Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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355 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "VT" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-demands-answers-on-why-doj-hired-attorney-convicted-of-election-interference-to-monitor-elections/ | Welch Demands Answers on Why DOJ Hired Attorney Convicted of Election Interference to Monitor Elections | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and member of the Senate Rules Committee, demanded answers from Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), on why DOJ hired an attorney convicted of election interference to conduct election monitoring for the Department. “According to credible reports, the Civil Rights Division sent a recently hired attorney to conduct election monitoring for the Department of Justice who was previously convicted of election interference. Deploying politically motivated individuals to carry out DOJ’s poll monitoring efforts threatens to undermine Americans’ faith in the electoral process ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections,” wrote Senator Welch. “In 2016, David Levin pleaded guilty to conducting a cyberattack to obtain the credentials of a Supervisor of Elections for Lee County, Florida, which he then used to enter restricted portions of the state’s Division of Elections and the county’s election websites. He served 20 days in jail and received two years of probation. According to Mr. Levin’s arrest warrant, he demonstrated how he hacked the website in YouTube videos and a local television interview,” the Senator continued. “The Department has not confirmed whether Mr. Levin is working for the Civil Rights Division. But publicly available images and videos from the Department’s election monitoring activities during the recent Minnesota primary elections captured Mr. Levin with William Mohrman, who is a Senior Counsel in the Division. One video shows a local election judge interacting with Mr. Levin and Mr. Mohrman as they monitored Minnesota’s August primary.” “On August 25, 2026, you stated in an interview with Bloomberg News that the Department would send approximately 1,000 employees to monitor the 2026 midterm elections. In that interview, you declined to state where those monitors would be sent, but DOJ has a… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-bipartisan-protect-college-sports-act/ | Welch Statement on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which he cosponsored: “The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act is significant progress in the effort to establish clear national rules and combat consolidation for a broken system. No compromise is perfect, but this bill proves bipartisanship is still a winning play for Congress. The Protect College Sports Act codifies protections for student athletes and athletic programs, supports smaller schools—including those in Vermont—by allowing revenue sharing, and it helps get big money out of college sports. It’s a win-win for student athletes and fans alike.” The Protect College Sports Act, led by Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), will stabilize college sports and set new rules. This bipartisan bill will codify student athletes’ rights to earn compensation when their Name, Image or Likeness (NIL) is used, replacing a patchwork of state laws, protect women’s and Olympic sports programs, provide access to scholarships and health care protections, expand revenue for all schools, and give student athletes a seat at the table. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-reintroduces-bill-to-ban-toxic-substances-in-plastic-bottles-address-plastic-pollution-in-our-communities/ | Welch Reintroduces Bill to Ban Toxic Substances in Plastic Bottles, Address Plastic Pollution in our Communities | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) led U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in introducing the Banning Toxics from Plastic Bottles Act, legislation to prohibit the sale of plastic beverage containers that contain toxic substances and dyes linked to adverse health and environmental impacts, including forever chemicals like Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS). The bill also creates a grant fund through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would provide local waste management and water infrastructure facilities with resources to address plastic pollution. The bill requires the EPA to prioritize rural and historically underserved communities when issuing pollution remediation and restoration grants. “Big companies are producing more toxic chemicals, dyes, and non-recycled plastic than ever, prioritizing profits over Americans’ health and welfare. Our communities are left to clean up their toxic mess, an especially heavy burden for rural and lower income communities already overburdened by pollution,” said Senator Welch. “In Vermont, we’ve taken strong action to restrict the sale of products containing PFAS and harmful chemicals, because Vermonters shouldn’t have to shoulder companies’ environmental burdens. The Banning Toxics from Plastic Bottles Act follows Vermont’s lead and takes a major step forward to protect public health and the environment.” “The plastics crisis is not only an environmental disaster but also a public health emergency that demands urgent action,” said Senator Merkley, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee overseeing environmental justice and chemical safety. “Research continues to show us how the chemicals used in plastics are linked to negative health outcomes, including cancer. Transitioning away from toxic, single-use plastics with the Banning Toxics from Plastic Bottles Act is the bold action America needs to protect t… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-tillis-kaine-lead-bipartisan-effort-urging-trump-admin-to-fight-for-release-of-political-prisoners-in-azerbaijan/ | Welch, Tillis, Kaine Lead Bipartisan Effort Urging Trump Admin to Fight for Release of Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Bipartisan Senators call on Trump Admin to include release of all political prisoners held in Azerbaijan as part of efforts to strengthen the U.S.– Azerbaijan partnership WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in leading a bipartisan effort calling on the Trump Administration to secure the release of more than 300 political prisoners currently held in Azerbaijan to advance the cause of peace in the region. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators express great concern with the pattern of arbitrary detentions and denial of due process under Azerbaijani President Aliyev’s administration and emphasize that the success of the U.S.– Azerbaijan bilateral relationship is dependent on Azerbaijan making reciprocal good faith commitments, including the release of political prisoners. The Senators underscore that for the U.S.– Azerbaijan partnership to thrive, it must be grounded in a commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and protect fundamental rights: “There are more than 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, and the repression of independent journalists, opposition leaders, and civil society advocates continues throughout the country. We share the Administration’s interest in advancing peace in the region and urge that the release of all political prisoners held in Azerbaijan be a condition of the Strategic Partnership. We have been encouraged by the Administration’s success in obtaining the release of political prisoners in Belarus and urge the Administration to pursue a similar approach with Azerbaijan.” The Senators emphasize that obtaining the release of political prisoners should start by prioritizing the release of the following individuals, who are emblematic of different sectors of Azerbaijani civil society that have been targets of longstanding repression: Ali Karimli, Alasgar Mammadli, Anar Mammadli, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, Farid Mehralizada, Rufat Safarov, Tofig Yagubl… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-introduces-bill-to-address-vermonts-housing-crisis-by-exempting-affordable-housing-development-grants-from-income-tax/ | Welch Introduces Bill to Address Vermont’s Housing Crisis by Exempting Affordable Housing Development Grants from Income Tax | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | New legislation would exempt small, rural housing developers from paying unreasonable income tax on grants they receive to help address Vermont’s housing crisis WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week introduced the Supporting Small Affordable Housing Developers Act, new legislation that would exempt grants supporting affordable housing development from taxation to empower small, rural housing developers to build more affordable housing. The bill would also exempt income from the sale of transferable state tax credits from federal taxation, allowing developers to put more proceeds toward housing development. “The nationwide housing crisis has been absolutely brutal on Vermont’s rural communities, making it harder than ever for folks to afford a home. Small developers like Village Venture, which devote its time and labor to building affordable housing in our rural communities, shouldn’t be penalized for helping us address this crisis—yet that’s what’s happening under our current tax code,” said Senator Welch. “I’m leading this legislation to right this wrong and ensure small and rural housing developers aren’t forced to bear unreasonable financial burdens for building desperately needed affordable housing.” America’s nationwide housing crisis has hit the state of Vermont especially hard, with median home sale prices surging 40% since 2019. In addition to skyrocketing housing costs, dwindling market supply has made it even tougher for lower-income families—including the nearly 4,000 Vermonters facing homelessness—to purchase a home. Vermont is projected to need an additional 24,000–36,000 housing units by 2030 to replace outdated housing stock and meet demand. Rising inflation and labor costs make it increasingly difficult for developers to build affordable housing. This has been especially devastating for the state’s rural communities, where multimillion-dollar companies are buying up homes me… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-van-hollen-and-15-senate-democrats-in-pushing-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-china/ | Welch Joins Van Hollen and 15 Senate Democrats in Pushing Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with China | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Senators’ letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 15 Senate Democrats in calling on President Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Senators also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity. The Senators caution that, as extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models: “It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world… Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by the Trump Administration and China at this summit.” The Senators urge President Trump that the conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced: “America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-on-iran-war-its-time-for-us-to-say-end-this-war-end-this-war-now/ | Welch on Iran War: “It’s time for us to say, end this war. End this war now.” | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | “This war in Iran, absolutely, immediately, must end. And it will only end if the person who started it with the unilateral decision to go to war, decides to end the war. “We in this Senate have voted numerous times to end this war. We can’t do it unless we get votes from the other side of the aisle. But it is absolutely disgraceful that the United States is in this war. It was a decision of two men—not two legislative bodies, not two votes of the American people, two men—Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu was in the situation room, making his case that we should go to a war with Iran. Any of the advisors to the president said it was a bogus claim that it would be done overnight, which is essentially what the assertion was. “So, our president made a decision—and it was a unilateral decision by him—a unilateral decision, that we go to war. And he told the American people that it would be over in a couple of days, just like Venezuela; hat the people of Iran would rise up and take out the ayatollah. Many Iranians did rise up, and they got slaughtered. “The president bragged about the military might—and we do have a strong military — but his strategic thinking was totally flawed and foolish. He thought bombing could resolve something that it couldn’t. So, yes, we bombed. Yes, leadership in Iran was wiped out. But then, Iran did what military advisors knew it would do, but the president could not listen. They used asymmetric response, drones, to close the Strait of Hormuz. “The impact here has been going on for over six months. And the only way we can assess what has happened is come to the conclusion that the president’s policy was a complete failure. It is not working. The president continues to promote a non-policy, asserting we’re putting the squeeze on Iran. “Mr. President, you’re putting the squeeze on farmers in Iowa. You’re putting the squeeze on the tourism industry in Vermont. You’re putting the squeeze on manufacturers in Wisconsin. You’re putting the squeeze on the American people. You kno… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/statement-on-cuba/ | Statement on Cuba | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Statement of Senator Peter Welch On Cuba September 23, 2026 Mr. President, in the midst of all the chaos and cruelty inflicted by the White House on the American people and around the world, I suspect not many Americans are aware that we are also carrying out an illegal blockade against Cuba, a country the size of Tennessee that poses no threat to the United States, but whose government we have tried to depose by one means or another for more than 60 years. There is plenty to not like about the Cuban government, which has defended a failed economic model and repressive political system for decades. The Cuban people deserve freedom and opportunity. But that does not justify the United States imposing a naval and financial blockade against an impoverished country that has neither attacked us nor threatened to attack us. The consequences for the Cuban people have been devastating. Today, they are suffering from daily electrical blackouts that have made everyday life a virtual nightmare. Schools, hospitals, public transportation, food production, trash collection, and many other life necessities have been brought to a practical standstill. Ironically, even our own Embassy has been impacted to the point that they are unable, or unwilling, to provide the necessary support for Members of Congress who have a legitimate interest in observing first-hand the consequences of the policy of collective punishment against the Cuban people being carried out by our government. According to an article in the New York Times on September 17, 2026: “Thousands of containers filled with food, medicine and other goods bound for Cuba have been stranded throughout the Caribbean since two shipping giants stopped deliveries to avoid tough U.S. sanctions, according to diplomats, Cuban officials, merchants and others involved in the imports. “The containers stranded in various ports include humanitarian aid, from solar panels to medication to colostomy bags. Dozens of containers of aid purchased by different United Nations agencies are … | 1 | 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z | 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-bennet-release-proposal-to-establish-new-federal-agency-to-prevent-catastrophic-ai-risk-regulate-big-tech/ | Welch, Bennet Release Proposal to Establish New Federal Agency to Prevent Catastrophic AI Risk, Regulate Big Tech | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Federal Digital Commission would have pre-clearance review of frontier AI models, ability to pause release without necessary safeguards, and assess civil penalties of up to 15% of a firm’s prior-year global revenue WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, joined U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) today in announcing a new proposal that would build off of their landmark legislation to create a new independent federal agency to regulate frontier artificial intelligence (AI) models and social media. The AI Regulator Act would require pre-certification for frontier AI models, delay the public release of any AI model that could pose catastrophic risks without necessary safeguards, and issue formal rulemakings to set guardrails that keep pace with the speed of innovation. It could also conduct investigations, engage in research, and impose penalties of up to 15% of a firm’s prior-year global revenue for violations. These new authorities add to the proposed Federal Digital Commission’s mission to regulate the largest digital platforms and ensure that a dedicated agency is empowered to protect Americans from catastrophic AI risk, safeguard our kids online, reduce harmful market concentration, and prevent national and economic security risks. “Americans in Vermont and across the country are freaked out by the warnings of AI researchers, and I’m right there with them. It’s clear we can’t leave it to AI companies to self-regulate—just like we don’t let drug companies, or Wall Street, or Big Oil self-regulate. Americans need reassurance that an independent expert agency will advocate on behalf of the public good and public safety,” said Senator Welch. “Our commonsense bill would provide the comprehensive oversight of Big Tech and AI that is sorely needed.” “The challenge posed by a new technology and a new industry able to profoundly transform our economy and society is one we have faced before,” said Senator… | 1 | 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z | 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-center-for-american-progress-to-discuss-challenges-facing-rural-america-building-policy-around-needs-of-rural-vermonters/ | Welch Joins Center for American Progress to Discuss Challenges Facing Rural America, Building Policy Around Needs of Rural Vermonters | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Welch: “We really have to stand up for rural America.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today joined Center for American Progress (CAP) President and CEO Neera Tanden for a conversation on the challenges facing rural America and what it will take to build an agenda that delivers for rural Vermonters and rural communities across the country. In his discussion with Ms. Tanden, the Senator underscored the importance of preserving rural values in policies that address challenges facing Vermont’s farmers, community hospitals and health care industry, and streamline natural disaster recovery efforts. “There are certain things that every American needs, but where the stress is even more intense in rural America. We should have a health care system in this country, rural or urban, where everybody has access to health care. We pay two times as much for health care as any other major industrial country and get less. So that would be a shared goal that would be beneficial to urban and rural America,” said Senator Welch. Following the conversation between Senator Welch and Ms. Tanden, a panel of rural experts spoke about the importance of supporting rural communities—digging into where the gaps are—and where the possibilities lie—for reducing the cost of living, creating jobs and opportunity, and cutting red tape for rural America. Ben Doyle, President of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, was featured on the panel and spoke about his work to expand opportunity and strengthen rural communities. “One of the challenges with bureaucracy is that investment isn’t always equitable…71% of the communities in Vermont are 2,500 or fewer—that’s what rural looks like, right? But those communities only get 30% of the investment from those Rural Development programs. So, there’s a disconnect,” said Mr. Doyle. “The idea that you’re going to be able to deliver those programs and those services in an equitable way to… | 1 | 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z | 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-schiff-barragan-unveil-bicameral-legislation-to-expand-access-to-affordable-meals-for-college-students-address-food-insecurity-on-college-campuses/ | Welch, Schiff, Barragán Unveil Bicameral Legislation to Expand Access to Affordable Meals for College Students, Address Food Insecurity on College Campuses | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44) in introducing the Food for Thought Act, bicameral legislation to create a grant program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide free meals to low-income college students, including those at minority-serving institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “Students from underserved communities face enough challenges in higher education without the added burden of wondering where their next meal is coming from. We should do all we can to provide the resources necessary to give a helping hand to students facing food insecurity on campus,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senator Schiff and Rep. Barragán in leading the Food for Thought Act to ensure students from Vermont to California never have to decide between their next meal or pursuing their future.” “College students should never have to worry about where their next meal will come from or have to drop out because they can’t afford food and tuition. This bill is a commonsense approach to addressing student hunger and strengthening higher education,” said Senator Schiff. “Students should never have to choose between putting food on the table and earning a college degree,” said Rep. Barragán. “For too many students, especially those from low-income families, hunger is another barrier standing between them and their education. The Food for Thought Act will help colleges provide free meals, strengthen campus food resources, and connect students with the assistance they need to succeed. When we invest in a student’s basic needs, we are investing in their ability to stay in school, graduate, and build a better future. No student should have to go hungry while working toward their education.” The Food for Thought Act would amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize the Secreta… | 1 | 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z | 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-hosts-2026-womens-economic-opportunity-conference/ | Welch Hosts 2026 Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WEOC featured keynote remarks from Vermont Entrepreneur and GameTheory Founder Marguerite Dibble, Senator Welch, and Margaret Cheney, followed by interactive skills-building workshops RANDOLPH, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and his wife, Margaret Cheney, hosted the 2026 Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference this weekend. The event was held at Vermont State University in Randolph, and included interactive workshops on growing economic opportunity, cultivating new audiences, fostering business skills, and more. The conference opened with remarks from Senator Welch and Vermont entrepreneur Marguerite Dibble, who was interviewed by Margaret Cheney. “In really hard times we have to remember that we have agency, that we can act and that we change things for the better. Just five short decades ago, Gloria Steinem was ridiculed for talking about equal pay and reproductive freedom. Without her fight, it wouldn’t be possible for us to be here today, offering opportunities that help everyone to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their own lives and communities. That’s why, at its heart, the Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference has always been about collective effort in the feminist movement,” said Senator Welch. “WEOC is so fortunate to have such an amazing network of innovative organizations and hardworking business leaders and dreamers who are committed to supporting not only their own personal growth, but the growth of their communities—it’s what makes this event such a huge success year after year,” the Senator continued. “The message from our keynote speaker, entrepreneur Marguerite Dibble, and Margaret was uplifting and empowering. Through shared goals, we can support one another in these unprecedented times. I’ll continue to champion community-building efforts that help more Vermonters achieve their professional and personal aspirations.” View photos from the event below: Vermont’s nearly 25,000 women-owned businesses—which make up 43% of all businesses in Vermont—employ more than 40,000 V… | 1 | 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z | 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-conducts-ice-oversight-visit-at-northwest-state-correctional-facility-in-saint-albans-meets-with-people-detained-by-ice/ | Welch Conducts ICE Oversight Visit at Northwest State Correctional Facility in Saint Albans; Meets with People Detained by ICE | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Welch: “This is so wrong, and so cruel.” SAINT ALBANS—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today visited people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in Saint Albans. The Senator met with five people in detention. After, Senator Welch posted a video discussing oversight of ICE and President Trump’s illegal mass deportation, anti-immigrant agenda: Video Transcript: “I’m at the Northwest Correctional Center, and I came here to visit people who were picked up by ICE. “It’s pretty shocking. I met five people, two of whom worked on farms, one of whom was there 16 years. Another was a roofer. Another was driving a truck for Lowe’s. And another also was working on a farm. Absolutely no criminal convictions among the five. Every single one has a family. Every single one was picked up suddenly at work or out getting lunch. And some were picked up when they were reporting to ICE, because they had legal status to be here. “This is so wrong, and so cruel. This mass roundup that is just something that the Trump administration won’t stop, has to stop. These are good people that are here—working people, with families, making a contribution to our farms and to our community, to construction of the housing that we need. “So I’m going to continue to fight against this rampant, mass roundup of people. It makes no sense. We need an immigration policy that is fair and humane.” This afternoon, Senator Welch convened immigration leaders and advocates from across Vermont to discuss ICE’s recent raids in Vermont and his strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s violent and brutal immigration policies. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T10:30:22Z | 2026-09-24T10:31:42Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=819 | Vermont Congressional Delegation Announces Over $33.2 Million in Long-Awaited FEMA Funding to Support Flood Buyouts, Hazard Mitigation Across Vermont | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), today announced the delivery of over $33.2 million in new federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to support flood recovery and resiliency in Vermont. This funding includes more than $27.6 million to support the buyout of at least 90 homes across Vermont that are located within a floodplain, at risk of landslide, or sustained irreparable damage from flooding in 2023 and 2024. Families who applied for buyouts will receive compensation for their property from the state of Vermont. The state will then demolish the structure and maintain the land as open green space in perpetuity. The additional $5.6 million in funding will support costs associated with the administration of Vermont’s Emergency Management and future hazard mitigation plans. “Over the last several years, our office has worked with Vermonters who were uprooted from their homes and left to navigate the complicated FEMA grant-making process while waiting far too long for a path forward,” said Rep. Balint. “For many families, this funding will bring welcome—though bittersweet—closure after years of uncertainty. It will also provide real economic relief and give communities much needed resources to become more resilient to future flooding. I’m grateful to everyone who kept pushing to get these dollars out the door, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure Vermont gets the federal support it needs to recover and rebuild.” “For too many Vermonters, our state’s recent floods are painful memories of homes washed away, livelihoods destroyed, roads and bridges decimated, and sadly, lives lost. There is no good reason that Vermonters should have to wait years to receive the help they need to recover and rebuild when disasters strike. Volunteers, town work crews, rescue teams, state and local employees and fellow Vermonters have done extraordinary work over… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=817 | Rep. Balint Introduces Bill to Strengthen Coordination Between 988 and 911 Call Centers | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), a member of Congress’s bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, and Doris Matsui (CA-7), a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, today introduced the 988 and 911 Integration Act. This bill, which is part of the larger, bipartisan 988 Implementation Act being introduced today by Reps. Doris Matsui (CA-7) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) would establish a panel, jointly convened by the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Justice, to make recommendations on integrating 988 and 911 services. The panel would include representatives from each segment of the crisis care response network including behavioral health professionals, law enforcement officers, and crisis response professionals, and would update its recommendations every five years. In addition to Reps. Balint and Matsui, the 988 and 911 Integration Act is cosponsored by Reps. Lori Trahan (MA-3), Adam Smith (WA-9), Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL). The panel established by the 988 and 911 Integration Act would: Provide recommendations on technical and operational integration of the 988 and 911 call lines and appropriate response; Establish training, staffing, and protocol requirements to ensure that 988 and 911 dispatch personnel respond appropriately to callers in crisis; Ensure appropriate care is provided to members of particularly vulnerable communities, including Native Americans, veterans and service members; and, Develop data collection and reporting standards to monitor outcomes for individuals who contact 911 and 988 in mental health crisis. "Especially during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I’m incredibly proud to be introducing the 988 and 911 Integration Act,” said Rep. Balint, a member of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus. “One of my top priorities in Congress is reducing stigma and taking real action to improve access to mental healthcare. We know that mental health affects not just individuals, but… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-senator-welch-to-discuss-farm-bill-with-organic-farmers/ | MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Welch to Discuss Farm Bill with Organic Farmers | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch will tour and hold roundtable at Honey Field Farm NORWICH, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, will join Vermont farmers and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) on Thursday, August 27th at 10:00 AM for a farm tour of Honey Field Farm. While visiting the farm, Senator Welch will discuss the future of the Farm Bill and his fight to improve the bill for Vermont’s organic farmers. Senator Welch will be joined at Honey Field Farm by NOFA-VT, and farmers from Honey Field Farm, Luna Bleu Farm, Cedar Mountain Farm, Flying Dog Farm, Rockbottom Farm, Strafford Organic Creamery, and more. Earlier this month, Senate Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill failed to advance in the Agriculture Committee. The bill is expected to be considered again by the Committee when the Senate returns to Washington in September. Senator Welch introduced several amendments and changes to Senate Republicans’ Farm Bill to better support organic farmers, including amendments to make it easier to enter the organics market, halt the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization plan, improve access to farm loans and credit, expand eligibility and access to conservation programs, support Farm to School nutrition programs, and cut red tape for small-scale meat producers in rural communities. Senator Welch is the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. LOGISTICS: WHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.); Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT); Organic farmers from across Vermont WHEN: Thursday, August 27th, 2026; 10:00 a.m. ET WHERE: Honey Field Farm: 55 Butternut Rd., Norwich, VT RSVP: Media are kindly asked to RSVP to Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov. Media Note: Senator Welch is available to speak about the Farm Bill and President Trump’s trade war with Canada after the event. ### | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-welch-to-bring-together-vermont-small-businesses-farmers-for-event-near-u-s-canada-border-on-trumps-reckless-trade-war/ | MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch to Bring Together Vermont Small Businesses, Farmers, for Event Near U.S.-Canada Border on Trump’s Reckless Trade War | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | “Nobody wins a trade war. President Trump is on an economic rampage, and his policies are destructive on both sides of the border,” said Welch ahead of the event. JAY, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, will bring together Vermont small businesses, farmers, and community leaders on Tuesday, September 1st for a press event near the U.S.-Canada border to push back on President Trump’s reckless trade war against Canada, which is hurting the economy of Vermont and northern border states. “Nobody wins a trade war. President Trump is on an economic rampage, and his policies are destructive on both sides of the border. This is going to do great harm to Americans and Canadians alike. President Trump must listen to our businesses, farmers, and manufacturers—they’re going to be hurt by his trade policies and need him to drop these reckless tariffs on our neighbor and long-standing ally,” said Welch ahead of the event. Senator Welch will be joined by small business owners, manufacturers, farmers, and tourism and hospitality leaders hurt by tariffs and President Trump’s trade war. Jay is about 5 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. Senator Welch cosponsors the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which seeks to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy. He also led the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada under IEEPA authorities. Read Senator Welch’s full statement on the president’s new 50% tariffs on Canada here. LOGISTICS: WHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.); Vermont business owners, farmers, community leaders WHEN: Tuesday, September 1st, 2026; 10:30 a.m. ET WHERE: Jay Peak Resort, 830 Jay Peak Rd, Jay, VT 05859 | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-blumenthal-schiff-demand-answers-on-dhs-464-million-no-bid-contract-to-trump-allied-company-for-luxury-jets-and-airplanes/ | Welch, Blumenthal, Schiff Demand Answers on DHS $464 Million No-Bid Contract to Trump-Allied Company for Luxury Jets and Airplanes | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Owner of company that received no-bid contract linked to allegations of soliciting kickbacks from former DHS official and Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee in sending a letter demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about Department’s purchase of ten airplanes for $464 million via a no-bid contract to a company led by William Walters, a strong political ally of President Trump. In the letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Senators called out the Department’s reliance on no-bid contracts since the beginning of the second Trump Administration and raised concerns that the owner of the company that received the award also runs a company alleged to have solicited kickback payments from former DHS official Corey Lewandowski. The letter comes after the Senators demanded that two companies implicated in apparent pay-to-play accusations against Lewandowski preserve records of their interactions ahead of likely multiple probes into violations of federal law. Senators Welch and Blumenthal previously demanded answers from Secretary Mullin about Lewandowski’s role in DHS contracting decisions in light of reports that Lewandowski potentially steered contract awards to benefit himself and his political allies while serving as a special government employee and advisor at DHS. “Recent reporting reveals that, beginning in the fall of 2025, DHS pursued and eventually awarded a no-bid contract to purchase 10 aircraft, including three ‘luxury business jets’ and seven ‘Boeing 737 passenger jets,’ and that most of these aircraft have sat idle for months since DHS acquired them. Although DHS claims that the contract was undertaken during Secretary Noem’s tenure, contracting records indicate tha… | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-hosts-common-grounds-with-senator-welch-listening-session-in-essex-county/ | Welch Hosts ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ Listening Session in Essex County | 2026-08-25 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | ISLAND POND, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this morning hosted a ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session at the scenic outdoor pavilion at Lakeside Park in Essex County. Vermonters joined Senator Welch for a discussion about how Washington can work better for the Green Mountain State. “The world we’re in is completely different than the world we grew up in and that we inhabited only five or ten years ago. You know, we all have political points of view on health care, on the environment, on poverty, on education—and we debate those. But in the past, we also had common reference points—we believed in the rule of law, we believed in courtesy to our neighbors, we believed in free and fair elections and accepted the outcome of those elections. Those days are behind us. And it’s a jump ball as to what happens when we come out on the other side. And that’s the real contest of what’s going on in our country right now. The basic norms that all of us depended on to help us get through our differences have been shattered,” said Senator Welch. “The biggest challenges that we have here—like health care, housing, education, social media—are not unique to Vermont, and they’re not unique to blue states or red States,” the Senator continued. “They’re shared problems. And in Vermont we look at what the challenges are and we face them together. Sure, we’ll have a debate about how best to address them. But we always start from the proposition that the problems we have to solve are shared, and that we want to solve them for the well-being of our community and for the future of our kids.” Senator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Windsor counties, and will host listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. Sign up for the Senator’s newsletter here to learn more about his upcoming events in Vermont. ### | 1 | 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z | 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-trump-to-drop-50-tariffs-on-canada-and-end-the-trade-war/ | Welch Urges Trump to Drop 50% Tariffs on Canada and End the Trade War | 2026-08-22 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT—Following failed trade negotiations, President Trump’s 50% tariffs on hundreds of Canadian-made goods take effect Saturday. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement: “President Trump has ratcheted up his trade war against Canada yet again. These new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods are a continuation of the president’s chaotic economic policies, and a slap in the face to businesses and farmers in Vermont and northern border states across America. Cross-border business relationships, built over decades, are in the lurch. Uncertainty about a long-term trade deal with our closest ally has grown, and long-term trade negotiations seem to now be on ice. “For the sake of American businesses, American farms, and American families, I urge President Trump to drop these tariffs and find an off-ramp to his reckless trade war. It is also long past time for my Republican colleagues to stand up and take back our constitutionally-granted tariff power—Congress cannot continue ceding our authority on trade and tariffs.” Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada. Senator Welch also cosponsors the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which seeks to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy. ### | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=807 | Vermont Congressional Delegation Calls on USPS to Address Persistent Shortfalls in Serving Vermonters | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Read and download the Delegation’s full letter to USPS Postmaster General Steiner. BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), urged the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to address massive shortfalls in serving Vermonters, who have for years experienced postal delivery delays and egregious service issues. In their letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner, who was appointed in 2025, the Delegation outlined how many Vermonters have dealt with reduced deliveries and deteriorating service for several years, following adoption of the Trump Administration’s flawed Delivering for America Plan. The Delegation emphasized that the significant Postal Service issues facing Vermonters stem from decisions made by USPS leadership: “As you know, the Postal Service’s Delivering for America ten-year plan was launched in 2021, supposedly to modernize and support the financial self-sustainability of the postal network. Five years into this plan, mail delivery service in Vermont is at an all-time low, staffing shortages in the state are pervasive, and USPS has not improved its financial outlook.” “In the first half of 2026 alone, our offices have received over 2,000 constituent complaints about the USPS mail service. Many of our constituents currently receive just one or two mail deliveries per week. Some residential areas have received zero mail deliveries over consecutive weeks. Vermonters living in South Burlington and the greater Chittenden County region have experienced particularly egregious service issues,” the Delegation continued. “These service failures have a significant impact on Vermonters: tax documents and bills are received after they are due, holiday cards come after the holiday season, and most critically, residents are forced to go without medical care when their prescriptions are not received on time. The Delegation also underscored that inconsisten… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-congressional-delegation-calls-on-usps-to-address-persistent-shortfalls-in-serving-vermonters/ | Vermont Congressional Delegation Calls on USPS to Address Persistent Shortfalls in Serving Vermonters | 2026-08-21 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT– The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), urged the Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to address massive shortfalls in serving Vermonters, who have for years experienced postal delivery delays and egregious service issues. In their letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner, who was appointed in 2025, the Delegation outlined how many Vermonters have dealt with reduced deliveries and deteriorating service for several years, following adoption of the Trump Administration’s flawed Delivering for America Plan. The Delegation emphasized that the significant Postal Service issues facing Vermonters stem from decisions made by USPS leadership: “As you know, the Postal Service’s Delivering for America ten-year plan was launched in 2021, supposedly to modernize and support the financial self-sustainability of the postal network. Five years into this plan, mail delivery service in Vermont is at an all-time low, staffing shortages in the state are pervasive, and USPS has not improved its financial outlook.” “In the first half of 2026 alone, our offices have received over 2,000 constituent complaints about the USPS mail service. Many of our constituents currently receive just one or two mail deliveries per week. Some residential areas have received zero mail deliveries over consecutive weeks. Vermonters living in South Burlington and the greater Chittenden County region have experienced particularly egregious service issues,” the Delegation continued. “These service failures have a significant impact on Vermonters: tax documents and bills are received after they are due, holiday cards come after the holiday season, and most critically, residents are forced to go without medical care when their prescriptions are not received on time. The Delegation also underscored that inconsistent mail delivery is impeding state government services in Vermont: “The Vermont Agency… | 1 | 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z | 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/senator-welch-to-host-common-grounds-listening-session-in-essex-county/ | Senator Welch to Host Common Grounds Listening Session in Essex County | 2026-08-20 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | ISLAND POND, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will travel to Essex County next week as part of his ‘Common Grounds’ listening session series. This event will be held from 10:00 -11:00 AM ET at the scenic outdoor pavilion at Lakeside Park: 32 Mill St., Island Pond, VT. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and join Senator Welch for a discussion about how Washington can work better for the Green Mountain State. The Senator will host ‘Common Grounds’ listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. So far, Senator Welch has hosted ‘Common Grounds’ events in Bennington, Franklin, Addison, Windsor, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Caledonia counties. LOGISTICS: WHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) WHEN: Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM ET WHERE: Scenic outdoor pavilion at Lakeside Park: 32 Mill St., Island Pond, VT RSVP: Vermonters canRSVP HERE for Senator Welch’s ‘Common Grounds’ Listening Session in Essex County. ### | 1 | 2026-08-21T05:30:57Z | 2026-08-21T05:32:22Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/sanders-welch-demand-dairy-farmers-of-america-end-its-illegal-retaliation-against-vermont-dairy-workers/ | Sanders, Welch Demand Dairy Farmers of America End its Illegal Retaliation Against Vermont Dairy Workers | 2026-08-19 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON – Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) wrote to Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh to demand that the company reverse its decision to close the St. Albans plant and creamery and lay off 80 Vermonters. DFA appears to have decided to shutter the plant following the efforts of workers to come together and form a union. “This decision will have a devastating impact on your workers, their families, Vermont dairy farmers, and the entire St. Albans community. To make matters worse, the timing of this decision following a recent union contract renegotiation raises concerns that idling the plant appears to be an attempt to illegally union-bust and set an example of the approximately 80 Vermonters represented by Teamsters Local 597,” Sanders and Welch wrote. “Without a sufficient explanation, it would be reasonable to conclude that the decision to idle the plant is illegal retaliation for last year’s strike. That is unacceptable.” In October 2025, St. Albans DFA workers ratified a contract after a lengthy bargaining process and a nearly two-week strike. DFA initially touted this contract. Less than a year later, it has announced plans to close the plant. Now recent public reporting indicates this closure could be in direct response to its workers efforts to form a union and a federal judge granted a restraining order against the closure on Monday. “DFA has a responsibility to the workers, farmers, and community members who have built and supported this facility for generations,” the senators continued. “That responsibility means making sure the constitutional rights of your workers to unionize and collectively bargain are fully respected. It means recognizing the impact this decision will have on Vermont’s dairy farmers. And it means being transparent with your workers, farmers and the people of St. Albans about why this decision was made and what DFA intends to do to mitigate its consequences.” Sanders and Welch concluded: “Do the right thing. Reverse your decision to idle … | 1 | 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z | 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-discusses-farm-to-school-funding-access-to-nutrition-programs-at-school-nutrition-association-of-vermonts-2026-conference/ | Welch Discusses Farm to School Funding, Access to Nutrition Programs at School Nutrition Association of Vermont’s 2026 Conference | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | More than 19,400 children face hunger in Vermont SHELBURNE, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, delivered remarks Monday at the School Nutrition Association of Vermont’s 2026 “Seeds of Change: Growing Vermont’s Future” conference. At the event, Senator Welch discussed his bipartisan efforts to protect and expand access to nutrition and farm to school programs. “What I so admire about what you do today, and every day, is you believe in nutrition for kids, and you believe in healthy nutrition for kids. That requires local farms. Just think of all of the people who engage in this process—from planting a seed, to putting food on the plate of a child so she can eat a healthy, nutritious meal right in her school. What you’re discussing today and what we see across Vermont is a local, community commitment. I’m fighting for more of that community commitment in the Farm Bill. Our Farm Bill should be focused on small, rural farmers and small, rural communities,” said Senator Welch. “We’re living in a country where we need to make the argument that it is important to feed kids. We should not need to argue about this—we know kids need healthy foods, and we know our farmers want to help feed them. I’m so thankful for your work to feed our kids and I’m committed to fighting for school nutrition in Washington.” Earlier this month, Senator Welch filed more than 40 amendments to Senate Republicans’ Farm Bill, including amendments to increase funding for the Farm to School nutrition program and support initiatives that deliver fresh, local foods to schools nationwide. He also led amendments to cut red tape for SNAP applicants. Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee rejected Democratic-led amendments and the bill stalled in Committee. See photos from the event below: Earlier this year, Senator Welch’s bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, wa… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-over-90-bicameral-lawmakers-in-demanding-trump-drop-dangerous-childhood-vaccine-executive-order/ | Welch Joins Over 90 Bicameral Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Drop Dangerous Childhood Vaccine Executive Order | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, joined U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), U.S. Representative Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), and 87 bicameral lawmakers in demanding President Trump reverse his executive order directing federal health agencies to overhaul longstanding childhood vaccine recommendations and encouraging states to reconsider school immunization requirements. President Trump’s order comes in the wake of Republicans’ tax bill, the so-called one One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which gutted Medicaid, limited access to care in rural communities, and increased cost burdens for low-income families. The executive order forces families to schedule multiple doctors’ appointments with multiple co-pays to get their kids vaccinated, which adds unnecessary chaos, confusion, and financial strain. Notably, single-disease shots for routine childhood vaccines, like measles, mumps, and rubella, do not exist in the U.S. market. Recommending parents and pediatricians switch to non-existent vaccines creates mass confusion, stalls routine care right as children head back to school, and forces drug manufacturers into a years-long regulatory pipeline. Families rely on science-based vaccine recommendations from the federal government to protect their children and communities from preventable diseases. In their letter to President Trump, the lawmakers emphasize how his executive order creates chaos and confusion as millions of families across the country are preparing for the school year: “At a moment when the United States is experiencing the highest surge in measles cases in thirty-five years and an increasing number of states forced to declare public health emergencies – your administration is placing more children in harm’s way rather than protecting them. This Executive Order overrides decades of scientific evidence and sows fear, chaos, and confusion. The result will not be safer or healthier childre… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-shaheen-lead-colleagues-in-pushing-for-answers-on-violent-u-s-joint-counternarcotics-operation-with-ecuadorian-military/ | Welch, Shaheen Lead Colleagues in Pushing for Answers on Violent U.S. Joint Counternarcotics Operation with Ecuadorian Military | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led their colleagues in pressing for answers about the sharp discrepancy between the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and Ecuadorian military regarding a violent joint counternarcotics operation carried out in March 2026. Between March 1 and March 6, 2026, Ecuadorian and United States armed forces carried out a violent counternarcotics operation in the remote village of San Martin, located on the banks of the San Miguel River bordering Colombia and consisting of about two dozen impoverished families located in the Amazon jungle. The operation is the subject of multiple reports by journalists and human rights organizations who either visited the site or spoke and toured the property remotely with the registered owner, an Ecuadorian farmer who raised cows, pigs, and chickens. In their letter to DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Senators wrote: “On March 6, 2026, your department released a statement that it had conducted a joint counternarcotics operation earlier that day with the Ecuadorian military. The statement included the following: ‘We commend President Noboa, the Government of Ecuador, and the brave troops of Ecuador’s defense and security forces for their partnership in the successful operation against a narco-terrorist supply complex today, disrupting their operations and logistics.’ The Administration’s March 9 Notification of Military Action notes that ‘United States Armed Forces partnered with Ecuadorian Armed Forces to strike on March 6, 2026, the facilities of narco-terrorists affiliated with a designated terrorist organization . . . Although present . . .United States ground forces did not come into contact with hostile forces.’ The Administration has not publicly identified the target of the strike nor its precise role in the operation.” The Senators continued: “We are aware that the Ecuadorian – Colombian border is a dangerous area known for ill… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-announces-nearly-4-million-in-new-federal-funding-to-upgrade-vermonts-amtrak-fleet/ | Welch Announces Nearly $4 Million in New Federal Funding to Upgrade Vermont’s Amtrak Fleet | 2026-08-14 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced the delivery of $3.95 million in new federal funding, administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT), to upgrade Amtrak’s intercity passenger rail operations in Vermont. This funding will help the Northwest Regional Planning Commission replace and enhance Amtrak’s Vermonter Corridor East Alburgh Bridge to increase service frequency, create positive economic and employment benefits, and improve service reliability across the state. Vermont is also part of a multi-state $2 billion federal grant to Amtrak to upgrade its train fleet. “I’m proud to have played a role in helping secure this $4 million federal investment to advance the next the generation of passenger rail travel in the Champlain Valley. Upgrading infrastructure that’s at the end of its service life will not only provide an economic boost and create good-paying jobs, but increase service reliability—it’s a win-win,” said Senator Welch. “I’ll continue working to secure more federal investments in our state’s railway infrastructure to keep Vermont’s passenger rail service on track.” Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. ### | 1 | 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z | 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-discusses-farm-bill-with-organic-dairy-farmers-dairy-industry-leaders-in-addison/ | Welch Discusses Farm Bill with Organic Dairy Farmers, Dairy Industry Leaders in Addison | 2026-08-12 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | ADDISON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today joined Organic Valley, dairy industry leaders, and organic dairy farmers for a roundtable discussion at Harrison’s Homegrown Organic Dairy Farm in Addison. At the event, Senator Welch discussed the Farm Bill and highlighted his bipartisan efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s organic industry. “Vermont’s organic dairy industry is the best of the best—this is a proud Vermont tradition and an important part of our communities. It was a real joy to spend the afternoon at Harrison’s Homegrown with Melanie, Patrick, Organic Valley, and organic dairy farmers in Addison County. I’m fighting on the Agriculture Committee to provide more support for the Harrisons and farmers across our state, so they can keep farming for generations to come,” said Senator Welch after the event. “We have a real opportunity to improve the Farm Bill. Right now, this bill just doesn’t do enough to help Vermont’s small and family dairy, specialty crop, or organic farmers. I’ll keep working with my colleagues on the Committee to strengthen this bill.” View photos from the event below: Last week, Senator Welch filed 42 amendments to Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill, including amendments that would provide free access to the Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) for eligible producers, improve data collection for organic dairy farmers, and help eliminate barriers for farmers entering the organics market. Senate Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill failed in Committee and will be considered again when the Senate returns to Washington next month. The Senator has championed legislation to expand federal support for organic dairy farmers and ensure fair prices for family dairies, including the bipartisan Domestic Organic Investment Act and the Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act (O DAIRY) Act. The Senator also led 14 colleagues in introducing the Opportunities in Organic Act to reduce barriers to or… | 1 | 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z | 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-reaffirms-u-s-canada-partnership-at-47th-annual-meeting-of-the-new-england-governors-and-eastern-canadian-premiers/ | Welch Reaffirms U.S.-Canada Partnership at 47th Annual Meeting of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | SHELBURNE, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Vermont Governor Phil Scott at Shelburne Farms for the 47th annual meeting of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers. Senator Welch delivered remarks underscoring how the White House’s rhetoric against Canada—Vermont’s largest partner in trade—has hurt strained Vermonters’ relationship with their Canadian neighbors and harmed small businesses, farmers, and families across New England and Canada. In his remarks, Senator Welch highlighted that Canada is the largest trading partner for 34 U.S. states, including Vermont. In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada. “Vermonters hold our centuries-old relationship with Canadians in high esteem, both emotionally and economically—and that’s true of all states in New England. The White House’s arbitrary tariffs and endless attacks on our northern neighbors have caused undeniable harm not only to our relationship but have been brutal on businesses, no matter where you’re from,” said Senator Welch. “Congress must reassert its constitutional power over trade policy and demand that President Trump answer for the irreparable economic and emotional harm his administration is creating.” View photos from the event below: In a Senate Finance Committee hearing last month, Senator Welch pushed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for answers about how President Trump’s new proposed 50% tariffs on Canadian would hurt small businesses in Vermont. The Senator also urged Ambassador Greer, the White House, and Canadian trade officials to come to a swift resolution on unresolved matters and to maintain the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was negotiated and signed by President Trump in his first term. Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt Uni… | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-votes-against-sanctions-bill-that-allows-trump-to-impose-tariffs-unchecked/ | Welch Votes Against Sanctions Bill that Allows Trump to Impose Tariffs Unchecked | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today voted in opposition to Republicans’ Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which grants President Trump new authorities to impose massive tariffs on countries that ‘facilitate’ Russia oil sanctions evasion. The president could impose tariffs of up to 100% on nearly any country, taking this Constitutional authority out of the hands of Congress. Senator Welch released the following statement after the vote: “Senator Graham’s dedication to ensuring the United States uses every tool possible to stop Putin’s unjust war on Ukraine was unmatched. Over the past four and a half years, Senator Graham sought every avenue to curb Russia’s aggression, including going after companies and countries buying Russian oil. But this bill misses the mark in achieving the goals Senator Graham worked so tirelessly to achieve by giving President Trump a loophole to impose more destructive tariffs, which will ultimately hurt Americans and our economy. After more than 18 months of economic chaos brought about by President Trump’s reckless trade policy, the Senate should not give President Trump even broader, unfettered tariff powers. I voted no.” Senator Welch filed an amendment to the bill last week to remove language in Section 113 of the Act that could enable President Trump to impose tariffs on any country, for any reason. The amendment was rejected by Senate Republicans. ### | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/after-senate-republicans-block-welchs-amendments-welch-votes-against-partisan-farm-bill-in-committee/ | After Senate Republicans Block Welch’s Amendments, Welch Votes Against Partisan Farm Bill in Committee | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch offered 42 amendments to better support small and family farms, strengthen rural communities, improve access to nutrition WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today joined all Democrats on the Committee in voting against advancing Senate Republicans’ Farm Bill. The bill failed to advance out of the Committee. Historically, Republicans and Democrats on the Agriculture Committee have worked together to craft a bipartisan Farm Bill. The Farm Bill has not been fully reauthorized since 2018. This year, Senate Republicans on the Agriculture Committee drafted a partisan bill that does not address the needs of Vermont’s small and family farmers, does little to address the devastating cuts to SNAP and nutrition assistance programs in Republicans’ tax bill, and fails to invest in rural communities. “The serious question that we are grappling with, and we don’t have all the tools we need to do it, is the reality that American agriculture is really in crisis. Our farmers are creating an immense amount of wealth, they’re just not getting any of it. I saw a graph from the Secretary of Agriculture showing that for 11 major commodity crops it costs more to plant and harvest than the revenue that our farmers get. That is not a sustainable situation. And that’s the existential challenge that I think we have in this committee: to restore the vitality of American agriculture,” Senator Welch said in the Agriculture Committee markup. “Senate Republicans’ Farm Bill failed to meet the moment. I’m hopeful we can come to the table in good faith to make substantial changes to this Farm Bill, and work together in a bipartisan way to make a real difference for rural America,” Welch said after the bill failed. Watch Senator Welch’s remarks in Committee below: Senator Welch filed 42 amendments to improve Senate Republicans’ Farm Bill. Two were called for a vote and blocked by Republicans on the Committee. Senator Welch’s propose… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-reintroduces-cap-act-to-enhance-consumer-protection-hold-mega-corporations-accountable-for-consumer-safety-violations/ | Welch Reintroduces CAP Act to Enhance Consumer Protection, Hold Mega-Corporations Accountable for Consumer Safety Violations | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) todayled U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in reintroducing the Consumer Advocacy and Protection (CAP) Act, legislation to bolster consumer protection by incentivizing companies to prioritize and invest in product safety. The legislation aims to protect consumers from corporate negligence and create safer products by strengthening the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) authority to impose financial penalties on large corporations that violate consumer protection laws. “Integrity and transparency are crucial to ensuring consumer protection. But right now, massive companies continue to undermine federal safety standards and evade responsibility. We need to create incentives that put consumer and product safety first,” said Senator Welch. “Our commonsense bill will hold corporations accountable when they knowingly put products on the market that endanger consumers.” “Our legislation will help hold corporate actors accountable when their defective products cause harm. Fundamentally faulty products like Generac portable generators and Peloton Tread+ treadmills seriously impacted consumers and more action is needed to deter manufacturers from rushing to release flawed products onto the market. By increasing penalty caps and allowing the CPSC to levee appropriate fines, the CAP Act will raise the stakes for companies and significantly bolster consumer safety,” said Senator Blumenthal. “It’s clear existing penalties aren’t enough to deter companies that are harming consumers in violation of the law,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will protect consumers by increasing fines and making sure bad actors are held accountable.” “Consumers deserve the confidence that the products they bring into their homes are not only effective, but safe,” said Senator Luján. “When major corporations knowingly market and sell unsafe products, they must be held accountable, but current penalties ar… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/senate-passes-welch-budds-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-foreign-robocalls/ | Senate Passes Welch, Budd’s Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Foreign Robocalls | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, legislation to bring together government and private sector experts to find additional means of eliminating unlawful robocalls placed into the U.S. from abroad. The Senators’ bill is the first piece of legislation related to robocalls to be advanced by the Senate since 2020. “Vermonters have received 27 million robocalls so far in 2026. And it’s not only our state—folks in red and blue states alike are sick and tired of picking up the phone and wondering if they’re being scammed. As foreign robocallers step up their efforts to exploit and prey on vulnerable people, we need to do more to combat this unlawful practice and protect Americans from scams,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to work with Senator Budd on this bipartisan legislation and am grateful for the Senate’s support. I urge the House to join us in sending it to the president’s desk.” “Too many American households have been targeted by foreign scam calls that threaten to steal identities and defraud innocent victims. We cannot allow these criminals to continue preying on Americans without consequence. I am proud this timely legislation passed the Senate with unanimous support, and I urge my House colleagues to swiftly pass it so we can strengthen international cooperation to crack down on foreign robocall scammers,” said Senator Budd. According to recent studies, nearly 50 million U.S. adults have reported losing money to an online scam or attack. Additionally, most U.S. adults report receiving scam messages daily or weekly via phone (68%) or text (61%), and 41% of U.S. adults (106 million) say a scam email, text, or call led them to give away personal information. Online scams are also a major threat to national security. Last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) documented nearly $21 billion in annual losses from internet crime—a 25% increase from 2024. Accounting for … | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-curtis-murkowski-schatz-lead-eight-colleagues-in-hosting-bipartisan-roundtable-on-extreme-weather-response-supporting-disaster-impacted-communities/ | Welch, Curtis, Murkowski, Schatz Host Bipartisan Roundtable on Extreme Weather Response, Supporting Disaster-Impacted Communities | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Thirteen Senators joined the bipartisan discussion WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) this week hosted a bipartisan roundtable on Capitol Hill focused on the high costs of extreme weather and climate change, and how Washington can better help communities prepare for, mitigate, and recover from these disasters. Senators Welch, Curtis, Murkowski, and Schatz were joined by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). “From brutal flooding in Vermont and Alaska to destructive wildfires in Utah, California, and Hawaii, extreme weather is wreaking havoc in communities across America—and it’s only getting worse,” said Senator Welch. “This roundtable made it crystal clear that Washington isn’t doing enough to support rural communities and constituents recovering from climate disasters. The Senate needs to take action to ensure that Americans in disaster-impacted communities—in red and blue states alike—can rebuild, recover, and withstand the rising impacts of climate change.” “Utahns know firsthand the devastating toll that wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events can have on families, communities, and local economies,” said Senator Curtis. “This roundtable confirmed what we all know: preparing for disasters, protecting lives, and helping communities recover are shared responsibilities and non-partisan issues. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss practical solutions that improve emergency responsiveness and ensure our communities have the tools they need before and after disaster strikes.” “Thank you to my colleagues and the experts who came to the table for this critical discussion about the growing costs and impacts of extreme weather. In Alaska, we’re on the front lines for increasingly common events. Flooding, wildfires, la… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-files-42-amendments-to-the-farm-bill/ | Welch Files 42 Amendments to the Farm Bill | 2026-08-05 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch’s amendments would support farmers and rural communities, reform farm subsidy programs, and improve access to nutrition programs WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the Senate Agriculture Committee plans to consider Senate Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill which, as written, will not adequately support Vermont farmers and families and rural communities. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, filed 42 amendments to Senate Republicans Farm Bill. Senator Welch’s proposed changes to the Farm Bill include measures to better support small and family farms, strengthen rural communities, reform farm subsidy programs, and improve access to nutrition. “Farms and rural communities across the country are in crisis—we need a bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the moment, but this bill isn’t it. I’ve introduced 42 amendments to Senate Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill—many of which are policies that have historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support,” said Senator Welch. “I hope my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee will work together to improve this Farm Bill and help Vermont farmers, families, and communities.” Senator Welch’s proposed amendments and changes to Senate Republicans’ Farm Bill include measures to: Better Support Vermont Farmers: Halt the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization plan Cut red tape for small-scale meat producers in rural communities Improve access to farm loans and credit Provide free access to the Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) for eligible producers Improve data collection for organic dairy farmers Expand eligibility and access to conservation programs Help eliminate barriers for farmers entering the organics market Strengthen Rural Communities: Improve rural broadband buildout and speed standards Lower energy costs for rural communities Combat the threat of invasive species Establish national and regional agroforestry centers Provide multi-year flexible grants to rural communities Strike the Farm Bill’s E15 language,… | 1 | 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z | 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-and-capito-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-improve-access-to-opioid-treatment-and-recovery-in-rural-communities/ | Welch and Capito Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Improve Access to Opioid Treatment and Recovery in Rural Communities | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Authorization Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to maintain the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, which was established to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services in rural areas for substance use disorders, related behavioral health conditions, and other related public health issues. “While Vermont has seen a decrease in overdose deaths in recent years, our work to help those struggling with addiction isn’t over—far from it. We need to do everything in our power to support folks on the road to recovery, especially in rural communities, where treatment and resources are harder to come by,” said Senator Welch. “We’re working across the aisle to ensure that rural communities in Vermont, West Virginia, and across the country can access vital prevention and recovery services necessary to combat the opioid crisis.” “West Virginians know firsthand the devastating toll the opioid epidemic has had on our state’s families and communities. We also know that recovery is possible when those struggling have access to the right resources,” said Senator Capito. “The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program has helped strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in communities that often face unique challenges accessing care. By preserving this successful program, we can provide greater certainty for rural providers and ensure communities in West Virginia and across the country continue to receive the support they need to recover.” U.S. Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), and Buddy Carter (R-GA-01) introduced companion legislation in the House. “Supporting communities battling addiction remains one of my highest priorities. Representing a rural district, I know how critical it is for families to have reliable access to q… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-merkley-wyden-champion-fork-act-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-keep-rural-kids-fed/ | Welch, Merkley, Wyden Champion FORK Act, Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Keep Rural Kids Fed | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Nearly 1 in 6 children in Vermont face hunger WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in reintroducing the Feeding Our Rural Kids (FORK) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation which would help summer meal program sponsors purchase, retrofit, or repair vehicles that expand access to summer meals for children in rural communities. U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Val Hoyle (D-OR-04) introduced companion legislation in the House. In Vermont, more than 83,000 people—including more than 19,400 children—face hunger. “Vermont has the highest percentage of rural students in the nation—that means food-insecure students in our state have a harder time participating in summer meal programs. Investing in food delivery programs that transport students to and from summer meal sites has to be part of the solution,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill works to close the summer meal gap and ensure rural students in Vermont, Oregon, and across the country can access nutritious meals all year long.” “Every child—everywhere—deserves delicious and nutritious meals all year long,” said Senator Merkley. “Communities in Oregon and across the United States are finding innovative ways to make sure students do not go hungry during the summer months. The bipartisan FORK Act builds on those efforts by helping rural communities expand meal delivery and meal pick-up at sites closer to where families live, so geography is never a barrier to feeding kids nationwide.” “Thousands of Oregonians are being denied food assistance under Trump’s draconian cuts to SNAP and other federal programs,” said Senator Wyden. “This bill would help restore critical food assistance to kids, helping meet them exactly where they are to end the ongoing hunger crisis in Oregon’s schools.” The Feeding Our Rural Kids Act would create a grant program to allow schools and Summer Food Ser… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-opposes-todd-blanches-nomination-for-attorney-general/ | Welch Opposes Todd Blanche’s Nomination for Attorney General | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | “We can stop capitulating today by doing our job and rejecting a completely unqualified man to be the top law enforcement official in this country.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted against advancing Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General (AG) of the United States. At a Judiciary Committee meeting ahead of the vote Senator Welch called out Acting AG Blanche—and the entire U.S. Senate—for capitulating to President Trump, who has consistently and corruptly abused his authority and the power of the Executive. “This is a story about how a young and talented and idealistic man—committed to public service, a prosecutor’s prosecutor—became a new person in service of a corrupt president. It’s a story of ambition, and loyalty, and political calculation eroding resistance and idealism. Mr. Blanche has used his considerable talents to accommodate the corrupt goals of a corrupt president…But Blanche is also a story about how a once great institution is relinquishing its own power and capitulating to a corrupt president. Is there no line that the U.S. Senate will not allow this president to cross?” said Senator Welch. Welch concluded: “The president is abusing his authority. But we are failing, as the U.S. Senate, to use our authority. When we fail to use our authority, we fail to meet our responsibility to the people of this country. We can stop capitulating today by doing our job and rejecting a completely unqualified man to be the top law enforcement official in this country. I will vote no.” Read the Senator’s full remarks as delivered here and watch more below: In Acting AG Todd Blanche’s nomination hearing, Senator Welch grilled Mr. Blanche on his relationship with President Trump and his willingness to put his personal loyalty to the president ahead of the American people. Senator Welch questioned Mr. Blanche on his previous professional relationship with President Trump and clear conflicts of interest, the creation of Trump and Bl… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-38-colleagues-in-demanding-trump-admin-restore-funding-for-energy-projects-that-were-illegally-canceled-and-politically-targeted/ | Welch Joins 38 Colleagues in Demanding Trump Admin Restore Funding for Energy Projects That Were Illegally Canceled and Politically Targeted | 2026-07-31 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | The letter follows an admission from the Trump Admin that the decision to cancel energy project grants in states that did not vote for Trump was “based solely” on politics WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and 36 Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump Administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects canceled in October 2025. All Senators who cosigned this letter are from states with canceled grants and funding signed the letter. The letter comes after the Trump Administration admitted to illegally canceling energy grants because those projects were in states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. “Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies,” the Senators wrote. “Once an administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly,” the Senators continued. “This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President.” “At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. T… | 1 | 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z | 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-bills-to-support-taxpayers-advance-through-finance-committee/ | Welch Bipartisan Bills to Support Taxpayers Advance Through Finance Committee | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two bipartisan bills championed by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) advanced out of the Finance Committee today with bipartisan support. Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, partnered with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) on the bills, which would support lower-income taxpayers in Vermont, Kansas, and across the country. Both bills were included as part of the Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act. “There’s bipartisan agreement that the IRS is difficult to navigate and a pain for everyday taxpayers. I partnered across the aisle with my friend and colleague Senator Marshall to advance policies that will make it easier for taxpayers to get help with the IRS when they need it most. I urge my colleagues to support these bills and all of the important IRS reforms in the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act,” said Senator Welch. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be punished for someone else’s fraud or left to navigate the IRS without the resources they need. These commonsense reforms protect innocent Americans and make sure accountability falls where it belongs—on bad actors, not hardworking families,” said Senator Marshall. “I was proud to lead these bipartisan efforts with Senator Welch, and I’m glad to see both bills included in the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act.” The Unlocking Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic Funding Act, introduced by Sen. Welch and co-led by Sen. Marshall, would make it easier for Low-Income Tax Clinics to access federal grant funding. These clinics provide free or low-cost services for taxpayers in disputes with the IRS. The Protecting Innocent Taxpayers from Endless Assessments Act, introduced by Sen. Marshall and co-led by Sen. Welch, would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the statute of limitations period for victims of preparer fraud. The bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act would strengthen the rights of taxpayers, streamline IRS operations, and improve the taxpaying process for the American people. The bill passed with … | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-boozman-lead-colleagues-on-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-protect-seniors-access-to-healthcare-reform-medicares-physician-fee-schedule/ | Welch, Boozman Lead Colleagues on Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Protect Seniors’ Access to Health Care | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bill would update decades-old Medicare rules that trigger harmful cuts to health care providers WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, along with U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Angus King (I-Maine), Roger Marshall M.D. (R-Kan.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), introduced the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to modernize Medicare’s physician payment system to create more stability and predictability for patients and doctors. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), when adjusted for inflation, Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined 33% since 2001. Outdated Medicare budget neutrality rules and a lack of inflation updates have driven down reimbursement rates. The legislation reforms key structural components of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, helping preserve physicians’ ability to care for Medicare patients. “So many Vermonters rely on Medicare for their health care coverage—it’s critical that their health care providers are fairly compensated,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill updates an outdated, decades-old policy that triggers harmful cuts to provider payments. We’re working across the aisle to ensure providers in Vermont and rural communities around the country can keep treating Medicare patients and get reimbursed fairly for the care they provide.” “Providers should not face unpredictable payment cuts that make it more difficult to care for patients. Modernizing Medicare reimbursement is an important step toward ensuring long-term financial stability for our health care providers and preserving access to quality care. Our bill is a bipartisan solution that will more accurately reflect the costs of delivering quality care, which ultimately benefits patients in Arkansas and across our country,” said Senator Boozman. “Accessible, reliable health care is essential for seniors across Maine, particularly in our rural co… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-celebrates-300-million-in-new-federal-funding-for-vermonts-globalfoundries-to-help-make-ai-more-energy-efficient-create-jobs/ | Welch Celebrates $300 Million in New Federal Funding for Vermont’s GlobalFoundries to Help Make AI More Energy Efficient, Create Jobs | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) celebrated the announcement of $300 million in new federal funding for Vermont’s GlobalFoundries. This federal investment, funded through the Biden Administration’s bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act and administered by the Department of Commerce, will support GlobalFoundries’ research and development of next-generation silicon photonics wafer technologies, which have the potential to substantially increase the energy efficiency of AI and other critical technology infrastructure projects. “GlobalFoundries is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, and I’m glad Vermont will benefit from this $300 million federal investment to help power America’s AI boom in a more energy-efficient way, reducing its impact on ratepayers and the environment,” said Senator Welch. “This funding will help create jobs and support American innovation. I will continue to support collaborative workforce development opportunities that help boost our state’s research and manufacturing economy.” Senator Welch helped pass the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 as a Member of the House of Representatives. Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. ### | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-files-amendment-to-graham-blumenthal-sanctions-bill/ | Welch Files Amendment to Graham-Blumenthal Sanctions Bill | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Amendment would reassert Congress’ tariff authorities WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today filed an amendment to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act to remove language in Section 113 of the Act that could enable the Trump Administration to impose tariffs on any country, for any reason. As written, the legislation grants President Trump new authorities to impose massive tariffs on countries that ‘facilitate’ Russia oil sanctions evasion. However, in practice, the President could impose tariffs of up to 100% on nearly any country, taking this Constitutional authority out of the hands of Congress. Senator Welch announced his intent to file an amendment on the Senate Floor Tuesday evening: “…Our language must specify our intent and do so with absolute clarity: Go after the buyers. That was Senator Graham’s goal. And we must have language that makes achieving that goal real. That is why when we take up the Graham-Blumenthal bill, I will offer an amendment to strike the overly-vague delegation of tariff authorities to also target ‘facilitators’ of sanctions evasions. As currently written, the facilitator provision enables the Executive, with full congressional authorization, to impose any tariffs, on any country, for any reason—so long as the Executive labels the tariff country a ‘facilitator.’ “If we delete the facilitator provision, as I propose, we do achieve senator Graham’s goal without his bill being used for any other purposes. In doing so, the bill would retaining the original tariff authority that only targets buyers of Russian oil…Senator Graham, and many of us, myself included—agreed about maximizing the imperative of sanctions and tariff tools to hurt Putin and stop his aggression against Ukrainian civilians. And I hope we can honor Senator Graham by quickly coming together to pass a bipartisan bill that will specifically and effectively target the companies and countries that are buying the oil that Putin is using to pay for the missiles and the bombs that are rain… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-strong-grid-act-to-boost-americas-electric-grid-resiliency-to-extreme-weather/ | Welch Leads STRONG GRID Act to Boost America’s Electric Grid Resiliency to Extreme Weather | 2026-07-29 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, introduced the Supporting Transformative Resilience, Operations, and Next-Generation Grid Innovation Deployment (STRONG GRID) Act, legislation to increase America’s electric grid resiliency and help prevent power disruptions caused by natural disasters. The STRONG GRID Act aims to spur the adoption of microgrids—localized electric grids that operate independently of the broader energy grid—to reduce strain on America’s electric grid and bolster our energy system from widespread damage created by extreme weather events. “America’s electric grid is under more pressure now than at any point in our history, and extreme weather events are exacerbating that strain, as we’ve seen in Vermont with brutal floods. By operating independently of the larger energy system, microgrids offer a solution to increase the resiliency of our grid and help reduce the burden consumers face in natural disaster recovery costs. It’s a win-win,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill capitalizes on the potential of microgrids to help keep essential services online and reduce the economic impact of natural disasters.” Extreme weather events are growing more frequent and intense. From wildfires to floods, hurricanes to tornadoes, Americans across the country experienced firsthand the devastation extreme weather brings to their communities. In 2025, the United States suffered 23 “billion-dollar disasters” that collectively cost more than $115 billion, marking the third costliest year on record behind 2023 and 2024. Natural Disasters cause widespread damage to critical infrastructure—including the electric grid. Utilities then pass these recovery costs along to ratepayers; researchers found that households are spending $35 more per year on average on their electricity bills as a result. At the same time, America’s electric grid is under immense strain. Forecasts suggest that U.S. electricity demand… | 1 | 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z | 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-schiff-senate-judiciary-committee-democrats-in-probing-justice-department-subpoenas-of-new-york-times-journalists-in-air-force-one-scandal/ | Welch Joins Schiff, Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in Probing Justice Department Subpoenas of New York Times Journalists in Air Force One Scandal | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in demanding the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) provide information related to the issuing of subpoenas to journalists at the New York Times, their family members, and third-party record providers in the aftermath of reporting by the newspaper on President Trump’s new Air Force One. The lawmakers are specifically probing the involvement of Acting Attorney General (AG) Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) Jay Clayton, who is currently the nominee to serve as Director of National Intelligence. Clayton issued the subpoenas, including those the Justice Department withdrew after a judge scrutinized them late last week. “The Department’s lack of transparency and aggressive action toward journalists – in this circumstance, seemingly directed by President Trump after he was upset by negative reporting – both follow this administration’s clear pattern of pressuring news organizations, including several attempts by DOJ to subpoena or intimidate journalists,” the Senators wrote in their letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. The Judiciary Committee Democrats also highlighted how the subpoenas violate both foundational protections for press freedom and guidelines for DOJ lawyers laid out in the Justice Manual. “Section 9-13.400 explicitly dictates that requested information must be ‘essential’ to an investigation or prosecution, and that subpoenas ‘should not be used to obtain peripheral, nonessential, or speculative information.’ Yet DOJ demanded records dating back to January 1, 2026,” the Senators wrote, pointing to the overly broad scope of the subpoenas. The inquiry also demands details on the steps that were taken prior to the issuance of the subpoenas, the factual basis for the orders, and decision-making that justified the inclusion of family members on t… | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-klobuchar-lead-20-colleagues-in-raising-concerns-about-usda-rural-development-reorganization/ | Welch, Klobuchar Lead 20 Colleagues in Raising Concerns about USDA Rural Development Reorganization | 2026-07-28 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, alongside U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led 20 of their Senate colleagues in raising strong concerns about the plan to reorganize the Rural Development (RD) mission area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In their letter to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, the Senators emphasize that rural communities, small businesses, and families will lose access to important services if the Trump Administration’s proposed reorganization plan of USDA-RD moves forward. “Rural Development is a unique division within the Department, supporting agriculture and ensuring that rural communities prosper by administering grants and loans to support rural businesses, providing financial support for rural housing, financing the construction of rural health clinics and daycare centers, and championing critical infrastructure projects for water, electric, or broadband,” the Senators wrote. “In order for rural communities to benefit from these projects, the Rural Development agency must have the capacity to process applications and disburse funds. The mission area has already lost about 36% of its staff last year, with nearly a third of those who left having more than 20 years of USDA experience. The reorganization plan for Rural Development will result in even further cuts, with 60% of staff in the National Capital Region being required to relocate to St. Louis or Dallas.” The Senators continued: “Rural Development’s depletion of staff has already left rural America without the support it needs as the prices of gas, groceries, and agricultural inputs are skyrocketing as a result of tariffs and foreign conflicts. Without adequate and expert staff, the money that Congress has appropriated to help rural communities will not reach its intended beneficiaries.” The Senators requested answers to the following questions abou… | 1 | 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z | 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-shares-new-data-on-rising-farm-fuel-prices-under-trump-vermont-farmers-paying-1479-more-on-average-to-refill-fuel-tank/ | Welch Shares New Data on Rising Farm Fuel Prices Under Trump; Vermont Farmers Paying $1,479 More on Average to Refill Fuel Tank | 2026-07-27 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — New data shared by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, shows Vermont farmers have been forced to spend at least $1,479 more to fill their farm fuel tank because of the escalating war in the Middle East. “Rural Vermont is paying for President Trump’s war with Iran—from climbing farm fuel and fertilizer costs to rising inflation. This administration needs to get serious about lowering costs for farmers in Vermont and across the country—they can’t afford any more of the Trump Administration’s reckless agenda,” said Senator Welch. Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee, under the leadership of Ranking Member Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), released the state-by-state data, which outlines the increase in cost to fill up a typical farm fuel tank, the increase in cost to fill up a typical grain truck, and the increase in cost to fill up a typical tractor. Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee found: A $1.4 billion increase in diesel costs – a 63% jump – this spring nationwide for farmers to plant key crops: corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice The average farmer spent as much as $1,500 more to refill their farm’s onsite fuel tank compared to the same high point during the 2025 planting season View more from the Joint Economic Committee here and below: The war in Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted the supply chain for fertilizer trade, further hurting farmers in America. A nationwide poll conducted by the American Farm Bureau in April found 70% of farmers polled said fertilizer was so expensive they wouldn’t be able to buy the fertilizer needed for the spring planting season. ### | 1 | 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z | 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-and-blumenthal-warn-that-trumps-threats-to-bomb-civilian-infrastructure-in-iran-could-amount-to-war-crimes/ | Welch and Blumenthal Warn that Trump’s Threats to Bomb Civilian Infrastructure in Iran Could Amount to War Crimes | 2026-07-24 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | The Senators request information from Central Command about how CENTCOM ensures U.S. Forces in the Middle East abide by U.S. law prohibiting strikes against targets such as bridges or power plants for the sole purpose of terrorizing civilians WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, alongside U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, expressed grave concern to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) that President Trump’s recent threats to bomb civilian infrastructure in Iran, including bridges and power plants, could amount to war crimes. In their letter to CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, the Senators seek clarification and answers about the United States’ commitment to ensuring forces under CENTCOM’s command abide by the domestic and international laws of war. “As you know, intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure could amount to a war crime, prohibited by domestic and international law. The mere threat of such attacks may violate the law of war,” wrote the Senators. “The law of war prohibits attacks against civilian objects, indiscriminate attacks, and attacks expected to cause excessive harm to civilians in relation to the direct military advantage anticipated. The law of war also prohibits threats of violence to spread terror among the civilian population.” The Senators highlighted that in determining that Russia had committed war crimes in Ukraine, the U.S. State Department specifically cited Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure: “General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander of EUCOM and SACEUR, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that such Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, in addition to being unlawful, were strategically ineffective, noting ‘anytime you attack a civilian population, you usually end up finding that it just hardens their resolve.’” The Senators concluded:… | 1 | 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z | 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-castor-reintroduce-bicameral-legislation-to-strengthen-energy-grid-accelerate-clean-energy-growth/ | Welch, Castor Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen Energy Grid, Accelerate Clean Energy Growth | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today joined U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, in reintroducing the Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act, bicameral legislation that aims to make it easier for the United States to advance clean energy projects and strengthen its electric grid. The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure that interstate and offshore transmission infrastructure projects allocate costs to beneficiaries more fairly. The legislation would also help lower energy costs for consumers by accelerating the construction of interstate transmission lines that deliver vital clean energy to communities across the country. “Strengthening America’s electric grid is essential to ensuring we can meet modern electricity and climate challenges. Finding ways that make it easier to construct and complete transmission projects that boost the resiliency of our grid and lower costs for consumers is a major part of that. We’re working to bolster our grid against extreme weather and help ensure every home across America has access to affordable and reliable electricity,” said Senator Welch. “America’s aging electric grid and growing transmission bottlenecks are driving up energy costs for Florida families, slowing the development and deployment of newer, cheaper energy resources and leaving communities more vulnerable to increasingly extreme weather,” said Rep. Castor. “The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act will help address these challenges by making it easier to complete essential transmission projects, reduce costly grid congestion and deliver affordable, reliable electricity where it is needed. This commonsense legislation will help build a cheaper, cleaner, stronger and more resilient energy future for families and businesses across Tampa Bay.” L… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-courtney-host-press-conference-calling-on-congress-to-pass-bill-to-eliminate-interest-rates-on-all-federal-student-loans/ | Welch, Courtney Host Press Conference Calling on Congress to Pass Bill to Eliminate Interest Rates on All Federal Student Loans | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch and Courtney’s bicameral bill comes as defaults on student loans have surged to unprecedented levels in the United States WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, alongside Tiffany Dena Loftin, Executive Director of the U.S. Student Association, held a press conference on Capitol Hill calling for Congress to take up their bill, the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act. This bicameral legislation would refinance the interest on federal student loans for all existing and future borrowers to 0%, making higher education more affordable for the nearly 43 million Americans with existing federally held student loans. “As the cost of college has gone up, the necessity of borrowing—by students, by their parents, both publicly available loans and private loans—has escalated. In Vermont, the average federal student loan debt graduating from college is $38,000. That’s only adding to the affordability crisis that our next generation of Americans face,” said Senator Welch. “Our generation owes the younger generation an opportunity to make the best of themselves, and they can’t do it with this mountain of debt. I’m proud to work with my friend, Representative Joe Courtney, on this commonsense legislation.” “Student loan defaults have hit record highs in 2026. When we are already in an affordability crisis, bad policies have made crushing student loan debt with record-level interest rates an even greater burden for the 42 million student loan borrowers in the United States,” said Rep. Courtney. “It’s time for Congress to take up fresh ideas to address this longstanding crisis for borrowers and the entire U.S. economy. The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act would allow all current and future student borrowers to refinance their loans to 0%. Unlike other proposals, our bill includes a pay-for to save taxpayer dollars and lowers the cost of college for future studen… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-presses-acting-ag-blanche-for-documents-detailing-ethical-concerns-regarding-his-tenure-as-trumps-personal-attorney/ | Welch Presses Acting AG Blanche For Documents Detailing Ethical Concerns Regarding his Tenure as Trump’s Personal Attorney | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, yesterday pressed Acting Attorney General (AG) Todd Blanche for materials regarding the ethical advice he has received while at the Department of Justice (DOJ) surrounding his personal legal representation of President Trump. The letter comes after Senator Welch grilled Blanche, President Trump’s pick to serve as Attorney General, in his nomination hearing about his role in negotiating a settlement between President Trump—his former legal client—and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of American taxpayers. That settlement also established a so-called “anti-weaponization” slush fund for the president and his Administration. Between 2023 and 2024, Acting AG Blanche represented President Trump in multiple criminal cases and served as counsel to the president in various other civil investigations and cases. A political action committee associated with President Trump—Save America PAC—paid Acting AG Blanche’s firm over $9 million for the legal representation he provided the president in those cases. In his letter to Acting AG Blanche, Senator Welch underscored that DOJ attorneys are bound by strict conflict of interest requirements to prevent bias and ensure the fair administration of justice: “You confirmed in written questions for the record to me that you did receive an ethics briefing once you were sworn in as Deputy Attorney General. According to public reporting, Joseph Tirrell—the Department’s then-top ethics official—conducted this briefing. You were reportedly advised to recuse yourself from legal cases involving President Trump in his personal capacity. Mr. Tirrell was subsequently fired on July 11, 2025, after nearly two decades with the Department. During your confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15, 2026, I asked you about the ethics advice you received from DOJ ethics officials regarding your pre-existing client relationship with Presiden… | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-warren-booker-lead-fight-to-stop-big-ag-from-ripping-off-farmers-and-families/ | Welch, Warren, Booker Lead Fight to Stop Big Ag from Ripping off Farmers and Families | 2026-07-23 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bicameral Fair Seeds for Farmers Act takes on mounting corporate power in America’s seed industry WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, teamed up with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in introducing the Fair Seeds for Farmers Act, new bicameral legislation to stop Big Agriculture from abusing seed patents, reduce prices for farmers, and lower grocery costs. U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern (D-MA-02) and Greg Casar (D-TX-35) are leading companion legislation in the House. If signed into law, the lawmakers’ legislation would allow farmers to save seeds between seasons, which will lower farmers’ input costs and help reduce downstream food prices. The bill would also help smaller seed companies break into the market, increasing competition and further helping to bring down prices. “Rapid consolidation in the seed industry has had a direct and brutal impact on farms in Vermont and across the country. Big corporations’ abuse of the patent system is making farmers pay more to plant, and the end result is families paying more at the grocery store,” said Senator Welch. “We’re taking on corporate power in the seed industry to keep family farms in business and lower costs for hardworking Americans.” “For decades, Big Ag has ripped off farmers and jacked up food prices for families,” said Senator Warren. “My bill will break these companies’ stranglehold on seeds to lower grocery bills for Americans and give our farmers more freedom over their crops.” “When a handful of powerful corporations dominate the seed market, they can dictate which seeds get planted and the amount of independence growers have over the crops they produce—and the costs ultimately show up in the prices families pay at the grocery store,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation gives farmers the freedom to save seeds, restores competition to the marketplace, and helps lower one of the biggest costs of … | 1 | 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z | 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-questions-trade-rep-on-tariffs-and-trade-war-chaos-people-just-dont-know-what-to-count-on-its-hurting-us-badly/ | Welch Questions Trade Rep on Tariffs and Trade War Chaos: “People just don’t know what to count on. It’s hurting us badly.” | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today questioned U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on the Trump Administration’s reckless trade war and tariff policies, which have arbitrarily hurt Vermont small businesses, farmers, and families. In the hearing, Senator Welch pushed Ambassador Greer for answers about President Trump’s new 50% tariff levied on many products from Canada—Vermont’s closest partner in trade. Senator Welch also shared stories of how the president’s economic policies and tariffs have hurt the success of Vermont businesses. Senator Welch raised the alarm about how the tariffs have created an access economy, where only those connected to the White House can get relief. “We’re just getting hit with these tariffs, and it looks like—to some extent—if you have access to the administration, you may get an end-around and avoid them, which is really troubling to us in Vermont. We are having trouble getting the refunds…Just going through that has been really tough for us,” said Senator Welch. “I just want you to understand how tough this has been in Vermont. We really value our relationship with Canada, both emotionally, financially, and economically. The way the tariffs have changed constantly—just recently, just two days ago, the president announced new tariffs may go into effect—people just don’t know what to count on. It’s hurting us badly.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks from the hearing below: Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada. Senator Welch also cosponsors the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which seeks to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy. Senator Welch voted against Amb. Greer’s nomination to serve as U.S. Trade Representative. During Greer’s nomination hearing in February 2025, Senator Welch pressed him for answers about the… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-shares-new-data-showing-families-in-vermont-have-been-forced-to-pay-3700-more-because-of-trumps-reckless-economic-policies/ | Welch Shares New Data Showing Families in Vermont Have Been Forced to Pay $3,700+ More Because of Trump’s Reckless Economic Policies | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — New data shared by U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) shows Vermont households have been forced to spend at least $3,700 more on everyday essentials because of the Trump Administration’s reckless economic policies. Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee, under the leadership of Ranking Member Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), found the average household in the United States has spent thousands more since the president took office last year. Inflation, President Trump’s tariffs, and the war in Iran have raised the cost of housing, energy, groceries, and health care. “Working families in Vermont can’t afford President Trump’s economic policies—they’re a complete disaster. Throughout his campaign and well into his second term, the president vowed to end inflation and make America affordable again, but it was just another broken promise,” said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. “I hope this new data is the wake-up call my colleagues across the aisle need: it’s time we work together to bring prices down and make Washington work for everyday people—not the other way around.” In Vermont, the average family has spent $947 more on housing costs; $472 more on gas; $310 more on groceries; $218 more on heating oil; and $120 more on electricity. Many families saw their ACA health care premiums rise over 50% on average after Republicans refused to extend the ACA’s premium tax credits. Nearly 5,000 in Vermont lost food assistance since the enactment of President Trump’s tax bill. View the data from the Joint Economic Committee. Earlier this month, Senator Welch shared data from the JEC outlining how President Trump’s reckless and illegal war with Iran has driven up gasoline costs for Vermont families, farmers, and businesses. Senator Welch is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. He was a member of the Joint Economic Committe… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welchs-bipartisan-bill-to-support-next-generation-of-american-aviation-advances-out-of-committee/ | Welch’s Bipartisan Bill to Support Next Generation of American Aviation Advances Out of Committee | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) in celebrating the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s advancement of their bipartisan bill, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act. The Senators’ legislation would improve the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) type certification process for American Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft companies to help them succeed and cement the United States’ role as a global leader in aviation. An amended version of the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act advanced out of Senate Commerce with bipartisan support. Updates to the bill reflect further technical assistance from the FAA and the acceptance of a modified amendment by Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) to give airline pilots a seat at the table. “Building on generations of leadership in aviation, American companies are spearheading electric aircraft innovation. That includes companies like Vermont’s Beta Technologies, which completed its historic, first-ever electric flight last year in South Burlington. Ensuring the FAA certification process is safe, efficient, and more transparent for emerging AAM companies like Beta is critical to promoting aviation innovation,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, including my bipartisan co-lead Senator Budd, in helping this bill fly through to the Senate Floor to support American ingenuity, good-paying jobs in Vermont, and our global leadership in aviation.” “By ensuring that the FAA prioritizes the certification of novel aircraft like eVTOLs, we can quickly incorporate innovative technology into the National Airspace System. I am glad that our common-sense efforts to usher in the next generation of advanced air mobility aircraft will soon be considered by the full Senate,” said Senator Budd. Joining Senators Welch and Budd as cosponsors of this legislation are Sens. John Curtis (R-Utah), M… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=780 | Balint, Warren, Banks, and Cline File Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Directing the FTC to Investigate Corporate Roll-ups of Firetruck Manufacturers | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Resolution (PDF) | One Pager (PDF) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (D-Vt.) and Ben Cline (R-Va.), along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), filed a bipartisan, bicameral resolution directing the FTC to investigate serial acquisitions of firetruck manufacturers. Following two decades of consolidation by private equity firms and larger manufacturers, a vast majority of the fire truck manufacturing industry is now controlled by just three companies. Since then: Prices have skyrocketed. Fire truck prices have doubled over the last decade, far outpacing inflation for heavy-duty truck manufacturing over that time period. Manufacturers have also exploited their market power to implement “floating” prices, increasing the final price of a fire truck after it goes into production. Manufacturing plants have shuttered. Dominant fire truck manufacturers have restricted supply by closing their own manufacturing facilities, even though demand for fire trucks has increased in recent years. Delivery backlogs are growing. Since 2019, the lead times for fire truck delivery have nearly tripled, and fire departments are now facing delivery delays of up to five years. Working conditions are unsafe. Higher prices and longer delivery times for fire trucks have prevented fire departments from replacing aging trucks, depriving fire fighters of the essential equipment required to work safely and effectively. Rampant consolidation in the fire truck manufacturing industry is undermining public safety, squeezing fire departments’ budgets, and forcing taxpayers to bear the consequences. TheFederal Trade Commission Act authorizes Congress, through a joint resolution passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, to direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate and report the facts relating to any alleged violations of antitrust law. However, Congress has not used this authority to order an FTC investigation since the Great Depression era. This bipartisan joint reso… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=781 | Reps. Balint, Velázquez Introduce Online Sellers Bill of Rights to Protect Small Businesses from Corporate Gatekeepers | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Ending Corporate Greed Task Force, and Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business, today introduced the Online Sellers Bill of Rights, legislation to protect independent online sellers from arbitrary and opaque actions by dominant online marketplaces, like Amazon and Walmart. Millions of Americans rely on platforms like Amazon and Walmart to reach customers, but those same platforms can suspend sellers, freeze inventory, withhold earnings, or bury products in search results with little warning, explanation, or opportunity to appeal. The Online Sellers Bill of Rights establishes basic due process and transparency requirements to help level the playing field between independent businesses and the dominant corporations that control online commerce. "No corporation should have the power to destroy someone's livelihood with the click of a button," said Rep. Balint. "Right now, a handful of massive online retailers can suspend sellers, freeze their inventory, and cut off their income with little explanation and virtually no accountability. I'm proud to partner with Ranking Member Velázquez to introduce the Online Sellers Bill of Rights to give small businesses in Vermont and across the country the transparency, due process, and fair chance to compete that they deserve." “For too long, small businesses have suffered as large e-commerce platforms block or limit their products with little to no explanation,” said Rep. Velázquez. “Years of work to establish a small business should not be lost because of arbitrary algorithm changes or unfounded product investigations while online platforms like Amazon face no consequences.” “The Online Sellers Bill of Rights works to stop these injustices by demanding greater transparency and giving merchants a meaningful opportunity to address potential issues, rather than leaving them blindsided,” Rep. Velázquez continued. “As Ranking Member … | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-welch-courtney-to-host-press-conference-calling-on-congress-to-pass-bicameral-student-loan-interest-elimination-act/ | MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch, Courtney to Host Press Conference Calling on Congress to Pass Bicameral Student Loan Interest Elimination Act | 2026-07-21 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Lawmakers’ bicameral bill would eliminate interest rates on all federal student loans and cap future interest rates WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, July 22nd at 12:00 PM EDT, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, alongside student loan borrower advocates, will host a press conference on Capitol Hill calling for Congress to take up their bicameral Student Loan Interest Elimination Act, legislation to refinance the interest on federal student loans for all existing and future borrowers to zero percent. The lawmakers’ legislation would make higher education more affordable by immediately eliminating interest rates for the nearly 43 million Americans with existing federally held student loans. Higher education costs continue to skyrocket, with tuition rising 40 times higher than 1960s levels for public colleges—a 312.4% increase when adjusted for inflation. As a result, average college debt has more than doubled since 2007, forcing nearly 43 million Americans—1 in 6 American adults—to take out federal student loans to help pay for higher education. In Vermont, around 78,000 student loan borrowers hold a collective $2.9 billion in federal student loan debt. The bicameral Student Loan Interest Elimination Act would lower the cost of college and address student loan debt by refinancing the interest rate of all existing and future federal student loans to 0%. Unlike other proposals to lower student loan interest rates, the lawmakers’ Student Loan Interest Elimination Act includes a pay-for to offset the cost of eliminating interest to save taxpayer dollars. Learn more about the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act and read and download the full text of the bill. LOGISTICS: WHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.); U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02); Additional Members of Congress TBA Student loan borrower advocates TBA WHEN: Wednesday, July 22nd at 12:00 PM EDT WHERE:… | 1 | 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z | 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=779 | Rep. Balint Cosponsors Legislation to Break Up Meatpacking Monopolies, Drive Down Grocery Costs | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), founding member of the Monopoly Busters Caucus and member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, cosponsored legislation introduced by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Pat Ryan (NY-18), co-chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, to break up dominant meatpacking monopolies, rein in foreign-controlled corporate giants, and end unfair pricing practices that raise costs for American families and box out local farmers and ranchers. The legislation, the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, is bicameral, introduced in the Senate by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “Families are paying more at the grocery store while giant corporations rake in record profits and squeeze the farmers and ranchers who feed our country,” said Rep. Balint. "A handful of meatpacking giants shouldn’t be able to control our food supply and drive up costs for working people. We need to break up these monopolies, restore competition, and build a food system that works for our families and our independent farmers.” “Massive corporations are driving up prices, making it unaffordable for working people to put food on the table,” said Rep. Jayapal. “It is a failure of our government to have allowed these corporate interests to swallow up the market, raising costs and putting hundreds of thousands of family farms out of business in the process. This bill is a critical step to level the playing field — to give independent ranchers and farmers a fair shot while ultimately lowering grocery bills for American families.” “Meatpacking monopolies are crushing hard-working small farmers, ranchers, and business owners—and are jacking up food prices for all of us,” said Congressman Deluzio. “In the richest country in the history of the world that likes our meat, we can’t let it become a luxury good. Let’s pass this bill to break up these monopolies and bring some relief to everyone they’re squeezing at the grocery store right now.” “Every time we walk into the g… | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-king-37-senators-in-renewing-demands-to-dhs-for-civilian-protections-greater-transparency-following-killings-in-maine-and-texas/ | Welch Joins King, 37 Senators in Renewing Demands to DHS for Civilian Protections, Greater Transparency Following Killings in Maine and Texas | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Following tragic killings in Maine and Texas last week, Senators call for reforms, body-worn camera deployment, and independent investigations WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) and 37 Senators in calling for stronger accountability measures for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers following tragic killings involving immigration officials last week in Maine and Texas. The fatal shootings of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas occurred six days apart. In their letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, 39 Senators urged DHS to fulfill its previous commitments to deploy and expand the usage of body-worn cameras, strengthen officer identification requirements, and review enforcement protocols. The measures suggested by the Senators are intended to help prevent future deadly encounters involving ICE enforcement officers. “The recent fatal shootings involving U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers, specifically within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas, coupled with similar incidents elsewhere in the country, are completely unacceptable,” the Senators wrote. “Rather than making our communities safer, these actions endanger our citizens and seriously undermine confidence in law enforcement generally.” “The tragic deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero occurred less than a week apart and carry startling similarities. In both incidents, the individuals were killed in enforcement actions in which they were not the intended targets. Furthermore, both individuals were shot by DHS officials while inside a vehicle. The unnecessary loss of life in these incidents demands immediate, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations (including the full involvement of local and state law enforcement personnel) along with a comprehensive examination of enforcement protocols, tra… | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-reintroduces-bills-to-protect-small-scale-farms-and-support-farmworkers/ | Welch Reintroduces Bills to Protect Small-Scale Farms and Support Farmworkers | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, and Food Safety, led Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act and Agricultural Worker Justice Act, a pair of bills to support workers in the agricultural industry and uplift small, family farms across the United States. The Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act aims to create a level playing field for farmers and consumers by weakening the hold consolidated interests have on the agricultural economy. The Agricultural Worker Justice Act would require major food companies to provide decent wages and safe working conditions to do business with the federal government. “Small and family farms are at the heart of Vermont’s economy and culture. Without them, Vermont wouldn’t be the place we know and love,” said Senator Welch. “But rapid consolidation has jeopardized the well-being and vitality of farms across America—we can’t let that happen. We also need urgent, commonsense safeguards to protect workers in the agricultural industry who face hazardous and exploitative working conditions.” The Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers & Ranchers Act is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The legislation is endorsed by the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA), the Health, Environment, Agriculture, and Labor (HEAL) Food Alliance, National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC), and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW). “For too long, our food system has rewarded large corporations while squeezing the workers and small farmers who feed our communities,” said Senator Booker. “These bills are about restoring fairness to our food system, addressing decades of consolidation, protecting family farms in New Jersey and across the nation, standing up for workers, and ensuring that people, not corporate profits, always come first.” “Multinational food and agr… | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-trumps-new-tariffs-on-canada/ | Welch Statement on Trump’s New Tariffs on Canada | 2026-07-20 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement on the Trump Administration imposing new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods: “These new tariff threats against Canada are an extreme escalation of President Trump’s reckless and irresponsible trade war. The White House’s endless attacks on our Canadian neighbors—Vermont’s closest partner in trade—have caused undeniable harm to our state’s economy, and the aftershocks of today’s announcement will do lasting damage. The president is only making trade talks and diplomacy more challenging, all while the USMCA, the trade agreement governing our relationship with our closest trading partners, is up for review. I urge President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Greer to drop these new tariff threats immediately,” said Senator Welch. “This is yet another reason why Congress needs to take back its constitutional power over trade policy. This administration needs to answer for the economic chaos it’s creating; I look forward to questioning Ambassador Greer about these careless decisions when he testifies before the Finance Committee on Wednesday.” Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada. Senator Welch also cosponsors the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which seeks to restore Congress’ constitutional role in trade policy. ### | 1 | 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z | 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=776 | Balint, Nearly 200 House Democrats Demand Independent Investigations into Killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, Johan Sebastian Guerrero | 2026-07-17 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and nearly 200 colleagues in calling for independent investigations into Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero’s deaths and demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) halt removal proceedings against the witnesses. “Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status,” wrote the Members. “Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS’s reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations.” On July 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Salgado Araujo, a father of three U.S. citizens who had resided in the country for 35 years. He was reportedly not ICE’s target in their operation, and despite ICE’s claims that Mr. Salgado Araujo “weaponized his vehicle,” no evidence to substantiate that claim has been presented, and it is disputed by witnesses in the vehicle. On July 13th, ICE agents shot and killed Mr. Guerrero, a father who also was reportedly not the target of enforcement actions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have shot him in concern for “public safety” after he “attempted to flee.” The agency does not allege that at any point officers feared for their safety. Video of this killing shows ICE officers handcuffing Mr. Guerrero even after he had been shot in the head. DHS agents, including ICE agents, have shot at least 21 people just since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Six of these shootings have been fatal, resulting in the death of U.S. citizens and individu… | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:31:57Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=777 | Balint, Warren Lead Lawmakers in Calling for Antitrust Regulators to Closely Scrutinize Fox Takeover of Roku, Ensure Review is Free from Political Favoritism | 2026-07-17 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Text of Letter (PDF) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, wrote to Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, who oversees the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, urging the agency to “closely scrutinize” Fox Corporation’s (Fox) proposed $22 billion takeover of Roku, Inc. (Roku) and commit to reviewing the merger “free from political interference and in an impartial fashion.” “We are concerned that, given the Department of Justice’s recent rubber-stamping of deals that may violate antitrust law – and in particular, your apparent role interfering in nonpartisan antitrust enforcement — the (DOJ) may not give this transaction the close review it deserves,” wrote the lawmakers. Representatives Jerold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust; Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.); Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.); Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.); Summer Lee (D-Pa.); and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) also joined in signing the letter. In recent months, senior DOJ leadership, including Associate Attorney General Woodward, and politically connected lobbyists reportedly intervening in antitrust enforcement actions such as the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)-Juniper Networks merger settlement, which led to the firing of then-Antitrust Division senior official Roger Alford and another deputy after they objected to the interference. If approved, the Fox-Roku merger would combine the country’s two largest free, ad-supported streaming television services. The result would be greater control by Fox-Roku over how viewers watch TV, the device they use to watch, and what programs they watch, meaning fewer choices for viewers and likely highercosts. The entertainment and streaming industries have seen rapid consolidation in t… | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:31:57Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bicameral-legislation-to-expose-corporate-abuse-of-tax-havens-job-offshoring/ | Welch Joins Bicameral Legislation to Expose Corporate Abuse of Tax Havens, Job Offshoring | 2026-07-17 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, legislation led by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), which would provide transparency around corporations’ use of tax havens and incentives to offshore jobs. The lawmakers’ bill would require public companies to disclose their financial reporting on a country-by-country basis to give Americans insight into how the tax system incentivizes the outsourcing of American jobs or enables corporations to dodge U.S. taxes. The legislation would also provide investors with the tools they need to understand the tax structures and risks of the businesses in which they invest. “Our tax law in the United States is totally broken–we have a system where corporations are incentivized to ship profits and good-paying jobs overseas. The American people deserve full transparency about how companies are using these loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. We’re working to ensure that corporations are held accountable for hiding profits in foreign tax havens,” said Senator Welch. “While working Americans struggle to get by, large corporations continue to ship jobs overseas and take advantage of tax loopholes to hide their profits. This bill will provide critical transparency to both the American public and investors as to how these corporations abuse our broken tax system and the risks they are taking in the use of offshore tax havens. We must stand up for American workers, end incentives for big corporations to offshore jobs, and unrig our broken corporate tax code. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – shining a light on this issue is the first step,” said Senator Van Hollen. “As everyday families struggle to find jobs and pay for basic necessities, corporations are dodging taxes by shifting profits outside the country and making the rest of us pay. I’m proud to support this legislation that will require companies t… | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-lujan-schiff-raskin-ocasio-cortez-introduce-bicameral-legislation-imposing-gift-ban-on-supreme-court-justices/ | Welch, Luján, Schiff, Raskin, Ocasio-Cortez Introduce Bicameral Legislation Imposing Gift Ban on Supreme Court Justices | 2026-07-17 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Legislation cracks down on lavish gifts to Supreme Court Justices with $50 limit aligning ethics rules with Congress, other judges, and federal officials WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, this week joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in introducing the High Court Gift Ban Act, legislation to close a glaring ethics loophole that allows U.S. Supreme Court Justices to accept lavish gifts from wealthy benefactors and individuals with interests before the Court. U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) introduced companion legislation in the House. “For years, conservative Supreme Court Justices have accepted expensive gifts and travel from their friends who have business before the Court. It’s unethical, and it’s why public trust in the Court has eroded. Those serving on the Supreme Court should be held to the same ethical standards as every other federal judge—and it’s high time they are,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senators Luján and Schiff on this bill to increase accountability and restore public trust in our nation’s most powerful court.” “Over the past several years, we’ve seen far too many reports detailing how lavish gifts and luxury travel have undermined public confidence in the Supreme Court,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with colleagues to introduce the High Court Gift Ban Act, which would hold Supreme Court justices to the same ethical standards as other high-ranking federal officials. The Supreme Court — our nation’s highest and most powerful court — should be held to the highest ethical standards to protect our democracy from the influence of dark money and special interests.” “The Supreme Court has lost the trust of the American people, and Justices accepting lavish gifts from wealthy individuals with business before the court has only made matters wors… | 1 | 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z | 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=775 | Rep. Balint Introduces Amendment to Republican Budget Resolution to Stop Funding for Unauthorized War in Iran | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced an amendment during the House Budget Committee's markup of the Republican budget resolution to strike $73 billion in funding for President Trump's unauthorized war in Iran. Balint's amendment would have prohibited funding for military action that has not been explicitly authorized by Congress, reaffirming Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and rejecting what she called another Republican "blank check" for President Trump's military escalation. "A colleague on the other side earlier in this hearing said this was all a game...It's not a game at all. It's deadly serious," said Rep. Balint during the committee markup. "Americans are disgusted when we think of the work that we do here as a game. And it's truly astounding that we're here, again, considering a highly partisan budget resolution for a third Republican reconciliation bill that increases costs and does nothing to help the people back home. So, let's level set. What are we doing here? Why are we here today? This is about waging war, a war that we were told for the last five months isn't really a war." Balint criticized Republicans for rushing the budget resolution through committee with little transparency while proposing tens of billions of dollars in additional military spending without identifying how it would be paid for. "My [Republican] colleagues constantly howl that the deficit is one of the nation's greatest challenges, yet this resolution contains no substantive ideas for how to pay for this massive increase in spending,” Balint said. “Meanwhile, we hear constantly that we can't possibly afford healthcare or food for Americans...and yet, when it comes to approving tens of billions of dollars in additional Pentagon spending, they’re a rubber stamp...there's always time for more war." Balint noted that Congress had already passed a bipartisan War Powers Resolution directing the President to end U.S. military involvement in Iran absent explicit congressi… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-honored-with-national-retail-federations-2026-champion-of-main-street-award/ | Welch Honored with National Retail Federation's 2026 “Champion of Main Street” Award | 2026-07-16 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch has championed bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act to protect small retailers and businesses WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, this week received the National Retail Federation’s 2026 “Champion of Main Street” award for his leadership and work to ensure small businesses and retailers in Vermont and across the country get their fair share. The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, with members including department stores, catalog, Internet, and independent retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, multi-level marketing companies, and vendors. In his remarks, Senator Welch called on Congress to pass the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), which would prevent the credit card duopoly of Visa and Mastercard from charging American businesses higher fees than anywhere else in the world. Photo Credit: National Retail Federation Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, driving the U.S. economy and creating jobs in communities throughout the country. In Vermont, retail directly supports more than 66,000 jobs and contributes $9.2 billion in economic activity. Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans. Under the Credit Card Competition Act, the Federal Reserve would issue regulations that require banks with over $100 billion in assets to enable at least two unaffiliated credit card networks, one of which must be outside of the top two largest networks, to process transactions on credit cards the banks issue. This would empower small business owners to pick the network that best suits their needs and inject real competition into the credit card m… | 1 | 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z | 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=774 | 25 Members of Congress Release Joint Statement on Massie Amendment to Republican Foreign Aid Budget Bill | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, 25 Members of Congress, including Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) and led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement in advance of voting yes on Amendment #8, which would halt certain U.S. funding to Israel, to the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act: “As Members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure that our constituents’ hard-earned money is used in a way that advances America’s interests and values. For this reason, we do not support providing an additional $3.3 billion of American taxpayer dollars to be used for Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon—operations which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, led to the indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and caused severe and ongoing humanitarian catastrophes. These are just the latest in a long string of human rights violations inflicted on Palestinian civilians. For nearly six decades, Israeli security forces and military authorities have enforced the occupation of the Palestinian territories, including through restrictions on freedom of movement, arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. It is clear that existing human rights conditions on the use of American security assistance have not been meaningfully enforced. Enough is enough. “Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve peace, freedom, security, stability, and self-determination. Those aims will only be achieved when their inherent dignity and inalienable rights are at the center of U.S. policy in the region. Diplomacy is the answer, and as long as America provides constant funding for more war, peace will always remain out of reach. “Our vote should not be interpreted as opposition to initiatives such as the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act programs or others that foster people-to-people engagement, strengthen civil society, and advance the long-term pros… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/senate-passes-welch-cramer-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-canada-and-mexico-as-cohosts-of-the-2026-fifa-world-cup/ | Senate Passes Welch-Cramer Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Canada and Mexico as Cohosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Bipartisan resolution recognizes the first FIFA tournament to be jointly hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan resolution honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Senators’ resolution celebrates that for first time in the history of the competition, the World Cup has been jointly hosted by three nations, with matches held across 16 North American cities, including 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The resolution underlines how this milestone was made possible by the spirit of continental unity and cooperation among America’s neighbors. The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a milestone in sporting history as the first to feature an expanded field of 48 national teams and a record 104 matches. America’s host cities for this year’s competition included Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. “The ‘United Bid’ of America, Canada, and Mexico was made possible by a shared, strong partnership between our countries, grounded in mutual respect and centered on shared values of peace and prosperity. From Boston to Seattle, we’ve been thrilled to welcome folks from across the world to America to foster global peace, friendship, and fair competition. It was exciting to watch the U.S. Men’s National Team compete with grit and determination, which rallied so many Americans around this historic tournament,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senator Cramer in leading this effort thanking our great neighbors, Canada and Mexico, for their collaboration in bringing the world’s most popular tournament back home in a historic way.” “This year’s FIFA World Cup has been one for the books! Unanimously passing our resolution is a fitting way to send all teams home with respect for their accomplishments and appreciation for their sportsmanship. Welcomin… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-grills-blanche-during-nomination-hearing-to-serve-as-attorney-general-todd-blanche-works-for-donald-trump-he-does-not-work-for-the-american-people/ | Welch Grills Blanche During Nomination Hearing to Serve as Attorney General: “Todd Blanche works for Donald Trump. He does not work for the American people.” | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch pressed Trump’s former personal attorney and Acting AG Todd Blanche on his conflicts of interest during tenure as Deputy AG WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, grilled Acting Attorney General (AG) and AG nominee Todd Blanche on his role in the Trump Administration’s corruption of the pardon process at the Department of Justice (DOJ), and in negotiating a settlement between President Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized that Acting AG Blanche’s demonstrated loyalty to President Trump—his former client—is prioritized ahead of the Americans he has been entrusted to serve. “We cannot have a Justice Department that makes prosecutions of American citizens—whether they’re in office or not—on the basis of the political preferences of the president. Todd Blanche works for Donald Trump. He does not work for the American people,” said Senator Welch at a press conference following the hearing. Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks from the hearing below: Read and watch an excerpt from Senator Welch’s exchange with Acting AG Blanche about his involvement in the settlement granting President Trump legal immunity and creating the anti-weaponization slush fund: Sen. Welch: I mean, that is truly bizarre that the chief executive gets his appointed person—who was formerly his personal attorney—to negotiate on his behalf, where at the end of the day, taxpayers are going to pay. Acting AG Blanche: The other thing I’ll correct, though, is you used the word as if I negotiated. I wasn’t part of the negotiation, which I’ve said before. Sen. Welch: Your department is—you had to sign off on it. That is your signature. Acting AG Blanche: Yes, that’s true. Yes, that is my signature. Sen. Welch: I mean, look: you’re at the top of the pile here. So, you don’t get involved in all the phone calls and all the details, but at the end of the day ,you have to do due diligence and satisfy yourself that you, in good faith, can sign off on t… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-heinrich-schatz-colleagues-to-discuss-future-of-the-energy-workforce-with-labor-leaders/ | Welch Joins Heinrich, Schatz, Colleagues to Discuss Future of the Energy Workforce with Labor Leaders | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch: “Now it’s time to have an industrial policy that’s good for workers, and good for America, and good for the economy.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Senate Democratic colleagues, and labor leaders to discuss the future of America’s energy workforce, policies that support clean energy and manufacturing jobs, and the impacts of the Trump Administration’s actions on workers. Senator Welch highlighted the need for Congress to invest in career and technical education opportunities to expand America’s clean energy workforce. “Congress plays an important role in helping meet the needs of the American people and American workers. A big part of that must be investing in clean energy—not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the necessary thing to do. We need industrial policy that’s good for workers, good for America, and good for the economy,” said Senator Welch. “We’ll keep fighting for good jobs for hardworking people.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Senators Welch, Heinrich, and Schatz were joined at the roundtable by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Senators heard from panelists including President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Liz Shuler; General President of Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Brent Booker; President of Industrial Division of the Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA) Carl Kennebrew; Director of Unity and Strength for Workers (USW) District 1 (Ohio/Michigan) Donnie Blatt; Maryland State Senator and In… | 1 | 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z | 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/trumps-illegal-war-with-iran-has-forced-vermont-to-pay-113-million-more-for-gas-so-far/ | Trump’s Illegal War with Iran Has Forced Vermont to Pay $113 Million More for Gas, So Far | 2026-07-14 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Vermont households have spent $441 more for gas since the war began WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee today released new data outlining how President Trump’s reckless and illegal war with Iran has driven up gasoline costs for Vermont families, farmers, and businesses. The new data shows that since the war began on February 28, Americans have spent a total of $56.4 billion more for gas. In Vermont, the increase in gas spending totals $113,105,145, with families spending $441 more on average, per household. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, released the following statement on the new data: “Vermont families are paying the price for President Trump’s illegal war with Iran. The average household has spent $441 more for gas, so far—and there’s no end in sight. The President needs to get out of this reckless war, which has caused incredible harm to our economy and driven up costs for families in Vermont and across the country.” View the data from JEC below: Senator Welch is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. He was a member of the Joint Economic Committee in the 118th Congress. ### | 1 | 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z | 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-on-the-ndaa-this-national-defense-authorization-fails-to-address-the-critical-question-that-is-before-this-country-right-now-the-war-in-iran-welch/ | Welch on the NDAA: “This national defense authorization fails to address the critical question that is before this country right now...the war in Iran.” Welch on the NDAA: | 2026-07-13 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today delivered remarks from the Senate floor urging his colleagues to reconsider debate or advancement of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing the ongoing, escalating war with Iran and the inclusion of new policy provisions that require the U.S. to deepen our defense and intelligence sharing relationship with the government of Israel. “This national defense authorization fails to address the critical question that is before this country right now, and that is the war in Iran,” said Senator Welch. “It fails to address the changing nature of warfare, by spending half a trillion dollars more on weapons systems that are the weapons systems of yesterday…It outsources, to another country, decisions on intelligence sharing and weapons production that should only be made by our country. It commits the taxpayers of this country to the obligation of another half trillion dollars, with absolutely no outline of how we’re going to pay for it—and this, on top of a deficit that is the highest we’ve ever had in this country.” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: Read an excerpt of Senator Welch’s remarks: “When it comes to sharing intelligence, I want our generals; I want our national security officials; I want our president, our chief executive and commander in chief; to have unfettered discretion to make those decisions about with whom we share information, what information we share, and under what circumstances, to be our decision and our decision alone…We’ve never, ever, had an obligation to relinquish the exclusive right of decision making that has to fundamentally be made on the best interest of what is in the national security interest of the people in this country. We cannot relinquish that right and that responsibility.” ••• Last week, Senator Welch joined a letter led by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) urging their colleagues to oppose the motion to proceed with a vote on the NDAA, unless it addresses provisions that lock in U.S.-Israel defense… | 1 | 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z | 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-sanders-balint-lead-reintroduction-of-bill-to-help-protect-vermont-farmland-from-flooding/ | Welch, Sanders, Balint Lead Reintroduction of Bill to Help Protect Vermont Farmland from Flooding | 2026-07-10 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, alongside the Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), reintroduced the Building Up Farmland Frontiers for Ecological Resilience (BUFFER) Act. This bicameral legislation would ensure all states can access the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) funding to implement buffer zones, agricultural tools used by farmers to protect farmland from flooding, erosion, and water pollution. “Our farmers deserve access to the tools and resources they need to fight climate change and make farmland more flood resilient. An essential part of that has to be cutting through red tape that forces Vermont farmers to jump through more hoops to receive compensation for their work than farmers in other states,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sanders and Rep. Balint on this legislation to help Vermont farmers better mitigate flooding risk and protect our state’s farmland from natural disasters.” “Vermont farmers are still recovering from multiple years of flooding. They want to ensure their fields are better protected from future storms, especially in the face of climate change. This important legislation will cut through bureaucracy and ensure our farmers are compensated for their work to improve our state’s water quality and protect their land from the kind of damage we saw over the past few years,” said Senator Sanders. “As climate change brings more frequent and severe extreme weather events, it’s critical that farmers in Vermont and across the country have the tools they need to protect their land and livelihoods,” said Rep. Balint. “Ahead of the anniversary of the catastrophic 2023 and 2024 floods, I’m proud to be reintroducing the BUFFER Act alongside our Senators. Our delegation stands united in support of Vermonters as folks continue to rebuild… | 1 | 2026-07-11T07:10:48Z | 2026-07-11T07:14:29Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=770 | Balint, Welch, Sanders Lead Reintroduction of Bill to Help Protect Vermont Farmland from Flooding | 2026-07-10 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), reintroduced the Building Up Farmland Frontiers for Ecological Resilience (BUFFER) Act. This bicameral legislation would ensure all states can access the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) funding to implement buffer zones, agricultural tools used by farmers to protect farmland from flooding, erosion, and water pollution. “As climate change brings more frequent and severe extreme weather events, it’s critical that farmers in Vermont and across the country have the tools they need to protect their land and livelihoods,” said Rep. Balint. “Ahead of the anniversary of the catastrophic 2023 and 2024 floods, I’m proud to be reintroducing the BUFFER Act alongside our Senators. Our delegation stands united in support of Vermonters as folks continue to rebuild.” “Our farmers deserve access to the tools and resources they need to fight climate change and make farmland more flood resilient. An essential part of that has to be cutting through red tape that forces Vermont farmers to jump through more hoops to receive compensation for their work than farmers in other states,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Sanders and Rep. Balint on this legislation to help Vermont farmers better mitigate flooding risk and protect our state’s farmland from natural disasters.” “Vermont farmers are still recovering from multiple years of flooding. They want to ensure their fields are better protected from future storms, especially in the face of climate change. This important legislation will cut through bureaucracy and ensure our farmers are compensated for their work to improve our state’s water quality and protect their land from the kind of damage we saw over the past few years,” said Senator Sanders. The delegation first introduced the legisla… | 1 | 2026-07-12T07:28:31Z | 2026-07-12T07:30:18Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-climate-action-campaign-for-hearing-on-the-impacts-of-climate-change-and-extreme-weather/ | Welch Joins Climate Action Campaign for Hearing on the Impacts of Climate Change and Extreme Weather | 2026-07-09 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch, Balint, and State and Community Leaders Heard from Flood-Impacted Vermonters in Barre, Vermont BARRE – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vermont State Senators Anne Watson and Andrew Perchlik, alongside the Climate Action Campaign (CAC) and its Vermont partners, at the Old Labor Hall in Barre for an Extreme Weather People’s Hearing. The event, through first person testimony, highlighted how climate change is fueling more dangerous and deadly extreme weather, and threatening the lives and livelihoods of Vermonters. Small business owners, public health experts, farmers, and community members testified about how their lives have been disrupted by climate change-fueled extreme weather, including the catastrophic flooding in July of 2023 and 2024. “Vermonters know firsthand the pain caused by climate-driven extreme weather. This week, we’re remembering the floods of 2023 and 2024, which caused brutal damage to homes, farms, small businesses, and entire communities. Many folks are still recovering, and they need support from the federal government. I’m fighting in Washington to get disaster recovery funding back to Vermont and improve disaster assistance programs to better support rural states,” said Senator Welch. “Climate change and extreme weather events can hit any community. This is a red state issue just as much as it is a blue state issue; We need bipartisan solutions and action—and we need it now.” Photo Credit: Climate Action Campaign Senator Welch has advocated for disaster aid funding throughout Vermont’s catastrophic back-to-back flooding in July 2023 and July 2024. On the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods, Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act, which would cut red tape and support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White Ho… | 1 | 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z | 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/ahead-of-2023-and-2024-flood-anniversaries-welch-highlights-importance-of-flexible-flood-recovery-funding-for-vermont/ | Ahead of 2023 and 2024 Flood Anniversaries, Welch Highlights Importance of Flexible Flood Recovery Funding for Vermont | 2026-07-08 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Following push by Welch and the Congressional Delegation, Vermont has been awarded nearly $68 million in flexible Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Relief funds MONTPELIER – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today convened community and state leaders in Montpelier to highlight the importance of the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program, flexible disaster recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dedicated to supporting housing reconstruction and rehabilitation, infrastructure redevelopment, and flood mitigation efforts. While in Montpelier, Senator Welch visited the location of a new housing project funded by the CDBG-DR program and discussed the importance of flexible funding for Vermont’s flood recovery. In the aftermath of the 2023 and 2024 floods, Senator Welch championed a comprehensive disaster relief bill which provided more than $100 billion in relief for disaster-impacted states like Vermont. This bill included $12 billion in flexible CDBG-DR funds to help communities across the country recover from natural disasters. Vermont has received nearly $68 million in CDBG-DR funding. “So many of FEMA’s recovery programs are too rigid—that’s why after the 2023 and 2024 floods I fought hard to secure dedicated funding for the flexible Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief program. This grant program puts more power in the hands of state and local leaders as they build back smarter, and that’s the key to true resilience. It’s only one tool in our toolbox, but this program will help us take a big step toward ensuring our communities are safer, stronger, and more prepared for whatever the future holds,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud we secured more than $67 million in CDBG-DR funding for Vermont, and today we can see this funding at work. I look forward to touring this new housing and renovation project soon.” Senator Welch was joined by Doug Farnham, State of Vermont’s Chief Recovery Officer; Nate Formalarie, Deputy Commis… | 1 | 2026-07-09T08:24:13Z | 2026-07-09T08:26:05Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-announces-nearly-2-million-in-new-fema-funding-to-lamoille-and-washington-counties/ | Welch Announces Nearly $2 Million in New FEMA Funding to Lamoille and Washington Counties | 2026-07-07 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | MORRISVILLE, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today announced the delivery of over $1.79 million in federal funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to repair catastrophic damage to the Morrisville Water & Light and the Town of Marshfield caused by severe flooding in July 2023. The federal funding grants announced include $1.32 million to Morrisville Water & Light in Lamoille County to restore their water supply system back to pre-disaster function and capacity, including repairing building exterior and interior elements, replacing major electrical, mechanical, and chemical feed components, including the well pump motor and controls, and installing a new standby generator. Additionally, the Town of Marshfield in Washington County will receive $471,242 to support flood recovery and resiliency efforts. “Flood and disaster-impacted communities depend on support from the federal government—our towns and counties need to know FEMA will be there after a disaster hits, and as they strengthen their flood resiliency efforts. I’m proud this federal funding is coming back to our state and will continue to fight for communities hit by the July 2023 and 2024 floods,” said Senator Welch. Senator Welch has advocated for disaster aid funding throughout Vermont’s catastrophic back-to-back flooding in July 2023 and July 2024. On the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods, Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act, which would cut red tape and support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster response. The bill was inspired and shaped by the disaster recovery experience of communities across Vermont. The Senator also introduced the Rural Re… | 1 | 2026-07-08T07:27:19Z | 2026-07-08T07:28:28Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-delegation-secures-more-than-19-million-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-funding-for-u-s-route-7-reconstruction/ | Vermont Delegation Secures More than $19 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding for U.S. Route 7 Reconstruction | 2026-07-06 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT–July 6, 2026–The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt.) today announced $19,719,310 in federal funding to complete the reconstruction of U.S. Route 7 from Pittsford to Brandon, Vermont. The funding for the Vermont Agency of Transportation was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program and made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—better known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “We’re proud to announce more than $19 million in federal funds to support the State of Vermont’s work on the Ethan Allen Highway. This project will make one of the most traveled highways in our state safer and more reliable, from Pittsford to Brandon and beyond,” said Sanders, Welch, and Balint. “Investments like these are critical to maintaining our infrastructure for years to come,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I’m appreciative of the Agency of Transportation’s work as well as the congressional delegation for their work in bringing this funding back home to Vermont.” The project includes roadway reconstruction, widening, shoulder improvements, drainage and culvert replacement, bridge upgrades, safety enhancements, and wildlife crossing improvements. Senator Sanders is a senior member on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which oversees this funding. ### | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-all-senate-democrats-in-demanding-trump-halt-illegal-move-to-undermine-special-ed-civil-rights-enforcement/ | Welch Joins All Senate Democrats in Demanding Trump Halt Illegal Move to Undermine Special Ed, Civil Rights Enforcement | 2026-07-06 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member on the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding the Trump administration put students first, follow the law, and immediately reverse course on transferring special education programs and civil rights enforcement out of the Department of Education (ED). On June 16, 2026, the Trump Administration announced four Interagency Agreements (IAA) that would illegally move the administration of special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and vocational rehabilitation programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act from the ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These IAA also transfer fundamental civil rights enforcement responsibility away from ED to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and come as the Trump Administration has successfully worked to undermine core functions and statutory responsibilities of ED, following sweeping and unlawful firings, workforce reductions, and reorganization last year that have already undermined the very goals of the Education Department. At the same time, ED moved almost all programs supporting elementary and secondary education to multiple agencies with limited capacity and expertise administering similar programs. In their letter to ED Secretary Linda McMahon, the Senators outline how the Trump Administration’s latest moves are part of the president’s explicit effort to dismantle ED, threatening key funding, support and services for students, schools, and families nationwide. The Senators also emphasize that wasting time and resources to scatter education programs all over the federal government does nothing to help children and families while only m… | 1 | 2026-07-07T08:20:12Z | 2026-07-07T08:22:09Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-meets-with-health-care-leaders-in-bennington-to-discuss-future-of-rural-health-care-improving-access-to-affordable-care-statewide/ | Welch Meets with Health Care Leaders in Bennington to Discuss Future of Rural Health Care, Improving Access to Affordable Care Statewide | 2026-07-02 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BENNINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, this week hosted a roundtable on rural health care innovation, featuring local health care leaders, medical experts, and community members. The Senator discussed challenges faced by health care providers and patients in Vermont. While at the Bennington Firehouse, he highlighted the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-scene Care and Support (EMS ROCS) Act, his legislation that would require the government to pay for vital EMS services provided to individuals on Medicare. “The state of health care in rural America is more than concerning: communities lack access to critical services they need, insurance costs are skyrocketing, and people are suffering. President Trump’s reckless tax bill, which was signed one year ago this week, made it even more expensive to live in rural America and pushed affordable care further out of reach through cuts to Medicaid funding and our state’s rural hospitals and clinics,” said Senator Welch. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Bennington’s leading health care experts to hear about innovative changes that will improve and expand access to health care services in our rural communities. I’ll take their insight to Washington and continue to fight to improve access to care in rural America.” Senator Welch is a champion for rural health care, and has worked across the aisle to lead legislation to improve access to care, including the Rural Hospital Support Act, Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act, Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit Act, and the CONNECT for Health Act. ### | 1 | 2026-07-03T08:00:00Z | 2026-07-03T08:01:30Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=757 | Rep. Balint Reintroduces Sweeping Legislation to Take on the Affordable Housing Crisis Nationwide | 2026-07-01 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | More photos from the announcement event in Burlington can be found here. Rep. Balint’s remarks at the event can be viewed here. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) has re-introduced the Community Housing Act, her sweeping legislation to address our nation’s housing crisis. The legislation would invest $500 billion in federal programs, fund the construction of affordable housing, provide new financing to build affordable units, center inclusive zoning and land use, and provide more pathways to homeownership. The ambitious package embraces perpetually affordable housing through community land trusts and would empower nonprofits across the country to help get people into homes that are affordable and stay affordable. On June 15, Rep. Balint announced the reintroduction of the Community Housing Act at an event in Burlington. She was joined by local Vermont housing advocates at the event. Rep. Balint also introduced and led this legislation in the 118th Congress. “Today, I’m proud to have reintroduced my Community Housing Act,” said Rep. Balint. “Confronting our affordable housing crisis is one of my top priorities in Congress because it’s a top priority for Vermonters. This sweeping legislation is about creative solutions, major investments, and concrete actions that we can take to address this crisis and make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m grateful for all the partners who’ve played a role in making this legislation a reality and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get shovels in the ground, increase the supply of housing, and lower costs for folks across the country. Let’s get this bill done.” According to the Vermont Housing Needs Assessment, half of all Vermont renters are cost-burdened, and one in four pay more than 50% of their income on housing costs. Vermont also has a rental vacancy rate of 3%, which is one of the lowest in the country. In Chittenden County, it’sbeen estimated to be just 1%. Additionally, Vermont has the second-highest homelessness rate per capita in the c… | 1 | 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z | 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-hosts-common-grounds-with-senator-welch-listening-session-in-bennington-county/ | Welch Hosts ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ Listening Session in Bennington County | 2026-07-01 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch highlights how President Trump has raised costs for average Vermont households by more than $2,000 BENNINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today hosted a ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session at Bennington College’s Purple Carrot Farm. The Senator heard from Vermonters about how Washington can work better for Bennington County families, farmers, and businesses. “President Trump’s policies are hurting Vermont families. A large part of the hardship facing rural communities stems from the president’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’—signed one year ago this week—which made life more expensive for working families and gave tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. The president’s illegal war with Iran and reckless trade war, cuts to Medicaid, and his refusal to extend health care tax credits—which helped more than 30,000 Vermonters access health care—have only worsened the affordability crisis gripping our country,” said Senator Welch. “At the end of the day, President Trump’s disastrous policies have raised costs for Vermont families—it’s an unsustainable financial burden for families who can’t make ends meet. I’ll keep fighting to reverse these policies and work to make life more affordable for everyday Vermonters.” View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website: Senator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Franklin, Addison, Caledonia, Orleans, Orange, Lamoille, Grand Isle, and Windsor counties, and will host listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. Sign up for the Senator’s newsletter here to learn more about his upcoming events in Vermont. ### | 1 | 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z | 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-the-future-of-the-usmca-trade-agreement-and-u-s-canada-trade-relations/ | Welch Statement on the Future of the USMCA Trade Agreement and U.S.-Canada Trade Relations | 2026-07-01 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was negotiated and signed by President Trump in 2018 BURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s refusal to extend the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, which was negotiated and signed by President Trump in 2018 and went into effect in 2020: “Vermont’s small businesses, manufacturers, and farmers rely on the USMCA to maintain strong trade relationships with our neighbors—especially Canada. President Trump’s anti-Canadian rhetoric and reckless tariffs have created economic chaos on both sides of the border. The ripple effects have been severe and lasting, hurting Vermont’s Main Streets, our agriculture economy, and our tourism. Economic chaos has been a hallmark of the last 18 months, and today’s announcement by the Trump Administration only adds fuel to the fire. To be crystal clear for Vermonters who rely on this trade agreement: the USMCA still remains intact,” said Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “President Trump negotiated and signed this trade agreement in his first term. The USMCA has been a key tool in keeping trade flowing after the president lodged extreme tariffs on our closest trading partners. No trade agreement is perfect, but we need to extend the USMCA to bolster our North American supply chain and to protect and create manufacturing jobs. I urge Ambassador Greer, the White House, and Canadian trade officials to come to a swift resolution on unresolved matters and to maintain this critical agreement.” ### | 1 | 2026-07-02T06:20:02Z | 2026-07-02T06:21:32Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-hosts-common-grounds-with-senator-welch-listening-session-in-franklin-county/ | Welch Hosts ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ Listening Session in Franklin County | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | SAINT ALBANS, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) hosted a ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session at 14th Star Brewing Co. in Saint Albans City. The Senator joined community members and local leaders to discuss the challenges facing families, farmers, and businesses in Franklin County and how Washington can work better to address them. “Rural communities like Saint Albans are facing more burdens than ever because of Trump Administration policies, from his disastrous war of choice in Iran to eviscerating the federal workforce. The president’s tariffs hit our farmers, hospitality, and tourism especially hard,” said Senator Welch. “The bottom line here is that we need to make Washington work better for Vermonters. I’ll keep working hard to reverse this administration’s reckless policies and power grabs to protect our democracy and restore the rule of law.” View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website: Senator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Addison, Caledonia, Orleans, Orange, Lamoille, Grand Isle, and Windsor counties, and will host listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. Sign up for the Senator’s newsletter here to learn more about his upcoming events in Vermont. ### | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-to-protect-birthright-citizenship/ | Welch Statement on Supreme Court Ruling to Protect Birthright Citizenship | 2026-06-30 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, released the following statement in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Barbara, which overturns Executive Order 14160, President Trump’s illegal attempt to eliminate birthright citizenship—a constitutional right granted under the Fourteenth Amendment: “The 14th Amendment of our Constitution is clear: if you are born in America, you are an American citizen. It’s not up for debate. Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed what we know to be true—the president’s executive order attempting to overturn birthright citizenship was an illegal overreach and wrong,” said Senator Welch. “This administration leads with chaos and is hell bent on advancing its mass deportation campaign. The president’s attempt to subvert the clear words of the Constitution would have stripped citizenship, rights, and protections from American children while creating chaos and confusion for millions of our fellow citizens. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has stepped in to block this policy. Welch concluded: “Citizenship means embracing the responsibilities every one of us has to promote the ideals that everyone is created equal and has an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our society. Every child born in this country deserves that opportunity.” Senator Welch has emphasized the grave dangers of President Trump’s executive order aiming to terminate birthright citizenship during Senate Judiciary Committee hearings and outlined how Americans’ constitutional and civil rights are being violated under the Trump Administration. The Senator is a cosponsor of the Born in the USA Act, legislation aimed at blocking the implementation of President Trump’s executive order to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. The legislation would prevent any government funds from being used to carry out or enforce this directive. ### | 1 | 2026-07-01T06:34:07Z | 2026-07-01T06:35:35Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=755 | Rep. Balint Leads 75 Colleagues in Condemning Israeli Military Engagement in Lebanon, Destruction of Civilian Homes and Infrastructure | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today led 75 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern about the Israeli military’s operations in southern Lebanon. Since the temporary cessation of hostilities in Lebanon was announced on April 16, 2026, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued military operations in violation of the ceasefire. As the Trump administration implements the memorandum of understanding with Iran, the letter urges the State Department to take all possible steps in bringing a swift end to the wars in Iran and Lebanon. The Members called attention to reports of the Israeli military’s use of U.S.-origin weapons and equipment in the destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure. Hundreds of civilians have died from these attacks and more than one million people, approximately 20 percent of Lebanon’s population, have been forced from their homes. “Every government has a right and a responsibility to protect its citizens, and Israel has a right to defend itself,” the Members wrote. “However, this does not justify unrestrained Israeli military operations, especially those that violate the current ceasefire, destroy civilian infrastructure, and lead to the death of hundreds of civilians. All sides must fully abide by the ceasefire agreement.” “We are troubled by the Israeli military’s practice of mass demolitions of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon and targeting practices that kill Lebanese civilians,” the Members continued. “After the Israeli military invaded southern Lebanon and began an occupation of the territory, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to raze all homes in southern border villages, ‘following the Rafah and Beit Hanounmodel in Gaza,’ a reference to the Israeli military’s systematic destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Since then, reporting and satellite imagery have confirmed widespread demolitions of civilian homes, buildings, and religious sites in southe… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=756 | Rep. Balint Says Congress Must Do More to Protect Kids Online, Hold Big Tech Accountable | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | House | VT | Becca Balint | B001318 | balint.house.gov | balint | https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today released the following statement after voting against the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, saying the bill falls short of meaningfully addressing the mental health harms fueled by Big Tech: “As a parent and former teacher, I know firsthand how deeply families worry about the impact social media is having on their kids. The evidence is overwhelming: Big Tech has built products designed to keep children scrolling, clicking, and coming back – turning record profits while fueling a youth mental health crisis marked by rising rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicide, and other mental health challenges. “This bill doesn't do nearly enough to hold Big Tech accountable. If Congress is serious about protecting kids online, we need legislation with real, enforceable consequences for companies that exploit children's attention and put their health at risk. I've introduced bipartisan legislation focused on the mental health impacts of social media, and I'll continue fighting for comprehensive legislation that puts children's well-being ahead of corporate profits.” Rep. Balint has long advocated for stronger protections for children online. She is the Democratic lead of the bipartisan Protecting Young Minds Online Act, which would establish a national strategy to study and address the effects of social media and emerging technologies on youth mental health. ### | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-bill-to-combat-consolidation-in-the-dairy-industry-ensure-fair-prices-for-family-dairy-farms/ | Welch Leads Bill to Combat Consolidation in the Dairy Industry, Ensure Fair Prices for Family Dairy Farms | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | The Milk from Family Dairies Act establishes a new Dairy Market Stabilization Program WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, and Food Safety, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) this week led the introduction of the Milk from Family Dairies Act, legislation which would ensure market transparency and fair prices for family dairy farmers, maintain consumer access to reliable and reasonably priced dairy products, and revitalize rural communities by establishing a Dairy Market Stabilization Program to ensure dairy farmers get a fair price for their milk based on their cost of production. Since 2000, 75% of America’s dairy farms have shuttered. In the past decade, Vermont has lost more than 400 dairies. Today, only 24,000 dairy farms remain in the United States. U.S. dairy policy has fallen short of addressing the market consolidation crisis and modern challenges facing dairy farmers and rural communities. “America’s dairy industry is in crisis, and Vermont’s dairy farmers know this all too well. Hardworking small and family dairy farms in our state—a majority of which milk fewer than 200 cows—have been hit especially hard by consolidation and price shifts over the last two decades. Too many farms are unable to break even and too many have shuttered completely. Farmers create such an immense amount of wealth, but are more and more often deprived the profits of their hard work—that needs to change.” said Senator Welch. “Dairy farms in Vermont and across this country are being forced out of business every day. Over the past decade, Vermont has lost over half of its dairy farms, many family-owned for generations. Enough is enough. It is time to give our dairy farmers the support they need. This legislation is an important step in protecting dairy farms—especially our smallest—and the rural economies they support,” said Senator Sanders. Small farms across the United States are struggling to cover production costs from the sa… | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-scotus-ruling-to-expand-trumps-power-to-fire-heads-of-independent-agencies/ | Welch Statement on SCOTUS’ Ruling to Expand Trump’s Power to Fire Heads of Independent Agencies | 2026-06-29 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s rulings in Trump v. Slaughter and Trump v. Cook. In the former, the Court gave the President power to fire the heads of independent agency without cause: “The Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Slaughter is a dangerous expansion of presidential power. The conservative Court just gave him a green light to fire once-independent regulators at will. These agencies and leadership positions were specifically designed by Congress to stand independently in order to avoid political interference. This decision is far-reaching, affecting the agencies that regulate everything from our skies to our elections to our public safety. Officials meant to serve the public interest will now be filled by political actors. While this ruling is a victory for the president and his enablers in Congress and the courts, it is a blow to our democracy. “The Court’s exception for the Central Bank and ruling to block President Trump’s unlawful firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook is a step in the right direction but is not the end of this fight. Time and again, the President and his allies are using their bully pulpit to direct political prosecutions of leaders President Trump doesn’t like. Governor Cook’s case is no different, and she continues to deserve due process and a fair trial. President Trump and Bill Pulte’s attempts to falsely discredit Lisa Cook must stop immediately.” ### | 1 | 2026-06-30T06:29:10Z | 2026-06-30T06:30:42Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-congressional-delegation-urges-pentagon-to-fix-military-personnel-record-issues-to-ensure-vermont-air-national-guards-158th-fighter-wing-receive-pro/ | Vermont Congressional Delegation Urges Pentagon to Fix Military Personnel Record Issues to Ensure Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing Receive Proper Pay and Benefits | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), alongside Vermont Congressional Delegation colleagues U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), raised the alarm that recordkeeping issues at the Department of Defense (DOD) have created unnecessary financial hardship and administrative burdens for the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing while deployed under federal active-duty mobilization, first in the Caribbean and then immediately to the Middle East. The Delegation also requested a briefing on the actions DOD is taking to promptly address these issues, including making any regulatory or internal process changes needed to avoid this issue for future National Guard deployments. In their letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Delegation called on the Department to urgently correct any errors so that military personnel records accurately reflect servicemembers’ duty status, and to ensure that associated benefits are delivered in a timely manner so Guardsmen and their families can remain focused on their missions. The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing was deployed under extremely difficult circumstances, and their families have experienced significant financial strain and emotional hardship after being left in the dark regarding their return to the United States. The Delegation highlighted the Vermont Fighter Wing’s critical skills that were requested by name during an unprecedented deployment: “The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing was the first National Guard unit to transition directly across multiple named operations without a change in duty status, from Operation Southern Spear to Operations Absolute Resolve, Spartan Shield, and Epic Fury…Our Guardsmen have demonstrated remarkable professionalism under demanding and rapidly evolving circumstances. It is imperative that military personnel records accurately reflect duty status, and that associated benefits are delivered in a timely manner so that these Guardsmen and thei… | 1 | 2026-06-27T06:16:17Z | 2026-06-27T06:17:30Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-colleagues-in-seeking-answers-from-trump-admin-on-mexicos-commitment-to-addressing-illegal-deforestation-in-avocado-production/ | Welch Leads Colleagues in Seeking Answers from Trump Admin on Mexico’s Commitment to Addressing Illegal Deforestation in Avocado Production | 2026-06-26 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Letter comes two years after Welch led colleagues urging Biden Admin to address illegal deforestation linked to avocados produced in Mexico WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources, and Biotechnology, today led U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in requesting the Trump Administration seek clarification from Mexican authorities about the country’s commitment to addressing illegal deforestation in the avocado sector. Specifically, the Senators inquire as to how a new certification program proposed by the Mexican federal government would impact Mexico’s existing voluntary Pro-Forest Agriculture (PFA) certification program, which has made significant progress in screening avocado orchards for recent deforestation and unresolved environmental violations. In their letter to Secretary of State Secretary Marco Rubio, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the Senators request the Trump Administration inquire with Mexican authorities regarding the credibility of the new Mexican federal initiative with the Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM) to create a “zero deforestation” certification for Mexican avocados exported to the United States. APEAM comprises the avocado producers and exporters association that administers the operational framework governing avocado exports to the United States. The Senators highlight that for years, avocado production in Mexico has driven widespread illegal deforestation and other environmental harm, in some cases involving transnational criminal organizations: “Most forest clearing has been illegal, yet the relevant Mexican laws go largely unenforced due in part to corruption and to threats and violence linked to affiliated criminal organizations. The consequences extend beyond Mexico: law-abiding growers on both sides of the bord… | 1 | 2026-06-27T06:16:17Z | 2026-06-27T06:17:30Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-in-demanding-usps-abandon-proposed-rule-to-carry-out-president-trumps-illegal-executive-order-restricting-vote-by-mail/ | Welch Joins Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding USPS Abandon Proposed Rule to Carry Out President Trump’s Illegal Executive Order Restricting Vote by Mail | 2026-06-25 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, this week joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, led by Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), in demanding the United States Postal Service (USPS) abandon its proposed rule to implement President Trump’s unconstitutional executive order to restrict voting by mail. Senator Welch previously joined Sens. Peters, Padilla, Schumer, and over 30 Senate Democrats in urging USPS not to carry out the executive order, which would force states to submit absentee voters’ information to the Postal Service for the creation of a federal mail-in voter list. Under the order, USPS could then refuse to deliver ballots to voters who are not included on that list, giving the agency an unprecedented and illegal role in the administration of American elections. USPS did not respond to that letter and has now issued a proposed rule that would ultimately allow the Postal Service to determine whether millions of Americans can receive and cast ballots through the mail. “We write for a second time regarding the unconstitutional and illegal attempt to transform the United States Postal Service into an election administration agency controlled by the White House and President Trump,” wrote the Senators. “In April, 37 senators wrote to you after President Trump issued his Executive Order directing USPS to issue a rule to establish compulsory specifications for election mail and create a master absentee voter list of millions of American voters – with the power to refuse to deliver their ballots.” The Senators continued: “Despite these grave and serious legal deficiencies, on June 2, 2026, USPS published a proposed rule that, if finalized, would establish President Trump’s control over federal elections and allow USPS to adjudicate… | 1 | 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z | 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/ranking-member-welch-calls-out-trump-for-turning-americas-250th-anniversary-into-a-self-promoting-moneymaking-spectacle/ | Ranking Member Welch Calls Out Trump for Turning America’s 250th Anniversary into a Self-Promoting, Moneymaking Spectacle | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Welch: “It’s a bitter irony that President Trump is honoring our nation’s anniversary by embracing many of the practices that the Founders rejected.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, criticized President Trump for using America’s 250th anniversary to engage in self-promotion, self-dealing, and selling access to himself. In his remarks, Ranking Member Welch emphasized how President Trump’s actions mirror the concerns that shaped the United States’ founding, particularly in the way the president has fostered a marketplace for influence where access goes to the highest bidder. “In 2016, Congress came together to establish a planning commission to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and the Commission was bipartisan. The goal was to allow America and our ideals to be the focus, and not the focus being on any one person. To my dismay and regret, President Trump, in my view, has decided to create a completely separate entity—called Freedom 250—which was to develop its own plans for our anniversary. And this entity, with very little oversight, is estimated to cost $103 million in taxpayer funds. The official planning organization, authorized by a bipartisan vote of Congress, has received a fraction of that,” said Senator Welch. “In my view, the president seems to be using this occasion to engage in self-promotion, self-dealing, and selling access to himself. That’s not what a 250th anniversary—that belongs to each of us—should be about.” Senator Welch continued: “I can’t help but notice how closely the President’s actions mirror the concerns that shaped our founding. He has fostered a marketplace—a marketplace for influence, where access goes to the highest bidder. And it’s a bitter irony that President Trump is honoring our nation’s anniversary by embracing many of the practices that the Founders rejected…This celebration has to be about all of us, not about an individual person. It has to be about a shared sense o… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/thursday-welch-courtney-to-host-press-conference-calling-on-congress-to-pass-bicameral-student-loan-interest-elimination-act/ | THURSDAY: Welch, Courtney to Host Press Conference Calling on Congress to Pass Bicameral Student Loan Interest Elimination Act | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | Lawmakers’ bicameral bill would eliminate interest rates on all federal student loans and cap future interest rates WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, June 25th at 12:00 PM EDT, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), alongside the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU), will host a press conference on Capitol Hill calling for Congress to take up their bicameral Student Loan Interest Elimination Act, legislation to refinance the interest on federal student loans for all existing borrowers to zero percent and cap interest rates for future borrowers. The lawmakers’ legislation would make higher education more affordable by immediately eliminating interest rates for the nearly 43 million Americans with existing federally held student loans. Higher education costs continue to skyrocket, with tuition rising 40 times higher than 1960s levels for public colleges—a 312.4% increase when adjusted for inflation. As a result, average college debt has more than doubled since 2007, forcing nearly 43 million Americans—1 in 6 American adults—to take out federal student loans to help pay for higher education. In Vermont, around 78,000 student loan borrowers hold a collective $2.9 billion in federal student loan debt. The bicameral Student Loan Interest Elimination Act would lower the cost of college and address student loan debt by refinancing the interest rate of all existing and future federal student loans to 0%. Unlike other proposals to lower student loan interest rates, the lawmakers’ Student Loan Interest Elimination Act includes a pay-for to offset the cost of eliminating interest to save taxpayer dollars. Learn more about the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act and read and download the full text of the bill. LOGISTICS: WHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.); U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-02); Lynn Pasquerella, President, American Association of Colleges and Universities; Additional members of Congress, t… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-four-years-after-scotus-overturned-roe-v-wade/ | Welch Statement Four Years After SCOTUS Overturned Roe v. Wade | 2026-06-24 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, today released the following statement on the state of abortion care and reproductive rights in America, four years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade: “The erosion of reproductive freedom in America didn’t happen overnight. In exchange for the vote of the far-right, then-candidate Donald Trump promised to appoint justices to the Supreme Court that would help him limit access to health care and reproductive freedom for millions of women. For the first time in our history, women have fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers. In the four years since the highest court in the land ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, our worst fears have come true. The Dobbs decision was only the beginning of attacks on abortion and reproductive health care. “Republican state legislatures used the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision to cut off access to abortion care, and in many cases, outlaw it completely. Republicans in Congress went after reproductive freedom in every way they could, including cutting off funding for clinics that offer abortion care and other essential health services. As the leader of HHS, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has weaponized FDA’s safety review process for abortion medication and undermined telemedicine access for patients seeking abortion care. “The rapid decline in access to abortion care in America is a public health crisis. Women deserve a Congress that will stand up for their right to make decisions about their health. We need immediate protections that protect women’s reproductive rights and restore abortion access nationwide.” President Trump appointed three of the Supreme Court Justices who ruled in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case to overturn Roe v. Wade and nearly 50 years of precedent. Since Dobbs, at least 20 states have enacted near-total or restrictive bans to prevent women from being able to access abortion, leaving over 62 million women and gi… | 1 | 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z | 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-applauds-advancement-of-bipartisan-paid-off-act-to-prevent-foreign-adversaries-from-influencing-u-s-policy/ | Welch Applauds Advancement of Bipartisan “PAID OFF Act” to Prevent Foreign Adversaries from Influencing U.S. Policy | 2026-06-23 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) in celebrating the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s advancement of their Preventing Adversary Influence, Disinformation and Obscured Foreign Financing (PAID OFF) Act. The Senators’ bipartisan legislation would help close Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) loopholes that allow unregistered agents of foreign adversaries to lobby in the United States, passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “With one of the highest rates of misinformation and disinformation in the world, it’s no wonder that the American people are losing trust in our democratic institutions. Foreign adversaries have exacerbated that distrust by using loopholes in U.S. lobbying laws to undermine U.S. decision-making and influence politics,” said Senator Welch. “Congress must pass this bipartisan legislation to close these loopholes, protect our national security, and hold bad actors accountable.” “American policy should not in any way reflect the handiwork of foreign adversaries who are actively working to tip the scales in their favor and undermine our interests,” said Senator Cornyn. “By exposing the efforts of countries of concern like China or Russia to exert malign influence, this legislation would better safeguard U.S. decision making.” “When foreign adversaries skirt loopholes to lobby Congress, they directly threaten our democracy,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This bipartisan legislation is long overdue and will help prevent unregistered foreign agents from putting a thumb on the scale of American policy.” “For years, the United States’ biggest adversaries have exploited loopholes in U.S. lobbying laws to influence senior government officials and advance their geopolitical goals,” said Senator Risch. “Well-known examples include Russia’s efforts to prevent sanctions … | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
| https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-curtis-heinrich-fischer-lead-ten-senators-on-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-protect-firefighters-from-harmful-chemicals/ | Welch, Curtis, Heinrich, Fischer Lead Ten Senators on Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Protect Firefighters from Harmful Chemicals | 2026-06-23 | 2026 | 2026-06 | Democrat | Senate | VT | Peter Welch | W000800 | www.welch.senate.gov | welch | https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-Idaho), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) in leading nine of their colleagues to introduce the Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances (PFAS) Alternatives Act of 2026, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support the development of next-generation PFAS-free turnout gear to better protect firefighters from the dangers of their work. The PFAS Alternatives Act would authorize $25 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031 to support the development of new gear, plus an additional $2 million annually to support guidance and training. Firefighting has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogenic risk—the highest-level indication that an occupational exposure can cause cancer. Firefighters are exposed to a variety of carcinogens and toxic chemicals during and after responding to emergency events, including toxic combustion products like liquid, gas, diesel fuel, and particulate matter. Additionally, all three layers of firefighters’ protective clothing, also known as turnout gear, are coated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that release suspected carcinogens. “From Vermont to Idaho and everywhere in between, firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Their line of work is already hazardous enough without having to deal with toxic chemical exposure from the very gear meant to protect them,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to work across the aisle on this legislation to support investments into developing new, PFAS-free turnout gear that protects firefighters across the country.” “Utah’s firefighters shouldn’t have to worry that the gear designed to keep them safe could expose them to harmful chemicals,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation invests in the research needed to improve turnout gear, helping ensure firefighters have the proper protective equipment they deserve.” “Our first resp… | 1 | 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z | 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z |
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