, Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2025, Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025, and the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act. In August, the Senator joined nutrition advocates and leaders from across Vermont for a press conference outlining how President Trump and Republicans’ tax and spending bill will hurt Americans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other nutrition assistance programs. S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-trumps-farm-bailout/ | Welch Statement on Trump’s Farm Bailout | 2025-12-08 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch: Trump is “trying to cover up his mistakes and the pain he’s caused in rural America.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture and Finance Committees, and Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today released the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed plan to give farmers a one-time bailout after his administration’s reckless economic policies exacerbated the farm crisis: “American farms are in crisis, and the agricultural economy is in free-fall. President Trump’s reckless economic and trade policies bear much of the blame for the pain that farmers in Vermont and across the country feel right now. The president’s tariffs and the trade wars he created have closed markets and raised taxes on farms and farming communities. Republican leadership in the Senate and House has slow-walked a multi-year Farm Bill. Consolidation is making it impossible for small, family, and young farmers to succeed. Farmers and their families will be forced to go without health care as health care premiums skyrocket, and rural hospitals will close as a result of the Republicans’ tax bill. It’s obvious: the president is trying to cover up his mistakes and the pain he’s caused in rural America. “Farmers want to farm, they don’t want endless government handouts. President Trump’s proposed bailout will do nothing to end the pain of his tariffs or support farmers in the long-term—much of this funding won’t help commodity and dairy farmers at all. Republicans and Democrats in Congress need to work together to pass the multi-year Farm Bill that America’s farmers deserve, and provide long-term, forward-thinking policy solutions that strengthen farms in Vermont and across the country.” Senator Welch recently traveled to Nebraska and Iowa to speak with farmers at statewide annual Farmers Union Conventions. While in Nebraska, Senator Welch was the keynote speaker at a town hall focused on access to health care in rural c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-travels-to-iowa-and-meets-with-farmers/ | Welch Travels to Iowa and Meets with Farmers | 2025-12-06 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Pledges to Keep Up the Fight Against Trump’s Reckless Agriculture, Trade, and Economic Policies AMES, IOWA—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today traveled to Ames, Iowa, where he spoke with Iowa farmers and producers at the 110th Annual Iowa Farmers Union State Convention. His remarks focused on the turmoil caused by President Trump’s economic policies, and his fight to support farmers in Vermont, Iowa, and across the country. “I hear it from Vermont’s world-class farmers, I heard it yesterday in Nebraska, and I heard it today from farmers in Iowa: Farmers ask ‘When are we going to get a Farm Bill?’ But they’re really asking, ‘When are we going to get the Farm Bill we need?’,” said Senator Welch. “Farmers are the backbone of our communities—we can’t have a strong America without a strong rural America. I was honored to speak with Iowans today and listen. It’s clear that if Washington is truly going to support farmers we need to let them farm, and that means open markets and an end to this trade war—which is hurting farmers across the country. I’m committed to making rural America more affordable and stronger—and won’t back down in the fight.” View photos below: Senator Welch speaks at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention Senator Welch meets with farmers in Iowa The affordability crisis is causing extraordinary pain in rural America. Iowa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025, and row-crop prices have continued to falter throughout 2025 as the Trump Administration’s tariffs (and subsequent retaliation) have closed markets. As in Vermont, farm machinery prices are rising as imported parts and equipment is tariffed. School enrollment is declining, and housing is unaffordable. Iowa will lose $9 billion over the next decade because of the Medicaid cuts enacted in Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ and rural hospitals are at risk of closing. Senator Welch has champi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-and-scott-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-new-multigenerational-home-caregiver-tax-credit/ | Welch and Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create New Multigenerational Home Caregiver Tax Credit | 2025-12-05 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) this week introduced the Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit Act, bipartisan legislation to address the nationwide aging crisis and combat skyrocketing health care costs by creating a $2,000 tax credit for adults caring for an older family member within the same residence. The Senators’ legislation will promote dignified, compassionate aging in place and support new and current generations of caregivers by incentivizing in-home and intergenerational caregiving. “We can always do more to meet the needs of aging Americans, and supporting the family caregivers who deliver world-class care to their relatives is a major part of ensuring that older folks can continue to age with dignity in the comfort of their own homes. Creating a tax credit that provides relief to families providing in-home care to elderly relatives will help aging Americans remain in their communities with a known and reliable support system,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Scott on this legislation to ensure older Americans can age with compassion surrounded by the ones they love.” “Multigenerational households have long strengthened our communities and improved the well-being of our aging Americans, something families across the country already understand. As chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I’m proud to help lead this legislation to establish the Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit, providing family caregivers with meaningful relief as they care for aging parents or family members at home, where they can maintain their dignity and independence while surrounded by loved ones,” said Senator Scott. The number of Americans living in multigenerational homes has quadrupled since 1970, with nearly 60 million Americans—18% of all U.S. households—living in an intergenerational household in 2021. In recent years, over a quarter of U.S. adults living in a multigeneration… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-speaks-at-nebraska-farmers-unions-112th-annual-state-convention-talks-rural-health-care-with-nebraskans/ | Welch Speaks at Nebraska Farmers Union’s 112th Annual State Convention, Talks Rural Health Care with Nebraskans | 2025-12-05 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | NEBRASKA — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today traveled to Nebraska to speak with farmers impacted by President Trump’s tariffs and economic policies. Senator Welch met with farmers and toured two farms in Madison County ahead of providing remarks at the Nebraska Farmers Union’s 112th Annual State Convention. Senator Welch’s remarks focused on the importance of strengthening the agriculture economy and supporting rural communities in Vermont, Nebraska, and across America: “Farmers in Vermont and Nebraska power America’s rural economy. Their work is rooted in generations of farming families who work tirelessly to support their communities. But the job is getting harder and harder—Washington needs to work for our farmers and producers, not the other way around. America’s farmers need open markets, strong trade relationships, and federal policy that makes it easier to keep farming for generations to come,” said Senator Welch. “I hear it at home and I heard it here in Nebraska—President Trump’s economic policies are deeply unpopular. I won’t back down in my fight to support hardworking farmers by leading policies that help rural communities thrive, survive, and be more sustainable.” View photos below and on Senator Welch’s website: Friday evening, Senator Welch will be the special guest at a town hall in Omaha, NE focused on the fight for quality, affordable health care in rural America. His remarks will focus on the impact of Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, which will kick more than 78,000 Nebraskans off their health care and cut $3.6 billion in funding over the next decade. If Republicans refuse to work with Democrats to extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, around 112,000 Nebraskans will face higher health care costs—with the average annual premium rising 160% next year. On Saturday, Senator Welch will travel to Iowa and speak at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention in Ames. ##… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-amo-lead-bicameral-bill-to-update-and-expand-social-security-survivor-benefits-provide-financial-relief-to-families/ | Welch, Amo Lead Bicameral Bill to Update and Expand Social Security Survivor Benefits, Provide Financial Relief to Families | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Legislation was inspired by Vermont constituent WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) introduced the Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act, bicameral legislation to adjust benefits for the first time in over 70 years to cover costs associated with cremation or burials for surviving family members by increasing the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) lump-sum death benefit to account for inflation. Beginning in 2026, survivor benefits would increase from $255 to $2,900. The legislation would index the SSA death benefit to the Consumer Price Index to ensure this benefit is aligned with other Social Security benefits, such as Cost-of-Living Adjustments. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act was inspired and shaped by a letter Senator received from a Vermont constituent concerned about how the outdated benefit would create financial burdens for their surviving family members. “Funeral costs should be the last thing on the minds of grieving families when they lose a loved one. But because benefits designed to help folks afford funeral expenses haven’t kept pace with inflation, the cost of burying a loved one has become top of mind for many mourning families,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense bill, inspired by the experiences of Vermonters, will update Social Security death benefits to help alleviate financial burdens for families following the loss of a loved one.” “Families experiencing a loss should not have to struggle to afford a funeral for their loved one,” said Rep. Amo. “I’m proud to introduce the Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act with Senator Peter Welch to raise the amount a family can receive to help cover end of life costs for the first time in 70 years and index the benefit to inflation going forward. I will keep fighting in Washington to lower costs for Rhode Islanders, including at the most difficult moments.” Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-introduces-resolution-condemning-anti-palestinian-hate/ | Welch Introduces Resolution Condemning Anti-Palestinian Hate | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced a Senate Resolution condemning anti-Palestinian hatred and violence. The resolution was unveiled on the second anniversary of an attack that injured Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, college students who were shot in Burlington. On November 25, 2023, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad were shot and badly injured in an unprovoked attack, simply for speaking in Arabic and wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf. The three students were visiting family in Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday. All three victims were injured in the unprovoked attack and Mr. Awartani was paralyzed. Senator Welch released the following statement on the second anniversary of the attack on Mr. Awartani, Mr. Abdalhamid, and Mr. Ali Ahmad in Burlington: “After the shocking attack in Burlington against Hisham, Kinnan, and Tahseen, Vermonters came together to condemn violence and declare that our state will not tolerate hate in any form. I’m proud that Vermonters have continued to come together to advocate for peace. Threats made against Palestinian Americans are on the rise across the country, and the United States Congress must speak with one voice to condemn anti-Palestinian hate, antisemitism, and violence against anyone on account of their race, religion, or ethnicity.” The resolution condemns hateful language, bias, hate, intimidation, and threats to life and safety. The resolution also mourns those killed an injured in the United States by anti-Palestinian violence since the beginning of the war in Gaza, including the attack on Mr. Awartani, Mr. Abdalhamid, and Mr. Ali Ahmad; and on Wadea al-Fayoume, a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in Illinois killed by his family’s landlord. Read the Senate Resolution below and download it here: “Whereas on November 25, 2023, three college students were shot while walking down a street in Burlington, Vermont, where they were visiting family for Thanksgiving; “Whereas all thr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-schumer-to-unveil-plan-to-protect-plan-to-protect-aca-tax-credits/ | Welch Joins Schumer to Unveil Plan to Protect ACA Tax Credits | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) to unveil Senate Democrats’ plan to protect health care tax credits for millions of Americans. The Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, which help over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—afford health care, are set to expire on December 31, 2025. So far, Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to avoid this coverage cliff, which would drive up costs for millions. Senate Democrats have offered a three-year extension of the tax credits. “We’ve got a calendar that is relentlessly ticking away, and unless we extend these tax credits—so that people can continue to have the same health care in 2026 that they had in 2025—24 million Americans are in jeopardy,” said Senator Welch. “We felt it was our responsibility to put a concrete plan on the table that would make certain that Americans across the country did not lose their health care.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Open Enrollment for the ACA Marketplaces began on November 1, and the sticker shock is devastating families nationwide. Without health care tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. Ultimately, Republicans’ actions will kick 15 million Americans off their health insurance, including about 4 million people who will no longer be able to afford an ACA health plan. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-resolution-condemning-trumps-pardon-of-ex-honduran-president-and-drug-kingpin-juan-orlando-hernandez/ | Welch Leads Resolution Condemning Trump’s Pardon of Ex-Honduran President and Drug Kingpin Juan Orlando Hernández | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today led eleven Democratic Senators in introducing a resolution condemning President Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández, the former two-term President of Honduras who was sentenced to 45 years in prison and fined $8 million for drug trafficking and weapons conspiracy charges. The Senators’ resolution emphasizes how President Trump’s pardon of Hernández’s vast crimes weakens the rule of law and severely harms the United States’ credibility in combating global drug trafficking. The resolution also outlines how President Trump’s pardon is an affront to the extraordinary efforts of federal law enforcement and judicial officials who investigated and prosecuted Hernández, as well as to the jurors who performed their civic duty in convicting him. “President Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández is outrageous. The evidence was overwhelming that throughout his career he abused his office to protect violent drug cartels in return for bribes to finance his political ambitions. His detractors were either extradited or killed. Criminality on this scale—facilitating the importation of massive amounts of cocaine to the U.S. and the corruption of his country’s police force—should be universally condemned,” said Senator Welch. “Let’s hope our next President uses the pardon power to correct manifest injustice as the framers intended, not to reward friends, cronies, and drug kingpins.” “Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández – a narcotrafficking kingpin who bragged about ‘shoving the drugs up the noses of the gringos’ as he flooded U.S. communities with more than 400 tons of cocaine – is disgusting,” said Senator Kaine. “This pardon is so bizarre that it’s difficult to fathom any reason why this would happen other than that someone in Trump’s circle is personally benefitting from it. Convicted drug kingpins should be in prison, end of story.” “President Trump’s decision to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández doesn’t just seek to whitewash the crimes of a man who helped p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-continued-support-for-ukraine-to-resist-russian-aggression-we-must-stay-the-course/ | Welch Urges Continued Support for Ukraine to Resist Russian Aggression: “We must stay the course.” | 2025-12-04 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) urged the United States to remain steadfast in its support of the Ukrainian people’s brave defense against Putin’s unjust invasion. Senator Welch emphasized the importance of renewing Congress’ bipartisan commitment to ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to resist Russian aggression and defending a world where borders cannot be changed by force. “The question before this United States Senate, right now, is not whether Ukraine is going to hang in there and fight—they’ve proved again and again that they will hang in and fight. If Ukraine won’t falter in that fight, the U.S. must also persevere,” said Senator Welch. “I believe we must renew our commitment to the Ukrainian people. I believe we must stay the course. This year, we’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, when the United States advanced a foreign policy principle that borders cannot be changed by force….We have an opportunity today to stand up and protect that legacy for this century by recommitting to the Ukrainian people that we will stand in support of that principle, in support of their freedom, and in support of our security.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: In March, Senate Republicans rejected a resolution offered by Senator Welch reaffirming the United States’ support for the principle that no country can take another by force or threat of force. In his remarks on the resolution, Senator Welch reaffirmed support for the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s violent invasion. On the third anniversary of the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Senator Welch joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and his colleagues in introducing the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bicameral-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration/ | Welch Joins Bicameral Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration | 2025-12-03 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, bicameral legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump Administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. Following the Trump Administration’s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the Administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda—such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings. “Everyone deserves to have their fair day in court before an immigration judge who knows and understands our complex immigration laws. But as a result of the Trump Administration’s continued attempts to steamroll our judicial system, we now have judges with no prior immigration law experience making decisions that have permanent consequences on people’s lives,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reaffirming our commitment to a just, independent, and humane immigration system.” “The Trump Administration’s willingness to fire experienced immigration judges and hire inexperienced or temporary ‘deportation judges,’ especially in places like California, has fundamentally impacted the landscape of our justice system. Given the Administration’s unlawful terminations of qualified judges, and their plan to leverage the power of temporary positions to speed up their mass deportation agenda, the risks of grave injury to families, fairness, and due process have expanded. The Administration’s unlawful mass firing of immigration judges at an alarming rate is their latest aggressive enforcement tactic that jeopardizes our judicial workforce. Amidst the growing number of pending cases in immigration courts, this legislation w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-welch-to-travel-to-nebraska-and-iowa-to-speak-with-farmers-rural-communities-about-trade-war-and-rural-health-care/ | MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch to Travel to Nebraska and Iowa to Speak with Farmers, Rural Communities About Trade War and Rural Health Care | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | NEBRASKA and IOWA—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee, will travel to Nebraska and Iowa this week to discuss the Trump Administration’s trade war and attack on rural health care. On Friday, Senator Welch will visit farms in Madison County, Nebraska, and provide remarks at the Nebraska Farmers Union State Convention. Senator Welch’s remarks will focus on the impact of President Trump’s reckless tariffs on the agriculture economy and the importance of strengthening rural communities. Welch will host a town hall on Friday evening at Creighton University, focused on supporting working families’ access to quality, affordable health care. On Saturday, Senator Welch will meet with farmers in Ames, Iowa, and provide remarks at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention. Media Note: Senator Welch is available for interviews on the trade war and rural health care in both Nebraska and Iowa. Reporters are asked to RSVP to Aaron White: aaron_white@welch.senate.gov. Friday, December 5, 2025 9:30AM Farm Tours in Madison County, NE Location provided upon RSVP 2:00PM Senator Welch provides Remarks at the Nebraska Farmers Union State Convention Location: Norfolk Lodge & Suites & Divots Convention Center; 4200 W Norfolk Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701 6:30PM Town Hall with Senator Welch: Fighting for Affordable Health Care: Supporting Working Families and Rural Communities Location: Creighton University, Hixson-Lied Auditorium at the Harper Center; 602 N 20th St, Omaha, NE 68178 Saturday, December 6, 2025 9:30AM Senator Welch Provides Remarks at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention Location: Quality Inn & Suites; 2601 E 13th Street, Ames, IA President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act will cut more than $1 trillion dollars from Medicaid over ten years and will result in billions of lost revenue for rural hospitals. Senator Welch voted in strong opposition against the legislation in July. If Republicans refuse to work with Democrats and extend ACA Premium … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-release-of-mohammed-ibrahim-and-the-prosecutions-of-palestinian-children-2/ | Welch Statement on Release of Mohammed Ibrahim and the Prosecutions of Palestinian Children | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today submitted a Statement for the Congressional Record raising deep concern about the systematic incarceration, prosecution and punishment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military justice system. In Senator Welch’s statement, he discussed the recent release of Mohammed Ibrahim, a Palestinian American child who was detained by Israeli authorities for nearly ten months. Ibrahim was released late last week. Read the statement here and below: Statement of Senator Peter Welch On Prosecutions of Palestinian Children Congressional Record December 2, 2025 Mr. President, for those of us who have long supported U.S. diplomatic leadership in pursuit of a secure, democratic Israel alongside a demilitarized, independent Palestinian state, the protection of due process and the rule of law has central importance. Equal access to justice is essential for lasting peace in the Middle East. Today I voice a concern shared by many of my colleagues: the incarceration, prosecution, and punishment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military justice system. As a former public defender and member of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, which has jurisdiction over human rights, I have a perspective on the way justice systems should treat children. To put it categorically, civilians, and especially children, should not be prosecuted in military courts. It’s analogous to how I feel about child soldiers—children should not be recruited or allowed to serve in the armed forces. The reasons should be obvious. Civilians are, by definition, noncombatants. Military justice systems lack independence and routinely fall short in providing the fundamental protections of due process and a fair trial that exist in the civilian justice system, and which are rooted in international law. Israel, however, automatically and systematically prosecutes Palestinian civilians in the West Bank in Israeli military courts under Israeli military law. These courts lack impart… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-welcomes-nearly-21-million-in-liheap-funding-for-vermonters/ | Welch Welcomes Nearly $21 Million in LIHEAP Funding for Vermonters | 2025-12-02 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch urged Secretary Kennedy to stop blocking LIHEAP funding WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, welcomed $20.7 million in federal funding for Vermont to support the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Nearly $4 billion in federal funding for communities across the country was unnecessarily delayed by the Trump Administration. LIHEAP is a crucial lifeline that keeps people safe and warm in the winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. “After weeks of delay, it’s a relief that federal LIHEAP funding will finally reach Vermonters who need it most. But let’s be clear: these funds never should’ve been stalled in the first place. While the Trump Administration sat on these funds, vulnerable communities across the country were left without a vital resource to stay warm during freezing weather. Not only was it illegal, but heartbreakingly cruel,” said Senator Welch. “This funding will be a lifeline in helping low-income families and seniors afford their home heating bills and stay safe this winter.” The Trump Administration’s release of this funding comes after Senator Welch joined 30 bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to release LIHEAP funds as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households—including 26,000 Vermonters—received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. According to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8% over last winter on average, with costs for heating with electricity forecasted to increase even higher—to 10% above last year. States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/icymi-welch-pushes-for-bipartisan-action-to-extend-aca-tax-credits/ | ICYMI: Welch Pushes for Bipartisan Action to Extend ACA Tax Credits | 2025-12-01 | 2025 | 2025-12 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | In a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, Congressional leadership, and members of the House, Welch calls for bipartisan cooperation to solve urgent health care crisis WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, called on Senate Finance Committee leadership, Congressional leadership, and members of the House of Representatives to act with urgency and extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) before the credits expire on December 31, 2025 and the cost of coverage skyrockets nationwide. In his letter to Chairman Mike Crapo (I-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senator Welch urged immediate bipartisan action in both the chambers of Congress. “Once we address the current premium crisis, there are numerous policy reforms we can pursue on a bipartisan basis to rein in out-of-control health care costs. I am eager to work with both of you on those reforms,” wrote Senator Welch. “But with the reality of January 1st looming, the only action this Congress can take to avoid inflicting unnecessary harm on people we all represent is to extend the Advanced Premium Tax Credits.” Senator Welch concluded: “Failure to extend the tax credits now will destabilize the insurance marketplace and inflict harm on all of our constituents. Let us work together and solve this urgent crisis. I urge you, as leaders of the Senate Finance Committee, to schedule a markup of an extension of the APTCs during the first week of December.” Open Enrollment for the ACA Marketplaces began on November 1, and the sticker shock is devastating families nationwide: Over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—saw premiums more than double next year, on average. Without health care tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% mor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/ahead-of-small-business-saturday-welch-visits-with-local-businesses-in-burlington-and-brattleboro/ | Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Welch Visits with Local Businesses in Burlington and Brattleboro | 2025-11-26 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON & BRATTLEBORO, VT — Ahead of Small Business Saturday and the busy holiday season, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, visited with small business owners in Burlington and Brattleboro. Senator Welch celebrated Vermont’s nearly 82,000 small businesses and reminded Vermonters to shop small and locally this holiday season. In Burlington, Senator Welch visited Outdoor Gear Exchange, Kountry Kart Deli, and Phoenix Books—where he purchased Dog Show, a book of poems by former Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Prior to meeting small businesses, he received a tour of the new AC hotel (which will also be home to new apartments) in downtown Burlington, led by Vermont-based construction company S.D. Ireland. In Brattleboro, Senator Welch visited the Brattleboro Food Co-op, Burrow’s Sports, and the Hatch Space—a woodworking school and community workshop located downtown. “Vermont’s small businesses power our Main Streets—they’re a source of great pride for the state, employing thousands and supporting our local economy. This holiday season, I encourage Vermonters to join me in shopping small and supporting local businesses and workers,” said Sen. Welch ahead of his tour. View photos here and on Senator Welch’s website: Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state. Small businesses employ more than 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-delegation-condemns-anti-palestinian-hatred-on-second-anniversary-of-burlington-attack/ | Vermont Delegation Condemns Anti-Palestinian Hatred on Second Anniversary of Burlington Attack | 2025-11-25 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Sanders, Welch announce new Senate Resolution on anniversary BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today condemned anti-Palestinian hatred and violence. Their statements came on the second anniversary of an attack on college students Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, in Burlington. Senators Welch and Sanders today also announced a forthcoming Senate Resolution commemorating the second anniversary of the attack and denouncing bias, hatred, and threats to life and safety. The Senate Resolution will be officially filed when Congress returns in early December. “The idea that three young men just walking down the street were shot, for no other reason than that they are Palestinian, is unspeakable. It’s incomprehensible. No one should fear for their safety simple because of who they are, and we must remain vigilant against the rise in hate crimes targeting Muslims and Palestinian-Americans in particular. We must come together and remain committed to fighting all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” said Senator Sanders. “After the shocking attack in Burlington against Hisham, Kinnan and Tahseen, Vermonters came together to condemn violence and declare that our state will not tolerate hate in any form. I’m proud that Vermonters have continued to come together to advocate for peace. Threats made against Palestinian Americans are on the rise across the country, and the United States Congress must speak with one voice to condemn anti-Palestinian hate, antisemitism, and violence against anyone on account of their race, religion, or ethnicity,” said Senator Welch. “Vermonters do not tolerate hate in our state. The attack on Palestinian students in Vermont two years ago is no exception,” said Rep. Balint. “While some people want to fan the flames of bigotry and sow division, we must stand together against all forms of hate. The rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism poses a cle… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/bipartisan-statement-on-the-crisis-in-sudan-from-senators-welch-and-rounds/ | Bipartisan Statement on the Crisis in Sudan from Senators Welch and Rounds | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) released the following statement on the crisis in Sudan: “We are deeply concerned by the extreme atrocities being perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilians in and around the city of El Fasher and in North Kordofan, and call on those backing the RSF to urgently press for a cessation of the violence. “We urge all external parties—in particular the United Arab Emirates—to publicly condemn the RSF’s atrocities and to make consequence-bound demands for the RSF to cease attacks on civilians, allow the safe passage of civilians fleeing El Fasher and other towns in North Kordofan, and allow emergency humanitarian aid into the area. “We are committed to making sure that the United States supports efforts to aid civilians whose lives are threatened and to bring perpetrators of these war crimes in Sudan to justice.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-adams-reintroduce-bicameral-bill-to-improve-agricultural-loan-process-for-farmers-and-ranchers/ | Welch, Adams Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Improve Agricultural Loan Process for Farmers and Ranchers | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Legislation will reform FSA loans to create long-term payoffs that strengthen rural communities across America WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12) in reintroducing the bicameral Fair Credit for Farmers Act, bicameral legislation to strengthen financial security for agricultural producers. The lawmakers’ bill will improve access and accountability for the farm loan services offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and strengthen borrower rights of the farmers and ranchers who feed America’s families. “Vermont farmers are facing challenges at every turn, from brutal flooding and drought to shifting markets and rising costs caused by Trump’s reckless economic policies. Those hardships are made worse when farmers have nowhere to turn to absorb losses without risking their farms. Working to eliminate financial barriers and expand access to FSA loans is essential to ensuring farmers facing hardship can get help when they need it most,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill will reform FSA loans to better meet the needs of farmers in Vermont, North Carolina, and across the country.” “New York’s farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy, and they deserve fair, transparent credit opportunities as they do the critical work of feeding our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “For too long, family farmers and beginning farmers have been weighed down by administrative red tape and barriers that stack the deck against them. Our legislation will provide real relief for farmers and help ensure they have the protections and resources they need to thrive.” “The Fair Credit for Farmers Act offers relief to our small, mid-sized, and family farms, allowing them to compete with the growing corporate consolidation of agriculture,” said Rep. Adams. “Small-scale fa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-trump-administration-to-stop-stalling-and-release-liheap-funding-there-is-no-excuse-for-withholding-the-funding/ | Welch Calls on Trump Administration to Stop Stalling and Release LIHEAP Funding: “There is no excuse for withholding the funding.” | 2025-11-21 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week spoke on the Senate floor and urged the Trump Administration to release $4 billion in federal funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that has yet to be distributed this year. In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized how LIHEAP funding helps more than 6 million lower-income households and seniors—including 26,000 Vermonters—heat their homes during the cold winter months. “We are in the cold weather season, and getting money out after the cold weather season does not help keep people warm. LIHEAP funding enjoys broad support, and that’s because—in your state and in mine—folks in the winter who are on the margins financially, literally, can’t get by unless they have access to this funding. So here we are; the heating season is upon us and the LIHEAP funding is stuck and not being distributed. This is an absolute responsibility of the Trump Administration and there is no excuse for withholding the funding,” said Senator Welch. “This is the call to the Trump Administration: do your job. Secretary Kennedy has a legal responsibility to disburse the current LIHEAP funding. It’s illegal for him to withhold those funds, as well as pretty cruel.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: States and tribes typically receive LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of the state median income. While the Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget plan, the Senate’s funding bill for 2026 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP. Last week, Senator Welch joined 30 bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling on Health and Human Services (HHS) … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-ahead-of-small-business-saturday-welch-to-tour-local-businesses-in-burlington-brattleboro/ | MEDIA ADVISORY: Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Welch to Tour Local Businesses in Burlington, Brattleboro | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON and BRATTLEBORO, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, will travel to Burlington and Brattleboro next week ahead of Small Business Saturday and the holiday season to meet with small business owners and discuss the importance of shopping small. “Vermont’s small businesses power our Main Streets—they’re a source of great pride for the state, employing thousands and supporting our local economy. This holiday season, I encourage Vermonters to shop small and support local businesses and workers,” said Sen. Welch. Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state. Small businesses employ more than 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. TOUR SCHEDULE: Monday, November 24th, 2025: Burlington Meeting Location: AC Hotel (130 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401); followed by stops at Outdoor Gear Exchange (37 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401) and Phoenix Books (89 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401) Meeting Time: 9:45 AM ET Tuesday, November 25th, 2025: Brattleboro Meeting Location: Brattleboro Food Co-op (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301); followed by stops at Burrow’s Sports (105 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301) and The Hatch Space (22 High Street, 3rd Floor, Brattleboro, VT 05301) Meeting Time: 10:00 AM ET RSVP:Media are asked to RSVP to Aaron White; 202-960-0677 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/sanders-welch-balint-host-telephone-town-hall-as-vermonters-face-health-insurance-premium-hikes/ | Sanders, Welch, Balint Host Telephone Town Hall | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), last night held a statewide telephone town hall on the delegation’s continued fight to protect health care and lower costs for hardworking Vermont families. The telephone town hall followed Congressional Republican’s government shutdown, which was brought on by the Trump Administration’s refusal to negotiate an extension of health care tax credits. The delegation heard directly from Vermonters about their concerns and answered questions about how they are working to lower costs for families, protect democracy, and fight back against President Trump’s reckless policies. “The immediate urgency is health care. This is on top of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ (so called), which is going to kick 15 million people off of health care. It’s going to take a trillion dollars out of our health care system, and it’s going to be brutal on our community hospitals that are so essential to the well-being of Vermonters. And now, with the expiration of the premium tax credits, businesses, farmers, individuals are going to see their premiums skyrocket,” said Senator Welch. “It’s just unsustainable.” Watch a livestream of the event here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-dhs-to-investigate-secretary-noems-220-million-ad-campaign/ | Welch Calls on DHS to Investigate Secretary Noem’s $220 Million Ad Campaign | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch requested answers from DHS about Noem’s authorization of multiple no-bid contracts to firms close to her and her advisors WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to investigate Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent awards of multiple no bid contracts as part of a $220 million ad campaign to firms with which she and her senior advisors have personal ties. Senator Welch asked Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to investigate and provide answers on Secretary Noem’s use of a “national emergency” to issue these taxpayer-funded contracts. “Between February and August 2025, DHS awarded $143 million in no bid contracts to a company called Safe America Media, which was incorporated 11 days before the initial contract solicitation. In October, Safe America Media was contracted to help DHS produce a commercial—filmed during the government shutdown—featuring Secretary Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore,” wrote Senator Welch. “Although not identified in public contracting disclosures, according to public reporting, a firm called Strategy Group was engaged by Safe America Media to produce the ad at Mount Rushmore.” “This is not the first time the Department has used the claim of a ‘national emergency’ to issue no bid contract awards. Earlier this year, DHS invoked the measure to skip a competitive bidding process for an ad featuring Secretary Noem thanking President Trump. One of the firms contracted for the ad, People Who Think, LLC, is headed by Jay Connaughton, a former Trump campaign advisor. Connaughton worked with Lewandowski, Noem’s chief advisor, on Jeff Landry’s gubernatorial campaign in Louisiana,” continued the Senator. “In June 2025, Secretary Noem announced that she would personally approve all DHS contracts over $100,000.” The Senator concluded: “These awards call into question whether DHS, under Secretary Noem’s leadership, is fulfilling its obligations under federal procurement … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welchs-bipartisan-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act-passes-senate/ | Welch’s Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Passes Senate | 2025-11-20 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bill will support students and Vermont’s dairy farmers WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of his bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to support America’s students and dairy farmers. The bipartisan bill, co-led with Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, lactose-free milk, and non-dairy alternatives. It will now move to the House of Representatives. “Dairy is at the heart of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers. Our Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will help our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the support of the Senate on our bipartisan bill and look forward to sending it to the President’s desk.” Before the vote, Senators Welch and Marshall took to the Senate floor to highlight the benefits of their bipartisan legislation. “This is a very serious thing in two ways: number one, we’ve got to have good nutrition for our kids…and the second reason is that the dairy farming industry—it’s not so much an industry as it is a way of life. And in Vermont, the hardest working people we have are dairy farmers. It’s a hard, hard job. But it’s one where families have done it for generation to generation. There’s an enormous pride in being custodians of the landscape, and caring for the animals and the herd, and in providing nutritious milk to the community. And there’s a lot of pressure on our farmers. And this whole milk bill is an acknowledgment of the extraordinary contribution that the dairy farmers in the state of Vermont make to the entire state of Vermont—that the dairy farmers in America make to all of America…” sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-out-republicans-health-care-affordability-crisis-in-finance-committee-hearing-this-hearing-is-a-year-too-late-you-had-the-gavel/ | Welch Calls Out Republicans’ Health Care Affordability Crisis in Finance Committee Hearing: “This hearing is a year too late. You had the gavel.” | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch stressed the urgent need to extend ACA tax credits before January 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a Senate Finance Committee hearing this afternoon, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) exposed how Republicans’ inaction on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits will raise premiums for families already struggling to afford health care, food, housing, and other basic needs as a result of President Trump’s economic policies. Senator Welch reiterated that the only path forward is a clean extension of the ACA tax credit. “Mr. Chairman, here’s the reality: this hearing is a year too late. You had the gavel,” said Senator Welch. “…There’s something fundamentally bogus about us having this discussion about ideas about how we can bring down health care costs, when families in Vermont; when families in Idaho; in Oregon; have no capacity to deal with these macro-issues we’re talking about—with insurance ripoffs; drug company ripoffs; executive pay; shareholder buybacks; huge dividends; trillions of dollars—where all that money that we put into the health care system is not reinvested in the health care system.” “We have no choice, and no other option other than to extend these tax credits, so we don’t penalize good American families—Republican, Democrat, Independent—for the failure of Congress to do what its job is: and that is to address the rising cost of health care.” Watch the Senator’s full remarks below: Read the Senator’s remarks as delivered here. Open Enrollment for the ACA Marketplaces began on November 1, and the sticker shock is devastating families nationwide. Over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—are seeing their share of premiums more than double next year, on average. Without ACA tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. Ultimately, Republi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-21-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-admins-unlawful-head-start-funding-delays/ | Welch Joins 21 Senate Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Trump Admin’s Unlawful Head Start Funding Delays | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | GAO recently found that the Trump Admin. illegally withheld Head Start Funds, exacerbating delays caused by the Republican shutdown WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and 18 Senate colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration regarding delays in disbursing Head Start funds, which the Government Accountability Office found violated the Impoundment Control Act. The Senators also called for immediate clarification on authorization of the delays, legal rationale, and measures to prevent recurrence, as well as assurances that Head Start programs can continue providing inclusive services for children with disabilities. In their letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the Senators highlight how these delays, worsened by the government shutdown, forced programs to reduce services, temporarily close classrooms, lay off staff, and left thousands of children and families without critical early learning and family support. “When funds are delayed, many Head Start programs must plan for a disruption in services by notifying staff and families of a possible closure. In extreme cases, Head Start programs have had to close due to funding delays and lack of communication by the Administration. These issues were compounded by the government shutdown, which created an additional and immediate crisis for Head Start programs,” wrote the Senators. “We are particularly alarmed that there have been no assurances by HHS that funding delays for this critical program have been resolved, especially as Head Start programs continue to face issues drawing down their funding which puts the livelihoods of their employees and families served at risk,” continued the Senators. “We strongly urge HHS to take immediate steps to ensure Head Start funds were deliv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-wyden-balint-reintroduce-end-rent-fixing-act-to-crack-down-on-companies-using-algorithms-to-illegally-raise-rents/ | Welch, Wyden, Balint Reintroduce End Rent Fixing Act to Crack Down on Companies Using Algorithms to Illegally Raise Rents | 2025-11-19 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bill would strengthen enforcement and lawsuits against companies that allow landlords to collude on rent prices WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Senate Judiciary Committees, today joined Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large) in introducing the End Rent Fixing Act, bicameral legislation to crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets. These services allow landlords to collude to set prices via software and price-setting algorithms. Since the legislation was first introduced in early 2024, the state of New York, Seattle, Philadelphia, and cities across the country have adopted the bill, formerly titled Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act, to serve as a successful model for reigning in algorithmic rent fixing in states and localities. “Vermonters are amongst the hardest hit by the housing crisis raging across the country. We have the fourth-highest rate of homelessness in the nation. In the midst of this crisis and at a time when families are struggling to put food on the table—thanks to Trump’s reckless economic policies—housing providers are using anticompetitive pricing algorithms to raise rents. It’s outrageous,” said Senator Welch. “The End Rent Fixing Act would crack down on these pricing algorithms and prevent future monopolies on the housing market to protect renters in Vermont and nationwide.” “Setting prices with an algorithm is no different from doing it over cigars and whiskey in a private club,” said Senator Wyden. “These cartels are already being sued for violating antitrust laws, but I don’t want there to be a sliver of doubt that fixing rents with an algorithm is illegal. Housing costs are crushing American families. Companies shouldn’t be using AI to make the housing crisis worse.” “Families in Vermont and across the country are being crushed by the housing affordability crisis — a r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-and-46-democratic-colleagues-call-on-leader-thune-to-quickly-bring-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-senate-floor-for-vote/ | Welch and 46 Democratic Colleagues Call on Leader Thune to Quickly Bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to Senate Floor for Vote | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined every Senate Democrat in calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to immediately bring the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions. The Senators’ letter follows the U.S. House of Representatives’ overwhelming bipartisan approval of the measure by a vote of 427-1 earlier this afternoon. For more than two decades, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have sought justice and accountability for his alleged sexual crimes involving underage girls. The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator Welch, would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents and records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency and providing the American people with access to critical information. “The victims of Jeffrey Epstein—and the American people—deserve answers, accountability and the truth,” wrote the Senators. “So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has acted to provide transparency on this matter—we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.” “Despite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, the DOJ and FBI have refused to produce any information to the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House,” the Senators continued. In a social media post over the weekend, President Donald Trump abruptly changed course and encouraged House Republicans to vote for the bill, despite having tried for months to prevent the complete release of the files. Given longstanding efforts by President Trump and his Administration to slow walk or discourage the release of these file… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-collins-introduce-bipartisan-care-act-to-support-ems-providers-in-rural-communities/ | Welch, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Treat-in-Place Emergency Medical Services | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bill would test a treatment-in-place Medicare reimbursement model for EMS providers, helping patients avoid unnecessary hospital visits WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies (CARE) Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to test a five-year “treatment-in-place” model in which Medicare reimburses Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers when they treat a patient outside of the hospital, such as for minor medical incidents, rather than transporting them to a hospital for care. “Vermont’s EMS providers are on the frontlines of medical emergencies. It’s only common sense that our government should pay EMS providers for their vital services, regardless of whether a person needs an ambulance to the hospital. But right now, EMS providers aren’t getting reimbursed for their work—we need to fix that,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to work with Senator Collins on this bipartisan legislation to ensure that EMS providers can better help communities across rural America.” “Having access to high-quality emergency medical services is essential for individuals in rural communities across Maine and the nation, yet in many areas these providers face serious staffing and financial challenges,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would expand the treatment-in-place model for EMS services, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, lowering costs, and easing the strain on our state’s hospital and EMS workforces.” Inflationary pressures, coupled with the increasing volume of services that are ineligible for reimbursement, pose a serious threat to EMS providers, particularly those serving rural and older communities. These challenges are forcing EMS providers to curtail service and, in some areas, shut down services entirely. In recent years, several EMS providers in rural Vermont have closed their doors due to mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-27-senate-democrats-on-anti-cash-grab-act-to-repeal-500000-republican-kickback/ | Welch Joins 27 Senate Democrats on Anti-Cash Grab Act to Repeal $500,000 Republican Kickback | 2025-11-18 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bill repeals last-minute ‘Arctic Frost’ provision allowing Republican Senators to collect $500,000 per lawfully subpoenaed phone record WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Rules Committee, today joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and 25 Senate Democrats in introducing the Anti-Cash Grab Act, legislation that will repeal a provision—quietly added into the Senate government funding bill at the last minute—that allows Senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record lawfully obtained. “There’s no excuse for this Republican kickback—it’s a gross abuse of the policymaking process and should be immediately blocked before the American taxpayers are forced to pay millions of dollars. This bill is just common sense,” said Senator Welch. “While Democrats were fighting to make health care more affordable and help working families put food on the table, Senate Republicans were focused on taxpayer-funded windfalls for themselves. Let’s be crystal clear: negotiating a $500,000 windfall for yourself while refusing to help everyday Americans is wrong and deserves to be called out,” said Senator Heinrich. “Our bill is about accountability, transparency, and fighting for working families. The Senate must take this bill up and pass it now.” “While we were fighting to lower health care costs and keep food on the table for hardworking Americans, Senate Republicans were slipping a taxpayer-funded payout for themselves into the government funding bill,” said Senator Kelly. “It’s a political cash grab — plain and simple, and our bill puts an end to it. Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree that ripping off American taxpayers is bad policy.” In addition to Senators Welch, Heinrich, and Kelly, the legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumentha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-curtis-cohen-wilson-call-on-trump-administration-to-free-political-prisoners-in-belarus/ | Welch, Curtis, Cohen, Wilson Call on Trump Administration to Free Political Prisoners in Belarus | 2025-11-17 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Lawmakers commend and encourage the Administration’s efforts to free political prisoners wrongfully held in Belarus WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) partnered with U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Joe Wilson (D-SC-02) in calling on the Trump Administration to continue working to free political prisoners in Belarus, and use caution in future negotiations with the Putin-aligned Lukashenka regime. In a letter sent recently, the bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers commended the Trump Administration for working to free political prisoners in Belarus, including several U.S. nationals. The lawmakers also encouraged the Department of State to continue to hold Strategic Dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement and their exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. “We were very encouraged by the June 21, 2025 release of 14 hostages, wrongful detainees, and political prisoners who had been unjustly held in Belarus, followed by the September 11 release of an additional 52 political prisoners and foreign nationals, and the release of 25 prisoners on September 16,” wrote the lawmakers to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “As the Administration continues its engagement with this illegitimate regime, we urge caution to ensure that any progress on the release of political prisoners is not undermined by the government’s continued pattern of arbitrary detention.” The lawmakers emphasized the need for sustained vigilance, highlighting that Lukashenka’s concessions could be a tactic to distract from Belarus’ sustained support for Putin’s war in Ukraine: “Negotiations with the Lukashenka regime inevitably contribute to its pursuit of legitimacy in the eyes of the international community. The regime’s practice of releasing certain prisoners while detaining new opposition figures, journalists, and human rights defenders must not be allowed to persist unchecked… At the same time, Belarus continues to facilitate Russia’s unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine, including by e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-30-bipartisan-colleagues-in-urging-trump-admin-to-release-liheap-home-heating-aid/ | Welch Joins 30 Bipartisan Colleagues in Urging Trump Admin to Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid | 2025-11-14 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Federal LIHEAP funding helps 26,000 Vermonters BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and 27 bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars that have yet to be distributed this year. In their letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the bipartisan lawmakers emphasize that federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. “As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of LIHEAP funding available under the Continuing Resolution,” the Senators wrote. “As state agencies and tribes activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible. As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.” Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households—including 26,000 Vermonters—received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. According to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8% over last winter on average, with costs for heating with electricity forecasted to increase even higher—to 10% above last year. States and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-41-senate-colleagues-in-urging-trumps-hud-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program/ | Welch Joins 41 Senate Colleagues in Urging Trump’s HUD to Immediately Halt Plans to Upend Key Homelessness Program | 2025-11-14 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Trump Admin is planning to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could force 200,000 people back onto the streets WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined 41 Senate colleagues in urging Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to immediately halt reported plans to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced out of their housing and back into homelessness. In their letter, the Senators call on Secretary Turner to instead use existing congressional authorization to expeditiously renew existing CoC grants for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) to prevent massive disruption and frightening uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans in the coming months. “We write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue,” write the Senators. “HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and congressionally authorized two-year Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.” The lawmakers note that the reported and potentially illegal plans to upend the program, which is the largest source of federal grant funding to prevent homelessness, would cause sudden and significant shortfalls and real pain across the country. Specifically, they write: “The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87% of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30%. Thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-shocking-human-rights-report-on-el-salvador-prison-cecot/ | Welch Statement Following Shocking Human Rights Report on El Salvador’s Infamous Prison, CECOT | 2025-11-12 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT— Today, leading human rights organizations, from both the United States and El Salvador, released a new report on the shocking conditions in El Salvador’s infamous anti-terrorism prison, Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT). U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following reaction to the report: “The findings in this report are horrific, and they are doubly disturbing because the United States is directly implicated. It would not be an exaggeration to describe what is happening daily in CECOT as President Bukele’s Abu Ghraib. “What happened to those 40 men is shocking, but it was not unique to them. The abuses and deprivations they describe are endemic inside the walls of CECOT. These men were forcibly disappeared, which is a crime in this country and a violation of international law. From their first day behind CECOT’s walls, each of them was subjected to near-daily beatings, food and medical deprivation, and other inhumane and appallingly degrading treatment. “Nobody defends the heinous crimes and corruption perpetrated by Tren de Aragua and other violent criminal organizations. They have terrorized the people of Venezuela, El Salvador, and many other countries. Those who commit such atrocities should be brought to justice. President Bukele’s Kafkaesque response to these criminal gangs is a prison that the guards describe as ‘hell’ and where everyone, innocent or guilty, is labeled a terrorist. Criminal proceedings, if one can call them that, are conducted en masse and make a mockery of due process. “President Trump has feted Bukele in Washington and praised his leadership. Bukele has called himself the world’s “coolest dictator”. There is one thing President Bukele should remember: President Trump’s term expires on January 20, 2028, after which he will no longer be there to turn a blind eye to Bukele’s role in presiding over the torture and denial of fundamental rights of tens of thousands of prisoners, many of whom have no affiliation with violent gangs. Sooner or later th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-votes-no-on-funding-bill-condemns-republicans-for-refusing-to-address-health-care-crisis/ | Welch Votes No on Funding Bill, Condemns Republicans for Refusing to Address Health Care Crisis | 2025-11-10 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement after voting against a continuing resolution that fails to extend urgently-needed health care tax credits: “I cannot vote for a government funding bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care. The heart of this government shutdown is, and always was, about access to health care. There was an early recognition from my Republican colleagues that working families, small businesses, and farmers in their states would be really hurt by these premium increases—just as they will be in Democratic states, too. That’s why it is so disappointing that Republicans refused to come to the table to extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits. Millions of hardworking people, in every state, will face higher premiums and many will go without health coverage altogether. “Republicans in the Senate spent the last 41 days capitulating to this White House. Republicans in the House of Representatives took a 52-day vacation. Meanwhile, Democrats fought to protect access to health care and lower costs. We are already in an affordability crisis, and Republicans chose to make it worse. “Nobody wants a government shutdown—shutdowns are painful, damaging, and a sign of dysfunctional government. This Republican shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, was made all the more painful by President Trump’s refusal to negotiate and his total disregard for federal workers and those in need, including millions of people who rely on SNAP and other government services. I am appalled by this Administration’s endless cruelty.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-48-congressional-democrats-on-bicameral-bill-to-ensure-dhs-detainees-can-speak-to-a-lawyer-contact-their-families/ | Welch Joins 59 Congressional Democrats on Bicameral Bill to Ensure DHS Detainees Can Speak to a Lawyer, Contact their Families | 2025-11-07 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, today joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), and 57 congressional Democrats in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, bicameral legislation to ensure the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. “President Trump’s takeover of our immigration system has been nothing short of inhumane–conducting violent raids and detaining folks right off the street. As a result, children and families all across the country are now desperately trying to figure out why their family member didn’t come home and where they are being held—it’s cruel,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill aims to ensure families have access to their loved ones while in immigration detention and access to a lawyer. Everyone deserves due process.” “For months now, Americans have watched the horrific videos of CBP and ICE agents violently snatching people off the street at schools, workplaces, and grocery stores. But what happens after people are taken into custody is equally disturbing,” said Senator Murphy. “DHS has repeatedly refused to allow people to contact their families and lawyers, traumatizing children and families who are left searching for answers when their loved one suddenly misses after-school pickup or just doesn’t come home for dinner. It’s heartless and deeply un-American. This bill protects the basic right of people in this country to call their family – which often includes American citizens – when they are taken into custody. DHS has proven time and again they cannot be trusted to follow basic humanitarian principles, and it’s on Congress to step in and hold them accountable.” “I saw with my own eyes the reality of Trump’s immigration system: a mother and her four U.S. citizen children disappeared and locked in a windowless cell unable to contact a lawyer or their love… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-transparency-from-hhs-on-trumprx-new-pricing-deals-with-pfizer-and-astrazeneca/ | Welch Leads Colleagues in Demanding Transparency from HHS on “TrumpRx,” New Pricing Deals with Pfizer and AstraZeneca | 2025-11-07 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Senators request answers on structure of “TrumpRx” and how recent drug pricing agreements will impact Medicare and Medicaid benefits WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week led six Senate Democrats in demanding transparency from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the scope, structure, and legal authority of the Trump Administration’s newly unveiled “TrumpRx” platform. In their letter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Senators requested answers about how the Administration’s recent drug pricing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and AstraZeneca will impact patients, and existing state and federal drug pricing programs. The Senators highlighted that while the President’s “TrumpRx” program promises “deep discounts” on brand-name medications, the Administration has not provided any detailed information on the legality and implementation of the program: “While the announcement of TrumpRx emphasized affordability and access, direct-to-patient sales programs help only a fraction of patients—those who can afford to buy their drugs out of pocket. Additionally, these direct-to-consumer discount programs do nothing to address long-term costs.” “The Administration’s announcement of a new Most Favored Nation (MFN)-style deal with Pfizer and AstraZeneca included much fanfare but few details about how the program will be implemented. State Medicaid programs and safety net providers rely on the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program to ensure vulnerable patients get the lowest prices,” the Senators continued. “The introduction of a new, preferential pricing arrangement with individual manufacturers, absent a statutory framework, threatens to undermine these longstanding programs.” The Senators also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest between TrumpRx and the Trump family’s business dealings: “BlinkRx—a direct-to-patient sales platform of which President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is a board member—will r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-collins-blunt-rochester-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-farm-to-school-program/ | Welch, Collins, Blunt Rochester Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Farm to School Program | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today joined U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) in reintroducing the Farm to School Act, bipartisan legislation to get more fresh, locally grown foods in schools across the nation by expanding and investing in the Farm to School Program. The Senators’ legislation would increase annual funding for the program, reduce barriers to applying for Farm to School Program grants, and support initiatives that deliver fresh, local foods to schools nationwide. “We all want our kids to eat well and get a quality education. The Farm to School Program has helped connect Vermont schools with fresh, local foods, and has supported nutrition and agriculture education. This program has also been a reliable lifeline for family farms as they face incredible economic pressures from all sides. Expanding this program would be a win-win for our kids and farmers alike,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senators Collins and Blunt Rochester in this bipartisan effort to improve childhood nutrition, uplift small farms and rural economies, and support education across America.” “The Farm to School Program helps provide nutritious, locally sourced food to Maine students while supporting family farms in their communities,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bill would help ensure that schools and nonprofits in Maine and across the nation can continue purchasing local foods for student lunches and offering innovative agriculture and wellness lessons.” “For 15 years, the Farm to School Program has brought local foods to our students’ lunch tables while teaching them about nutrition and agriculture in their communities,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Supporting farmers, feeding children, and equipping them with valuable skills is a bipartisan effort. I’m proud to stand alongside Senators Welch and Collins to reintroduce the Farm to School Act and look forward to increasing our investment in the leaders … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-republicans-to-support-legislation-extending-aca-tax-credits-and-open-enrollment-the-answer-to-dealing-with-the-cost-of-health-care-is-not-to-take-away-insurance/ | Welch Urges Republicans to Support Legislation Extending ACA Tax Credits and Open Enrollment: “The answer to dealing with the cost of health care is not to take away insurance.” | 2025-11-06 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Republicans block legislation to fund Affordable Care Act premium tax credits until 2028, extend Open Enrollment until May 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today urged the Senate to pass his bill that would extend funding for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits by three years and extend nationwide Open Enrollment. In his remarks, Senator Welch highlighted how uninsured rates in states like Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina will skyrocket if Republicans fail to help Democrats extend ACA premium tax credits. The bill, which would fund ACA premium tax credits until 2028 and extend the current Open Enrollment season to May 1, 2026, was blocked by Senate Republicans. “I would love to get the government open, and I’d love to be able to let folks know that the health care they had in 2025—they’ll be able to have in 2026. I’d like the President to do what Presidents do—and that’s get the parties together in the room and negotiate an outcome that works for all of us,” said Senator Welch. “We have real work to do on the cost side of health care. We really all have to take that on. But the approach to dealing with the high cost of health care can’t be taking people’s health care away. It has to be making the health care they have more affordable.” “There is an urgency to the moment, because the Open Enrollment now, in November, is here, and families have to make decisions. And this body is literally the only institution in the United States of America that has the ability; that has the authority; that has the power to provide a remedy to the families we all care about. So, that’s my plea to my Republican colleagues.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Read a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks: “You know, President Trump…he’s got enormous authority, and he’s got enormous influence on the Republicans in the House and in the Senate. And it would be so good if he would come and sit down and figure out how to address this proble… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/as-supreme-court-hears-arguments-on-trumps-tariffs-welch-and-colleagues-join-small-businesses-to-decry-trade-war/ | As Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Trump’s Tariffs, Welch and Colleagues Join Small Businesses to Decry Trade War | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch: “We are urging the Court to do something simple: read the Constitution.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Administration Ed Markey (D-Mass.), alongside Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and small business owners in condemning the negative impact of President Trump’s chaotic tariff policies on small businesses. The Senators and small business owners called on the Supreme Court to uphold previous court decisions and strike down Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose reckless, global tariffs. “The small businesses that are so much the focus of community life, who do so much for the well-being of our communities that are under such pressure—it’s our small businesses, our bakers, our small farms, our small manufacturers—they’re getting hit every single day with something new on the tariff front,” said Senator Welch. “Bottom line: there should be no tariffs unless Congress acts. What’s at stake here is the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. Congress has the taxing authority—we can be held accountable if people don’t like the vote that we make. That’s been hijacked, not by an emergency, but by a presidential whim. We want the Supreme Court to do, really, the simplest thing possible, and that is stand up for enforcing the Constitution.” Watch a livestream of the press conference below: Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans. President Trump’s turbulent changes and modifications to his tariff… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-resolution-honoring-life-and-legacy-of-dr-jane-goodall/ | Welch Leads Resolution Honoring Life and Legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall | 2025-11-05 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch today led 16 Democratic Senators in introducing a resolution honoring the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, one of the world’s most celebrated ethologists and environmental conservationists. The Senators’ resolution pays tribute to Dr. Goodall’s lifelong dedication to global wildlife conservation and advocacy for the survival and ethical treatment of all living things. The resolution also acknowledges her tireless efforts to educate the public and especially children about the importance of working together to protect the natural environment. “Dr. Jane Goodall fundamentally changed our understanding of the complex emotional and social behavior of animals, and she inspired generations of people on every continent to become actively involved in environmental conservation,” said Senator Welch. “By honoring her with this resolution, we rededicate ourselves to continuing her remarkable legacy of advocacy for the protection of wildlife and the conservation of nature,” In addition to Senator Welch, the resolution is supported by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Read and download the full text of the resolution. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-ahead-of-supreme-court-decision-on-trumps-global-tariffs/ | Welch Statement Ahead of Supreme Court Decision on Trump’s Global Tariffs | 2025-11-04 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement ahead of oral arguments in Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc., cases challenging the legality of President Trump’s use of a 1977 law to impose global tariffs: “President Trump has no authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose new taxes—these tariffs hurt America’s small businesses, farmers, and working families. Markets are being destroyed, inflation and consumer prices are rising, and chaos is constantly swirling. “Just last week, the Senate voted to pass three bipartisan bills to rebuff President Trump’s reckless trade war and reassert our constitutional authority. Now, this White House is attempting to bypass Congress by turning to the Supreme Court, hoping the conservative Justices will reverse the lower courts’ decisions and give the president a green light to abuse his power. The Court has an obligation to stand up to this illegal power grab by the Executive, and Congress has an obligation to reassert our authority over taxation and tariffs.” The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bill-to-expand-social-security-veterans-affairs-benefits/ | Welch Joins Bill to Expand Social Security, Veterans Affairs Benefits | 2025-11-03 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Legislation would increase benefits by $200 per month for six months, offering relief while costs rise due to Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Republicans’ health care cuts WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and eight Senate Democrats in introducing the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, legislation to provide rapid relief by expanding Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits by $200 per month for six months. The bill follows a recent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at just $56 per month, on average. “President Trump’s reckless economic policies are raising costs for seniors left and right—from the grocery store to the pharmacy counter. For seniors living on a fixed income, the President’s tariffs and rising inflation have meant that their Social Security benefits don’t stretch as far as they used to,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill provides a financial lifeline to seniors to help them weather the disastrous impacts of Trump’s trade war.” “While Donald Trump sends $40 billion to Argentina, I’m proposing sending American seniors on Social Security an extra $200 a month to offset higher prices. The cost of everything from coffee to beef to health care is up, in large part due Trump’s chaotic tariffs, and Democrats are fighting to deliver some financial relief and lower costs for Americans,” said Senator Warren. “This new legislation to expand Social Security is an emergency lifeline for seniors struggling to afford Trump’s tariffs and rising inflation.” “Trump campaigned on lowering costs, but all he has done is raise tariffs, slash healthcare benefits, and sabotage energy projects, increasing prices on everything from groceries to electricity,” said Leader Schumer. “Seniors face difficult decisions as they see their bank accounts shrinking and the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is simply not reflective of the current rea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-schiff-senate-democrats-in-demanding-answers-on-financing-of-president-trumps-white-house-ballroom/ | Welch Joins Schiff, Senate Democrats in Demanding Answers on Financing of President Trump’s White House Ballroom | 2025-11-03 | 2025 | 2025-11 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Letter comes after Trump demolished the White House’s historic East Wing WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined fellow Senate Judiciary Democrat Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in launching a new push for answers into the financing of President Trump’s White House ballroom, which includes private donations from individuals and corporations whose business interests are directly impacted by the Administration and its decisions. In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles following the recent release of a list of donors, the Senators emphasize that the Trump Administration’s approach to financing the ballroom raises troubling questions about the potential for influence peddling and other forms of corruption. “To assess possible conflicts of interest and violations of law and ethics obligations, Congress and the American public deserve meaningful transparency. We, therefore, request a complete accounting of all donations to the White House ballroom construction project, including the conditions under which contributions were made,” wrote the lawmakers. The Senators are requesting all information related to the ballroom’s financing, including the amount of each financial contribution, which donors have existing business with the federal government—including applications for federal contracts, ongoing litigation, and pending regulatory approvals. The Senators are also seeking information about whether the President or any Executive Branch official sought guidance from ethics officials on whether it is permissible to accept private donations, and about any guardrails the Administration put in place to ensure donors don’t have unfair access to the President or members of his Administration as a result of their contribution to the ballroom. “Among these donors are corporations recently awarded federal contracts worth millions of dollars in revenue, many with close ties to Administration officials. These circumstances risk blatant corruption as these co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-health-care-providers-farmers-and-patients-in-berlin-ahead-of-start-of-open-enrollment/ | Welch Joins Health Care Providers, Farmers, and Patients in Berlin Ahead of Start of Open Enrollment | 2025-10-31 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BERLIN, VT — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined health care providers, farmers, and patients at the Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin to discuss looming premium rate increases ahead of the beginning of Open Enrollment on Saturday, November 1st. Senator Welch discussed the urgent need to extend Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which help nearly 27,000 Vermonters access health coverage through the ACA marketplace, including working families, small business owners, and seniors. Senate Republicans have, so far, refused to negotiate an extension of the tax credits and help reopen the government. “We already know what’s at stake for families that count on ACA tax credits to access health care when open enrollment begins tomorrow. Folks in Vermont and in Texas, folks in red and blue states alike, are going to face price increases they can’t afford—all because Republicans refuse to work with us to reopen the government. That means that families already struggling with rising costs will be faced with impossible choices, like paying rent or their mortgage—or affording health care. Without these tax credits, Vermont families will see rates double or triple, and hospitals will lose out on vital revenue. I’ll keep pushing President Trump and Republicans to work with us to help patients and rural care providers,” said Senator Welch. View photos from the tour below and on the Senator’s website: When Open Enrollment begins tomorrow, 24 million Americans across the country will try to shop for health insurance that they can no longer afford. Without ACA subsidies, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more for their premiums. This Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermont… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-applauds-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-legislation-to-repeal-trumps-global-tariffs-calls-on-house-to-take-up-final-passage/ | Welch Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Trump’s Global Tariffs, Calls on House to Take Up Final Passage | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bill to reverse Trump’s price-hiking global tariffs passed the Senate with bipartisan support WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in applauding the Senate’s passage of their bipartisan legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs. The measure passed on a 51-47 vote this afternoon. The Senators introduced a similar measure in April, which narrowly failed. The resolution, along with the similar resolutions to repeal the tariffs on products Americans buy from Canada and Brazil, next heads to the House. “The Senate’s passage of our bipartisan resolution makes it crystal clear: we will not continue to sit by and relinquish our authority on trade policy while the President’s trade war throws families into financial crisis. Trump’s tariffs have been especially brutal for Vermont’s economy, farmers, and businesses–and the same is true for folks in red and blue states across the country,” said Senator Welch. “I applaud my colleagues who crossed the aisle to help us pass this vital legislation to reassert the Senate’s constitutional authority on what tariff policy should be in this country. The House must urgently take up and pass this legislation to prevent President Trump’s reckless tariffs from ruining more lives and livelihoods.” “For the third day in a row, bipartisan senators have made it clear that it’s time to put a stake in the heart of Donald Trump’s job-killing trade taxes,” said Senator Wyden. “These three Senate-passed bills are now pending in the House, where Speaker Johnson has done everything in his power to ensure they won’t get a vote. Every time Americans pay more for their TV, groceries or car payment they’re going to know it’s because House Republicans were too afraid to vote to protect them. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to giv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-gluesenkamp-perez-lead-bicameral-legislation-to-provide-farmers-with-the-right-to-repair/ | Welch, Gluesenkamp Perez Lead Bicameral Legislation to Provide Farmers with the Right to Repair | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, this week joined U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) in introducing the Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance Act (FARM Act), bicameral legislation to give farmers the right to repair their own equipment and restore competition in the agricultural repair market. The lawmakers’ bill would require farm equipment manufacturers to share documentation, parts, and software with farmers and independent repairers, giving farmers back the autonomy to fix their own equipment and support their farms. The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and in the House by Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02). “Farmers are fixers. It only makes sense that farmers should have the right to repair their own equipment, which is vital to saving money and maintaining operations. But right now, lack of a federal right to repair means that farmers in Vermont have to waste valuable time and resources getting someone else to fix their equipment–even if they can do it themselves,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral legislation will help protect farmers from rip-offs and ensure they have the right to fix their own equipment.” “Farmers work tirelessly to feed this country. They shouldn’t have to wait for weeks on end and pay sky-high prices for a manufacturer to fix essential farm equipment that farmers already know how to repair themselves,” said Senator Warren. “Our bill is a commonsense solution: it fights back against the manufacturers’ greed and will save our farmers billions every year in repair costs.” “For farmers across Pennsylvania, a broken tractor right before a harvest can ruin months of hard work. Time is money,” said Senator Fetterman. “Our farmers should have the freedom to repair their own equipment without having to travel hours on hours to the nearest approved service center or being price gouged on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-marshall-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-broadband-internet-in-rural-communities/ | Welch, Marshall Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Broadband Internet in Rural Communities | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today joined U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) in reintroducing the ReConnecting Rural America Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Loan and Grant Program. ReConnect plays a central role in expanding access to high-speed broadband in rural communities, where broadband access is severely limited compared to what is available in urban and suburban areas. “The last few years have shown all of us how important high-speed broadband is to our communities. From online school and remote work to telemedicine, a good connection is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Many rural communities don’t have access to broadband at all, let alone the higher speeds needed to participate in today’s digital economy. Our bipartisan legislation will help more Americans access the service they need, with the help of USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant program. I’m glad to partner with Senator Marshall on this important bill.” “Just as the great Kansan President Eisenhower understood the importance of investing in our nation’s highways in the 1950s, we must invest in the critical highway of our time: reliable, high-speed internet,” said Senator Marshall. “Broadband isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for our way of life. From family farms to schools to small businesses, rural communities depend on connectivity now more than ever. The ReConnecting Rural America Act will help bring rural Kansas up to speed, and I am proud to work with Senator Welch to reintroduce this important legislation.” As of early 2025, over a third of Americans lack access to one or no broadband provider. Recent data reports that more than 45 million Americans lack fixed terrestrial 100/20 Mbps broadband, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) minimum standard for broadband speed. Many Americans, in particular in rural areas, lack access to highe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-slams-trumps-trade-war-for-hurting-vermont-farmers-the-market-is-absolutely-destroyed/ | Welch Slams Trump’s Trade War for Hurting Vermont Farmers: “The market is absolutely destroyed.” | 2025-10-30 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Sen. Welch: “Much of what the farm community is facing is a result of policies that have been allowed to take place by this Congress. And we all revere the hard work of our farmers, but we’ve got to do some work of our own and address these policies…The market is absolutely destroyed, and that is directly a result of the tariffs. This is killing these guys, and we’ve got to acknowledge that and get their markets back. “There is discussion right now about taking some of that tariff money and sending it to farmers. And God knows, I support getting some aid to farmers. But let me ask you this question: Do the soybean and corn farmers in Iowa—would they prefer to work hard and sell their product to a market, or get a government handout?” Mr. Coppess: “Thank you for the question. We don’t want to live by the government’s hand. We’re fine being the tip of the sword if we can correct the greater problems and have a better long-term future.” Sen. Welch: “But the point here is, you want to be self-reliant, you want to sell, you want to produce, you want to work hard, you don’t want a government handout—right?” Mr. Coppess: “We would like to have fair trade.” Sen. Welch: “I am totally with you.” Sen. Welch: “You know, we’ve got the phosphate, as you mentioned, that is everywhere—14% increase in price in Vermont for our farmers. They have no control over that—we mostly import it from Canada. Is that an input cost that is also going up in Iowa?” Mr. Coppess: “It is. On our farm, we minimize the use of phosphate down to an absolute necessity where we have to have it. It is simply a negative return.” Sen. Welch: “…The tariffs are really hurting us in Vermont, my dairy farmers. And this drought, which they don’t complain about, is just something they’ve got to deal with…They cannot control the weather. They cannot control a lot of things. But we can control some policies that will make it possible for another five generations to keep going.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-cosponsored-bipartisan-resolution-to-block-trumps-disastrous-tariffs-on-canada-passes-out-of-senate/ | Welch-Cosponsored Bipartisan Resolution to Block Trump’s Disastrous Tariffs on Canada Passes Out of Senate | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Before the vote, Welch slammed Trump’s reckless trade war and called on Congress to reassert its authority on trade policy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of a bipartisan resolution to end President Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canadian imports—a tax on Vermont businesses and manufacturers, farmers, and families. The resolution, led by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and cosponsored by Senator Welch, challenges President Trump’s tariffs on billions of dollars of goods from Canada. The measure passed out of the Senate Wednesday evening. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the February 1 emergency declaration that President Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada and would eliminate many of the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. “I urge all of us in the Senate to reassert our own authority, under Article I—which gives to the Congress the power to tax, the power to impose tariffs or not—and to not have us continue to relinquish the authority and responsibility we have, as the United States Senate, to an Executive. This is our responsibility, and part of that reason is because we are close to people who are affected by these policies,” said Senator Welch. “It is a shirking of responsibility for the United States Senate to essentially cede that authority to a President, particularly when we’re seeing…the harmful impacts on folks in our states—businesses in our states, farmers and ranchers in our states—that are working hard to try to pull things together and keep their businesses going, our economy going, and contributing to the well-being of our country. “I call on the President to reconsider what damages these tariffs are doing. I call on our United States Senate to reassert its authority and be the decider of what tariff policy shall be in this country.” The tariffs were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of the nearly 50-year-old statute. Next week… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-senate-judiciary-democrats-in-demanding-answers-from-doj-on-trumps-military-actions-in-the-caribbean-sea-and-pacific-ocean/ | Welch Leads Senate Judiciary Democrats in Demanding Answers from DOJ on Trump’s Military Actions in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in demanding answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the legality of military actions ordered by President Trump that have already killed 57 individuals in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. In their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators highlight how the President’s recent strikes may violate an Executive Order, various statutes of U.S. law, and the United States Code of Military Justice. The Senators also slammed the Trump Administration for undermining bipartisan efforts to curb drug trafficking, which has had devastating impacts on American families and communities. “Summarily killing criminal suspects is prohibited under domestic and international law in both peacetime and wartime. These recent strikes raise numerous questions about whether the Department provided adequate legal guidance to those involved in ordering, planning, and carrying out the killings,” wrote the Senators. “In accordance with the Committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, we ask that Committee members and staff be briefed on and afforded the opportunity to review any legal analysis produced by your Department.” The Senators slammed Trump’s DOJ for taking counterproductive steps to stem the drug epidemic, writing: “For example, you have diverted thousands of Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal law-enforcement agents from their critical missions to carry out the President’s immigration agenda. You inexplicably shut down the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, which has dismantled thousands of criminal organizations. You have unilaterally terminated hundreds of grants that provide critical funding to state and local law enforcement. The Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget would slash the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-raises-alarm-on-extending-aca-tax-credits-ahead-of-open-enrollment/ | Welch Discusses Importance of Protecting Health Care Access as Open Enrollment Nears | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch Joined Wyden and health care advocates for a press conference on lowering health care costs WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor tonight, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, raised the alarm about the need to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) premium tax credits ahead of the start of Open Enrollment on Saturday, November 1. Senator Welch highlighted concerns shared by Vermonters and urged Republicans to negotiate with Democrats, reopen the government, and help prevent millions of Americans from losing their health care. “Folks across the country are going to get some bad news: without the tax credits that are in place now and are set to expire by the end of the year, their health care premiums are going to double, triple, and in some cases quadruple—and even worse,” said Senator Welch. “We’ve been having this debate about a shutdown. But what we haven’t been having is a negotiation about how to protect families from a rate shock that they can’t afford. It means they’re really going to lose health care. “I urge us, and I urge the President, to act aggressively to resolve this. It will help folks whether they are in a red state, a blue state, whether they identify as a Republican, or a Democrat, or an Independent. It just doesn’t matter. But we’ve got a health care system that is too, too expensive, beyond reach, and is crippling to our small businesses, our farmers, and our families.” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: When Open Enrollment begins on Saturday, 24 million Americans across the country will try to shop for health insurance that they can no longer afford. Without the ACA tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. On Wednesday afternoon, Senator Welch joined Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-senate-to-stop-trumps-unconstitutional-attacks-in-the-caribbean-sea-its-not-up-to-the-president-to-determine-if-we-go-to-war-its-up-to-congress/ | Welch Urges Senate to Stop Trump’s Unconstitutional Attacks in the Caribbean Sea: “It’s not up to the President to determine if we go to war—it’s up to Congress.” | 2025-10-29 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor this week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, questioned the legality of the President’s recent military actions in the Caribbean Sea and demanded that Congress assert its constitutional obligation to determine where and why the United States goes to war. “Laws matter, and the Constitution matters. If the President does want to start a war, if he wants to put America’s troops in harm’s way, he needs to seek authorization from Congress,” said Senator Welch. “It’s up to the Senate to do its job. We have seen from history that our failure to assert our constitutional responsibility to decide whether to send our military to war has resulted in grievous suffering for the American people and a weakening of our national security. In asserting our responsibility, at the bare minimum, this United States Senate should demand—should demand—to see Attorney General Bondi’s legal analysis that the President has used to justify the use of the U.S. military to engage in these attacks.” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: Read key excerpts from Senator Welch’s remarks: “This President—no President—has the legal authority without congressional authorization to take America into military conflict. There have been no credible legal experts that have defended the President’s actions, with one exception—and, of course, and that is the Attorney General, who has provided an opinion to the President. We are told, but have not seen, that what he’s doing is ‘legal.’ That’s without precedent. It’s without precedent for the top legal official in this country to give an opinion that it’s legal to go to war without congressional authorization. “But it’s clearly the legal advice the President wanted and won’t even share with the members of the United States Senate. The President, of course, seems to be basing the legality of these actions on the declaration that drug traffickers are terrorists….But simply the determin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/ranking-member-welch-pushes-back-against-far-right-claims-of-one-sided-politically-motivated-violence/ | Ranking Member Welch Pushes Back Against Far-Right Claims of ‘One-Sided’ Politically Motivated Violence | 2025-10-28 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch: “All of us must condemn every act of violence that tears at the fabric of our society and is absolutely, totally corrosive to our democracy.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, pushed back on the Republican majority’s false narrative of ‘one-sided’ political violence during a Subcommittee hearing titled “Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order.” In his remarks, Senator Welch called on both parties to strongly condemn all politically-motivated attacks and renew a bipartisan commitment to civility. “I just want to make it clear I am absolutely horrified by political violence in this country,” said Senator Welch. “I want to say this: the stakes are really too high for the American people and the health of our democracy to use this hearing as an opportunity to demonize one side or the other. If all violence—all political violence—is wrong, is evil, is corrosive, the debate about where there’s more on one side or the other, I don’t see how that helps us get anywhere. Politicizing violence with inflammatory rhetoric has real consequences. So, all of us have to turn that temperature down, those of us who are in public office, those of us who are in public life.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Read and download Senator Welch’s full opening remarks as delivered. In one exchange, following Officer Hodges’ testimony describing his experience defending the United States Capitol against the violent insurrection on January 6, 2021, Senator Welch asked the other hearing witnesses to raise their hands if they agreed with President Trump’s pardoning of individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Every Majority witness raised their hands in support of President Trump’s blanket pardon of January 6 rioters. Witnesses for the Minority included Officer Daniel Hodges, an officer with Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department since 2014, who defended … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-police-officer-who-defended-capitol-on-january-6th-and-expert-on-extremism-and-terrorism-as-witnesses-for-hearing-on-politically-motivated-violence/ | Welch Calls Police Officer Who Defended Capitol on January 6th and Expert on Extremism and Terrorism as Witnesses for Hearing on Politically Motivated Violence | 2025-10-27 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, October 28, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution will hold a hearing titled “Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order,” in which the Republican majority will advance a false narrative that political violence is a one-sided issue. Ranking Member Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced witnesses for the Subcommittee’s minority—Daniel Hodges, a Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer who responded to the January 6th insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, and William (Bill) Braniff, Executive Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) in the School of Public Affairs at American University. “Let’s be clear: political violence is, without question, a ‘both sides’ issue, and this partisan hearing only serves to turn up the temperature. Any and all politically-motivated attacks must be strongly condemned—from Democrats and Republicans alike,” said Senator Welch. “I am thankful the Subcommittee will hear directly from both a leading expert in extremism, as well as a brave police officer who defended the Capitol from the mob on January 6th. I call on the Subcommittee to work together to curb all political violence and protect our fragile democracy.” Officer Daniel Hodges has served as an officer with Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department since 2014. On January 6, 2021, Officer Hodges defended the United States Capitol against a violent insurrection and was injured in the attack. The mob, incited by President Trump, attempted to prevent the peaceful transfer of power and certification of the 2020 election. He returned to full duty, later testifying before the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack., as well as a spotlight hearing by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee focused on President Trump’s pardons and commutations for January 6th insurrectionists. Officer Hodges was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden in 2023. Bill Braniff is a respected leader… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-works-across-the-aisle-to-protect-snap/ | Welch Works Across the Aisle to Protect SNAP | 2025-10-27 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Hawley and Welch’s Keep SNAP Funded Act would protect millions of Americans from losing SNAP during shutdown WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight cosponsored Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) Keep SNAP Funded Act, which would ensure nutrition assistance will continue despite the ongoing government shutdown. “I’m working across the aisle because a lapse in federal nutrition assistance would hurt more than 41 million Americans—from Vermont to Missouri, and beyond,” said Senator Welch. “The Keep SNAP Funded Act is a commonsense, bipartisan bill. I urge Senate leadership to bring this bill to the floor, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. If the Trump Administration refuses to use the money it has to fund the program during this shutdown, Congress must step in.” More than 63,000 Vermonters rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called 3SquaresVT. Senator Welch is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Last week, Senator Welch joined 45 Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. The Trump Administration refused to release the funding, and benefits will lapse in early November without congressional action. Read the Keep SNAP Funded Act here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-senators-in-calling-for-state-department-to-provide-answers-on-shooting-of-american-journalist-shireen-abu-akleh/ | Welch Leads Senators in Calling for State Department to Provide Answers on Shooting of American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh | 2025-10-24 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week led eight Senate colleagues in sending the U.S. Department of State a fourth request for more information and answers on the death of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. She was killed by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank. “The State Department routinely says its highest priority is the safety of American citizens overseas. We are asking questions about the wrongful, violent death of an American citizen. We want to know why she was shot, and whether anyone has or will be held accountable. Her family and we deserve answers,” said Senator Welch. Shireen Abu Akleh, a highly respected Palestinian American journalist, was inexplicably shot and killed in May 2022 by an Israeli soldier from a distance of approximately 200 meters. At the time, Ms. Abu Akleh was wearing a helmet and flak jacket with the word ‘PRESS’ in bold letters. She was not in the vicinity of any protesters. A month after Ms. Abu Akleh’s murder, 24 Senators led by Senator Welch’s predecessor, Senator Patrick Leahy, called on then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken to provide answers about her killing and launch an investigation. Four U.S. Senators, led by Senator Welch, wrote to Secretary Blinken in September 2024, again asking questions about the case and echoing the Secretary’s call for an independent, credible investigation. Eight U.S. Senators wrote to Secretary Marco Rubio in May 2025, asking about the case. The lawmakers’ questions have not been answered. This week, nine U.S. Senators, again led by Senator Welch, sent another letter to the State Department, asking for the answers to their questions, writing: “We understand that the Office of the U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) is not an investigative body. However, not long after Ms. Abu Akleh was killed the USSC publicly endorsed the Israel Defense Forces’ assertion, without citing any evidence, that the shooting was ‘unintentional.’ “As our May 21st letter made clear, we have repeatedly sought answers from the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-trump-to-stand-up-for-american-interests-to-ensure-lasting-peace-in-gaza/ | Welch Urges Trump to Stand Up for American Interests to Ensure Lasting Peace in Gaza | 2025-10-24 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch highlighted need for continued U.S. leadership in the Middle East to secure lasting peace, ramp up delivery of desperately needed food aid WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) expressed great relief at the ceasefire in Gaza and called on President Trump to use the immense leverage of the United States to cement the path to lasting peace in the Middle East. Senator Welch urged President Trump to stand up firmly for American interests over the political ambitions of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to end the brutal bombing campaign and provide desperately needed food aid to starving children in Gaza. “After two years of relentless bombing, after two years of horror for the hostages and their families, the bombing has largely stopped, and the hostages are home. This is extraordinary. And I salute everyone involved in getting us to this day, including President Trump. But let’s be clear: there is more work to be done. The only way this ceasefire will succeed is if it is the beginning of a relentless, tireless process that aims to get us to the two-state solution: Two states for two peoples—a safe and democratic Jewish state of Israel alongside a sovereign state for the Palestinians that are indigenous to the land where they now live—as envisioned in the President’s 20-point plan, and has been U.S. policy for over 50 years,” said Senator Welch. “So the question before us is: will all who are involved—particularly the United States government, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the Palestinian authority, U.S. partners in the Gulf, and our European allies—will everyone do every single thing possible to make that success of a lasting peace through a two-state solution a likelihood?” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: Read a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks: “The ceasefire acknowledges that there must be a force that has sufficient authority to quell Hamas’ violence. This is the peacekeeping force that was in the 20-point presidential plan. If we’re going t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-booker-klobuchar-lujan-42-colleagues-urge-trump-usda-to-immediately-release-november-snap-benefits/ | Welch Joins Booker, Klobuchar, Luján, Colleagues in Urging USDA to Immediately Release November SNAP Benefits | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and 42 colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. The Democrats raised the alarm about the USDA’s failure to use available funding to continue SNAP, writing: “We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks.’ In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.” “First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,” the Senators continued. The Senators concluded, “In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA’s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.” This le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-cosponsors-bills-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown/ | Welch Cosponsors Bills to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, and Contractors During Shutdown | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Republicans block legislation to ensure all federal workers are paid WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) cosponsored bills led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to pay all federal employees during the Republican-led shutdown. Senator Peters’ Military and Federal Employee Protection Act would reopen the government for one day to ensure all furloughed and excepted employees are paid within one week of enactment. In addition to paying federal employees during the shutdown, Senator Van Hollen’s True Shutdown Fairness Act would block the Trump Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force, or RIFs) during the shutdown. Senate Republicans blocked the passage of both bills this afternoon. “It defies common sense and anyone’s definition of fairness to say that only certain federal employees should get paid during a shutdown, or that federal employees should be laid off during a shutdown. While the President may insist that he had ‘no choice’ but to lay off federal workers during the shutdown, let’s be clear: he’s been doing this since day one. We need to do everything we can to end this shutdown and get these folks paid and back to work,” said Senator Welch. “These bills push back against the President’s lawless rampage and will ensure all of our federal workers are paid for doing their jobs.” The Military and Federal Employee Protection Act would provide a one-time appropriation to pay servicemembers, federal employees, and contractors who have missed any compensation from October 1 to the date the bill is enacted, as a result of the government shutdown. The bill ensures that both furloughed employees, as well as employees who have been excepted from furlough status and are continuing to work, are guaranteed to receive their standard pay. The bill would also require that all employees receive any delayed compensation within one week of enactment, to ensure they are paid in a timely fashion. The True Shutdown Fairness Act would immediately resta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-wyden-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-transparency-accountability-for-massive-rise-in-national-security-tariffs/ | Welch, Wyden Lead Colleagues in Demanding Transparency, Accountability for Massive Rise in National Security Tariffs | 2025-10-23 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Senators’ letter questions Commerce Secretary Lutnick over unprecedented use of national security tariffs WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in leading eight Senate colleagues to call out the Trump Administration’s unprecedented use of national security tariffs to pursue taxes on cars, appliances, and hundreds of other products. The Senators’ letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick raised concerns that Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act—which had been rarely used in the 20 years before Donald Trump became President—this year alone has been used to open 12 new investigations and expand others, spanning hundreds of products used by Americans every day. The massive scope of these investigations and the lack of transparency in the Commerce Department’s process undermine the integrity of a law that is intended to address true national security threats to the United States. “Trump’s tariffs are putting U.S. jobs, economic competitiveness, and credibility at risk by driving up costs for American businesses and consumers, creating significant uncertainty and confusion for importers, and alienating our allies,” the Senators wrote. “The reliance on Section 232 to pursue tariffs on everything from cars to household appliances and kitchen cabinets stretches the limited authority delegated by Congress.” The Senators called out the lack of public consultation, as well as the failure to publish the required reports to justify the tariffs: “Further, the Commerce Department has run an opaque, unaccountable process, making decisions behind closed doors, with no justification and with limited opportunity for the American public to weigh in on the tariffs they will have to pay.” In addition to Senators Welch and Wyden, the letter was signed by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/in-response-to-president-trumps-overreach-welch-supports-blumenthals-push-to-reform-the-insurrection-act/ | In Response to President Trump’s Overreach, Welch Supports Blumenthal’s Push to Reform the Insurrection Act | 2025-10-22 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Senate Republicans block resolution to prohibit Trump Administration from weaponizing U.S. military against American citizens WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spoke in support of legislation led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to reform and right-size the Insurrection Act, an emergency, near-wartime authority measure President Trump has expressed interest in invoking in order to use the U.S. military to harass American citizens attending peaceful protests. In his remarks, Senator Welch demanded reforms to limit current and future administrations from abusing the Insurrection Act and deploying U.S. troops to police Americans exercising their right to free speech. The resolution was blocked by Senate Republicans. The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would reform centuries-old legislation that gives the President broad and vague authority to deploy troops—either with or without the request of a state—to suppress “any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy.” No President has invoked the Insurrection Act to activate troops without the invitation of a governor in over 50 years, given the potential for the military to escalate tensions, rather than restore order, during a domestic crisis. “Essentially, this President—from day one—has been overreaching the use of executive authority and declarations of emergencies. And it’s everything from tariffs—where Article I gives Congress the authority to pass those or invoke those, not the President—and now to the use of the National Guard as a private police force that basically serves the will of the President and for political purposes. It is extraordinary, in our country, to have the National Guard deployed. It is even more extraordinary to have the military deployed. There are circumstances where that can be done, but not at the whim of an Executive who does it for political reasons,” said Senator Welch. “The importance of the Senator’s bill is that this Congress act to set definitions on what so-called ‘emergencies’ ar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-budd-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-foreign-robocalls-advances-in-commerce-committee/ | Welch, Budd Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Foreign Robocalls Advances in Commerce Committee | 2025-10-21 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) today celebrated the advancement of their bipartisan Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, legislation that would bring together government and private sector experts to find additional means of eliminating unlawful robocalls placed into the U.S. from abroad. The Senators’ bill is the first piece of legislation related to robocalls to be advanced by the Senate Commerce Committee since 2020. “Vermonters receive nearly 3.5 million robocalls every month. And it’s not only our state—folks in red and blue states alike are sick and tired of picking up the phone and wondering if they’re talking to a friend or being scammed. As foreign robocallers step up their efforts to exploit and prey on vulnerable people, we need to do more to combat this unlawful practice and protect Americans from scams,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the support of the Commerce Committee on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to bringing this bill to the Senate floor.” “Every single month, millions of Americans are targeted by billions of scam calls attempting to rob them of their security, privacy, and hard-earned dollars, including many from foreign criminals. This needs to stop. Today, my colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee voted to advance the common-sense legislation I co-authored with Senator Welch to put an end to nefarious foreign scams deceiving the American people. I hope my Senate colleagues will join us and quickly act to pass the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act into law to help put a stop to this exploitation,” said Senator Budd. According to recent studies, nearly 50 million U.S. adults have reported losing money to an online scam or attack. Additionally, most U.S. adults report receiving scam messages daily or weekly via phone (68%) or text (61%), and 41% of U.S. adults (106 million) say a scam email, text, or call led them to give away personal information. Online scams are also a major threat to national security. Last year alone… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-wyden-cortez-masto-introduce-bill-to-block-republicans-big-pharma-bailout-protect-access-to-life-saving-prescription-drugs/ | Welch, Wyden, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Block Republicans’ Big Pharma Bailout, Protect Access to Life-Saving Prescription Drugs | 2025-10-21 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.—Finance Committee members Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), alongside Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today introduced the No Big Blockbuster Bailouts Act (NOBBBA), a bill to reverse Republicans’ policies in the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ that block Medicare from negotiating the price of blockbuster drugs. The NOBBBA will ensure seniors, people with disabilities on Medicare, and families can access the lower-priced prescriptions they need. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found this week that the Republican tax and spending bill’s exemption and delay of Medicare drug price negotiation on certain drugs provided a staggering $8.8 billion bailout to Big Pharma—nearly double the original estimate. This exclusion included several blockbuster cancer and rare disease drugs, including Keytruda (Merck), Opdivo (Bristol-Myers Squibb), and Darzalex (Johnson & Johnson). As a result of Republicans’ tax bill, seniors with cancer and people with disabilities will be forced to pay higher out-of-pocket costs on drugs while Big Pharma profits. “Republicans are forcing seniors with cancer to pay more for the prescription drugs they need and foot the bill for Big Pharma’s massive $8.8 billion bailout. It’s beyond outrageous,” said Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee and champion of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug negotiation provisions. “Our commonsense bill blocks the Trump Administration’s bailout, lowers costs for seniors and families, and protects the hard-fought ability for Medicare to negotiate drug prices.” “Republicans can’t stop giving sweetheart deals to Big Pharma. While Trump continues to trot out Big Pharma executives at the White House, Republicans in Congress have been busy making sure these corporations get bailed out while Americans continue to pay more for their prescriptions. This legislation is a no-brainer to correct this Trojan Horse effort to undermine Medicare negotiation,” said S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/senator-welch-tours-drought-impacted-farm-in-orwell-discusses-path-to-disaster-aid/ | Senator Welch Tours Drought-Impacted Farm in Orwell, Discusses Path to Disaster Aid | 2025-10-17 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | ORWELL, VT — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined Vermont farmers, state officials, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) at Lazy Dog Farm in Orwell to hear from farmers impacted by one of Vermont’s harshest droughts. Senator Welch heard from farmers about how the historic drought has impacted soil, crop yields, farmers’ livelihoods, and efforts to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather. As the growing season in Vermont ends, farms across the state are facing the driest August on record, with nearly 94% of the state experiencing a severe drought. The most recent National Integrated Drought Information System map shows almost 24% of Vermont is experiencing extreme drought, and nearly 70% of the state is experiencing severe drought. “No one works harder than our farmers, and their work is made more challenging as a result of extreme weather. After this brutal drought, farms like Lazy Dog are finding new solutions to keep farming day in and day out. Vermont farmers should be able to depend on the federal government to lend a hand when extreme weather hits, and while a disaster declaration from USDA won’t solve all of farmers’ problems, it will go a long way toward helping them recover,” said Senator Welch. “I’ll keep pushing for vital disaster aid to repair lives and livelihoods in Orwell and across Vermont.” View photos from the tour below: Senator Welch recently joined the Vermont Congressional Delegation in calling on the Trump Administration to help drought-impacted Vermont farmers access urgently-needed disaster assistance. The Delegation recently called on USDA to issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation for the entire State of Vermont due to the mounting impacts of the pervasive and severe drought that has struck the state in recent weeks. The disaster declaration would help farmers across the state access much-needed emergency programs and financial support. The Delega… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/tomorrow-welch-to-tour-drought-impacted-farm-in-orwell-discuss-path-to-disaster-aid/ | TODAY: Welch to Tour Drought-Impacted Farm in Orwell, Discuss Path to Disaster Aid | 2025-10-17 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | ORWELL, VT — On Friday, October 17th at 11:00 AM, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, will join Addison County farmers and legislators at Lazy Dog Farm in Orwell for a drought-impact tour to hear from farmers navigating an organic dairy farm through one of Vermont’s harshest droughts. Senator Welch will hear from farmers about how the historic drought has impacted soil, crop yields, farmers’ livelihoods, and efforts to mitigate the impact of extreme weather. As the growing season in Vermont ends, farmers across the state are facing the impact of the driest August on record, with nearly 94% of the state experiencing a severe drought. The most recent National Integrated Drought Information System map declared that almost 24% of Vermont meets the D3 (Extreme Drought) intensity value, and nearly 70% of the state is experiencing D2 (Severe Drought) intensity value. Senator Welch recently joined fellow Vermont Congressional Delegation colleagues, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large), in calling on the Trump Administration to help drought-impacted Vermont farmers access urgently-needed disaster assistance. The Delegation called on USDA to issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation for the entire State of Vermont due to the mounting impacts of the pervasive and severe drought that has struck the state in recent weeks. WHAT: Senator Welch Joins Addison County farmers and leaders to tour drought impacted farm and discuss path to disaster aid. WHO: Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.); Drought-Impacted Farmers, Legislators and Policymakers; Champlain Valley Watershed Alliance. WHEN: Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM WHERE: Farm Stand at Lazy Dog Farm, 152 Royce Hill Road, Orwell, VT 05760 RSVP: Media are kindly asked to RSVP to Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-republicans-to-help-democrats-rescue-american-families-and-extend-aca-tax-credits-there-is-absolutely-no-excuse-for-us-to-delay-this-is-the-urgency-of-now/ | Welch Calls on Republicans to Help Democrats Rescue American Families and Extend ACA Tax Credits: “There is absolutely no excuse for us to delay—this is the urgency of now.” | 2025-10-16 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Typical family of four in Vermont making $130,000 will face a $22,000 spike in annual health care premiums if Republicans refuse to extend ACA subsidies WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, called on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate in good faith with Democrats to reopen the government and rescue hardworking Americans who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to afford their health care. In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized the urgency of extending the ACA subsidies, which help nearly 27,000 low- and moderate-income Vermonters access health coverage through the ACA marketplace. “The question I have is: why don’t we, all of us—Republicans and Democrats—who care deeply about the people we represent really come to their rescue by acting, and acting now? There is absolutely no excuse for us to delay. This is the urgency of now. And I stand before you, Mr. President, knowing that right now, in my state of Vermont—from Bennington to Derby Line, from Brattleboro to Swanton—people are going to their mailbox and fainting as they get the news of these rate shocks,” said Senator Welch. “It’s not right. But, most importantly for us, it’s not necessary, because we—the United States Senate—have the power to act and to be fair to the folks who are working hard in all of our states, and are entitled to have some confidence that the health care that they have this year they’ll continue to be able to afford next year.” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: If Republicans refuse to work with Democrats and extend these discounted premiums, the tax credits will expire on December 31, 2025, resulting in rate increases and pushing affordable health care out of reach for millions of Americans. Read key excerpts from Senator Welch’s remarks: “We’re going into day 15 of the shutdown. No one likes shutdowns…I don’t like shutdowns. But some things are worth fighting for. Some things we must fight for, and one of the things that is m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-usda-to-help-drought-impacted-vermont-farmers-access-disaster-assistance/ | Welch Urges USDA to Help Drought-Impacted Vermont Farmers Access Disaster Assistance | 2025-10-16 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, called on the Trump Administration to help drought-impacted Vermont farmers access urgently-needed disaster assistance. The Senator requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation for the entire State of Vermont due to the mounting impacts of the pervasive and severe drought that has struck the state in recent weeks. The disaster declaration would help farmers across the state access much-needed emergency programs and financial support. The letter comes after Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture asked USDA to approve a Secretarial Disaster Designation for every county in Vermont to help drought-impacted farmers access vital recovery resources. The letter was also signed by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large). “Vermont’s dairy farmers rely on high-quality, home-grown corn and hay silage to feed their cows and maintain production through the long winter. This year’s drought has dramatically reduced both the yield and quality of silage crops. Farmers typically harvest three to four high-quality cuts of hay each summer, but this year, many saw only one high-quality cut, with the second of low quality and the third cut non-existent. Hard-hit areas could see corn yield reductions of more than 40%. These losses will have lasting effects for dairy farmers: their grain bills will go up this winter while their milk production will be down long after this drought ends,” wrote the lawmakers. “Fruit, vegetable, grape, and grain growers are equally distressed. As visitors from across the globe flock to Vermont during foliage season, orchards across the state are producing the lowest fruit yields in memory. Some farmers have had to haul water onto their farms for more than 12 weeks.” As the growing season in Vermont ends, farmers across the state are facing the impact of the driest Au… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-vows-to-protect-health-care-for-all-americans-what-were-fighting-for-is-health-care-regardless-of-who-you-voted-for/ | Welch Vows to Protect Health Care for All Americans: “What we’re fighting for is health care, regardless of who you voted for.” | 2025-10-16 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) on Day 16 of the Republicans’ government shutdown to discuss how spikes in health care premiums will hurt working families across the country. Senator Welch vowed to protect affordable, accessible health care for every American, regardless of their zip code. “By the way, what’s so astonishing about this? Trump has been picking on blue states—wanting to inflict pain on blue states—this affects folks who voted for him. I mean, these premiums don’t go to Republicans and Democrats—they go to families, they go to teachers. And everyone is going to get hammered on this,” said Senator Welch. “What we’re fighting for is health care, regardless of who you voted for.” Watch Senator Sanders’ livestream below: Senator Welch’s office will remain open throughout the shutdown to help Vermonters. Resources can be found on the Senator’s website or by calling 802-863-2525. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-wyden-finance-committee-democrats-in-urging-crapo-to-investigate-rfk-jr-on-anti-vaccine-actions-conflicts-of-interests/ | Welch Joins Wyden, Finance Committee Democrats in Urging Crapo to Investigate RFK Jr. on Anti-Vaccine Actions, Conflicts of Interests | 2025-10-14 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, recently joined Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and four Senate Finance Committee Democrats in urging Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to launch a fact-based, bipartisan investigation into Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his repeated anti-vaccine actions and conflicts of interest. FDA’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has long been considered the nation’s premier voice on vaccine recommendations. Despite pledging in his confirmation hearing to respect ACIP’s independence, Secretary Kennedy fired all 17 ACIP members in June and replaced them with vaccine deniers whose recent actions threaten to put vaccines out of reach for American children and families. Secretary Kennedy also upended ACIP’s regular working process, and these actions are already denying access to Americans who want the COVID-19 vaccine. In the letter to Crapo, the Senators underscored: “Secretary Kennedy’s actions put the health and safety of the American people at risk, and Congress must get to the bottom of how he is making decisions related to vaccines and whether his testimony to our Committee aligns with the facts and evidence. We strongly urge the Committee to carry out a bipartisan investigation into Kennedy’s actions and conflicts of interest. Given the severity of these matters and their bearing on the health and safety of children and families, this investigation should be prioritized by the Majority and begin without delay.” Senate Finance Committee Democrats have been demanding consistent, accurate information regarding Secretary Kennedy’s priorities for U.S. health care since before he was sworn in as HHS Secretary. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined Sens. Welch and Wyden on the letter. Secretary Kennedy’s actions could cause vaccine manufacturers to exit the market, raise prices, and redu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-the-ndaa-2/ | Welch Statement on the NDAA | 2025-10-10 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “The use of our brave troops by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for political theater—militarizing American cities against the wishes of citizens and governors, declaring wars without congressional authorization, parading around generals for a campaign rally—is a nightmare our founders would not have tolerated. “My Republican colleagues voted down amendment after amendment that would have protected the military from these abuses by President Trump—including amendments to limit the President’s ability to use the National Guard for police work and requiring the consent of elected state governors before deploying in American cities. They even rejected a commonsense amendment to stop the Defense Department from spending hundreds of millions on President Trump’s vanity project to refurbish the 747 jet “gifted” by Qatar—at the same time that he is gutting veterans’ care. “That’s why I voted against this Republican business-as-usual defense authorization bill. “While I will continue to stand up for American democracy and fight inefficient giveaways to defense contractors, I still worked to make sure this year’s NDAA included provisions that reflect American values and the priorities of Vermonters. I also made sure it included new provisions to take care of our troops—the Vermonters and Americans from every state that have dedicated their lives to our defense. This NDAA misses the mark, but I am grateful for our troops and veterans—including those targeted by the anti-LGBTQI+ and anti-DEI provisions in this bill.” The Senate’s FY 2026 NDAA included policies led and championed by Sen. Welch, including: Elimination of Burn Pits: The bill included Senator Welch’s bipartisan WIPE Act, which would finally eliminate open-air burn pits and push the Defense Department to use safer and more efficient incineration systems for waste disposal when our troops… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-republicans-to-work-with-democrats-to-protect-health-care-access/ | Welch Urges Republicans to Work with Democrats to Protect Health Care Access | 2025-10-09 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Vermont Congressional Delegation hosted a virtual conversation about the shutdown with Vermonters WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) for a discussion about the Republican shutdown and challenges facing working-class families. Senator Welch urged Republicans to end the government shutdown and join Senate Democrats in protecting the rule of law and Americans’ right to affordable, accessible health care. “There has been an abdication of accepting a responsibility here—Senate Republican colleagues have to act like an independent branch of government. You know, these cuts, they’re going to hurt folks who voted for Trump. They’re going to hurt folks who didn’t vote for him. This is all about suffering that’s going to be inflicted on families, regardless of what their political orientation is,” said Senator Welch. “And I talk to my Republican colleagues…They get it. All these premiums that you’re talking about—they’re going to inflict the families they represent.” “But they need a permission slip from the President. And that’s the lament I have, because we’re talking about trying to protect families, not trying to get some political edge. It’s really astonishing.” Watch Senator Sanders’ livestream below: Senator Welch also joined fellow Vermont Congressional Delegation members Sen. Sanders and Rep. Becca Balint (VT-At Large) in hosting a statewide virtual conversation to discuss the challenges facing Vermonters and the government shutdown. “This is about us trying to recognize that everyday families need health care, and they’re going to lose it. There’s an urgency to doing it now, because…if we don’t act—and we’re the only ones who can right now—then Vermonters are going to lose health care. And again, whether they voted for Trump or they voted for Harris, their family is entitled to have affordable … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-demands-answers-from-attorney-general-bondi-about-trump-administrations-request-for-sensitive-vermont-voter-data/ | Welch Demands Answers from Attorney General Bondi About Trump Administration’s Request for Sensitive Vermont Voter Data | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Sen. Welch: “There is a point of view that is in dispute here about the fairness of elections. But you have the power as the U.S. Attorney General to use the authority of your office to make demands on states, and you did that with Vermont. That’s within your right to do it. I’m not disputing your legal authority to do it.” Bondi: “Is Vermont disputing turning over the information to our office?” Sen. Welch: “Vermont is—the Secretary of State is—and you can resolve that with her.” Bondi: “And we have every right to have that information, Senator. Why wouldn’t they want to turn it in?” Sen. Welch: “You’re a prosecutor with the awesome authority to make the decision that you’re going to start an investigation against a state, or against an individual. And I know from your experience as a county prosecutor and as the Attorney General in Florida, you took seriously that obligation to have a factual basis before you’d proceed, right?” Bondi: “Senator, I take that role, I take my oath very seriously. And I take fair and free elections in this country very seriously.” Sen. Welch: “We all do.” Bondi: “And that information—our office is entitled to have that information. And we are involved in litigation on that, and I assume we’ll be involved in litigation with Vermont.” Sen. Welch: “What I’m asking is: do you or does your head of this voting section have any factual basis that you can point to that justifies your demand that Vermont turn over all of this confidential voting rights information?” Bondi: “Well, it would remain confidential with my office…We’ve asked that of every state, Senator.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-israel-hamas-peace-agreement/ | Welch Statement on Israel-Hamas Peace Agreement | 2025-10-08 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released a statement following the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a plan to end the war: “I am deeply relieved that a peace agreement has been reached to stop the bombing and end the immense loss of innocent life that has plagued Israel and Gaza since October 7, 2023. For the first time in over two years, people in Gaza—facing daily bombardment, famine, living in tents, and displaced from their homes—can sleep soundly with the assurance that they will wake up in the morning, free from any further violence. Now, desperately-needed food and medicine must immediately begin flowing to the people of Gaza. “I’m also immensely gratified that this peace agreement means Israeli families will at long-last be reunited with their loved ones, who have been so cruelly held hostage by brutal Hamas. I hope it will also bring some peace to those whose loved ones have died at the hands of Hamas’ brutality in captivity. “I’m grateful for President Trump’s diplomatic efforts, along with peacebrokers in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, for their efforts to bring peace to this traumatized region.” The agreement was approved following months of negotiation, and more than two years after the start of the conflict, which has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza—more than two million Palestinians. The conflict has injured over 170,000 and killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza—roughly 11% of the country’s population—and led to widespread hunger, starvation, and mass destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and mosques. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/ahead-of-hearing-with-attorney-general-welch-demands-answers-on-politicization-of-civil-rights-division-hiring-practices/ | Ahead of Hearing with Attorney General, Welch Demands Answers on Politicization of Civil Rights Division; Hiring Practices | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of today’s oversight hearing with Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, called for answers on the weaponization of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Senator Welch’s letter was sent to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who has led the Civil Rights Division since April 2025 and reports directly to the Attorney General. Instead of enforcing longstanding laws that prohibit discrimination, Assistant AG Dhillon has directed the sections of the Civil Rights Division to pursue President Trump’s policy and political goals. The Senator specifically called out several actions and new policy directives Ms. Dillon has issued to the Division. “Soon after being confirmed to lead the Division, you issued new policy directives to the Division’s sections instructing staff to ‘zealous[ly] and faithful[ly]’ pursue President Trump’s objectives by prioritizing the enforcement of the President’s Executive Orders and reinterpreting long-standing statutes to achieve political goals,” wrote Senator Welch. “In response, the Division has dropped a series of long running civil rights cases, including a decades-old consent decree that enforced desegregation of a Louisiana school, several voting rights cases addressing racial discrimination, and a case alleging child sexual abuse by a housing provider for unaccompanied migrant children.” The Senator then turned to how the hiring process has been politicized, raising concerns about the decimation of career staff at the Department and highlighting instances in which political considerations may have influenced hiring decisions. He demanded answers about hiring practices at the Civil Rights Division, including whether the Division is following Inspector General recommendations regarding hiring and who is overseeing the hiring process at the Division. Senator Welch requested answers to the following questions by O… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/on-second-anniversary-of-hamas-attack-on-israel-welch-files-resolution-condemning-antisemitic-hatred/ | On Second Anniversary of Hamas’ Attack on Israel, Welch Files Resolution Condemning Antisemitic Hatred | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the second anniversary of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) filed a Senate Resolution condemning antisemitic hatred. In his resolution, Senator Welch condemned Hamas for its violent terrorist attacks on Israel and denounced antisemitic attacks and hateful language in America. The resolution also urges elected officials and community leaders to speak out against antisemitism and reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to protecting the rights of all Americans to peacefully assemble and practice their faith without fear of violence. “We must acknowledge how catastrophic the October 7th attack was to the people of Israel and to the Jewish community around the world. That pain, and the fear caused by these terror attacks, must be acknowledged by every one of us. I urge the Senate to pass this resolution condemning antisemitism and reaffirming Congress’s commitment to protect the right of all Americans to practice their faith in peace and safety,” said Senator Welch. According to the American Jewish Committee, 77% of American Jews reported feeling less safe as a Jewish person following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, and 90% of American Jews believe that antisemitism in America has increased since the attack. The Senator’s resolution denounces threats of violence and prejudice linked to antisemitic hatred in the United States, Israel, and around the world, and states clearly that no individual should be subjected to violence or intimidation because of their religion, heritage, or peaceful advocacy. Earlier today, Senator Welch released the following statement on the second anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel: “We will never forget the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Almost 1,200 people, including 43 Americans, lost their lives that day and 250 people were taken hostage. It was the most violent attack against the Jewish people since the holocaust. We remember the terror inflicted on Israeli citizens that day and honor the l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-grills-attorney-general-on-dismissal-of-trump-border-czar-investigation/ | Welch Grills Attorney General on Dismissal of Trump Border Czar Investigation | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Sen. Welch: “I do want to go back to [Tom] Homan. There’s a tape, right, with Mr. Homan? I mean, first of all: is there a tape that has audio and video of the transfer of the $50,000?” Bondi: “You would have to talk to Director Patel about that.” Sen. Welch: “No, I’m talking to you.” Bondi: “I don’t know the answer, Senator.” Sen. Welch: “You do know the answer to that.” Bondi: “Don’t call me liar!” Sen. Welch: “I didn’t call you a liar.” Bondi: “You just said I know the answer. I said I don’t know the answer. You have to talk to Director Patel. What I said is that investigation was closed.” Sen. Welch: “Let me put it another way. If you don’t know, why don’t you know whether there was a tape and video?” Bondi: “Senator, I believe that was resolved prior to my confirmation as Attorney General.” Sen. Welch: “Do you think it is of public interest for the people to know what happened to the $50,000 that the FBI turned over to Homan?” Bondi: “Did you hear what I just said? That was resolved prior to my confirmation as Attorney General. That’s why I said I would not go.” Sen. Welch: “It’s not resolved. There’s $50,000—Homan has it, or somebody has it. Do you have no interest in knowing where it is?” Bondi: “You’re not going to sit here and slander Tom Homan. The FBI and Deputy Director Blanche said there was nothing—” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-second-anniversary-of-hamas-attack-on-israel/ | Welch Statement on Second Anniversary of Hamas’ Attack on Israel | 2025-10-07 | 2025 | 2025-10 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement on the second anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel: “We will never forget the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Almost 1,200 people, including 43 Americans, lost their lives that day and 250 people were taken hostage. It was the most violent attack against the Jewish people since the holocaust. We remember the terror inflicted on Israeli citizens that day and honor the lives and memories of the victims of Hamas’ evil acts—many of whom were children and young people, women, and the elderly. We also remember their families and loved ones, who have endured unimaginable pain since that day. In America and around the world, we must stand against hate and antisemitism today, and always. “This horrific conflict must end. Hamas must return the remaining hostages, and humanitarian aid must be surged into Gaza. On the solemn anniversary of this tragic day, we should all recommit to peace and justice for all the people of the Middle East.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z |
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