Press releases
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469 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "VT" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/123118bipartisandemlegstmt | Statement Of Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On House Democrats Introducing Legislation To Reopen the Government | 2018-12-31 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.31.18 Statement Of Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On House Democrats Introducing Legislation To Reopen the Government There is one reason and one reason only that much of our federal government is shut down through the holidays and countless Americans are living with uncertainty and that reason is President Trump. For 10 days he has held the federal government hostage in an attempt to force us to pay for an ineffective and expensive wall on the southern border, a wall he promised that Mexico would pay for. It will not work. He does not have the votes. Today, House Democrats introduced a commonsense path forward to end the Trump Shutdown: six bipartisan appropriations bills and a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security. Following this path, we can finish six of the seven appropriations bills this week and get the government back open and working for the American people. The six bills are the product of bipartisan compromise and provide billions of dollars in new resources to address critical needs of the American people and to protect U.S. national security. They provide much-needed funding to help combat our nation's opioid epidemic, and critical investments in infrastructure to help rebuild our nation's crumbling roads, bridges, and highways. They provide resources to protect the environment and help ensure that the water we drink and the air we breathe is safe and clean for this generation and the next. And they support key allies and national security programs that enable the United States to be a global leader. For 10 days this funding has been held hostage by the President. Which of this funding would he have cut to pay for his wall? The reality is, while the President has spent days hiding away in the White House and demanding via tweets billions from U.S. taxpayers to build his misguided wall, he has completely cut off funding for the very Department tasked with securing our border, as well as eight other federal departments and dozens of agenci… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122218trumpshutdown | Statement of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On The Trump Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.18 Statement of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick LeahyOn The Trump Shutdown Today nine of our 15 federal departments, and several dozen agencies have shuttered their doors, denying vital services to millions of American citizens. Since midnight last night, and just a few days before Christmas, more than 800,000 public servants and their families have been told not to expect their next paycheck for the foreseeable future. There is one reason and one reason only that our federal government has shut down today and countless Americans are living with uncertainty and that reason is President Donald J. Trump. The President is holding the federal government hostage for $5 billion of American taxpayer dollars for his unnecessary, ineffective, and expensive wall on the southern bordera wall he repeatedly promised the American taxpayers Mexico would pay for. The President's irresponsible behavior is astounding. His job, like ours, is to keep the federal government operating for the hundreds of millions of Americans who depend on government services every day, from our national parks, to housing services for the elderly, disabled, and our veterans, and for assistance for our nation's farmers. Just two days ago, the President patted himself on the back for signing the Farm bill, and today he has precipitated a shutdown that shuttered the doors to USDA field offices that farmers rely on to understand this new law. The worst part of this situation is that it was completely avoidable. We have provided the President with several options to avoid this result. We offered to pass six full-year appropriations bills, and a Continuing Resolution for Homeland, or a Continuing Resolution for all the remaining bills. Either of these options would have kept the government open, and provided more than a billions dollars for border security, the very thing the President says he cares most about. After rejecting both of these offers, the Senate passed by voice vote a seven-week continuing resol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122118guatemalajusticeflrspch | Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Another Setback For Justice In Guatemala | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.18 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Another Setback For Justice In Guatemala Mr. President, like many Members of Congress who have long supported efforts to help build an independent judiciary and reduce public corruption and impunity in Guatemala, I have observed a pattern of alarming actions by President Morales' administration and his allies in Guatemala's Congress to thwart these efforts. In the latest development, earlier this week the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew the diplomatic immunity of 11 investigators and other personnel of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), and ordered them to leave the country. This followed an announcement by the Minister of Interior of the removal of another 15 high-ranking police officials from their posts. Over the years, the United States has invested many tens of millions of dollars to support the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, and CICIG. These actions by the Morales' administration directly undermine those investments and indicate that it cannot be trusted to keep its word, and is not serious about upholding the rule of law. Working jointly with the Attorney General's Office, CICIG has investigated cases of public corruption and other serious crimes. It has helped to strengthen the investigative capabilities of the Attorney General's Office and the police, and promoted key criminal justice reforms. For this reason CICIG, its commissioner, and the former Attorney General have been the target of acts of intimidation and a smear campaign orchestrated by the Morales' administration and its allies in the military and the media. These actions by the government threaten CICIG's independence and its ability to function effectively. According to information I have received, the professionals whose diplomatic immunity and visas were revoked include investigators and lawyers involved in some of the most sensitive cases related to alleged corruption and illicit campaign financing by top governme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122118secondchancesigning | Portman, Leahy Hail President's Signing Of Their Second Chance Act Into Law As Part Of Historic Criminal Justice Reform Package | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.18 Portman, Leahy Hail President's Signing Of Their Second Chance Act Into Law As Part Of Historic Criminal Justice Reform Package U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that their bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act was signed into law Friday by President Trump as part of the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reform America's criminal justice system The legislation passed the Senate earlier this week by a margin of 87 to 12. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act reauthorizes and strengthens the Second Chance Act, a bipartisan law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Then-Congressman Portman originally authored the Second Chance Act with the late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones in 2005, and it was later signed into law in 2008.Since 2009, more than 850 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofit organizations from 49 states for reentry programs serving adults and juveniles. As of June 2018, more than 164,000 individuals have participated in these programs.In total, Ohio has received more than $39 million in Second Chance Act grants since 2009, which includes funds to assist Ohioans re-entering the community with services such as job training, drug rehabilitation, case management and mental health treatment. Portman said: Renewing and strengthening the Second Chance Act is critical to our efforts to stop the revolving door of incarceration and help former inmates live up to their God-given potential, and I'm pleased the president signed it into law today. The Second Chance Act helps people be able to create their own future rather than be held back by the mistakes of their past. It has already changed thousands of lives in Ohio and across the country by helping ex-offenders turn their life around and become a productive members of society. The president's action today will make our communities safer while also saving taxpayer dollars. Leahy said: This is a welcome glimme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122118sudanesediplomat | Menendez, Leahy Call for Expulsion Of Top Sudanese Diplomat | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.18 Menendez, Leahy Call for Expulsion Of Top Sudanese Diplomat Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, yesterday sent a letter to President Trump calling for the expulsion and potential sanctioning of the Charge D'Affaires at the Embassy of Sudan in Washington. Citing Mohamed Atta al-Moula's former role as the head of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), the Senators refer to a well-documented pattern of gross human rights violations attributed to the NISS during Mr. Atta's tenure, including the killing of as many as 185 protesters in Khartoum in 2013. Allowing Mr. Atta to serve as a diplomat in the United States is an affront to our values and our national interests. We urge you to address this situation immediately, wrote the Senators. We urge you to immediately withdraw Mr. Atta's U.S. visa, require his departure from the United States, and make a determination as to whether Mr. Atta is subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. A copy of the letter can be found HERE. Dear Mr. President: We write to express our strong objection to your acceptance of Mr. Mohamed Atta al-Moula as Charge D'Affaires at the Embassy of Sudan in Washington in light of Mr. Atta's role as the head of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). We urge you to immediately withdraw Mr. Atta's U.S. visa, require his departure from the United States, and make a determination as to whether Mr. Atta is subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (P.L. 114-328). A pattern of gross human rights violations attributed to the NISS is detailed in the State Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and documented by human rights groups. For example, according to Amnesty International, police and NISS forces were responsible for killing as many as 185 protes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122018crpassagestmt | Statement of Senate Appropriations Vice Chairman Leahy On Passage Of The Third Continuing Resolution | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Statement of Senate Appropriations Vice Chairman Leahy On Passage Of The Third Continuing Resolution Today we will pass a third Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating through February 8th. I support this CR because a government shutdown is never good for our country - in fact it is a terrible idea - but this whole process has been a missed opportunity. For six of the seven appropriations bills covered under today's CR, we have a clear path forward. These bills Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, Interior, Financial Services, Transportation-Housing and Urban Development, and the State-Foreign Operations bill could be done by close of business today if there was the will. They are largely finished, are the product of bipartisan compromise, and provide the funds necessary to address critical needs of the American people and to protect U.S. national security. Unfortunately, the President held them hostage for $5 billion to try to wall off our southern border a wall he promised American taxpayers that Mexico would pay for. What will be lost because of the President's intransigence? These six bills provide much-needed funding to help combat our nation's opioid epidemic, and critical investments in infrastructure to help rebuild our nation's crumbling roads, bridges, and highways. They provide resources to protect the environment and help ensure that the water we drink and the air we breathe is safe and clean for this generation and the next. They provide important assistance for our nation's farmers and rural communities who have been particularly hurt this year by the President's trade policies. And they support key allies and national security programs that are what enable the United States to be a global leader a role that is being increasingly challenged by China and Russia. Unfortunately, this much-needed assistance is put on hold because the President held out for $5 billion for his wall, at the exorbitant cost of $31 million per mile straight from the Americ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122018mattisresignation | Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Resignation Of Defense Secretary Mattis | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Resignation Of Defense Secretary Mattis I am very disappointed and concernedthat the Department of Defense will lose the exceptional leadership of Secretary Mattis. He has been an outstanding leader thereat a time when his steady hand and decades of experience were sorely needed. He and I and most Americans share the belief that the United States is stronger when we work with our allies and partners to defend an international order that protects our security and upholds our commitment to peace and respect for human rights. I deeply regret that his advice has often summarily been rejected by the President, and that he therefore felt he had no choice but to resign. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122018snaprequirements | Reaction Of Senator Leahy To USDA's Proposed Rule On Work Requirements For SNAP Recipients | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Reaction Of Senator Leahy To USDA's Proposed Rule On Work Requirements For SNAP Recipients Today, on the very same day the President is signing a Farm Bill that was approved in both the House and the Senate with strong bipartisan support, USDA is proposing new rules that make an end-run around this brand new Farm Bill. This bad-faith rule change relates to work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to make it harder for states to request waivers based on local job conditions. These rules will do nothing to restore the dignity of work,' and instead are a direct challenge to the decisions made by Congress in the bipartisan Farm Bill. Conferees to the 2018 Farm Bill considered changes like the one the administration now seeks through rulemaking and rejected them in favor of workforce training programs that actually help Americans get and keep employment. We should be looking for ways to better help Americans move out of poverty, instead of pulling the rug out from under them. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/122018usafreedomletter | Senators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance PowersSenators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance Powers | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Senators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance PowersSenators Patrick Leahy And Mike Lee Press Intelligence And Justice Dept. Leaders On Surveillance Powers Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) Thursday asked the Director of National Intelligence and the Acting Attorney General to report on the government's implementation of surveillance authorities granted in the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015, which was authored by the two senators. The USA FREEDOM Act imposed substantial reforms on the government's foreign intelligence surveillance powers, including to a controversial telephone metadata program that allowed for the bulk collection of Americans' personal information. A number of these authorities are currently scheduled to expire in exactly one year from now, in December 2019. In their letter, Leahy and Lee ask the government to explain how recent changes in Supreme Court caselaw, and the National Security Agency's (NSA) report of a massive compliance problem earlier this year, have affected implementation of these powerful surveillance authorities. The senators also asked the officials to report how certain key statutory terms were being defined, and whether the government had asked the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to rule on any related novel legal issues. Leahy and Lee also asked the officials to provide certain information about the NSA's call detail record (CDR) program, which the government has not to date provided, despite a statutory obligation to do so. The senators wrote: As you know, the law requires a good faith estimate of' this information (emphasis added), which should be possible even with these technical limitations. Without this information, it is difficult for the American people, and Congress, to evaluate how broadly the CDR program may impact privacy and civil liberties. The full text of the senators' letter is below. A PDF copy is available here. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-36… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121918cubamlbagreement | Comment Of Senator Leahy On The Agreement Between Major League Baseball And The Cuban Baseball Federation | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.18 Comment Of Senator Leahy On The Agreement Between Major League Baseball And The Cuban Baseball Federation Baseball has always been a bridge between our two nations, facilitating people-to-people connections and larger agreements that have brought our countries closer together. One of the first breakthroughs in U.S.-Cuba relations was a baseball game that I attended in Havana in 1999 between the Baltimore Orioles and the Cuban national team. I vividly remember the crowd's enthusiasm for both the American and Cuban players, an enthusiasm that was reciprocated by American fans when they played in Baltimore. I welcome Major League Baseball's work in reaching this agreement to safely and easily allow Cuban players to play for American teams. This agreement will end top players' reliance on human traffickers and offer them a legal path to fulfilling their dreams of playing baseball in America, the baseball capital of the world. This is a welcome development for players and fans, and like countless other Americans I look forward to seeing world-class Cuban players compete in the United States. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121918firststeppassage | Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Sentencing Reform Pkg.; Leahy, A Leading Cosponsor, Helped Build Strong Bipartisan Consensus | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.18 Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Sentencing Reform Pkg.; Leahy, A Leading Cosponsor, Helped Build Strong Bipartisan Consensus Leahy, A Leading Cosponsor, Helped Build Momentum And Consensus For The Rare And Commonsense' Reforms Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) hails the Senate's strong bipartisan vote late Tuesday night on the First Step Act as a rare chance to reform the nation's prison and sentencing system to reduce recidivism, save tax dollars, and foster safe communities. The First Step Act is years in the making and Leahy, an original cosponsor of the bill, played a lead role in methodically forging over the past six years the bipartisan coalition that led to its passage. The bipartisan First Step Act uses evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to help inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence. It also reduces for low-level, nonviolent offenders certain mandatory minimum sentences intended for drug kingpins and high-level managers. The bill is one of the last acts of this Congress, which ends its current session this week. It was approved by a vote of 87-12 and now goes to the House for a final vote. President Trump has indicated he will sign it. Leahy helped launch this effort six years ago, as chairman of the Judiciary Committee, when he convened hearings and then secured bipartisan committee approval of the core pieces of legislation that form the basis of the First Step Act. Leahy also is the co-author, with Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act, which was included in the reform package. The Portman-Leahy legislation will reauthorize reentry services for ex-offenders. The package also includes another Leahy-cosponsored bill, the GRACE Act, that will improve the approval process for compassionate release of ailing or terminally ill inmates, which will also save taxpayer dollars. Leahy said: These reforms are modest but important ste… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121918secondchancepassage | Leahy And Portman Praise Senate Passage Of Their Second Chance Reauthorization Act, As Part Of Criminal Justice Reform Package | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.18 Leahy And Portman Praise Senate Passage Of Their Second Chance Reauthorization Act, As Part Of Criminal Justice Reform Package U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced that their bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act passed the Senate as part of the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reform America's criminal justice system. The reform package passed the Senate late Tuesday night in a strong bipartisan vote of 87 to 12. The House is expected to pass it by the end of this week, and President Trump is expected to sign it. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act reauthorizes and amends the Second Chance Act, a law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Then-Congressman Portman originally authored the Second Chance Act with the late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones in 2005, and it was later signed into law in 2008. Since 2009, more than 850 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofit organizations from 49 states for reentry programs serving adults and juveniles. As of June 2018, more than 164,000 individuals have participated in these programs. Leahy said: This strong bipartisan vote on the First Step Act brings us one step closer to achieving the most significant reforms to our criminal justice system in a decade. Including our Second Chance Reauthorization Act is an acknowledgement that criminal justice reform is not complete without a commitment to strengthening reentry services for ex-offenders. Almost every single offender in our justice system will one day be released. We owe it to them, their families, and the communities where they will live to help ensure that they can lead productive lives. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act will strengthen state and local grant programs to promote successful prisoner reentry and improve public safety while reducing Bureau of Prison costs and saving taxpayer dollars. Specifically, the legislation will: Continue targeted funding thr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121818firststepfloorspeech | Leahy On Senate Floor Urges Approval Of The First Step Act, As Senate Begins Debate On Historic Criminal Justice Reforms | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.18 Leahy On Senate Floor Urges Approval Of The First Step Act, As Senate Begins Debate On Historic Criminal Justice Reforms Today the Senate is considering perhaps the most significant bill to reform our criminal justice system in nearly a decade. The First Step Act takes modest but important steps to remedy some of the most troubling injustices within our sentencing laws and our prison system. It is my hope that this bill represents not just a single piece of legislation, but a turning point in how Congress views its role in advancing criminal justice. I have been working to bring fairness to our criminal justice system for decades. For far too long, the legislative response to any and all public safety concerns was as simple as it was flawed: No matter the perceived ill, we turned to arbitrary and inflexible mandatory minimums to cure it. That knee-jerk response, I believe, is changing. The era of mandatory minimum sentencing is coming to an end. Today there is growing recognition that one-size-fits-all sentencing is neither just nor effective. It routinely results in low level offenders spending far longer in prison than either public safety or common sense requires. And it comes at a steep human cost, especially in communities of color. It also comes at a steep fiscal cost that leaves us less safe. The United States houses more prisoners and has higher incarceration rates than any other country in the world. The cost of housing federal offenders consumes nearly one-third of the Justice Department's budget. Because public safety dollars are finite, this strips critical resources away from law enforcement strategies that have been proven to make our communities safer. By taking steps to responsibly reduce our prison population, we can both save money and reduce crime. That is a lesson states across the country have already learned: Prison rates and crime rates can fall together. It is past time for the federal criminal justice system to catch up. Five years ago, as Chairman of the Judiciar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121418asylumamicusrls | BREAKING: Leahy Leads Senators In Filing Amicus Brief As Part Of Litigation Against President Trump's Illegal Asylum Ban | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.18 BREAKING: Leahy Leads Senators In Filing Amicus Brief As Part Of Litigation Against President Trump's Illegal Asylum Ban On Thursday night, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) led Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) in filing an amicus brief as part of O.A. v. Trump, a lawsuit filed by six asylum seekers in the D.C. District Court challenging the legality of President Trump's Presidential Proclamation and rule effectively barring all asylum claims outside of ports of entry. The senators' core argument in their court filing is that President Trump's executive action contravenes unambiguously clear provisions in statute protecting the right of migrants to apply for asylum anywhere along U.S. borders. Leahy and the other senators describe how this was an unlawful attempt to override overwhelmingly bipartisan congressional intent reaffirmed repeatedly, over decades by executive fiat, and that it abandons the United States' historic role as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution in the face of humanitarian crises in the Northern Triangle of Central America. Senator Leahy said: President Trump's asylum ban is illegal on its face, plain and simple. President Trump cannot just undo clear provisions of the law with the stroke of his pen. That's not how our democracy works. Since the enactment of the Refugee Act of 1980 which I proudly voted for as a young senator Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed, in statute, its understanding that migrants have the right to apply for asylum anywhere along our borders. Preserving the right to file an application for asylum along our borders is a recognition of America's role indeed, America's identity as a haven for those fleeing the horrors of war, persecution, and gang violence. Our amicus brief is a clear and detailed reminder to President Trump that he cannot and will not erase our legacy and role as the humanitarian le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-welch-legislation-closing-drug-company-loophole | House Passes Welch Legislation Closing Drug Company Loophole | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, the House passed legislation introduced by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) that closes a loophole in the federal Medicaid program exploited by drug companies to minimize drug discounts required for participation in the program. Earlier this year, Rep. Welch, joined by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), introduced theMedicaid Drug Rebate Accountability Actafter a report by the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services revealed the loophole cost state and federal governments $1 billion between 2012-2016. For too long, drug companies have been ripping off the Medicaid program by misclassifying their products to limit required price discounts, said Welch. This commonsense legislation puts a stop to this unethical practice and ensures that all drugs covered by Medicaid are correctly classified. VIDEO: On House Floor, Welch Urges Colleagues to Close Billion Dollar Medicaid Loophole Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, drug manufacturers seeking to have their drugs covered by Medicaid must pay drug rebates to federal and state governments. The required rebates are higher for brand name drugs and lower for generic drugs. According to the Inspector General, hundreds of brand drugs in the rebate program are being intentionally mischaracterized by drug companies as generic. Under the Welch-Schrader legislation, if a drug company knowingly misclassifies a brand drug as generic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is authorized to asses a fine equal to a doubling of rebate amount due on that drug. The legislation also beefs up CMS and congressional oversight of the Medicaid drug rebate program. Welch is a leading advocate in the House of Representatives for cutting the price of prescription drugs and reforming the drug pricing system. He is a senior member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over the Medicaid program and the Affordable Care Act. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have introduced companion legis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318displacedvenezuelans | Menendez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation to Support Displaced Venezuelans | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 Menendez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation to Support Displaced Venezuelans Today, Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was joined by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in introducing the Venezuela Temporary Protected Status and Asylum Assistance Act of 2018. The bipartisan legislation seeks to grant Temporary Protected Status for eligible Venezuelans fleeing the dire conditions in their home and to provide support for migration systems in the countries surrounding Venezuela. The extraordinary depth of Venezuela's political, economic, and humanitarian crisis has forced millions of Venezuelans to flee their country, creating upheaval that is now being felt throughout the region, Menendez said.Providing Temporary Protected Status for eligible individuals and supporting migration systems in the region to assist Venezuelans who are prevented from returning safely to their country is the humanitarian and morally responsible thing to do. As Venezuelans continue to face serious threats to their safety and livelihood at the hands of Maduro's narcoterrorist tyranny, it is clear in-country conditions warrant granting temporary protected status to Venezuelan nationals residing in the U.S., Rubio said. Granting this protection will provide a temporary solution to many Venezuelans who fear returning to their homeland due to the ongoing crisis and extraordinarily difficult conditions. When I traveled to Venezuela earlier this year, I found a country on the edge, facing overlapping economic, humanitarian, and political crises. The Venezuelan government under President Maduro has taken a series of repressive and undemocratic actions, including the cowardly jailing of National Assembly member Juan Requesens, that threatens its own people and has isolated it from the world,Durbin said. Venezuela faces a crisis, and the United States has a responsibility to respond in a manner … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318jjrhyastatement | Leahy Statement On Passage Of The Juvenile Justice Reform Act And Short-Term Extension Of Runaway And Homeless Youth Programs | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 Leahy Statement On Passage Of The Juvenile Justice Reform Act And Short-Term Extension Of Runaway And Homeless Youth Programs I have long supported Juvenile Justice programs, and I have long supported Runaway and Homeless Youth programs. During the 20 years I served as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and in my current role as the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I have championed bipartisan reauthorizations and supported funding for these programs, overcoming the House of Representatives, which zeroes out Juvenile Justice programs in its appropriations bills year after year. These programs make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the children and teens they serve. The two programs are funded separately in separate appropriations subcommittees, and their reauthorizations have traditionally moved separately. I am pleased the Senate today passed the long-debated Juvenile Justice Reform Act. This legislation makes needed, comprehensive, and long overdue updates to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. It mandates research to study, identify and address disproportionate minority contact in the juvenile justice system, and separates young offenders from adult jails and prisons. It also reauthorizes funding for key juvenile justice programs. Funding for these vital programs is key to preventing youth from coming in contact with the juvenile justice system, and ensuring youth have the opportunity to get the help they need to avoid repeating the cycle. Reducing recidivism is not just the moral thing to do; it saves future state and federal dollars. The Grassley substitute amendment, which passed the Senate this evening, reauthorizes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act at a lower level than I support, and a lower level than is supported by the providers and advocates in the field who know firsthand what the actual needs are to help these youths. It also fails to make important programmatic improvements that Senator Collins and I have been working on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318secondchancerelease | Portman-Leahy SECOND CHANCE ACT Now Included In Crim. Justice Reform Pkg., Set For Senate Debate And Votes NEXT WEEK | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 Portman-Leahy SECOND CHANCE ACT Now Included In Crim. Justice Reform Pkg., Set For Senate Debate And Votes NEXT WEEK U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) announced that their bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act this week was incorporated into the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reform America's criminal justice system authored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The Second Chance Reauthorization Act reauthorizes and amends the Second Chance Act, a law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Then-Congressman Portman originally authored the Second Chance Act with the late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones in 2005, and it was later signed into law in 2008.Since 2009, more than 850 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofit organizations from 49 states for reentry programs serving adults and juveniles. As of June 2018, more than 164,000 individuals have participated in these programs.In total, Ohio has received more than $23 million in Second Chance Act grants since 2009, which includes funds to assist Ohioans re-entering the community with services such as job training, drug rehabilitation, case management and mental health treatment. I'm pleased that my legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Second Chance Act has been incorporated into the bipartisan criminal justice reform bill. This important law helps break the cycle of incarceration through drug treatment and job training programs, and it helps former inmates live up to their God-given potential. It also makes our communities safer and saves taxpayer dollars, Portman said. This law has changed thousands of lives in Ohio and across the country showing that the mistakes of our past should not define the potential for our future. I urge my colleagues to join … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318trumpshutdownfactcheck | From Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy: FACT CHECKING Pres. Trumps Manufactured Crisis Over Funding His Proposed Wall | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 From Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy: FACT CHECKING Pres. Trump's Manufactured Crisis Over Funding His Proposed Wall Fact Checking President Trump's Manufactured Crisis With illegal border crossings declining for years, and no true crisis to point to, President Trump has spun a manufactured crisis to justify his ineffective and costly border wall. The President has relatedly made false allegations about the volume of border crossings and the threat posed by these migrants who in many cases are fleeing violence. Below are just a few examples from the last week: #FALSE: President Trump's repeated claim that we have a crisis-level surge of illegal immigration at our southern border. #FACT:At the end of 2017, arrests of people attempting to illegally enter the U.S. dropped to the lowest level since 1971. Between 2000 & 2018, border apprehensions fell sharply from roughly 1.6 million in fiscal year 2000 to approximately 400,000 in fiscal year 2018 that's a 75 percent drop. #FALSE: Pres. Trump's claim that we recently captured 10 terrorists at the southern border over a very short period of time. #FACT: Approximately 10 people with suspected terrorist ties are prevented from traveling to the U.S. every day by air, sea, or land. That does NOT mean they're entering the southern border. And a wall along our southern border does not stop a potential terrorist from flying into an airport. #FACT:A staunchly conservative organization that advocates for restricting immigration, the Center for Immigration Studies, issued a report concluding only 15 suspected terrorists have been apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border SINCE 2001. #FALSE: President Trump's repeated claim that wall construction is under budget, and that additional funding for the wall is an urgent need. #FACT: Border fencing construction is not under budget. The largest stretch of fencing that Congress has funded, a 25 mile barrier in the Rio Grande Valley, has ballooned in cost, from … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121318yemenstatement | Leahy Floor Speech On The Senate Joint Resolution On Yemen | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 Leahy Floor Speech On The Senate Joint Resolution On Yemen Mr. President, today we will vote on Senate Joint Resolution 54, which would remove the U.S. armed forces from hostilities in or affecting the country of Yemen, except those forces engaged in operations directed at al Qaeda or associated forces, unless and until a declaration of war or specific authorization for such use of U.S. armed forces has been enacted. I want to commend my distinguished friend from Vermont, Senator Sanders, for the leadership and perseverance he has shown on this issue. He has rightly insisted that the Congress, which alone has the power to declare war, act in response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen. A catastrophe, we must acknowledge, that the United States shares responsibility for causing as a result of our support for the Saudi military, which is by any objective measure guilty of war crimes. It is long past time for us to say: enough. International outrage over this issue has been building steadily as the number of civilian casualties in Yemen one of the world's poorest countries has swollen into the thousands as a result of Saudi Arabia's intervention and ongoing aerial bombardment. We have all seen the photographs of the dead and dying; of children who are nothing but skin and bones. Some 85,000 children have starved to death. Another 13 million Yemeni civilians are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations. Of course, the Houthis and the Iranians who support them share the blame for the death and destruction in Yemen. But we are not supporting them. We are not sharing intelligence with them or providing targeting assistance. We are not selling them weapons. That is what we are doing for the Saudis. But this Joint Resolution is about more than that. As if the kidnapping of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, the blockade of Qatar, the imprisonment of Saudi women's rights activists, and the carnage in Yemen were not enough, the outrage towards Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Saman… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-vote-farm-bill-compromise-citing-benefits-vermont-agriculture-and | Welch to Vote for Farm Bill Compromise, Citing Benefits to Vermont Agriculture and the Defeat of Draconian Cuts to Nutrition Programs | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON This afternoon, Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spoke on the House floor in support of a five-year compromise farm bill hammered out by House and Senate negotiators over the last several weeks. Welch touted the overall benefits of the bill for Vermont, including provisions that benefit the dairy, maple, organic and hemp industries. He also applauded the jettisoning of draconian cuts to nutrition programs for children and low income Vermonters. The agreement was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate yesterday on a vote of 87-13. The House is expected to pass the bill this afternoon and send it to President Trump for his expected signature. It's absolutely no secret that farming communities from Franklin and Addison County in Vermont to the plains of Kansas and Iowa are facing a crisis. This bill contains a number of positive changes that will help in Vermont. While no one got everything they wanted, and many of the urgent reforms that are needed on the commodity side are not part of this, this will be a positive contribution to Vermont agriculture. Click image to view video of Rep. Welch's full remarks. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/harwood-union-middle-school | Harwood Union Middle School | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Harwood Union Middle School On December 12, 2018, Senator Leahy continued his series of online chats with Vermont students this time, with Harwood Union Middle School's 7th and 8th grade classes, taught by Mr. Nicolas Gordon and Ms. Sarah Ibson. He enjoyed answering the students' questions about gun safety, environmental and pollution issues, and other topics. Senator Leahy talked about some of his most memorable votes during his time in the Senate and the importance of voter participation. This chat was Senator Leahy's last chat of the 2018 calendar year, and he looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2019. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/121218appropswallstatement | Statement Of Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy On The Fearmongering Falsehoods Fueling President Trump's Fixation On The Wall: A REALITY CHECK | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Statement Of Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy On The Fearmongering Falsehoods Fueling President Trump's Fixation On The Wall: A REALITY CHECK If Americans had any doubt that President Trump is fixated on wasting billions of dollars to wall off our 2,000 mile southern border, all they had to do was watch his jaw-dropping press conference yesterday, demanding another $5 billion of their hard earned tax dollars for his political pet project that he promised Mexico would pay for. Using words I never thought I would hear from a President, he boasted he would be, proud to shut down the government if Congress doesn't meet his funding demands. That is one of the most reckless statements I have ever heard uttered by a President of the United States. His job, like ours, is to keep the federal government operating for the hundreds of millions of Americans who depend on government services every day, from our national parks, to housing services for the elderly, disabled, and our veterans, and for assistance for our nation's farmers. Just yesterday, we passed the bipartisan Farm Bill. If the President shuts the government down, there will be nobody in local USDA offices to answer questions from farmers about what the law means for them just as farmers begin to make their plans for next year's planting season. When I first came to the Senate, the idea of threatening to shut down the federal government as a negotiating tactic was unheard of. Today, it seems that we go through this every year. Neither party is blameless. But before President Trump, no one bragged about it. No one seemed to relish it. No one was foolish enough to call it good for the country. No one treated shutting down the government as if it is a game, without the slightest concern for the consequences for the American people and hundreds of thousands of federal workers and their families over the holidays, or for the millions of dollars wasted as a result. President Trump's performance yesterday amounted to throwing a temper … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-statement-on-the-senates-passage-of-the-reciprocal-access-to-tibet-act | Leahy Statement On The Senate's Passage Of The Reciprocal Access To Tibet Act | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Leahy Statement On The Senate's Passage Of The Reciprocal Access To Tibet Act Mr. President, this evening the Senate unanimously passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018. I was one of the earliest cosponsors of this bill, and I strongly support it. For far too long, the Chinese government has tightly restricted access to Tibet, preventing U.S. diplomats and journalists from reporting on the systematic human rights abuses and destruction of Tibetan culture perpetrated by the Chinese government, and arbitrarily preventing Tibetan-Americans from visiting their families. Passing this legislation today represents a strong, bipartisan step toward addressing that decades-long injustice. I would like to thank Senator Rubio and Congressman McGovern for their work on this legislation over several years. The Chinese government arbitrarily requires a special permit for a foreign diplomat, reporter, or tourist to visit Tibet a requirement China does not impose for travel to any other provincial-level jurisdiction, even Xinjiang. The Chinese government frequently denies requests for these permits to Tibet. And even when it does grant permits, it generally requires foreigners to be accompanied at all times by a government-designated guide. This arbitrary system not only makes it exceptionally difficult to report on the situation in Tibet, but it also gives the Chinese government significant leverage which it reportedly exploits in various ways over persons who hope to obtain a permit. In a 2015 white paper, the Chinese government claimed that, under Chinese rule, Tibet has been transformed from a poor and backward society to one that is advanced in both economy and culture. Setting aside that this statement would look perfectly at home among the discredited justifications for 19th Century colonialism, if it were true then one would expect China to welcome the world to witness its rule in Tibet. Yet in 2016, The Washington Post reported that Tibet is harder to visit as a journalist than North K… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/projected-impacts-of-a-trump-shutdown | PROJECTED IMPACTS OF A TRUMP SHUTDOWN | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 PROJECTED IMPACTS OF A TRUMP SHUTDOWN Prepared By Vice Chairman Leahy's Senate Appropriations Committee Staff More Than 420,000 Will Be Working Without Pay Including: More than 41,000 Federal Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers, Including: 2,614 ATF agents; 16,742 Bureau of Prisons correctional officers; 13,709 FBI agents; 3,600 deputy U.S. Marshals; and 4,399 DEA agents. Up To 88 Percent Of Department of Homeland Security Employees, Including: 53,000 TSA Employees; 54,000 Customs and Border Protection agents and customs offers; 42,000 Coast Guard employees As many as 5,000 Forest Service Firefighters 3,600 Weather Service Forecasters More Than 380,000 Will Be Furloughed, Including: 86 Percent of Department of Commerce (Approximately 41,000 Staff), 96 Percent of NASA (Approximately 16,700 Staff) More than 80 Percent of the National Park Service (Approximately16,000 Staff) At least 80 Percent of the Forest Service (Approximately 28,800 Staff) More than 30 Percent of Dept. of Transportation (Approximately 18,300 Staff) 95 Percent of HUD (Approximately 7,100 Staff) Approximately 52,000 IRS Staff Nine Out Of 15 Federal Departments And Dozens Of Agencies Will Close The government will shutter the doors of nine federal departments and dozens of agencies during the Trump Shutdown, grinding services to the American people to a halt just three days before Christmas. The Trump Shutdown Is Bad For Business: Farmers. USDA would shutter every local and state farm service center across the U.S. With the current challenges facing farmers due to the dramatic drop in commodity prices brought on by retaliatory tariffs, many farmers have had to rely on UDSA as their lender of last resort to help pay bills and stay afloat through this winter. Many farmers are already preparing for the spring planting and banks are not willing t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senate-and-house-lawmakers-release-updated-first-step-act | Senate & House Lawmakers Release Updated First Step Act | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Senate & House Lawmakers Release Updated First Step Act Majority Leader, House Speaker pledge to consider criminal justice reform package this year A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers today released revised text of the First Step Act to continue building support for criminal justice reform. This update was brokered by the White House and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in both chambers of Congress. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan have pledged to take up the revised package before the end of the year. Over the last several years, we've expanded support for comprehensive criminal justice reform by listening to stakeholders and lawmakers to strike a balance that reduces crime and recidivism, and the associated taxpayer burden, while ensuring that dangerous and career criminals face steep consequences for their actions. Today's update represents the latest in our effort to achieve this goal. I appreciate the engagement from many of my colleagues to fine tune the most significant criminal justice reform in a generation, and I applaud President Trump and the White House for bringing everyone to the table to make this happen. Following these changes and the growing demonstration of support for this bill, Leader McConnell is keeping his word by pledging to hold a vote this year, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said. The bipartisan First Step Act is a once in a political lifetime aligning of the stars. Republicans, Democrats, President Trump, Fraternal Order of Police, and ACLU have all thrown their support behind our bill. This bipartisan compromise could be one of the most important things we do when it comes to criminal justice not only this year but for a long time. I commend my colleagues for their spirit of cooperation on this important piece of legislation and I look forward to getting this job done in the closing weeks of this session, Senate Democratic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-hails-senate-passage-of-five-year-farm-bill | Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Five-Year Farm Bill | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.18 Leahy Hails Senate Passage Of Five-Year Farm Bill . . . Final Leahy-Negotiated Farm Bill Includes Significant Vermont Win The U.S. Senate late Tuesday passed a new five-year Farm Bill that includes significant wins for Vermont families, dairy, organic and hemp farms, and the state's rural communities. As a member of the conference committee that negotiated the bill, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) played a central role in shaping the final provisions that are vital to Vermont's economy, farmers, working landscape, the food and nutrition of Vermont's families, and the economic vitality of rural communities throughout the state. Leahy also is a former chairman of the Agriculture Committee and is the panel's most senior member. The Senate passed the bill in a strong bipartisan vote of 87 to 13, coming only a day after a final Farm Bill compromise was concluded, signed by Leahy and other conferees, and filed in the Senate and House. The 2018 Farm Bill, titled the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, closely mirrors the bipartisan Senate-passed bill and is the result of months of challenging negotiations. The conference agreement does not include the controversial provisions conditioning nutrition assistance on new work requirements and provisions changing SNAP eligibility that would have cut off benefits to millions. The bill next must be passed by the House and then signed by the President, who has signaled that he will sign it. Leahy said: After months of hard fought and often contentious negotiations, the Senate and House have come together and done what we rarely see in Washington these days. We've resolved our differences and reached a compromise. This is a Farm Bill that will provide certainty to the nation's struggling farmers; maintain food security for millions of American families; provide for cleaner waterways, better soils, protected open space, healthier forests, and the preservation of family f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/12718sauditiesrls | Following Washington Post Report, Leahy And Other Senators Reiterate Calls For Full Disclosure Of Trump-Saudi Business Ties | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.18 Following Washington Post Report, Leahy And Other Senators Reiterate Calls For Full Disclosure Of Trump-Saudi Business Ties A group of 11 Democratic senators, including Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Friday renewed their call for President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization to disclose any financial ties between the Trump Organization and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following aWashington Post reportthat lobbyists representing the Saudi government paid for 500 rooms at the Trump D.C. hotel shortly after President Trump's election. Last month, after the Saudi-led killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi,U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory A. Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-Ore.)wroteto President Donald Trump and to the Trump Organization seeking a full accounting of any financial ties between the Trump Organization and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but the senators never received a response to their inquiry. The administration's refusal to hold the Saudi Kingdom accountable for its murder of Jamal Khashoggi is a stain on our values as a nation,the senators said on Friday. The latest report that the Saudi government spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at President Trump's hotel shortly after his election, duping veterans in the process may offer insight into why the Trump administration is going to such great lengths to protect the crown prince. We need a full accounting of President Trump and the Trump Organization's business ties to the Saudi government, and the administration must not continue to ignore congressional oversight. The American people need answers and they will get them, one way or another. The senators previously joined nearly 200 members of Congress infiling suit against President Trump for violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, whic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/stefanik-welch-announce-2018-congressional-app-challenge-winners | Stefanik, Welch Announce 2018 Congressional App Challenge Winners | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) and Peter Welch (D-VT), announced that VT residents Seth Albertus and Dalton Benjamin students at Northeastern Clinton Central School in Champlain, NY have been named the winners of the 2018 Congressional App Challenge in NY-21. I am excited to announce that Seth and Dalton's hard work and innovation has earned them the honor of showcasing their winning app in the U.S. Capitol for visitors from around the world to see, said Congresswoman Stefanik, Co-Chair of the Congressional STEAM Caucus. Training in STEAM is essential for preparing students for the high-skilled careers of tomorrow, and this great achievement is proof of the valuable work being done by the teachers at Northeastern Clinton Central School. I am confident that Seth and Dalton's accomplishment will inspire other students to pursue education in computer science. I am so impressed with the talent and creativity of young people across Vermont, who are learning important skills to prepare them for tomorrow's economy, said Congressman Welch. Congratulations to Seth and Dalton, and I look forward to seeing their wonderful innovation in the Capitol. Seth and Dalton's application, My Augmented Life, uses augmented reality technology to bring 3-D objects to real-world environments. This application can be used by a variety of industries, such as interior design, which would utilize the application's augmented reality technology to place 3-D modeled furniture into various interiors. Their winning application will not only be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building but will also be featured on the Congressional App Challenge website. A video demonstration of their application can be viewed here ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/12061820mbenningtonrail | Leahy Helps Vermont Score A Major $20 Million Investment In Rail Infrastructure | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.18 Leahy Helps Vermont Score A Major $20 Million Investment In Rail Infrastructure . . . Federal Grant Will Fund Replacement Of Rail Bridges Between Rutland And Bennington U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Thursday that the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) will receive a $20 million federal award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. The funding will support the rehabilitation or replacement of 31 rail bridges along 53 miles of the Vermont Railway. The work will be done on the southern section of the state-owned rail line that runs in Vermont between Rutland and Bennington, continuing on to Hoosick, N.Y. Leahy hailed the award as significant for the impact it will have in bolstering the state's economic development and climate change goals. Leahy, the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has made BUILD and other infrastructure investment programs high priorities in the annual Appropriations bills that fund the Department of Transportation. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called Leahy Thursday to inform him of the Vermont award. Leahy said: This investment in Vermont's rail infrastructure is a win-win for business and the environment. By increasing the capacity of the VT Railway, Vermont businesses will have better access to rail shipping, which in turn will lead to fewer trucks on our roads. As a country and a state we need to prioritize these types of infrastructure investments that will lessen the transportation sector's reliance on fossil fuels. It has been one of my priorities to ensure that rural states like Vermont have access to these programs, and I'm pleased that this project will be funded through that work. The federal funds address a top priority in the 2015 Vermont State Rail Plan, increasing the capacity of rail bridges to carry more freight. The work funded through the g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/120618ngsmallbizrls | Shaheen & Leahy Bill To Support Small Businesses With National Guard And Military Reservists Passes Senate | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.18 Shaheen & Leahy Bill To Support Small Businesses With National Guard And Military Reservists Passes Senate U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) issued the following statements after their legislation to support small businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists unanimously passed the Senate on Thursday. TheNational Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Act will assist small businesses when essential employees, including small business owners, are called up as part of National Guard or Reservist duties, by improving existing loan and deferral programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and making them more accessible. These programs include the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL), a direct loan program that provides emergency working capital to small businesses to meet their obligations until operations return to normal after the essential employee is released from active duty military, and the Repayment Deferral for Active Duty Reservists (Repayment Deferral), which authorizes the SBA to work with private lenders to defer interest or loan repayment for small businesses facing similar situations. Leahy, Co-Chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, said: The citizen-soldiers of the National Guard, and the small businesses that employ them, are vital to the close-knit communities that make Vermont such a special place. Our legislation will enable entrepreneurs and small businesses affected by deployments to better take advantage of every opportunity. With Vermont National Guard soldiers currently deployed, this bill is needed now more than ever. Shaheen said: The civilian men and women serving in our National Guard have committed to serve our country, and we need to have their backs. I'm very pleased that this legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support, because it will provide much-needed assistance to entrepreneurs and small business employees who are deployed. I will continue to work across the aisle and with SB… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/12418whitakerdojconflicts | Senators Press Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest | 2018-12-04 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.18 Senators Press Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest Whitaker's $1.2 million in salary from dark money group and Benczkowski's close ties to Russian Alfa Bank are serious ethical red flags, senators write Washington, DC Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) asked the Department of Justice today to detail its handling of the serious financial, professional, and political conflicts of interest of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, Brian Benczkowski. The two officials' activities before arriving at the Justice Department present ethical concerns that agency ethics officials have not yet fully resolved and memorialized. Despite repeated requests for ethics records by members of Congress, and growing concern with the influence Whitaker and Benczkowski have over highly sensitive Justice Department work like Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, the Department has not been forthcoming. To maintain the public's trust in an impartial DOJ, we urge you to provide prompt, complete, and public responses to the issues we raise, the senators write to the Justice Department's Assistant Attorney General for Administration and Designated Agency Ethics Official and Professional Responsibility Advisory Office. The impartiality and credibility of DOJ's leadership are of national importance. According to financial disclosures, Whitaker has accepted over $1.2 million in compensation as executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), an organization that filed at least 14 complaints in recent years against Democratic politicians, and has spent thousands of dollars on contracts wit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comments-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-on-the-passing-of-former-president-george-hw-bush | Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On The Passing Of Former President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.18 Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On The Passing Of Former President George H.W. Bush He was the last President of the Greatest Generation, and he leaves a lasting legacy of true and meaningful public service. While we had our share of differences over policy, his decency, his civility and his humility have never been a more important example to the nation than they are today. He skillfully steered our country after the collapse of the Soviet Union. His legacy includes working with many of us in enacting the Americans With Disabilities Act, a far-reaching civil rights achievement that has and will enrich the lives of millions of Americans, and the nation. I worked with him on a breakthrough in U.S.-Vietnam relations that involved assisting landmine victims through the Leahy War Victims Fund. But I came to know him best years earlier. My clearest insights into his character and his personality including his sense of humor came from our many interactions when he was President of the Senate, as Vice President, as Marcelle and I enjoyed getting to know George and Barbara. Those are fond and lasting memories that will always be with us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bush family. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/113018cacerestrialverdict | Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Verdicts In The First Berta Caceres Murder Trial | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.30.18 Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Verdicts In The First Berta Caceres Murder Trial Berta Caceres, a widely known and respected Honduran indigenous environmental activist, was disparaged, threatened, targeted, and ultimately murdered in her home by assassins more than two and a half years ago. Since then, we have witnessed an attempted cover-up by the Honduran police, an investigation fraught with irregularities, including reports of cell phone and ballistics evidence not analyzed, and a trial laden with delays involving eight defendants who almost certainly do not include the intellectual authors of this despicable crime. The murder of Berta Caceres was one of scores of killings of Honduran environmental and social activists and journalists in recent years. No one has been prosecuted or punished for any of those crimes or countless others in a country where corruption seems to permeate practically every crevice of society and government. These verdicts in the Caceres case, in which seven of the defendants were convicted and top officials of the hydroelectric company DESA were implicated, is one step, but only one step. Only when all those responsible are held to account those who conceived of the crime and gave the orders, those who paid the assassins, and those who participated in the cover-up will justice have been served for Berta Caceres. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/113018mbsargentinainvestigation | Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Probe In Argentina Of Mohammed bin Salman | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.30.18 Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Probe In Argentina Of Mohammed bin Salman The ongoing probe by Argentine authorities into the criminal responsibility of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for alleged war crimes in Yemen and the torture of Saudi citizens sends a powerful message to victims that justice is possible, and that those responsible for the gravest crimes may eventually be held accountable. On November 26th, Human Rights Watch filed a petition before an Argentine federal prosecutor with information on several cases of Saudi citizens tortured in government custody and violations of international humanitarian law in Yemen, including indiscriminate and disproportionate airstrikes that have killed thousands of civilians and maintaining a naval and air blockade that has contributed to the world's worst humanitarian crisis. An estimated 85,000 children have already starved to death or died in airstrikes, and according to the United Nations, millions of Yemenis face starvation. The petition also includes information on the horrific, premeditated murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Argentine judicial authorities have requested information from foreign governments on ongoing investigations elsewhere, and from Argentina's foreign ministry on Mohammed bin Salman's diplomatic status in Argentina. The White House should provide any relevant information. I hope the Argentine judicial authorities move forward expeditiously with their investigation, and that world leaders gathering in Buenos Aires today for the G-20 Summit discuss these serious issues, including the Crown Prince's alleged responsibility for these egregious crimes. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-improve-recreational-trails | Welch Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve the Recreational Trails Program | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by increasing the transparency and ensuring the accountability of its funding program. Since 1991, the Recreational Trails Program has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and 4-wheel driving. The RTP Full Funding Actwhich is supported by recreational groups from snowmobilers to cyclists and hikers to off-highway power sport vehicle groupswill ensure that federal funds collected for this program are maximized to support more trail projects in the future. Vermont has unparalleled natural beauty that provides Vermonters and tourists year-round opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors by trail, said Welch. By prioritizing funding for the Recreational Trail Program, this bipartisan legislation will ensure that future generations of Vermonters can explore and appreciate the great outdoors for many years to come. The RTP Full Funding Act will increase the accuracy and transparency of RTP funding by: Requiring a study to determine the total amount of funds collected; Improving reporting on expenditures from the RTP to improve accountability and oversight; and Streamlining RTP funding distribution to the states by reducing unnecessary paperwork. The legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Richard Burr (R-N.C.). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/112918defendingpressfreedom | Senate Floor Address Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On Threats To Journalists, And Defending Press Freedom | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.29.18 Senate Floor Address Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On Threats To Journalists, And Defending Press Freedom Mr. President, in the 44 years I have served in the United States Senate I have never been more concerned about the state of press freedom around the world including, I deeply regret to say, in our own country. The pre-meditated murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi authorities, and their transparent attempt to cover it up, have shocked the consciences of people everywhere. Yesterday, by voting to discharge Senate Joint Resolution 54, the Senate showed that the Saudi royal family needs to hold accountable all those responsible for that horrific crime if it wants to salvage relations with the United States. Just a few days after Mr. Khashoggi's murder, the body of Bulgarian journalist Viktoria Marinova was discovered, and preliminary investigations suggest she was raped, beaten, and strangled. She had spent the past year reporting on corruption. At least 43 journalists have been killed for their work so far in 2018, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Fifteen other journalists have also been killed, although their deaths have not at least not yet been officially linked to their work. According to data compiled by Freedom House, the muzzling of journalists and independent news media is at its worst point in 13 years. Similarly, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the number of reporters jailed for their work is at a level not seen since the 1990s. Strongmen around the world are cracking down with impunity. Perhaps we should not be surprised. At home, President Trump regularly demonizes the news media as the enemy of the people, hoping that his acidic outbursts and threats will dissuade journalists from accurately reporting on his administration. With the eyes of the world upon him, he makes a mockery of the entire notion of an independent press, branding all who challenge him as liars or worse, while holding hands with those willing to sing hi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/112918sjres54 | Full Congressional Record Statement Thursday Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On The Senate Resolution On Yemen And Saudi Arabia | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.29.18 Full Congressional Record Statement Thursday Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, On The Senate Resolution On Yemen And Saudi Arabia Mr. President, I hope the Saudi royal family was paying attention to yesterday's debate in the United States Senate. The bipartisan vote on Senate Joint Resolution 54, introduced by Senators Bernie Sanders, Mike Lee, and Chris Murphy, of which I am a cosponsor, was significant for multiple reasons, but most of all for what it says about the potency of the outrage and disgust in this country and in the Congress about the conduct of Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince. That outrage has been building over time, as the number of civilian casualties since Saudi Arabia's intervention and ongoing aerial bombardment of Yemen one of the world's poorest countries has swollen into the thousands. We have all seen the photographs of the dead and dying, and of children who are just skin and bones. It is said that 85,000 children already have starved to death. The United Nations warns that 13 million Yemeni civilians could starve to death by the end of this year, if the war does not end. Of course, the Houthis and their Iranian benefactors share much of the blame for the death and destruction in Yemen. But we are not supporting them. Rather, until recently we were providing aerial refueling for the Saudi warplanes, and we continue to provide the Saudis with intelligence and targeting assistance. As if the kidnapping of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, the blockade of Qatar, the imprisonment of women's rights activists, and the carnage in Yemen were not enough, the outrage toward the Crown Prince finally boiled over with the horrific, premeditated murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a respected journalist, Saudi citizen, and American resident, who had criticized the royal family. Mr. Khashoggi's murder and dismemberment by Saudi government agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul triggered an international outcry, and it exposed the depth of depravity of the Saudi royal family. That an … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-statement-house-speaker-vote | Welch Statement on House Speaker Vote | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) issued the following statement concerning his vote for Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 116th Congress: Earlier this month, the American people voted overwhelmingly to entrust Democrats with the responsibility of governing the House of Representatives. After eight years of Republican rule, the institution is broken, dysfunctional, and incapable of solving the many challenges facing our country. Under Republican leadership, major legislation from tax reform to health care was too often writtenby lobbyists behind closed doors in the Speaker's office.Committees were denied the right to hold public hearings, and members were given no time to read billslet alone amend them. Last year, in the Energy and Commerce Committee on which I serve, the majority's comprehensive health care reform bill would have drastically changed the way health care is delivered in this country had it become law.Yet it was written in secret and rammed through the committee during an all-night marathon meeting and with no public hearings. This hijacking and perversion of the legislative process cannot stand if we are to deliver real results for the American people. In my conversations with each of my colleagues seeking leadership positions within our Caucus, I have made clear that it matters more to me how we are led than who leads us. If we take seriously our commitment to cutting the cost of prescription drugs, investing in our infrastructure, and tackling climate change, our leaders must first commit to reforming the way Congress does business. This afternoon, I will vote for Nancy Pelosi to be our next speaker because she has personally committed to me that she will reform the legislative process, make it more transparent, and allow the diverse ideas of all members to be considered.Specifically, she shares my view that committees must be empowered to do the hard and important work of writing legislation in the light of day and ideally in a bipartisan fashion. Leader Pelosi is an extraordinary and hist… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/112819spaulding-high-school | Spaulding High School | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.28.18 Spaulding High School On November 28, 2018, Senator Leahy continued his series of online chats with Vermont students this time, with Spaulding High School's 11th and 12th grade AP U.S. Government class, taught by Ms. Katie Saint Raymond. He enjoyed answering their questions about Vermont's priorities and communities and what he expects the Senate to do during the 116th Congress. Senator Leahy also discussed the important role that bipartisanship plays in the passage of pieces of legislations and appropriations bills, and about his experiences working with past President during his tenure in the Senate. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-on-the-confirmation-vote-of-thomas-alvin-farr-to-the-eastern-district-of-north-carolina- | Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Confirmation Vote of Thomas Alvin Farr To the Eastern District of North Carolina | 2018-11-28 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.28.18 Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy On the Confirmation Vote of Thomas Alvin Farr To the Eastern District of North Carolina Senate Floor Our constitutional obligation as Senators is to provide advice and informed consent to a President's nominees. I do my best to scrutinize each nominee on the merits, regardless of party, and decide whether they deserve a lifetime appointment to our esteemed federal bench. And during my 44 years in the Senate, I have voted for more Republican nominated judges than almost all Republican Senators in this body today. The simple fact is, given his track record of working to systematically dismantle the franchise for thousands of African American voters, Thomas Farr is one of the most controversial nominees I have ever encountered. Someone who has made a career out of attacking a sacred, constitutional right indeed, the right that gives democracy its name simply does not belong on the federal bench. Let's begin with his role on Jesse Helms' Senate campaign in 1990. The Department of Justice alleged that Senator Helms' campaign sent thousands of postcards to heavily African American precincts falsely telling voters that they were ineligible to vote and threatening prosecution against those who did. Mr. Farr served as a top lawyer to Senator Helms at the time, and he appears to have misled Congress about his role in this brazen voter suppression scheme. When Senate Judiciary Committee members asked Mr. Farr whether he knew about or had provided any counsel on the decision to send these postcards, Mr. Farr said he hadn't learned about their existence until after they were mailed out. But a former DOJ official has stated the Mr. Farr definitely knew about the postcards before they were sent out, and that his responses to Congress were contrary to the facts. Setting aside this outrageous attempt at voter suppression, each Senator in this chamber should care whether a President… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-vermont-s-congressional-delegation-response-swanton-sector | Statement of Vermont’s Congressional Delegation In Response to Swanton Sector Border Patrol’s Planned Immigration Checkpoints | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | In a joint statement, Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I) and Representative Peter Welch (D) said: While we sincerely appreciate the work of the U.S. Border Patrol in keeping our country safe along the Northern Border through their actions to interdict dangerous criminal behavior such as human trafficking, we are concerned to learn of the U.S. Border Patrol's plans to operate a number of immigration checkpoints in the interior of Vermont. While these checkpoints will cause needless delays for travelers and hinder commerce between Vermont and Canada, we are not convinced that they will make Vermont or the United States any safer. Rather, they appear to be another escalation of the Trump Administration's aggressive yet wasteful use of immigration enforcement resources. Moreover, we are concerned these interior checkpoints may result in warrantless searches that violate the constitutionally protected Fourth Amendment right to privacy for everyone in our country and will instill fear in our immigrant communities -- regardless of an individual's immigration status. We believe that inside our country the phrase show me your papers' does not belong in the United States of America. [Background: The three members of the Vermont delegation have introduced or cosponsored the Border Zone Reasonableness Restoration Act of 2018 (S.3162 H.R.6462), which would reduce the border zone in which DHS officers can stop vehicles to search for aliens from 100 miles down to 25 miles, and would reduce the zone in which DHS officers may enter onto private property (except houses) from 25 miles down to 10 miles. It would also prohibit DHS from stopping a vehicle at dragnet-style immigration checkpoints further than 10 miles from the border, without reasonable suspicion that an occupant is in the U.S. illegally.] # # # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/112718cbpcheckpoints | Statement of Vermonts Congressional Delegation In Response to Swanton Sector Border Patrols Planned Immigration Checkpoints | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.27.18 Statement of Vermont's Congressional Delegation In Response to Swanton Sector Border Patrol's Planned Immigration Checkpoints In a joint statement, Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I) and Representative Peter Welch (D) said: While we sincerely appreciate the work of the U.S. Border Patrol in keeping our country safe along the Northern Border through their actions to interdict dangerous criminal behavior such as human trafficking, we are concerned to learn of the U.S. Border Patrol's plans to operate a number of immigration checkpoints in the interior of Vermont. While these checkpoints will cause needless delays for travelers and hinder commerce between Vermont and Canada, we are not convinced that they will make Vermont or the United States any safer. Rather, they appear to be another escalation of the Trump Administration's aggressive yet wasteful use of immigration enforcement resources. Moreover, we are concerned these interior checkpoints may result in warrantless searches that violate the constitutionally protected Fourth Amendment right to privacy for everyone in our country and will instill fear in our immigrant communities -- regardless of an individual's immigration status. We believe that inside our country the phrase show me your papers' does not belong in the United States of America. [Background: The three members of the Vermont delegation have introduced or cosponsored the Border Zone Reasonableness Restoration Act of 2018 (S.3162 H.R.6462), which would reduce the border zone in which DHS officers can stop vehicles to search for aliens from 100 miles down to 25 miles, and would reduce the zone in which DHS officers may enter onto private property (except houses) from 25 miles down to 10 miles. It would also prohibit DHS from stopping a vehicle at dragnet-style immigration checkpoints further than 10 miles from the border, without reasonable suspicion that an occupant is in the U.S. illegally.] Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/112118forestrytitlerelease | Leahy Statement On Forest Management Provisions In The Farm Bill, And The California Wildfires | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.21.18 Leahy Statement On Forest Management Provisions In The Farm Bill, And The California Wildfires "It is outrageous that House Republicans and the Trump Administration are continuing to hold up the Farm Bill negotiations over harmful and extreme forestry provisions. Secretaries Perdue and Zinke shockingly are tryingto co-opt the terrible tragedies in California to push for the Trump Administration's crass, cynical and unaccountable logging of the public's national forests. Both have failed to mention that Congress, in March of this year, a mere eight months ago, already provided both of their agencies with historic fire prevention toolsthat the Appropriations Committee enacted as part of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act. That bipartisan bill already cleared the way for them to perform expedited forest management practices and fuels reduction work on wildfire-prone forests. Insteadof pushing for these extremely partisan provisions on behalf a small minority in the timber lobby, House Republicans and the Administration should be joining the Senate Farm Bill conferees to discuss bipartisan forestry solutions. That is how the Forestry Title has always worked, going back to the very first one I authored in the 1990 Farm Bill. I strongly urge Secretary Perdue and Secretary Zinke tostart using the new fire prevention tools already at their disposal, instead of holding baseless press conferences to rake and stir up the coals of this ongoing tragedy to try to push for additional extreme logging authority. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/portman-and-leahy-introduce-second-chance-reauthorization-act-to-reduce-recidivism-and-help-ex-offenders-as-congress-considers-criminal-justice-reform | Portman And Leahy Introduce Second Chance Reauthorization Act To Reduce Recidivism And Help Ex-Offenders, As Congress Considers Criminal Justice Reform | 2018-11-16 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.16.18 Portman And Leahy Introduce Second Chance Reauthorization Act To Reduce Recidivism And Help Ex-Offenders, As Congress Considers Criminal Justice Reform As Sentencing Reform Moves To Congress's Front Burner In The Post-Election Lame Duck Session Portman And Leahy Introduce Second Chance Reauthorization Act To Reduce Recidivism And Help Ex-Offenders, As Congress Considers Criminal Justice Reform Program Has Helped Vermont Achieve A Steady And Dramatic Reduction In Incarceration Numbers WASHINGTON (FRIDAY, Nov. 16, 2018) U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Thursday introduced their Second Chance Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and amend the Second Chance Act, a law that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Then-Congressman Portman originally authored the Second Chance Act with the late-Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, and it was signed into law in 2008. Since 2009, more than 850 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofit organizations from 49 states for reentry programs serving adults and juveniles. As of June 2018, more than 164,000 individuals have participated in these programs. Leahy and Portman introduced their bill at the same time that Congress is poised to consider criminal justice reform legislation, which has quickly emerged this week as a front-burner issue for congressional action in this post-election lame duck session. Leahy is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan sentencing reform bill, the First Step Act, which was also introduced Thursday in the Senate. President Trump this week lent his support to that effort. Leahy said: I began my career as a prosecutor on the front lines of our justice system. I saw the challenges inmates face, many of them seemingly insurmountable, when they are released from custody. That's not good for them, for their families, for their communities, for any of us. The Second Chance Act supports state and local efforts to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-wyden-introduce-legislation-improve-child-nutrition | Welch, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Improve Child Nutrition | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today introduced the Local School Foods Expansion Act, legislation to improve child nutrition by expanding access to locally-grown, unprocessed fruits and vegetables for school meal programs. Farm-to-school programs effectively support our family farmers, reduce energy use, help maintain open land, and provide healthy food and educational opportunities for our students, said Welch. This commonsense legislation will expand access to locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables to even more schools and communities. No child should be hungry in schoolit's devastating to their health and ability to learn. This bill will help address hunger and improve child nutrition in communities across America, all while supporting local farmers,said Wyden. The legislation builds on the success of the Pilot Project for the Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables, which was authored by Welch and Wyden and passed in the 2014 Farm Bill. The pilot project has allowed local schools in eight states to increase the use of fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables in their school meal programs and made it easier for these schools to source fresh foods from local vendors. The Local School Foods Expansion Act establishes this pilot project as a permanent program and allows participating states and school food authorities to purchase locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables with existing National School Lunch Program funds. The legislation also directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand the program in at least 15 states and provides additional funding for its implementation. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/111518bradlarosemarshalreported | Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Nom. Of Retired Essex Police Chief Brad LaRose To Be Vermonts Next U.S. Marshal | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.15.18 Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Nom. Of Retired Essex Police Chief Brad LaRose To Be Vermont's Next U.S. Marshal The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday advanced the nomination of retired Essex Police Chief Brad LaRose to be Vermont's next U.S. Marshal. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Governor Phil Scott (R) had jointly recommended LaRose to President Trump in January to fill the vacancy, and the President nominated him in June. The nomination now goes to the full Senate for a confirmation vote. Once confirmed by the full Senate, LaRose will oversee all U.S. Marshals Service operations in Vermont. With offices in Burlington and Rutland, the Marshals Service plays a crucial role in protecting public safety in Vermont and is responsible for apprehending fugitives and sex offenders as well as managing federal prisoners and protecting federal courthouses. Leahy is a leading member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which considered and approved the nomination. Chief LaRose served Essex as a police officer for more than 36 years, including more than five years as Chief of Police. In their letter to the President, Leahy and Scott cited his experience in teaching recruits and officers at the Vermont Police Academy for 25 years, and the fact that he is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. In a joint statement after the Judiciary Committee's action on Thursday, Leahy and Scott said: Brad is a dedicated public servant whose decades of law enforcement experience and support from the community made him exceedingly qualified for this position. His integrity, character and leadership throughout his years of service will serve the people of Vermont well. Scott and Leahy emphasized the importance to Vermont of the federal partnership role in combatting the addiction to heroin and other opioids, and Chief LaRose's valuable experience in that effort. As our state continues to lead on addressing the opioid epidemic, Brad has a demonstrated understanding of the ser… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/111418zerotoleranceletter | Leahy And Shaheen Ask Acting Attorney General Whitaker Whether "Zero Tolerance" Policy Has Drained Resources From Drug-Trafficking Prosecutions | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.14.18 Leahy And Shaheen Ask Acting Attorney General Whitaker Whether "Zero Tolerance" Policy Has Drained Resources From Drug-Trafficking Prosecutions Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, are asking Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker about reports that the Justice Department's resources for serious drug-trafficking prosecutions are being drained by the resources required to prosecute minor immigration offenses under President Trump's zero tolerance policy. As part of the Appropriations Committee's oversight responsibilities in funding the Justice Department, they point out that committee needs answers about whether taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and effectively to address the nation's most serious problems. In their oversight letter, Leahy and Shaheen wrote: We write to express our concerns about reports that the Trump Administration's zero tolerance policy may have diverted significant public safety resources away from prosecuting serious drug-trafficking offenses along the southern border. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, responsible for funding the Justice Department, we need to understand whether the Department's finite resources to prosecute drug trafficking offenders along our border are being funneled toward a policy that has failed to have its intended deterrent effect of reducing illegal border crossings. A full copy of their letter is available here: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/download/111418-leahy-and-shaheen-zero-tolerance-letter. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/sheldon-elementary | Sheldon Elementary | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.14.18 Sheldon Elementary On November 14, 2018, Senator Leahy continued his series of online chats with Vermont students this time, with Sheldon Elementary School's 8th grade class, taught by Mr. Edward Kolnaski. He was very impressed by the students' questions about the legislative process, and other topics such as religious freedom. Senator Leahy also discussed his life experiences, work for Vermont in the Senate and the importance of reading in his life. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/111318victimservicefunding | Leahy Announces A Record $13.4 Million In Federal Funding For Vermont Organizations Supporting Victim Service Programs | 2018-11-13 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.13.18 Leahy Announces A Record $13.4 Million In Federal Funding For Vermont Organizations Supporting Victim Service Programs U.S.Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Tuesday that Vermont organizations will receive 15 grants totaling nearly $13.4 million from the U.S. Department of Justice to support crime victims and to strengthen services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The $13.4 million in fiscal year 2018 funding represents a $6 million increase in funding for crime victims, including survivors of domestic and sexual violence, over fiscal year 2017 levels. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Leahy negotiated substantial increases for key domestic priorities in the fiscal year 2018 omnibus appropriations package. A former prosecutor, Leahy has long championed victims through his efforts to protect funding for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the two federal programs that provide direct support to victims. Leahy led the Senate as the chief author and sponsor of legislation reauthorizing VAWA in 2013, which for the first time extended domestic violence protections to LGBT and tribal victims and made other improvements to the law. In 2015 he helped raise the cap on the Crime Victims Fund to make states eligible for more funding. Leahy said: Many of the most tragic crime scenes that I responded to as a State's Attorney were domestic violence cases. The extra funding that I secured to support victims will allow the highly effective network of organizations in Vermont to expand their services. The disturbing reality is that half of all homicides in Vermont are related to domestic violence. We must move beyond just words and continue to funnel real resources to support victims of crime and to help end the violence that tears at the fabric of all our communities. This summer Leahy guided the fiscal year 2019 Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill through the Senate Appropriations Committee, and it now aw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/hill-dem-overtures-trump-drug-pricing-worry-pharma | The Hill: Dem Overtures to Trump on Drug Pricing Worry Pharma | 2018-11-08 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | The Democratic takeover of the House is giving new life to efforts to fight high drug prices with bipartisan action, a worrying prospect for the pharmaceutical industry. It's a top priority for House Democrats, who now have powers to press the issue and put the drug industry on the hot seat. It's also an issue where Democrats believe there is potential to reach a deal with President Trump. Democrats say the issue of health care powered their House victory in Tuesday's midterms and at the top of their agenda is lowering health-care costs by targeting prescription drug prices. Trump has also made fighting high drug prices a priority and his administration is moving on a new proposal to improve transparency about costs. David Mitchell, founder of the advocacy group Patients for Affordable Drugs, said Tuesday was a really good night for drug pricing. We think the stage is set for bipartisan action, he said. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) told PBS in an interview Tuesday that she thinks there could be common ground with Trump on drug pricing, and has touted the issue as a centerpiece of the party's agenda. Trump likewise on Wednesday during a press conference listed lowering the cost of prescription drugs as an area where he thinks he could work with Pelosi. Any major action undoubtedly faces an uphill climb. Dealing with drug prices is an immensely controversial area, and drugmakers are a famously powerful industry in Washington. The Senate also remains in Republican control, another challenge to bringing legislation to Trump's desk. But backers of bold moves on drug pricing are hopeful. I think we can, and number two, I think we must, said Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), one of the House Democrats most vocal about taking on the issue of drug costs. I think it can be bipartisan. Democrats have made it clear they intend to hammer away at the issue. In the majority, they will be now able to conduct investigations into industry pricing practices and haul drug company executives in to testify. But ultimately, th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-message-vermonters-participating-nobody-above-law-protests | Welch Message to Vermonters Participating in "Nobody is Above the Law" Protests | 2018-11-08 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) issued the following message to Vermonters participating in the Nobody Is Above the Law protests across the state: Thank you all for gathering today to express our mutual and deep concern that the guardrails of our democracy are at risk. I regret that I could not be here with you. The firing of Jeff Sessions is cause for alarm, but not because he was a great attorney general. From his role in developing and implementing the Muslim ban to the despicable policy of separating migrant children from their parents, he will go down as one of the worst attorney generals in history. While I am glad to see him go, his departure further jeopardizes the credible investigation by Robert Mueller into efforts during the 2016 election to undermine our democracy. It is vital that this investigation reach its conclusion without political influence or intimidation. A core principle of our democracy is that no one is above the law, especially the President of the United States. The American people have a right to know what happened and a right to expect that anyone who violated the law is held accountable. Yesterday, I called for the new Acting Attorney General to immediately recuse himself from the investigation and for Congress to open an investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Session's departure. And I have introduced bipartisan legislation to protect the Mueller investigation. Congress should take it up and pass it immediately. On Tuesday, the American people spoke loudly and clearly with a record voter turnout. Among other things, you and voters across the country removed Paul Ryan and Devin Nunes from positions of influence over the Mueller investigation. I am confident that the new majority will use its subpoena power to shine the light of day on Mueller's findings and any effort to block the investigation or obstruct justice. Martin Luther King once said, Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.' These are difficult times for our country. But I am confident that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-on-the-nobody-is-above-the-law-protest | Statement On The Nobody Is Above The Law Protest | 2018-11-08 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.08.18 Statement On The Nobody Is Above The Law Protest Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy On The Nobody Is Above The Law Protest [Delivered On Senator Leahy's Behalf By Leahy Vermont Director John Tracy] Burlington, Vermont Thursday, November 8, 2018 I am so proud of the Vermonters here today and across our state, and across our country, who are speaking out in support of the rule of law. You are doing your country a great service, and your collective voice may very well prevent a constitutional crisis. We all owe you our sincere thanks and appreciation. President Trump has wanted to hobble the Russia investigation from its inception. The only reason why he demanded Attorney General Jeff Sessions' resignation and the only reason why he has regularly disparaged and belittled his Attorney General for the last 18 months is that he was unhappy that Jeff Sessions followed mandatory Department of Justice regulations and recused himself from the Russia investigation. And the President has now attempted, under questionable legal authority, to install a close ally of the White House in charge of this investigation. Matthew Whitaker has spent years as a partisan political operative. He has heavily criticized the Special Counsel's investigation. He has publicly discussed defunding it. He is also friends with and a former campaign chair for a critical grand jury witness in this very investigation. That prompts recusal requirements under Justice Department regulations. For all of these reasons, Mr. Whitaker needs to recuse himself from the Russia investigation. And do so immediately. If Mr. Whitaker fails to recuse himself, he will prove exactly why he was selected: to undermine the Special Counsel's investigation. Mr. Whitaker should also immediately be called to testify before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. He must be asked about what communications he has already had with President Trump about the Russia investigation; what career Justice Department officials have said about his obligati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/washington-post-health-202-house-democrats-must-decide-whether-work-gop | The Washington Post: The Health 202: House Democrats Must Decide Whether to Work with GOP on Drug Prices | 2018-11-07 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Democrats celebratingtheir new-but-narrow control House majority are confronting ahard decision: Whether to work with the Trump administration and the GOP-led Senate to lower drug costs. House Republicans grappled with exactly this kind of question for six years under then-President Obama, as the president and Democrats urged them to help improve the Affordable Care Act. Republicans refused to cooperate on bills that might have bettered its marketplaces and its other benefits, all because the law's shortcomings were too good a political weapon with which to keep bludgeoning Democrats. Democrats, whogainedat least 26 seats in the House with a handful of races yet to be declared, could very well make a similar political calculation when it comes to drug prices under President Trump. The issue is a top concern to voters, and it's likely to come up in 2020when Democrats are seeking to defeat Trump to win the White House. They've got to make a decision, which is: How far are they willing to go to show they're willing to work with Republicans and the Donald Trump administration?"Rodney Whitlock, a former health-policy staffer to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and now a vice president at ML Strategies, told me. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who is expected to reclaim the House speakership, has said going after the high cost of prescription drugs is a task Democrats plan to take on right away.In July, Pelosi personally visited the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America to threaten some specific legislative actions, according to Stat News. Last night she told PBS's Judy Woodruff it's hopefully something we can do in a bipartisan way. I think that we could find common ground on reducing the of prescription drugs if the president is serious about his saying that he wants to do that, Pelosi said, referring to the administration's surprisingly bold proposal last month to lower the government's spending on certain Medicare drugs administered in doctors offices. But Pelosi, who has given little credit to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-on-the-resignation-of-jeff-sessions-as-us-attorney-general | Comment On The Resignation Of Jeff Sessions As U.S. Attorney General | 2018-11-07 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.07.18 Comment On The Resignation Of Jeff Sessions As U.S. Attorney General Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On The Resignation Of Jeff Sessions As U.S. Attorney General November 7, 2018 President Trump has wanted to hobble the Russia investigation from its inception. The only reason why he regularly disparaged and belittled Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and ultimately asked for his resignation, is that he was unhappy that his Attorney General followed mandatory Department of Justice regulations and recused himself from the Russia investigation. And the President has now attempted to install a close ally of the White House in charge of this investigation. Matthew Whitaker has heavily criticized and publicly discussed defunding the Special Counsel's investigation. He needs to recuse himself immediately. It is not clear when the President will nominate a new Attorney General. The American people deserve to know whether that nominee will commit to take no action whatsoever, public or private, through restrictions in scope or budget or personnel or otherwise, to impede the Special Counsel's investigation in any way. And in the meantime Special Counsel Mueller must be permitted to continue this most critical national security investigation without any interference. # # # # # Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comment-on-prevailing-over-voter-suppression-efforts | Comment On Prevailing Over Voter Suppression Efforts | 2018-11-05 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.18 Comment On Prevailing Over Voter Suppression Efforts Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On Prevailing Over Voter Suppression Efforts November 5, 2018 The right to vote in the United States has never come easy. For minorities, for women, and for marginalized communities across the country, first gaining and then exercising the right to vote has required endless sacrifice and relentless perseverance. Just one day away from an election that will shape the foreseeable trajectory of our democracy, that foundational right the franchise requires our constant vigilance as much as it ever has. Susan B. Anthony was arrested after she cast her vote for president on this very day, November 5, in 1872. Full women's suffrage didn't arrive until nearly a half century later. Even after African Americans gained suffrage in 1870, they faced a century of rampant, and racist, government-sanctioned voter suppression. Poll taxes, literacy tests, and other thinly-veiled attempts to keep African Americans from casting their ballots made the right to vote effectively meaningless. Those who led the efforts for voting rights in the 1960s, like my good friend Congressman John Lewis, were often met with more arrests and brutal displays of force sometimes lethal that were broadcast to televisions everywhere and transfixed our nation. Their heroic struggle led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which finally ushered in strong protections against racial discrimination in voting. Yet the struggle for equality in voting is ongoing. In fact, it is perhaps more at risk today than any time since the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. When five justices on the Supreme Court gutted the landmark law in the Shelby County decision in 2013, several states raced to limit access to the voting booth, passing sweeping laws that would disproportionately suppress the voting rights of minorities. In many states, the intent was clear: create rigid restrictions on the ability to exercise the vote; foment fear by thre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/comments-of-senator-patrick-leahy-about-the-presidents-vitriolic-remarks-on-thursday-about-immigration-and-asylum-policy | Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy About The President's Vitriolic Remarks On Thursday About Immigration And Asylum Policy | 2018-11-01 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 11.01.18 Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy About The President's Vitriolic Remarks On Thursday About Immigration And Asylum Policy The President's fact-free vitriol today on immigration was yet another transparent descent into fear-mongering politics just days before national elections that could place a check on his presidency. It wasn't about a new crisis at our Southwest Border. It wasn't about public safety. Instead this was another cynical ploy to divert attention from his party's efforts to take away coverage of preexisting conditions and cut Social Security and Medicare to plug part of the gaping hole they caused by their tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. Now, and always, he resorts to the tactic of stoking fear when he believes it benefits him politically. The last thing he wants to do is defend his party's relentless efforts demonstrated by more than 50 votes and now a coordinated Republican-led lawsuit to put affordable healthcare out of reach for millions of Americans with preexisting conditions. The policy that President Trump appeared to announce today suffers from countless fatal flaws. First, and most obvious, it is blatantly illegal. Our law is crystal clear that migrants who arrive at any point on our borders have the right to claim although not the right to obtain asylum. Second, President Trump's empty claim that he encourages migrants to apply for asylum at ports of entry is betrayed by the fact that asylum seekers are regularly and systematically turned away at these ports every day. And finally, it will inflict serious damage on our identity as the world's greatest and most powerful humanitarian leader. I didn't think I'd live to see the day when an American president threatens lethal military force against individuals who are throwing rocks. The professionals in our military are among the best in the world, and have invested countless hours and tax dollars in training about the lawful use of force to accomplish their mission. The illegal and immoral practice th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/ludlow-elementary | Ludlow Elementary | 2018-10-31 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.31.18 Ludlow Elementary On October 31, 2018, Senator Leahy continued his series of online chats with Vermont students this time, with Ludlow Elementary School's 6th grade class, taught by Ms. Heidi Baitz. He enjoyed answering their questions about environmental issues facing Lake Champlain, and about what being a senator entails. Senator Leahy also discussed the important role that immigrants have played in shaping the United States, and about what students can do to lead healthy and active lives. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/appropriations-vice-chair-patrick-leahy-on-secy-of-state-pompeos-call-for-an-end-to-fighting-in-yemen | Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy, On Secy. Of State Pompeos Call For An End To Fighting In Yemen | 2018-10-31 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.31.18 Appropriations Vice Chair Patrick Leahy, On Secy. Of State Pompeo's Call For An End To Fighting In Yemen Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., Vice Chairman Of The Senate Appropriations Committee, And Ranking Member Of The State Department And Foreign Operations Subcommittee) On Secretary Of State Pompeo's Call For An End To Fighting In Yemen For two years the Trump Administration has wasted countless millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to support an ill-conceived, poorly executed air war instigated by the impulsive Saudi Crown Prince, that has caused immense civilian suffering. After repeatedly opposing efforts by Democrats and some Republicans in Congress to stop it, the Secretary of State has finally called for an end to the fighting. I hope that means the Administration will no longer provide the bombs, jet fuel and other support to the Saudi military without which they never could have carried on the war in the first place. The Saudis' atrocities in Yemen have been enabled by the Trump Administration. The Saudis' atrocity against Jamal Khashoggi is another. The White House has largely sat on its hands instead of insisting on a full accounting of his murder. That tacit accommodation, too, must end. # # # # # Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/commentary/statement-of-sen-patrick-leahy-on-the-caravan/birthright-citizenship/troops-to-southern-border | Commentary/Statement Of Sen. Patrick Leahy On The Caravan/Birthright Citizenship/Troops To Southern Border | 2018-10-31 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.31.18 Commentary/Statement Of Sen. Patrick Leahy On The Caravan/Birthright Citizenship/Troops To Southern Border The President Doubles Down On Diversion, Demagoguery And Demonization By Patrick Leahy Unable to credibly defend his corporate tax giveaways or Republicans' unending zeal to strip healthcare and coverage of pre-existing conditions from millions of Americans, President Trump, one week ahead of an election that could place a check on his presidency, is returning to a familiar playbook: deploying demagoguery to distract and divide us. This time by using a caravan of vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers a thousand miles from our border as scapegoats to foment irrational fears and rally his most ardent believers. Now, in an interview betraying his casual disregard for or ignorance of our Constitution, he has even vowed to sign an executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens born in the U.S. This form of citizenship is explicitly enshrined in the 14th Amendment and cannot be undone by presidential fiat. But President Trump doesn't understand that, or care to, as he has apparently decided that flippantly threatening to upend the Constitution to exploit anti-immigrant sentiment is good politics. And this constitutionally suspect proposal came just after President Trump began implementing another legally suspect and wasteful policy: sending an additional 5,000 active-duty military personnel, some of them armed, as part of a force of more than 7,000 troops at our southern border. This is despite a century-old U.S. law that prevents using our military to directly enforce our domestic laws. This deployment which comes at the expense of millions of taxpayer dollars, and an uncertain impact on our military readiness might satisfy the President's ego but not much else, given all the restrictions on what the military can legally do in support of our law enforcement authorities at the border. So what is motivating the President to casually disregard the Consti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/102618bombsuspectarrest | Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) About The Arrest Of A Terror-Bomb Suspect | 2018-10-26 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.26.18 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) About The Arrest Of A Terror-Bomb Suspect We're proud, again, of the men and women of law enforcement at every level for their grit, their courage and their professionalism in investigating these bombs that were intended to incite terror and chaos. We thank them for their service in defending our democracy, pursuing justice and keeping Americans safe. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-york-times-trump-proposes-lower-drug-prices-basing-them-other-countries | New York Times: Trump Proposes to Lower Drug Prices by Basing Them on Other Countries Costs | 2018-10-25 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | The current international drug-pricing system has put America in last place, Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health and human services, said in unveiling the report. Mr. Trump cited the government's international drug-pricing report in his speech on Thursday, saying he was taking aim at global free riding that forces Americans to subsidize drug prices in other countries. Americans pay more so that other countries can pay less, Mr. Trump said. The report compares prices charged by drug manufacturers in the United States and 16 other countries for 27 drugs that are covered by Part B of Medicare. Over all, the report said, prices and reimbursement rates for Part B drugs are significantly higher for U.S. providers than purchasers outside the U.S. Medicare could achieve significant savings, it added, if prices in the U.S. were similar to those of other large market-based economies. In a Twitter post, Mr. Azar said, Medicare was found to be paying the highest price for 19 out of the 27 drugs studied. In only one case was Medicare paying less than the international average, he said. Medicare beneficiaries are generally responsible for 20 percent of the cost of drugs covered by Part B of the program. So if Medicare reduces its payment, the cost to beneficiaries will be similarly proportionately reduced, the administration said. However, most beneficiaries now have supplemental insurance, such as a Medigap policy or retiree health benefits, to help pay their share of the bill for drugs covered under Part B of Medicare. The new method of payment proposed by the Trump administration would be phased in from 2020 to 2025. Overall savings for American taxpayers and patients are projected to total $17.2 billion over five years, Mr. Azar said. Among the drugs included in the study were Aranesp, for patients with anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease; several cancer medicines, such as Avastin, Herceptin and Keytruda; Lucentis, for eye conditions that can cause vision loss; and Rituxan, for rheumatoid … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-legislation-eliminate-major-barriers-employment-disabled-seniors | Welch Legislation to Eliminate Major Barriers to Employment for Disabled Seniors | 2018-10-25 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | BURLINGTON, Vt. This morning at Gardener's Supply, Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) unveiled his legislation to remove two major impediments to older disabled Americans remaining in the workforce past the age of 65. It simply doesn't make sense to penalize disabled seniors who want to remain in the workforce beyond the traditional retirement age, said Welch. This legislation eliminates two arbitrary barriers that discourage disabled seniors from working. And it ensures employers have dedicated workers ready, willing and able to get the job done. Under current law, qualified disabled adults receive an average monthly payment of $845.17 under the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI). Beneficiaries are permitted to work but lose their disability benefit at the age of 65 if they choose to remain in the workforce. Welch's legislation eliminates this barrier subject to state approval. Also under current law, qualified disabled workers receiving disability benefits can buy into the state Medicaid program in most states to receive assistance with health care premiums. When these beneficiaries reach the age of 65, they can no longer buy into the Medicaid program if they choose to continue working. Welch's bill also eliminates this barrier subject to state approval. In Vermont and across the country, people with disabilities face significant barriers to employment, said Sam Liss, Chair of the Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL) Board of Directors. We appreciate the leadership from Congressman Welch to remove these barriers and shed light on this important problem. Cindy Turcot, President of Gardener's Supply Company said, We at Gardener's Supply are encouraged to hear about this legislation. We value the experience and wisdom of our mature workers and know how much they contribute to our business. This change will allow people the freedom to decide how long they want to work and eliminates the barriers for older workers with disabilities. Thank you to Congressman Welch. Gardener's Supply is a 100 percent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-statement-trump-drug-pricing-announcement | Welch Statement on Trump Drug Pricing Announcement | 2018-10-25 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a lead sponsor of legislation in the House to mandate Medicare price negotiation, issued the following statement in reaction to President Trump's announcement this afternoon on prescription drug pricing: The American people should not be fooled by this October health care surprise. It falls far short of the significant and urgent relief from price gouging President Trump promised during his campaign when he railed against drug companies for getting away with murder.' At the time, he enthusiastically embraced the use of the federal government's bargaining power to negotiate a better deal on drugs for seniors. And in our Oval Office meeting three months after his inauguration, he doubled down on his support for Medicare price negotiation as well as the safe importation of prescription drugs. That was then, this is now. Twenty-one months later, and on the eve of the mid-term elections, the president is proposing a small step on drug price relief when a giant leap is urgently needed.Instead of nibbling around the edges, he should demand in his State of the Union speech that Congress send to his desk within 30 days a broad price negotiation bill that applies to all drugs in the Medicare program. Doing so would break the grip of Big PHARMA on Congress and provide real price relief for millions of consumers. If he does so, I am confident it would pass with strong bipartisan support. Rep. Welch and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) met with President Trump in the Oval Office on March 8, 2017 to discuss their price negotiation bill. Welch is a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-opioid-packages-including-four-welch-bills | President Trump Signs Opioid Packages, Including Four Welch Bills | 2018-10-24 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON In a White House ceremony this afternoon, President Trump signed into law a bipartisan package of opioid legislation, including four bills co-authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.). While supporting the package, Welch decried the lack of a more comprehensive approach to combatting the opioid public health epidemic ravaging communities in Vermont and across the country. If the first principle of legislation is to do no harm, we have succeeded, said Welch. But if the goal of legislation is to solve a problem, we have failed. What we need, in addition to these good bills, is a full-scale opioids Marshall Plan that provides significant resources to those working on the front lines of this public health epidemic. Rep. Welch is a cosponsor of theComprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act of 2018(H.R. 5545), a full-scale Marshall Plan to combat the opioid crisis by providing states and communities with $100 billion in funding over 10 years. The Welch co-authored bills included in the package will: Increase funding for the Medicaid Health Homes program, which funds state wrap-around substance abuse services, includingVermont's Hub and Spoke program (H.R. 5810). Attack the root cause of overprescribing by requiring both Medicare and state administered Medicaid programs to identify and educate outlier providers writing an excessive number of opioid prescriptions (H.R. 5716). Educate seniors on alternatives to opioids (H.R. 5685). Establish a new large-scale initiative at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research opioid misuse, the understanding of pain, and the discovery of non-addictive, non-opioid alternatives to treat pain (H.R. 5002). Welch is a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic and a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/governor-phil-scott-and-congressman-peter-welch-bring-vermonters-uss | GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT AND CONGRESSMAN PETER WELCH TO BRING VERMONTERS TO USS VERMONT CHRISTENING | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Montpelier, Vt. Governor Phil Scott and Congressman Peter Welch will represent Vermont at the christening of the USS Vermont on Saturday, October 20 in Groton, Connecticut. The Virginia-class submarine will commemorate the history between the U.S. Navy and the State of Vermont. It will be the third vessel named after the state in the history of the U.S. Navy. Space at the event was limited, but to mark the occasion and honor Vermont's Navy veterans, Scott and Welch collaborated to secure invitations for more than two dozen Vermont veterans and their families to attend the christening ceremony. Scott and Welch noted they would have liked to include more Vermonters but appreciated the opportunity to share this experience with a number of veterans and their families, stating, Our long-standing partnership with the Navy is an important part of Vermont's history and the USS Vermont continues that proud tradition. We thank the many Vermonters who have served, or are currently serving, in the U.S. Navy. We appreciate this opportunity to honor that service in celebration of this new vessel. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101918saudiaccountikhashoggideath | Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Saudi Account Of The Death Of Jamal Khashoggi | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.19.18 Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy To The Saudi Account Of The Death Of Jamal Khashoggi If ever a story reeked of a coverup, it is this one. It has been unraveling since it began. It's taken nearly three weeks for the Saudis to even admit that an American resident and journalist died in the Saudis' own consulate. And throughout this ordeal, the only urgency apparent in our President's handling of this crisis has been a compulsion to buy time for the Saudis to construct a story to protect the royal family. The American people need and deserve to know what the White House and our intelligence professionals know. Our country must not be complicit in this coverup. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-house-colleagues-introduce-legislation-halt-military-aid-and-arms | Welch, House Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Halt Military Aid and Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia | 2018-10-17 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. As the world awaits the response from the Saudi government on the disappearance and apparent murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Rep. Peter Welch (D.-Vt.) yesterday joined Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Ma.) and seven House colleagues in introducing legislation to halt military aid and the future sale of arms to Saudi Arabia. For too long the United States has blindly supported a Saudi Government engaged in a horrific campaign against the people of Yemen, said Welch. And now we learn that the Saudis were, at a minimum, complicit in the murder of a journalist who was critical of the Saudi regime.It is long past time to stop military assistance and the sale of arms to this brutal dictatorship. The legislation would prohibit U.S. military aid and arms sales to the Government of Saudi Arabia until the U.S. Secretary of State determines that Jamal Khashoggi is alive and free. If the Secretary of State determines that Mr. Khashoggi was killed by agents of the Saudi government, military aid and arms sales would remain prohibited pending congressional approval of further aid or sales. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/101718colchesterhschat | Colchester High School | 2018-10-17 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.17.18 Colchester High School On October 17, 2018, Senator Leahy hosted an online chat with Colchester High School's Senior Seminar Civics class. He regularly holds these live chats with Vermont students, and this was his first of the new school year. Senator Leahy was impressed by the students' questions on how things have changed in his four decades in the Senate. He also enjoyed answering their questions about his thoughts on current issues of interest including climate change to school safety. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101718khashoggistatement | Statement Of Senator Patrick leahy On Jamal Khashoggi | 2018-10-17 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.17.18 Statement Of Senator Patrick leahy On Jamal Khashoggi Credible, detailed reports from the Turkish government and the international press that Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was tortured and murdered after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd have shocked the world. While we do not yet have definitive proof, neither is there any other plausible explanation. Saudi authorities first insisted that Mr. Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, without offering any evidence of that. No video footage, nothing. After no one believed it, they concocted a completely different story. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman denied any knowledge of what happened self-serving denials that President Trump and Secretary of State Pompeo seemed eager to accept at face value and the Saudi government suggested it was an interrogation gone wrong by rogue agents. That story is becoming increasingly implausible by the hour. The world should take note that it is the free press, not the Saudi government or the White House, that has doggedly searched for the truth about what happened to Mr. Khashoggi. It reminds us, once again, that a free press is an essential check against tyranny, dishonesty, and impunity. If the reports are true, that Mr. Khashoggi was tortured and murdered with the knowledge of the Saudi royal family, it is an outrageous crime for which those responsible in the Saudi government at the highest level must be held accountable. The Saudi government that is, the Saudi royal family has long acted with near total impunity for corruption and repression, to which the United States has too often turned a blind eye. In fact, the extrajudicial killing of a critic of the regime would not be an aberration in Saudi Arabia. Our government's willingness to ignore and to even tacitly encourage the abusive and reckless policies of the Saudi government most recently its war crimes in Yemen is again being tested. That history of excuses is exacerbated by the fact tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101718trumpbusinesstiesksa | Leahy And 8 Other Senators Press For Full Disclosure Of Trump Family Business Ties To Saudi Arabia | 2018-10-17 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.17.18 Leahy And 8 Other Senators Press For Full Disclosure Of Trump Family Business Ties To Saudi Arabia . . . Letters to Trump and Trump Organization cite tens of millions in known Trump-Saudi transactions, seek business freeze during Khashoggi investigation, and termination in event of Saudi government responsibility Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and eight other senators Wednesdaywrote to President Donald Trump and to the Trump Organization seeking a full accounting of any financial ties between the Trump Organization and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The senators' letters follow the disappearance and reported killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a resident of the United States and Washington Post journalist, whose whereabouts have been unknown since he entered a Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2nd. Others signing the letter are Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory A. Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)andSheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). A bipartisan group of 22 senators, also including Leahy, recently triggered an investigation and a Global Magnitsky Act determination relating to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Khashoggi's disappearance and possible murder. Leahy is the ranking member of one of the Senate's two committees with jurisdiction over U.S. foreign affairs, the Appropriations Subcommittee on the State Department and Foreign Operations. Leahy joined the Republican chairs of both committees in signing the Magnitsky Act trigger letter. He also is the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a leading member of the Judiciary Committee. In their letter to the president, the nine senators wrote: It is imperative that this sanctions determination, and U.S. policy towards Saudi Arabia generally, are not influenced by any conflicts of interest that may exist because of your or y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-and-others-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-marking-todays-world-food-day | Leahy And Others Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Marking Todays WORLD FOOD DAY | 2018-10-16 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.16.18 Leahy And Others Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Marking Today's WORLD FOOD DAY Leahy And Others Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Marking Tuesday's World Food Day (TUESDAY, Oct. 16, 2918) Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is one of four senators who have joined across the aisle to introduce a resolution marking Tuesday's World Food Day. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is chief sponsor, and the other cosponsors with Leahy are Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.). Global hunger has been on the rise for the last three years, and an estimated 821 million people were undernourished in 2017. Each year, the United States joins 130 other nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from chronic hunger and for the need to ensure food security and good nutrition for all. World Food Day also commemorates the founding of FAO on October 16, 1945. The text of the resolution is available here. America has the talent, the bounty and the economic vitality to lead in ending hunger and malnutrition here and abroad. It's woven into our values, said Senator Leahy, vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee and a leading member of the Agriculture Committee. I'm proud to celebrate World Food Day by continuing to work for the expansion and improvement of international food aid, nutrition and local food access programs. The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program, Food for Progress, and Farm Bill nutrition and international food aid programs are some of the many ways we should build upon to address hunger and food access as we face protracted humanitarian crises across multiple continents. With global hunger on the rise, World Food Day is an important reminder of why the United States needs to sustain its investments in food security both at home and abroad. Congress recently affirmed the United States' commitment to reducing hunger by reaut… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101518howardcentergrant | Leahy Announces $525,000 Federal Grant To Boost Howard Centers Safe Recovery Program To Fight Opioid Abuse | 2018-10-15 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.15.18 Leahy Announces $525,000 Federal Grant To Boost Howard Center's Safe Recovery Program To Fight Opioid Abuse Senator Patrick Leahy Monday announced that a $525,000 federal grant will be awarded to the Howard Center's Safe Recovery Program, so that those in immediate need of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder will have access to buprenorphine on the same day they request it. Leahy was joined for the announcement by Bob Bick, Howard Center's Chief Executive Officer; Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan;Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and Safe Recovery Program Coordinator Grace Keller. Leahy, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, played a crucial role in supporting federal funding for the project and in making the opioid crisis a high priority in several Appropriations bills. Leahy was a lead negotiator in the bipartisan budget agreement reached in February, which set aside $6 billion in new funding over two years to fund the fight againstthe opioid crisis and support mental health initiatives, making the funding announced Monday possible. Leahy's efforts also made possible other Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants to Vermont. With the grant, the Safe Recovery Program will expand services to provide clients with buprenorphine (also known by its brand name Suboxone) until they are successfully integrated into the traditional hub and spoke method pioneered in Vermont. Same-day treatment is critical to stemming the opioid epidemic, as there may only be a short window when someone who is struggling is receptive to beginning treatment. The Safe Recovery Program also provides a variety of other important services, including HIV and Hepatitis C testing, syringe exchange, free Narcan overdose reversal kits, fentanyl testing strips and drug treatment counseling. Leahy said: This grant will fulfill a critical need, putting essential treatment medication in the hands of those who need it most and when they need it most. We oft… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/10131822ndannualweoc | Senator Leahy Saturday Hosts 22nd Annual Womens Economic Conference | 2018-10-13 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.13.18 Senator Leahy Saturday Hosts 22nd Annual Women's Economic Conference Senator Patrick Leahy Saturday hosted the 22nd Annual Vermont Women's Economic Conference at Vermont Technical College. This year's conference, which was presented in partnership with Change the Story Vermont for the second year in a row, featured keynote speaker Corinne Prevot and more than 24 workshops on topics as diverse as effective communication in the workplace, to the impact of the #MeToo movement. More than 400 women attended. Leahy has organized and hosted the Women's Economic Opportunity Conference since 1996 to bring together Vermont women for workshops and networking activities to further their careers or launch small businesses. Past conferences have featured keynotes such as equal pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter, former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and many other Vermont and national figures. Senator Leahy said: I'm honored to host the 22nd annual Women's Economic Opportunity Conference. This year we are lucky to have an impressive Vermont speaker, Corinne Prevot, to share her experiences as a successfully young entrepreneur and interesting seminars that are sure to entertain and educate. Since I began hosting this conference in 1996, we've made progress toward equality for all, but if the last few years have shown us anything, it is that there is still so much more to do. Corinne Prevot is the founder and CEO of Skida Headwear and Accessories. She made the first Skida hats while still a student at Burke Mountain Academy, and continued making them while attending Middlebury College. She has launched Skida Plus One, a donation program that provides hats to cancer patients, and sources cashmere for her hats from a localized source in Kathmandu, Nepal. Today Skida Headwear and Accessories products are sold through nearly 300 retailers and Skida employs seven people in Burlington. Last year, Corinne was named to the Forbes' 2018 30 Under 30 List that recognizes the best you… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/vtdigger-vermont-seeks-federal-funds-aging-flood-control-dams | VTDigger: Vermont Seeks Federal Funds for Aging Flood Control Dams | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Vermont will soon be able to apply for up to $40 million in federal funding for projects to repair three aging flood control dams, after the Senate passed the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 overwhelmingly on Wednesday. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in the Senate, and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., in the House, authored an amendment that raised funding for dam repair from $10 million to $40 million in the new bill. The provision authorizes safety improvements at certain state-owned flood control dams constructed by the federal government before 1940. In Vermont, three dams the Waterbury, East Barre and Wrightsville dams are eligible to receive funding. Vermont will be competing with all the other states for the funds. These dams are essential pieces of Vermont's infrastructure, said Sanders in a statement, maintaining and repairing the dams especially the Waterbury Dam has long been a priority for the state. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward rebuilding aging dams in Vermont and throughout the United States. In a statement Welch said this legislation is necessary for communities to prepare for and mitigate damage done by large storms hitting Vermont and the Northeast. In 2011, Waterbury suffered a devastating flood during Tropical Storm Irene. More catastrophic damage was prevented due to the existence of the aging Waterbury Dam, Welch said. This important legislation will increase funding to refurbish outdated and hazardous flood control dams in Vermont and across the country. The bill also has a provision that authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to repair bridges in Vermont that are part of New England's evacuation routes during extreme weather events. In addition to infrastructure maintenance for bridges and dams, the bill includes funding for lead testing in schools and testing for unregulated contaminants including PFOA which has been found in Bennington County. The bill, which allows states to apply for $5 million a year in grants and $25 million a year for technical assista… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-joins-durbin-boozman-and-others-in-pressing-president-trump-on-decision-to-continue-providing-assistance-to-countries-that-use-child-soldiers | Leahy Joins Durbin, Boozman And Others In Pressing President Trump On Decision To Continue Providing Assistance To Countries That Use Child Soldiers | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.12.18 Leahy Joins Durbin, Boozman And Others In Pressing President Trump On Decision To Continue Providing Assistance To Countries That Use Child Soldiers Still today, there are estimated tens of thousands of children fighting in active conflicts around the world WASHINGTON (FRIDAY, Oct. 12, 2018) Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) is among the senators who Friday pressed President Trump for information regarding his recent decision to invoke troublingly broad waivers for continued United States military assistance to countries that use child soldiers assistance prohibited under the Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2008, which was originally introduced by Durbin and former-Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS). The letter was sent by Leahy and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Boozman (R-AR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2008 bans the U.S. from providing military assistance or arms sales to governments that use children in combat, but the president may waive the application of the law for specific countries if it is deemed to be in the national interest. In his September 28, 2018, memorandum, President Trump waived Iraq, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. While we recognize there are challenging and important security interests in many of these nations, the United States and its allies should be doing everything possible to end military support for governments that engage in the abhorrent practice of using child soldiers and to also help reintegrate such children back into their families and society. Using sweeping waivers to continue such assistance undermines such efforts and the spirit of the law, the senators wrote. Full text of the letter is available here and below: October 12, 2018 Dear President Trump: We write to request greater clarification on your decision to invoke a waiver for continued … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101118f35grounding | Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders, And Representative Peter Welch, On The Grounding Of F-35s For Safety Inspections | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.11.18 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders, And Representative Peter Welch, On The Grounding Of F-35s For Safety Inspections For every aircraft, including every new aircraft, safety must always be the top priority. This plane is no different. The Pentagon has said that it will inspect every aircraft for the suspected part. They must continue to thoroughly investigate this issue until they have corrected the problem. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101118ngsmallbizrelease | Leahy & Shaheen Legislation to Support Small Businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists Clears Key Committee Hurdle | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.11.18 Leahy & Shaheen Legislation to Support Small Businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists Clears Key Committee Hurdle U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) Thursday issued the following statements after their legislation to support small businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists unanimously passed the Senate Small Business Committee. The National Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Act will assist small businesses when essential employees, including small business owners, are called up as part of National Guard or Reservist duties by improving existing loan and deferral programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and making them more accessible. These programs include the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL), a direct loan program that provides emergency working capital to small businesses to meet their obligations until operations return to normal after the essential employee is released from active duty military, and the Repayment Deferral for Active Duty Reservists (Repayment Deferral), which authorizes the SBA to work with private lenders to defer interest or loan repayment for small businesses facing similar situations. The National Guard and our small businesses are foundational threads in the fabric of Vermont, said Senator Leahy, the original sponsor of the legislation and Co-Chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus. I'm pleased to support them with this legislation that makes it easier for veterans and service members to turn their ideas into reality. Empowering the entrepreneurial spirit in this and other ways makes a real difference for Vermonters and for our communities. Citizen soldiers are a fundamental part of our nation's military, and we need to do everything we can to support their service, said Senator Shaheen. This bill will do just that by improving access to support programs offered by the SBA to entrepreneurs and small businesses affected by deployments, and I am pleased to see it moving… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-rfs-leaders-respond-trump-s-decision-lift-ban-e15-summer-sales | House RFS Leaders Respond to Trump’s Decision to Lift Ban on E15 Summer Sales | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Steve Womack (R-Ark) released the following statement on President Trump's proposal to lift a federal ban on summer sales of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol: Efforts to prop up the ethanol industry have been a well-intentioned flop, and today's announcement from the current administration will profoundly impact consumers. By proposing to allow the sale of high-level ethanol blends during summer months, the administration has chosen to support a one-sided solution that further helps ethanol producers while punishing hardworking Americans. U.S. families, food producers, businesses, and livestock farmers stand to experience the harmful impacts of more ethanol forced on the market through detrimental effects on vehicles, small engines, feed prices, and energy sustainability.Our coalition has worked to develop an array of bipartisan initiatives to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard in a comprehensive manner. We urge the administration to reconsider this proposal and to allow Congress the opportunity to advance legislative solutions that truly work for all stakeholders. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leahy-sanders-welch-vermont-community-lenders-net-12-million-federal | Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Community Lenders Net $1.2 Million In Federal Funds | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | (TUESDAY, Oct. 9, 2018) Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced Tuesday that two Vermont organizations have received $1.2 million in federal funds from the U.S. Treasury Department's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The CDFI Fund awarded $184 million in grants and loans to 264 community credit unions and loan funds across the country that provide affordable financial products and services in economically distressed areas. Two Vermont programs received funds through these awards: NeighborWorks of Western Vermont received $500,000 Vermont Community Loan Fund Inc. in Montpelier received $700,000 These awards will advance community based initiatives in Vermont that are focused on alleviating poverty and advancing social justice, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said in a joint statement. Both VCLF and NeighborWorks of Western Vermont have a proven track record of using these federal funds to improve the lives of Vermonters. Because of these initiatives more Vermonters will have access to safe affordable housing, childcare and small business capital. Leahy, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has long been an advocate for the CDFI program. The program has played an important role in Vermont's economy by investing in small businesses, families and neighborhoods that would not have access to the capital they need from conventional lenders. Established in 1987, VCLF grows business and creates jobs by providing loans, grants, financial consulting and business development services to hundreds of Vermonters. With this funding, VCLF will use resources to help with the construction or rehabilitation of affordable homes for lower-income Vermonters; offer financing to small businesses and provide resources to child care businesses that will ensure quality care and education for Vermont children. The CDFI Fund has again recognized the importance of the Loan Fund's work to provide all Vermonters with equal opportunity and access to import… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanders-and-welch-announce-passage-legislation-repair-aging-flood | Sanders and Welch Announce Passage of Legislation to Repair Aging Flood Control Dams | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced Wednesday that Congress passed legislation that opens the door for Vermont to receive federal funds to repair three aging flood control dams. The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 includes an amendment authored by Sanders in the Senate and Welch in the House that authorizes safety improvements at certain state-owned flood control dams constructed by the federal government before 1940. In Vermont, three dams the Waterbury, East Barre and Wrightsville dams are eligible to receive funding under this provision. These dams are essential pieces of Vermont's infrastructure, said Sanders, who is a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Maintaining and repairing the dams especially the Waterbury Dam has long been a priority for the state. This bi-partisan legislation is an important step toward rebuilding aging dams in Vermont and throughout the United States. Welch said, In 2011, Waterbury suffered a devastating flood during Tropical Storm Irene. More catastrophic damage was prevented due to the existence of the aging Waterbury Dam. This important legislation will increase funding to refurbish outdated and hazardous flood control dams in Vermont and across the country. The federal government built the Waterbury, East Barre and Wrightsville dams in the 1930s after the devastating 1927 flood caused massive destruction and loss of life in the Winooski River basin from Central Vermont to Burlington. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed and the Civilian Construction Corps built the three flood control dams on tributaries of the Winooski River to reduce the risk of future flooding. The federal government later transferred ownership of the dams to the state of Vermont, but did not include any provisions for the upkeep of the dams. The Waterbury Dam, in particular, now has major repair needs. The Sanders-Welch amendment authorizes up to $40 million to study, design and construct control gates, sp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-legislation-lowering-consumer-cost-prescription-drugs-signed-law | Welch Legislation Lowering Consumer Cost of Prescription Drugs Signed Into Law | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC This afternoon, President Trump signed into law legislation co-authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) that eliminates so-called gag rules imposed on pharmacists that prevent them from steering their customers to the lowest cost option when filling a prescription. Currently, contractual requirements imposed on pharmacists by pharmacy benefit managers forbid them from informing customers that their cost would be lower if they paid out of pocket rather than using their insurance plan. Pharmacists violating these rules have been subjected to significant penalties. In a time of skyrocketing prescription drug prices, it defies common sense that pharmacists are prohibited from helping customers save money on their medications, said Welch. This new law empowers pharmacists to steer customers to the lowest cost option when filling a prescription. Welch's legislation, the Know the Cost Act (H.R. 6733), is the House version of two bills signed into law this afternoon that collectively prohibit gag clauses imposed on pharmacists: The Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act prohibits an insurer or pharmacy benefit manager from restricting a pharmacy's ability to provide drug price information to a plan enrollee when there is a difference between the cost of the drug under the plan and the cost of the drug when purchased without insurance. This bill will apply to plans offered in the individual market, including through exchanges, and plans sponsored by private employers. The Know the Lowest Price Act provides this same protection for individuals who are covered by Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. Welch co-authored the House bill with Reps. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Michael Burgess (R-Texas), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Gene Green (D-Texas), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), and Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.). The legislation passed the House on September 25th, and the Senate versions of both bills passed the Senate earlier that month. Rep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101018cdfirelease | Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Community Lenders Net $1.2 Million In Federal Funds | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.10.18 Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Community Lenders Net $1.2 Million In Federal Funds Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced Tuesday that two Vermont organizations have received $1.2 million in federal funds from the U.S. Treasury Department's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The CDFI Fund awarded $184 million in grants and loans to 264 community credit unions and loan funds across the country that provide affordable financial products and services in economically distressed areas. Two Vermont programs received funds through these awards: NeighborWorks of Western Vermont received $500,000 Vermont Community Loan Fund Inc. in Montpelier received $700,000 These awards will advance community based initiatives in Vermont that are focused on alleviating poverty and advancing social justice, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said in a joint statement. Both VCLF and NeighborWorks of Western Vermont have a proven track record of using these federal funds to improve the lives of Vermonters. Because of these initiatives more Vermonters will have access to safe affordable housing, childcare and small business capital. Leahy, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has long been an advocate for the CDFI program. The program has played an important role in Vermont's economy by investing in small businesses, families and neighborhoods that would not have access to the capital they need from conventional lenders. Established in 1987, VCLF grows business and creates jobs by providing loans, grants, financial consulting and business development services to hundreds of Vermonters. With this funding, VCLF will use resources to help with the construction or rehabilitation of affordable homes for lower-income Vermonters; offer financing to small businesses and provide resources to child care businesses that will ensure quality care and education for Vermont children. The CDFI Fund has again recognized the importance of the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101018junkinsurancecra | Leahy Comment On The Failure Of The CRA Resolution To Nullify The Trump Administration's "Junk Insurance" Rule | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.10.18 Leahy Comment On The Failure Of The CRA Resolution To Nullify The Trump Administration's "Junk Insurance" Rule The Trump Administration's junk insurance' rule, and the Senate's failure to nullify the rule, is yet another effort by Republicans in Congress and the White House to undermine the protections of Affordable Care Act. This harmful and cynical rule will expand the sale of short-term junk' plans that can deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, and that do not have to cover essential services like prescription drugs, emergency room visits, substance abuse, and maternity care. We should be working together on ways to stabilize the insurance market and lower prices, instead of sabotaging health insurance protections that millions of Americans need and want. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/101018khashoggisanctionsletter | Corker/Menendez/Graham/Leahy Letter Triggers Global Magnitsky Investigation Into Disappearance Of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.10.18 Corker/Menendez/Graham/Leahy Letter Triggers Global Magnitsky Investigation Into Disappearance Of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi In a letter to President Donald Trump, U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Wednesday triggered an investigation and Global Magnitsky sanctions determination regarding the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post. Khashoggi has not been heard from since he entered a Saudi consulate in Istanbul last Tuesday afternoon. The letter was also signed by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Tom Udall (D-N.M). Text of the letter is included below. Dear Mr. President: The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act requires the President, upon receipt of a request from the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, to determine whether a foreign person is responsible for an extrajudicial killing, torture, or other gross violation of internationally recognized human rights against an individual exercising freedom of expression, and report to the Committee within 120 days with a determination and a decision on the imposition of sanctions on that foreign person or persons. The recent disappearance of Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi suggests that he could be a victim of a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights, which includes tor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100618kavanaughconfirmationspeech | Senate Floor Statement Of Senator Leahy On The Confirmation Vote On The Nomination Of Judge Kavanaugh To The U.S. Supreme Court | 2018-10-06 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.06.18 Senate Floor Statement Of Senator Leahy On The Confirmation Vote On The Nomination Of Judge Kavanaugh To The U.S. Supreme Court This is not a normal confirmation vote. I have now served in the Senate for 19 Supreme Court nominations, more than any other senator. I have never seen so much at stake with a single seat. And I have never seen this much at stake precisely because this is about so much more than one seat. Indeed, the integrity of two of the three coequal branches of our republic is at stake. This vote will decide whether the United States Senate which, at its best, can serve as the conscience of the nation causes the Supreme Court to be indelibly tainted in the eyes of millions of Americans, perhaps more than half of the country. To be clear, my opposition to Judge Kavanaugh is not due to him being nominated by a Republican president. In my 44 years in the Senate, I have voted for more Republican-appointed judges than almost every single Republican senator serving today. That includes voting to confirm Chief Justice John Roberts. But Judge Kavanaugh is not a typical conservative nominee. My opposition is driven by my firm belief that his confirmation will bring great harm to the Court, to this body, and to millions of hardworking Americans. Judge Kavanaugh has been relentlessly dishonest under oath. I'm not just referring to the fact that he was not telling the truth about his high school drinking, or the obvious misogyny in his yearbook, or whether he's Bart O'Kavanaugh who passed out from drunkenness. All of that indeed does speak to his credibility, as he concocted far-fetched story after far-fetched story, all to avoid conceding facts that would corroborate the Brett Kavanaugh as described by Dr. Ford and Ms. Ramirez. But it's much more than that. Much, much more than that. Every single time Judge Kavanaugh has testified before the Senate in 2004, 2006, and twice in 2018 he has misled and dissembled. On issues big and small, anytime he has been faced with questions that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100518kavanaughcloturecomment | Comment Of Senator Leahy On The Cloture Vote On Judge Brett Kavanaugh's Nomination To The U.S. Supreme Court | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.05.18 Comment Of Senator Leahy On The Cloture Vote On Judge Brett Kavanaugh's Nomination To The U.S. Supreme Court I am disappointed that the Senate, by the narrowest margin, has voted to end debate on Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, which sets up a confirmation vote over the weekend. Judge Kavanaugh is not fit to serve on our nation's highest court. His relentless dishonesty under oath is disqualifying, as is his temperament and partisan zeal. And still-developing and credible allegations of sexual assault cannot be ignored in a manic rush to fill this seat. I will continue to talk to any senator willing to listen about why he or she should vote no' on his final confirmation. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100518nekreapinvestment | Leahy Announces $2.5 Million Investment In Northeast Kingdom Affordable Housing | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.05.18 Leahy Announces $2.5 Million Investment In Northeast Kingdom Affordable Housing Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Friday that RuralEdge, a regional housing nonprofit based in Lyndon, will receive a $2.5 million loan package from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to preserve and rehabilitate three housing properties in Newport, West Burke and Ryegate. The projects received funding as part of the USDA's Northeast Kingdom Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone and will provide quality affordable homes for 46 families. Leahy was instrumental in enacting the REAP Zone program and Northeast Kingdom's designation as a leading member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and in continuing these annual investments through his role as Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Leahy said: I congratulate RuralEdge for taking on three bold projects that address the local need for affordable housing and spark economic development. These federal loans will allow them to expand the great work that they do, and this is an example of how important REAP Zone funding is to our rural northern communities. I worked hard to create the REAP Zone and to make this on ongoing priority for the Appropriations Committee because these are direct investments in the vitality of Northeast Kingdom communities and in the Vermonters who call the Kingdom home. The USDA awarded three loans totaling $2.5 million to RuralEdge, a Lyndon based nonprofit housing developer that oversees a portfolio of more than 500 units across the Essex, Orleans and Caledonia counties. With these funds, we will be able to renovate and restore three properties including 39 apartment units and 7 single family homes, housing that is so needed in the Northeast Kingdom, said RuralEdge Interim Executive Director Patrick Flood. We are very grateful that Senator Leahy and USDA have worked to obtain this funding and help so many Vermonters. The federal funding comes through the USDA Rural Development Multi-Family Housing Program … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-reauthorizes-key-federal-program-ensures-passenger-air-service | Congress Reauthorizes Key Federal Program that Ensures Passenger Air Service at Rutland Regional Airport | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | (THURSDAY, Oct. 4, 2018) -- Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced that Congress has renewed a federal program that provides federal funding for passenger air service at rural airports across the country, including Rutland Southern Vermont Regional airport. The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a provision reauthorizing the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which subsidizes commercial air service at small, rural airports. The EAS program currently provides $1.6 million annually to Cape Air Service to operate flights between Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport and Logan airport in Boston. In a joint statement, Leahy, Sanders and Welch said: "This is great news for the airport and for the Rutland region. The Rutland airport is a vital component of the region's transportation system and maintaining commercial passenger service is important for the regional economy. We are pleased Congress overwhelmingly rejected the misguided proposal by President Trump to eliminate this program which is essential to rural communities around the country. The FAA bill authorizes a total of $158 million in EAS funding in fiscal year 2019, increasing annually over five years to $172 million in fiscal year 2023. President Trump had proposed eliminating the program in his fiscal year 2018 budget request, and slashing it by 40 percent in his fiscal year 2019 budget request. The bill also requires the FAA to report to Congress on the program's economic impact in communities with subsidized air service. The bill passed the House on Sept. 26th and the Senate yesterday. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100418kavanaughstatement | Leahy Addresses The Senate On The Kavanaugh Nomination And The FBI Report | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.04.18 Leahy Addresses The Senate On The Kavanaugh Nomination And The FBI Report It is extraordinary where we find ourselves today. We are on the verge of a cloture vote, and possibly a confirmation vote, for Judge Kavanaugh to join the Supreme Court while credible allegations of sexual assault against the nominee are not just lingering, they're developing. The FBI investigation that we hoped would be full and fair has turned out to be neither, after the Trump White House and Senate Republicans appear to have successfully imposed so many restrictions to render it almost meaningless. From the very beginning of this nomination, the vetting of Judge Kavanaugh has never been a genuine effort to discover the truth. Instead, at every turn, it has been a transparent and partisan attempt to keep the American people in the dark about the vulnerabilities of a controversial nominee who, if confirmed, will shape their lives for a generation. From start to finish, at every step, this has been a unilateral effort by the White House and Senate Republicans to protect their nominee, not to protect the American people or the Supreme Court. They have been driven by the impulse to rush and to conceal. I want to commend my friends, Senators Jeff Flake and Chris Coons, for working together in good faith to demand more from this process. An investigation into the serious allegations of sexual misconduct by Judge Kavanaugh is a first step and should have happened weeks ago. Until now, such investigations have been routine any time new derogatory information surfaces about a nominee. Unfortunately, the investigation completed over the last few days falls short of any reasonable standard. And it fell short by design. We've already heard about many of its deficiencies from Dr. Ford, Ms. Ramirez, and numerous other witnesses who attempted, unsuccessfully, to share relevant information with the FBI. Senate Republican leadership and the White House did everything in their power to ensure that this investigation was not a sea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100418kavanaughtweetthread | NEW: Leahy Compiles Comprehensive, Point-By-Point Summary Of The Many Times That Judge Kavanaugh Misled The Senate Under Oath; (includes documents and descriptions) | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.04.18 NEW: Leahy Compiles Comprehensive, Point-By-Point Summary Of The Many Times That Judge Kavanaugh Misled The Senate Under Oath; (includes documents and descriptions) Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has compiled and released a comprehensive, point-by-point summary of several times Judge Kavanaugh has misled the Senate under oath. He first published this list one of the most thorough available on Wednesday night. In topical threads, each with several entries and revealing documents, he shows how Judge Kavanaugh was not truthful in his sworn testimony about his involvement in the Manny Miranda Memogate cyber-theft scandal (here), his work on the controversial Pryor (here) and Pickering (here) nominations, his knowledge of a controversial warrantless wiretapping program (here), and his work on Bush administration detention and interrogation policies (here). Leahy led in questioning Kavanaugh under oath on several of these and other subjects during these confirmation hearings, and also during Kavanaugh's sworn testimony in his previous confirmation hearings. Leahy concluded: It's not just about Bart O'Kavanaugh,' or minimizing his contemporaneous drinking or misogyny in his yearbook. On issues big and small, anytime Judge Kavanaugh is faced with an incriminating or difficult question under oath, he cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Each thread includes incriminating documents from the documents that Republicans have allowed to be released in this rushed and incomplete confirmation process. More than 90 percent of Judge Kavanaugh's White House record remains hidden from the Senate and the American people, which if public would likely reveal much more evidence relevant to issues. Links to every thread are BELOW: Introduction: https://twitter.com/SenatorLeahy/status/1047610460734967808 Manny Miranda thread: https://twitter.com/SenatorLeahy/status/1047610549100580869 Pryor thread: https://twitter.com/SenatorLeahy/status/1047610909995225089 Pickering thread: https://twitter.com/SenatorLeahy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100318trumpattacklies | Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy About President Trump's Attack In His Campaign Rally In Mississippi | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.03.18 Comment Of Senator Patrick Leahy About President Trump's Attack In His Campaign Rally In Mississippi By now just about everyone who stands up to this president has been targeted for his bogus attacks and smears. Curiously, everyone except Putin. I must be doing something right. His shameful mocking of a sexual assault victim is by far the biggest outrage. He has no idea the damage he's doing to sexual assault survivors everywhere, or he just doesn't care. The President and his nominee lie constantly. The truth is that Brett Kavanaugh is unfit to serve on the nation's highest court. Press Contact David Carle: 202-224-3693 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-price-welch-smith-and-over-100-house-democrats-urge-trump | Reps. Price, Welch, Smith and Over 100 House Democrats Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Decision To Slash Critical Aid for Regional Stability in the Middle East | 2018-10-02 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. On Friday, September 28, 2018, Congressman David Price (D-NC), Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT), and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) were joined by 109 House Democrats in a letter to Secretary Pompeo urging the Trump administration to reverse its decision to end vital U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) and to reprogram bilateral foreign aid away from the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Recently, the Trump State Department announced it would reprogram more than $230 million in bilateral assistance, which provides emergency food security, health care, education, and clean water, among other vital life-saving programs, for Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Additionally, on August 31, 2018, the Trump administration announced it would end longstanding contributions to the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), a UN relief and development agency that provides essential services to more than 5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza and throughout the region. These steps not only threaten the stability of the region; they also undercut the U.S.'s ability to facilitate negotiations that will result in a viable two-state solution to the conflict, the members wrote. While Hamas continues to act in complete disregard for the safety and freedom of the people of Gaza, the administration's steps will aggravate tensions in the region and further erode prospects for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The members highlight that bilateral foreign assistance to the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, as well as contributions to UNRWA, were appropriated by Congress on a bipartisan basis, and unilaterally refusing to disburse this funding disregards Congress' constitutionally given power of the purse and the will of the American people, whom Congress was elected to represent. The letter continues, As we reflect on the 25 years since the Oslo Accords, we believe it is imperative that both sides of this conflict resume negotiations. However… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100218statedeptdeportation | Menendez, Leahy Blast Pompeo for Trying to Pay Mexico to Deport Migrants with State Dept. Funds | 2018-10-02 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.02.18 Menendez, Leahy Blast Pompeo for Trying to Pay Mexico to Deport Migrants with State Dept. Funds Missive comes after Trump administration announced it would ignore Congressional objections and provide Mexico with $20 Million to pay for plane and bus fares to deport up to 17,000 people Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tuesday sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing their deep opposition to the Trump Administration's decision to divert $20 million dollars allocated for foreign assistance to advance its anti-immigration agenda by paying for the deportation of up to 17,000 migrants from Mexico to third countries. The decision redirects scarce departmental resources needed to address critical humanitarian crises, support democracy and the rule of law, and address development needs that are important to U.S. national security and prosperity, to support a short-sighted approach to the migrant problem that will likely fail to achieve even its own ostensible goals while potentially running afoul of international law, wrote Menendez and Leahy. The proposal, which was publicly rejected by the Government of Mexico, seeks to provide millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to Mexico to pay for plane and bus fare deportations for thousands of immigrants, many of which are trying to reach the United States via Mexico. In asking for a reconsideration, the senators raised additional concerns regarding the manner in which Secretary Pompeo decided to upend decades of practice where the Chair and Ranking Members of Congressional committees of jurisdiction have the ability to intervene and delay such transfers to exercise effective oversight and prevent misuse of congressionally allocated funds. You have decided to act contrary to years of practice and precedent, and in a manne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/100118fbiinvestigationletterjuddemrelease | Democratic Senators (Including Leahy): FBI Must Investigate All 3 Credible Allegations Of Sexual Assault Against Judge Brett Kavanaugh | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 10.01.18 Democratic Senators (Including Leahy): FBI Must Investigate All 3 Credible Allegations Of Sexual Assault Against Judge Brett Kavanaugh Following reports that the White House is limiting the scope of the investigation into sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) wrote White House Counsel Don McGahn and FBI Director Christopher Wray Monday demanding that the investigation include all three allegations received by the Senate Judiciary Committee, including claims brought forward by Julie Swetnick. The senators provided a list of individuals who must, at a minimum, be interviewed by the FBI based on facts that are already known. Today's letter follows Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein's (D-CA) request that the White House and FBI provide the written directive regarding the supplemental background investigation of Brett Kavanaugh so the scope of the investigation can be understood. The list of witnesses who should be interviewed by the FBI is copied below. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Palo Alto, CA; professor of psychology at Palo Alto University and a research psychologist at the Stanford University School of Medicine; graduate of the Holton-Arms School. Lynne Brookes, Philadelphia, PA; Chief Operating Officer at Synchrony Group; Kavanaugh's friend from Yale College. Russell Ford, Palo Alto, CA; Mechanical Engineer; Dr. Blasey Ford's husband. Christopher Garrett, Atlanta, GA. Timothy Gaudette, Centennial, CO; Colorado Outreach Manager, Small Business Majority; Kavanagh's friend and Georgetown Prep classmate. Adela Gildo-Mazzon, Palo Alto, CA; real estate agent; friend of Dr. Blasey Ford. Sean Hagan, Bethesda, MD; Senior Cybersecurity Advisor with the Social Security Administration; Kavanaugh's Georgetown… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/senator-patrick-leahys-statement-on-the-kavanaugh-nomination-at-the-senate-judiciary-committee-voting-session | Senator Patrick Leahys Statement On The Kavanaugh Nomination, At The Senate Judiciary Committee Voting Session | 2018-09-28 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 09.28.18 Senator Patrick Leahy's Statement On The Kavanaugh Nomination, At The Senate Judiciary Committee Voting Session Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On the Confirmation of Supreme Court Nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh Executive Business Meeting Senate Judiciary Committee September 28, 2018 It is unbelievable where we are today, almost surreal. This Committee, after months of breaking precedent after precedent in a manic rush to fill a Supreme Court seat, is now on the verge of voting on a nominee who has been credibly accused of sexual assault without even having conducted any meaningful investigation. Yesterday we heard the powerful and courageous testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Following her testimony, I suspect not one of us left the Committee room doubting her credibility. Judge Kavanaugh then angrily denied the allegation, and I'll get to that shortly. But we should all agree that a credible allegation of sexual assault against a nominee to our nation's highest court demands that we proceed with utmost caution. Our constitutional obligation, at the very least, is to investigate these allegations properly. This isn't about delaying a nomination until after the election. That, in fact, is what Republicans did with Merrick Garland. This is about doing our jobs. The first step is an FBI investigation. That's always been the first step when new derogatory information comes to light about a nominee even when the information is as minor as decades-old marijuana use. Why is Judge Kavanaugh, who is facing much more serious allegations, being held to a lower standard than all nominees before him? A proper investigation also means hearing from all the witnesses. That includes the four witnesses who signed sworn affidavits offered by Dr. Ford. Most stunningly, this Committee has refused to call the sole eye-witness to the alleged assault, Mark Judge. Instead, all we have is a brief letter from Mr. Judge vaguely asserting that he has no memory of this alleged incident. He has effec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senate-appropriations-committee-vice-chairman-patrick-leahy-on-president-trump-signing-the-defense-/-labor-hhs-education-minibus-appropriations-bill | Statement of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On President Trump Signing The Defense / Labor-HHS-Education "Minibus" Appropriations Bill | 2018-09-28 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 09.28.18 Statement of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy On President Trump Signing The Defense / Labor-HHS-Education "Minibus" Appropriations Bill Statement of Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On President Trump Signing The Defense/Labor-HHS-Education Minibus Appropriations Bill Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 For the first time in 22 years, Congress passed and the President now has signed a bill including Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations on time by the beginning of the fiscal year. This appropriations package also invests in the men and women of the armed forces and their families, and it ensures the government of the American people will remain open through December 7 for those agencies not yet funded. This was only possible because of the bipartisan framework reached among Chairman Shelby, Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer and myself. It is free of poison pill policy riders, has broad bipartisan support, and it complies with the bipartisan budget agreement reached by Congress in February. This is a proven path forward for the appropriations process, and it is the only path forward for the remaining appropriations bills. I am hopeful that House Republicans will drop their remaining poison pills from the third minibus, so that we can complete nine of the 12 appropriations bills by the end of the fiscal year. Leahy's Statement From Senate Passage Available HERE: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/leahy-statement-on-the-defense-labor-health-and-human-services-and-education-conference-report # # # # # Press Contact Jay Tilton: 202-224-2667 Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/cardin-leads-colleagues-including-leahy-in-urging-greater-us-leadership-to-combat-guatemalan-corruption-support-cicig | Cardin Leads Colleagues, Including Leahy, In Urging Greater U.S. Leadership To Combat Guatemalan Corruption, Support CICIG | 2018-09-27 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 09.27.18 Cardin Leads Colleagues, Including Leahy, In Urging Greater U.S. Leadership To Combat Guatemalan Corruption, Support CICIG Lawmakers tell Pompeo the United Statesmust counter President Morales' efforts to unravel years of progress in anti-corruption in Guatemala. WASHINGTON (THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 2018) -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and an anti-corruption champion in the Senate, led nearly two dozen of his bicameral colleagues Thursday in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding the president of Guatemala's efforts to shut down the internationally-supported anti-corruption investigative body in that country. The International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, commonly known by its Spanish acronym CICIG, aims to investigate illegal security groups and clandestine security organizations criminal groups believed to have infiltrated state institutions, fostering impunity and undermining democratic gains in Guatemala since the end of the country's armed conflict in the 1990s, according to the United Nations, which spearheaded its creation. President Morales' decision not to renew CICIG's mandate and to bar [CICIG leader] Mr. Velsquez' entry is a dangerous setback for anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability efforts in Guatemala, the lawmakers wrote to the Secretary of State. It is more important than ever that the United States demonstrate leadership and effective engagement with the Guatemalan government to reverse these decisions. Joining Senator Cardin on the letter to Secretary Pompeo are U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.); Dick Durbin (D-Ill.); Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.); Tim Kaine (D-Va.); Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.); Jack Reed (D-R.I.); Ed Markey (D-Mass.); Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.); Cory Booker (D-N.J.); Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.); and U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.); Norma Torres (D-Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://welch.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/welch-statement-latest-kavanaugh-allegations | Welch Statement on the Latest Kavanaugh Allegations | 2018-09-26 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | welch.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) issued the following statement regarding the latest allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh: The behavior described by Julie Swetnick is despicable. If President Trump and Judge Kavanaugh refuse to ask for an FBI investigation of these serious and credible allegations, his nomination should be immediately withdrawn. He simply cannot serve on the highest court in America. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/judiciary-committee-democrats-to-chairman-grassley-postpone-hearing-support-fbi-investigation | Judiciary Committee Democrats To Chairman Grassley: Postpone Hearing, Support FBI Investigation | 2018-09-26 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Patrick Leahy | L000174 | www.leahy.senate.gov | legacy | 09.26.18 Judiciary Committee Democrats To Chairman Grassley: Postpone Hearing, Support FBI Investigation WashingtonFollowing the release of a sworn affidavit from Julie Swetnick detailing new allegations of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh, all 10 Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today urged Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to postpone tomorrow's hearing and Friday's vote and support an FBI investigation of all allegations. The senators wrote: The Senate Judiciary Committee is not a court of law. Our job is not to determine whether Brett Kavanaugh is guilty of a crime. Our job is to determine whether Brett Kavanaugh has the character and qualifications to be promoted to the most prestigious and powerful court in the country. It would be an unprecedented abuse of power and abdication of our constitutional responsibilities to move forward with this nomination given the concerns about Brett Kavanaugh's character and actions. We ask that you immediately request an FBI investigation or support the withdrawal of this nominee, but at a minimum the vote that has been scheduled for Friday must be canceled. Full text of the letter follows: September 26, 2018 Honorable Charles Grassley Chairman Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairman Grassley: In light of shocking new allegations detailed by Julie Swetnick in a sworn affidavit, we write to request that the Committee vote on Brett Kavanaugh be immediately canceled and that you support the reopening of the FBI investigation to examine all of the allegations against Kavanaugh or withdrawal of his nomination. Under penalty of perjury, which would cause Ms. Swetnick to be subject to criminal prosecution, she states that she witnessed Brett Kavanaugh engage in abusive and physically aggressive behavior toward girls, including pressing girls against him without their consent, grinding against girls,' and attempting to remove or shift girls' clothing to expose private body parts as we… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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