Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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395 rows where 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-casar-introduce-legislation-to-create-new-federal-agency-to-ban-artificial-superintelligence-pause-advanced-ai-development/ | NEWS: Sanders, Casar Introduce Legislation to Create New Federal Agency to Ban Artificial Superintelligence, Pause Advanced AI Development | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) today introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act — legislation to stop artificial intelligence (AI) oligarchs from building machines humans cannot control and to pause advanced AI development until we have put in place rigorous federal testing and oversight to ensure AI does not harm humanity. “When you are racing towards a cliff, you don’t just ease up on the gas pedal. You hit the brakes. When the future of humanity is at stake, we cannot let a handful of Big Tech CEOs write their own rules,” Sanders said. “Scientists have been clear: AI is an existential threat to humanity. It must be treated as such. This legislation will permanently ban the development of artificial superintelligence and would put in place an immediate pause on advanced AI development until we have clear safety rules in place — developed by the most knowledgeable scientists in our country. Congress must act now before it is too late.” “Experts are warning that AI superintelligence, wielded by the wrong humans or by rogue AI, could kill countless numbers of people. But Donald Trump says he wants to encourage it. Something has to change,” Casar said. “Our bill bans the development of artificial superintelligence and pushes for international agreements so that no one, anywhere, builds AI too powerful for humans to control. Furthermore, our bill would immediately halt other dangerous AI capabilities, such as the capacity to develop biochemical weapons, or the capacity for AI to develop new AI instead of humans.” Over the past few months, we have learned that AI models can circumvent restrictions to hack into computers. We have learned they can create never-before-seen viruses. And we have learned they can automate research to build smarter AI. Even as the AI companies claim they recognize these dangers and want to slow down, they are racing ahead — investing hundreds of billions of dollars into a technology that nobody can fully predict or control. That … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-ahead-of-un-general-assembly-oligarchy-is-ascending-and-democracy-is-in-retreat-working-together-that-must-change/ | NEWS: Sanders Ahead of UN General Assembly: “Oligarchy is ascending and democracy is in retreat… Working together, that must change.” | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | NEW YORK, Sept. 21 — On the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) delivered a major foreign policy address today at the historic Riverside Church in New York City — where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his Beyond Vietnam speech and where Nelson Mandela spoke after his release. The senator’s full remarks, as delivered, are below. It is a true honor and a privilege for me to be speaking here at this extraordinary and historic Riverside Church. This, as many of you know, is the church that Nelson Mandela came to visit as a free man, just five months after he was released from prison, having served 27 years. He came here to thank the people of the United States for standing up for justice against the evils of apartheid in South Africa. The courage and historic life of Mr. Mandela inspired millions and millions of people all over the world. His life and legacy will never be forgotten. As I think all of you also know, in 1967, at this very same pulpit that I am honored to be speaking from tonight, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made clear his vigorous opposition to the War in Vietnam — a war that was based on lies. A war of horrific destruction for the people of Asia, and for 59,000 young Americans who went abroad and never came home. In his remarks, with extraordinary courage, Dr. King exposed what he very eloquently called “the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism.” He warned us that “a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” What Dr. King said was true nearly 60 years ago, and it is even truer today, as our country, the United States of America, is now spending over $1 trillion a year on the military while some 800,000 Americans are homeless, 85 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured, and millions of people cannot afford the basic necessities of life. This business of spending more and more on the military and turning backs on working families … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-federal-judge-restoring-7-billion-forsolar-for-all/ | NEWS: Sanders Statement on Federal Judge Restoring $7 Billion forSolar for All | 2026-09-19 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 19 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement after a federal judge ruled President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) illegally cancelled $7 billion in funding for the Solar for All program. I introduced the Solar for All program to provide loans or grants to working class families to help cover the cost of installing solar rooftops or participating in community-based solar projects. This program would slash electric bills for working families up to 80% — putting money back in the pockets of ordinary Americans, not fossil fuel billionaires. Unfortunately, at a time when working families are getting crushed by skyrocketing energy costs and the planet is facing extreme weather and record-breaking temperatures, Donald Trump tried to illegally kill this program to protect the obscene profits of his friends in the oil and gas industry. He lost. Yesterday, a federal judge rejected the EPA’s illegal termination of this funding and preserved this enormously important program. Solar for All means lower utility bills, many thousands of good-paying jobs and real action to address the existential threat of climate change. That’s a win-win-win. | 1 | 2026-09-20T09:37:28Z | 2026-09-20T09:38:59Z |
| 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://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/prepared-remarks-sanders-regulating-ai-is-as-american-as-apple-pie/ | PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders: Regulating AI “is as American as apple pie.” | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | At Pro-Human Assembly in Washington, Sanders Urges Global Response to AI Threats and Pushes for AI Giants to End Election Meddling WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today addressed a diverse group of artificial intelligence experts, lawmakers, faith and union leaders, and Americans who share concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) breaking outside of human control at the Pro-Human Assembly in Washington. The senator’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below. This afternoon, I want to cut to the chase and focus on what I consider to be the very most important aspect of the crisis we’re facing and how we can best go forward. Let’s be clear. Artificial intelligence and robotics are the most transformational technologies in the history of the world — impacting the lives of every man, woman and child in our country. AI experts have told us that, within a few years, AI may be able to do anything we can do better than we can do it. The economic impact of that is that AI has the potential to eliminate tens of millions of jobs, wiping out entire professions and making it harder for young people to enter into the workforce. But it’s not just the economy. Psychologists have warned us about the increased isolation and mental health challenges young people are experiencing as they become more dependent upon an AI chatbot for their emotional support. Educators are worried about a decline in our kids’ reading scores, writing abilities and cognitive capabilities as AI is used more and more in schools. Civil libertarians warn that AI is in the process of eviscerating our privacy rights by making it easier to collect and analyze every email, every text, every website visit, and every trip that we make in our car — creating a mass surveillance state. Political scientists warn that AI could threaten the integrity of our elections and political institutions. Go to the internet right now and, with very sophisticated deepfakes, you will find it increasingly difficult to determine truth from fict… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| 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://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/advisory-sanders-and-welch-to-celebrate-vermont-national-guard-family-readiness-and-support-center-groundbreaking-provided-6-6m-in-federal-funding/ | ADVISORY: Sanders and Welch to Celebrate Vermont National Guard Family Readiness and Support Center Groundbreaking, Provided $6.6M in Federal Funding | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 9 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Wednesday will join Adjutant General of Vermont Major General Henry Harder Jr. and other representatives from the Vermont National Guard to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Family Readiness and Support Center at Camp Johnson in Colchester. Through the FY2022 Congressionally Directed Spending process, Sanders secured $4.6 million to help design and build the space that will provide services for servicemembers, veterans and their families, including financial counseling, legal assistance, suicide prevention and retirement services all under one roof. Sanders and Welch secured an additional $2 million this year in federal money to fully fund the project at no cost to Vermonters. Details: What: Vermont National Guard breaks ground on new Family Readiness and Support Center When: Wednesday, September 9, 1 p.m. Where: Camp Johnson, 30 Mt Mansfield Ave, Colchester, VT | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-takano-reintroduce-bill-to-move-toward-32-hour-workweek-ensure-americas-workers-benefit-from-ai-and-automation/ | NEWS: Sanders, Takano Reintroduce Bill to Move Toward 32-Hour Workweek, Ensure America’s Workers Benefit from AI and Automation | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) today announced that they will reintroduce legislation to establish a standard 32-hour workweek in America with no loss in pay or benefits. This bill comes as America’s workers have seen massive increases in productivity over the past century and as artificial intelligence, automation and new technologies promise to further increase productivity. “At a time when artificial intelligence and robotics will radically transform our economy, it is imperative that the financial gains from this new technology benefit working families, not just a handful of billionaires and corporate CEOs. One important way to do that is through a 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay or benefits,” Sanders said. “A 32-hour workweek is not a radical idea. What’s radical is that, despite an explosion in technology and productivity over the last fifty years, millions of workers are working longer hours for lower wages while nearly $80 trillion in wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90 percent to the top 1 percent. That has got to change. It’s time to reduce the stress level in our country and allow workers and their families to enjoy a better quality of life. It’s time to pass this bill.” “The 40-hour workweek was established in law nearly 90 years ago,” said Takano. “Since then, cell phones, the internet, and now AI have increased worker productivity, but the profits have been largely concentrated at the top by billionaires and corporations. Work has fundamentally changed. It’s time that labor standards caught up. I’m proud to continue partnering with Senator Sanders in reintroducing this bill to make sure that the gains from historically high productivity are felt by all American workers.” Today, American workers are more than 400 percent more productive than they were in the 1940s. However, millions of Americans are now working longer hours for lower wages. … | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-casar-introduce-legislation-to-ban-artificial-superintelligence-and-temporarily-pause-advanced-ai-development/ | NEWS: Sanders, Casar to Introduce Legislation to Ban Artificial Superintelligence and Temporarily Pause Advanced AI Development | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) today announced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, forthcoming legislation to stop AI oligarchs from building machines humans cannot control. The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would permanently ban the development and deployment of superintelligent AI and temporarily pause advanced AI development until a federal regulator has established safety rules. It would also direct the U.S. to pursue international agreements to prevent superintelligence from being developed anywhere in the world. “Nearly every day, there is a frightening new story about how Big Tech companies are losing control of the technology they are developing, with potentially cataclysmic results,” Sanders said. “The leaders of the major AI companies publicly acknowledge that they do not fully understand the technology and that it is escaping their control. It is irresponsible for society to allow them to move forward and make these products even more advanced. That’s why I am introducing legislation to immediately pause the development of increasingly powerful AI and ban the creation of systems that humanity cannot fully control — at home and around the world. The future of humanity cannot be left in the hands of a handful of Big Tech oligarchs. The American people and people throughout the world must determine that future.” “If we allow Artificial Superintelligence to be built, it could risk the security, freedom, and lives of Americans,” Casar said. “Despite its potential deadly consequences, cutting-edge AI technology is less regulated than the average food truck. That must change. In just four years, we have gone from the first version of ChatGPT to AI models so powerful they cannot be properly controlled. Congress should immediately ban AI systems too powerful to control.” In recent weeks, OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta have all acknowledged instances of their AI escaping human control and hacking into other companies’ systems — violating the law and s… | 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-welch-demand-dairy-farmers-of-america-end-its-illegal-retaliation-against-vermont-dairy-workers/ | NEWS: Sanders, Welch Demand Dairy Farmers of America End its Illegal Retaliation Against Vermont Dairy Workers | 2026-08-18 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 18 – Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today 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 yo… | 1 | 2026-08-19T05:29:02Z | 2026-08-19T05:30:24Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-to-introduce-bill-to-stop-trump-from-garnishing-social-security-checks-of-seniors-with-student-debt/ | NEWS: Sanders to Introduce Bill to Stop Trump from Garnishing Social Security Checks of Seniors with Student Debt | 2026-08-17 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 17 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced he will introduce the Stop Social Security Garnishment Act — legislation to prevent seniors from having their Social Security payments withheld by the government to pay back decades-old student loan debt. Joining Sanders as cosponsors on this legislation are Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.). “As a result of Trump’s disastrous cuts to education, an increasing number of seniors are in danger of having their Social Security checks garnished to pay back student loans they took out decades ago. That is beyond unacceptable,” Sanders said. “In the richest country in the history of the world, no senior should have their Social Security payments taken away from them to pay back student debt. This is especially true when seniors throughout the country already cannot afford the skyrocketing price of healthcare, prescription drugs, groceries and housing. Congress must pass this legislation.” The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act comes amid a record-breaking student loan default crisis that has been made worse by Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which made the largest cuts to education in history. Over nine million Americans are now in default on their student loans. This means nearly 1 in 4 student loan borrowers cannot pay back their loans and are at risk of having their wages or Social Security payments seized to pay back their outstanding student debt. More than 1 in 3 Social Security recipients with student loans are reliant on their Social Security payments to make ends meet. Half of Social Security recipients that had a Social Security check garnished because of a defaulted student loan reported skipping a doctor’s visit or reported being unable to obtain a prescription they needed, due to cost. The Stop Social Security Garnishment Act of 2026 will put an end to this absurdity and ensure no Social Security payments are taken away f… | 1 | 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z | 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-new-study-confirms-medicare-for-all-would-save-114000-lives-and-more-than-1-trillion-a-year/ | NEWS: New Study Confirms Medicare for All Would Save 114,000 Lives and more than $1 Trillion a Year | 2026-08-11 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today issued the following statement after Yale University researchers released a new study finding that Sanders’ Medicare for All legislation would save 114,000 lives and reduce overall healthcare spending in America by more than $1 trillion a year. “This study confirms what we have known for years: Medicare for All saves lives and saves money. In fact, guaranteeing healthcare as a human right through a Medicare for All, single-payer system would cost $1 trillion less than our current dysfunctional system. It would save working families thousands of dollars a year. And it would prevent over 100,000 Americans from dying unnecessarily each and every year because they cannot make it to a doctor in time,” Sanders said. “At a time when 15 million Americans are being thrown off the healthcare they have and 20 million Americans have already seen their premiums double, on average, as a result of Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ we need Medicare for All now more than ever. The time is now to end the greed of the big insurance and drug companies and pass Medicare for All.” Yale University researchers found that Medicare for All would reduce total annual healthcare spending by nearly 20%, or more than $1 trillion while eliminating premiums, deductibles and copayments, provider networks, and prior authorization. As a result, Americans would save: $377.5 billion by paying no more than other major countries for prescription drugs; $286.3 billion by eliminating bureaucracy and waste; $285.7 billion by curbing fraudulent billing; $100 billion by preventing costly emergency room and hospital visits; and $295.6 billion by reimbursing providers fairly for the care they provide. Researchers also estimate that Medicare for All would save 114,000 lives every year, including: 33,232 Americans who are currently uninsured and can’t access lifesaving care; 29,631 Americans who are curre… | 1 | 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z | 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-calls-on-tech-giants-to-pause-development-of-out-of-control-ai/ | NEWS: Sanders Calls on Tech Giants to Pause Development of Out-of-Control AI | 2026-08-10 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 10 – Following recent and repeated public reporting about artificial intelligence (AI) technology breaking outside of human control and creating potentially dangerous viruses, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today urged America’s largest AI companies — Anthropic, Meta and OpenAI — to immediately pause their development of Artificial Intelligence. “Almost every day, there is a new story about how your companies are losing control of the AI technology you are developing, with potentially cataclysmic results,” Sanders wrote. “And yet, at a moment when we have seen human loss of control and the creation of potentially dangerous viruses, your companies are still racing ahead — investing tens of billions of dollars into a technology that nobody can fully understand, predict or control.” In his letter to the leaders of Anthropic, Meta and OpenAI, Sanders cites the companies’ previous commitments to limit AI development once these tools surpass dangerous safety thresholds. Last year, Meta said it would “stop development,” and OpenAI said it would “halt further development” once their technologies reach beyond its ability to operate safely and unless safeguards are in place. Anthropic made a similar commitment in 2023, saying it would “pause the scaling and/or delay the deployment of new models” if the technology outpaces its own guardrails. Over the past month, those three companies have all acknowledged instances of their AI escaping human control and hacking into other companies’ systems — violating the law and stepping outside of their intended functions. Just this week, AI was first used to create new viruses that could be used as bioweapons. “In the interest of humanity, stand by your words. Pause AI development. It is not too late to avoid disaster. Stop building machines that humans cannot control,” Sanders concluded. “Let me be very clear: If you do not take appropriate action now, my colleagues and I in the U.S. Senate will.” | 1 | 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z | 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-cassidy-sanders-request-update-from-justice-department-on-contempt-charges-for-former-hospital-ceo/ | NEWS: Cassidy, Sanders Request Update from Justice Department on Contempt Charges for Former Hospital CEO | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 – Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member, sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting information on the status of the contempt referral for Dr. Ralph de la Torre, former Chairman and CEO of Steward Health Care, which was unanimously adopted by the Senate on September 25, 2024. Steward previously operated 31 hospitals in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. On May 6, 2024, Steward Health Care declared bankruptcy, representing the largest for-profit hospital bankruptcy in United States history. “The bankruptcy represented a culmination of financial mismanagement and self-interested incentives by Dr. de la Torre and corporate executives in health care, private equity, and real estate. The resulting harm included termination of health care workers, patient deaths, and multiple hospital closures resulting in lack of access to care,” Cassidy and Sanders wrote. In response to the bankruptcy, the HELP Committee initiated an investigation into Steward’s financial mismanagement and invited Dr. de la Torre to appear at a hearing on September 12, 2024. Dr. de la Torre declined the invitation. The Committee then voted to authorize a subpoena requiring de la Torre to appear on September 12, 2025. Dr. de la Torre failed to appear. In response, the Committee voted 20-0 on a criminal contempt resolution. This was the first time in modern American history that the HELP Committee issued a criminal contempt resolution. “We needed answers from Dr. de la Torre, as did the health care workers forced to treat patients in dangerous conditions, loved ones of patients who died, and communities who saw their local hospitals close or face severe financial distress. Dr. de la Torre’s wealth should not make him immune to requests from Congress, especially as communities continue to grapple with the consequences of Dr. de la Torre’… | 1 | 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z | 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-introduces-bill-to-guarantee-paid-vacation-for-u-s-workers/ | NEWS: Sanders Introduces Bill to Guarantee Paid Vacation for U.S. Workers | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today reintroduced the Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act — legislation that would guarantee at least two weeks of paid vacation to every full-time worker in America. Joining Sanders as cosponsors are Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) introduced companion legislation along with 86 members of the House of Representatives. “It is beyond unacceptable that in the year 2026, the United States remains the only major country on Earth not to guarantee paid vacation time to workers. This legislation would put an end to that international embarrassment,” Sanders said. “We hear a lot of talk about family values in America, but let’s be clear: When a husband, wife, and kids, during the course of an entire year, are unable to spend any time together on vacation, that is not a family value. That is an attack on everything that a family is supposed to stand for. It’s not a radical idea to require companies in America to provide at least two weeks of paid vacation to their workers. What’s radical is that millions of Americans are not only working longer hours for lower wages, but that they do not receive a single paid vacation day. That should not be happening in the United States of America, the richest country in the history of the world.” “Every worker in America deserves the chance to rest, recharge, and spend time with the people they love without worrying about missing a paycheck,” Magaziner said. “I’m grateful to Senator Sanders for leading this fight in the Senate. It is time that we deliver this basic fairness to hardworking Americans.” While millions of Americans are working longer hours for lower wages, the U.S. remains the only major economy in the world to not guarantee some type of paid vacation time to its people. Today in Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Australia and many count… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-ocasio-cortez-ramirez-reintroduce-the-green-new-deal-for-public-housing-act/ | NEWS: Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Ramirez Reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act | 2026-08-06 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act, which would rebuild the United States’ public housing stock, address the longstanding capital backlog and create thousands of union jobs. This bill provides a much-needed infusion of federal funding to update every public housing unit through weatherization, electrification, and modernization so that it may serve as a model of efficiency, sustainability and resiliency for the rest of the nation. Joining Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez and Ramirez as cosponsors of this legislation are Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and 38 members of the House of Representatives. “In the richest country in the history of the world, it is unacceptable that our nation’s public housing is in a state of chronic disrepair. It is unacceptable that hundreds of millions of Americans are facing the disastrous impacts of climate change while the fossil fuel industry makes huge profits. And it is unacceptable that far too many Americans are working multiple jobs just to keep a roof over their head,” Sanders said. “What the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act does is say that yes, we can create decent and affordable public housing for more than 1.5 million Americans that is based on energy efficiency and sustainable sources of power. And that when we do that, we can also create hundreds of thousands of good-paying, union jobs. That is a win-win-win situation.” “From record-breaking heat waves to extreme flooding displacing public housing residents, Americans are feeling the parallel impacts of the housing and climate crisis. Now more than ever, it is integral that Congress put forward bold solutions that ensure our nation’s housing stock is both affordable and resilient,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “I am proud to reintroduce the Green New Deal for Public Housing A… | 1 | 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z | 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-warns-democrats-dont-open-back-door-for-republicans-to-cut-social-security/ | NEWS: Sanders Warns Democrats: Don’t Open Back Door for Republicans to Cut Social Security | 2026-08-04 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 — After the Social Security Administration warned that 70 million Americans will have their benefits cut by 2032 unless Congress takes action, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today called on Senate Democrats to strongly oppose the PROMISE Act — legislation allowing congressional Republicans to slash or privatize Social Security through an unelected commission. Sanders instead urged his Democratic colleagues to support his legislation, backed by 78% of the American people, to apply the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000 a year, increase benefits by $2,400 a year and expand Cost-of-Living Adjustments. In 2023, the Social Security Administration estimated that this legislation would make Social Security solvent for 75 years without raising taxes on 91 percent of Americans who make less than $250,000 a year. “The Democratic Caucus must make it abundantly clear that under no circumstances will we support legislation that cuts Social Security benefits, raises the retirement age, reduces Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs), or privatizes this essential program,” Sanders wrote. “At a time when the wealthiest people in America are becoming much wealthier, asking them to pay the same percentage of their income into Social Security as teachers, nurses, firefighters, and construction workers is not a radical idea. It is common sense. It is what the American people want… Unfortunately, instead of clearly telling the American people how we intend to strengthen Social Security, there are now Members of Congress who are considering legislation that moves us in exactly the wrong direction.” Seniors in America today face the highest rate of poverty of almost any major country. Over 20% of seniors are trying to survive on an income of less than $15,000 a year and nearly half of older workers have no savings or plan for retirement. Yet despite this retirement crisis, billionaires continue to pay much less proportionally into Social Security than do working-class Americans, and Republicans in Con… | 1 | 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z | 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-announces-new-va-clinics-to-serve-vermont-veterans/ | NEWS: Sanders Announces New VA Clinics to Serve Vermont Veterans | 2026-08-01 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 1 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced today that new community-based U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinics (CBOCs) will be built in South Burlington, Vermont, and West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, to serve Vermont veterans. These facilities represent real progress in expanding VA healthcare for veterans in our state. “As the former Chair and a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am very pleased to announce these two new, state-of-the-art clinics for veterans to get their primary healthcare,” Sanders said. “The Burlington clinic — the state’s busiest — will be replaced by a facility that is twice as large, located at the Technology Park in South Burlington. The 36,000-square-foot facility will first see patients in spring 2029. I am also delighted that the new South Burlington clinic will provide desperately needed dental care services, a first for a VA facility in Vermont. “The Brattleboro clinic will be combined with a clinic in Keene, New Hampshire, to provide improved services for veterans in both states. The clinic will be located at 99 NH-9 in West Chesterfield. The 27,000-square-foot facility will also begin seeing patients in spring 2029,” Sanders continued. “When it became clear the VA would combine the Keene and Brattleboro clinics into one, larger facility, I worked with them to ensure a location was selected that was convenient to veterans in both states. I am pleased they selected a location right near the bridge to Brattleboro to ensure Vermont veterans don’t need to travel far to see their doctor.” The VA operates community-based outpatient clinics in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Newport and Rutland that serve nearly 19,000 Vermont veterans. These clinics provide primary care, specialty treatment and mental health services, and function as satellites of the VA medical center in White River Junction. | 1 | 2026-08-02T07:31:21Z | 2026-08-02T07:32:50Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-grassley-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-audit-the-pentagon-and-end-wasteful-spending/ | NEWS: Sanders, Grassley Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Audit the Pentagon and End Wasteful Spending | 2026-07-30 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | The Pentagon failed its eighth consecutive audit last year, unable to fully account for $4.65 trillion in assets WASHINGTON, July 30 – Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today reintroduced the Audit the Pentagon Act. This legislation would impose financial consequences if the Pentagon fails to pass a full, independent audit. Any Pentagon component that fails to achieve a clean audit opinion would have 2% of its budget withheld and returned to the Treasury for deficit reduction. Joining Sanders and Grassley as cosponsors of the Audit the Pentagon Act are Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). Despite accounting for more than half of the federal government’s discretionary spending and roughly two-thirds of all federal contracting activity, the Pentagon remains the only one of the federal government’s 24 major agencies to have never passed a clean financial audit — a requirement under federal law since the early 1990s and mandatory on an annual basis since 2018. In its eighth consecutive failed audit, which was released in December 2025 and covered $4.65 trillion in reported assets and $4.7 trillion in liabilities across all 50 states and more than 40 countries, the Pentagon Office of Inspector General identified 26 instances of the most severe auditing errors and two additional significant accounting issues in the department’s internal controls over financial reporting. “The Pentagon has been plagued by a massive amount of waste, fraud and financial mismanagement for decades,” Sanders said. “Year after year, the Pentagon fails an audit, and year after year, Congress hands it another blank check. At a moment when the administration has dragged us into an unconstitutional war with Iran and is demanding the largest military budget in our history to pay for it, the Pentagon still cannot tell us where tr… | 1 | 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z | 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-new-gao-report-finds-taxpayers-continue-to-subsidize-poverty-wages-at-walmart-amazon-other-large-corporations-as-corporate-welfare-spikes-since-2020/ | NEWS: New GAO Report Finds Taxpayers Continue to Subsidize Poverty Wages at Walmart, Amazon, Other Large Corporations as Corporate Welfare Spikes Since 2020 | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, July 22 – According to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, some of the largest and most profitable American corporations and their wealthy CEOs continue to pay their employees wages so low that those workers are forced to rely on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — subsidized by U.S taxpayers — to survive. Commissioned by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and released today by the GAO, this report analyzes data from 11 states comprising nearly a fifth of the U.S. population, builds on the findings of a 2020 GAO report, and details how the number of workers relying on Medicaid and SNAP has grown significantly over the past six years. Across 11 states, the report found that an estimated 13.8 million working Americans were forced to enroll in Medicaid and 10.6 million depended on SNAP to make ends meet and feed their families, despite working full-time — up from 12 million and 9 million, respectively, in the 2020 report. “American taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the starvation wages of large corporations like Walmart and Amazon. These corporations are making record-breaking profits, paying their CEOs exorbitant compensation packages and spending billions of dollars on stock buybacks to enrich their wealthy shareholders. It is beyond unacceptable that these corporations, owned by some of the wealthiest people on the planet, are receiving corporate welfare from the federal government,” Sanders said. “It is time for the Walton family, worth $485 billion, and Mr. Bezos, worth $257 billion, to get off of welfare and pay their workers a living wage with good benefits. No one who works for a company making billions in profits should be living in poverty. This is especially true after these corporations and their multibillionaire owners received a massive tax break from President Trump’s so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ paid for by the largest cuts to Medicaid and nut… | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-bill-to-require-warning-labels-on-ultraprocessed-foods-ban-junk-food-ads-for-kids-advances-in-committee/ | NEWS: Sanders Bill to Require Warning Labels on Ultraprocessed Foods & Ban Junk Food Ads for Kids Advances in Committee | 2026-07-22 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, July 22 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today applauded the committee voting 12-10 in a bipartisan manner to advance his legislation to take on the greed of the food and beverage industry and address the growing diabetes and obesity epidemics negatively impacting millions of American children and families across the country. This first-of-its-kind federal ban on junk food advertising targeted to children in the United States would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement strong health and nutrient warning labeling, direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the dangers posed by ultra-processed foods, and develop a national education campaign for children and caregivers through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “I am delighted that the HELP Committee passed the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act that I introduced. For decades, the food and beverage industry has made massive profits by enticing children to consume unhealthy products purposely designed to be overeaten — fueling the twin crises of type 2 diabetes and obesity in America. We cannot continue to allow these greedy corporations to put their own profits over the health and well-being of our kids,” Sanders said.“Nearly 30 years ago, Congress had the courage to take on the tobacco industry, whose products killed more than 400,000 Americans every year. Today, on a bipartisan basis, the Senate HELP Committee finally stood up to the greed of the food and beverage industry.” | 1 | 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z | 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z |
| 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-cassidy-applaud-senate-advancement-of-bipartisan-reauthorization-of-the-older-americans-act/ | NEWS: Sanders, Cassidy Applaud Senate Advancement of Bipartisan Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act | 2026-07-15 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, July 15 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) applaud the Senate unanimously passing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a critically important law that provides services supporting the health, independence and dignity of older adults across the nation. The bill’s reauthorization effort was also led by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). “I’m delighted that the Senate unanimously passed legislation last night to expand and improve the Older Americans Act,” Sanders said. “This legislation begins to pay attention to the urgent unmet needs of seniors in America and what we should do as a nation to reduce the senior poverty rate, prevent hunger, combat loneliness and isolation and improve the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Not only does the Older Americans Act save lives and ease human suffering, it saves money. In fact, it costs less to feed a senior for an entire year through the Older Americans Act than it does for a senior to spend one night in a hospital. While there is much more that we must do to reduce the senior poverty rate in America and to make sure that every senior in America has access to the services they need this bi-partisan legislation is a very good step forward.” “The Older Americans Act helps Americans remain independent and connected to the communities they helped build. For more than 60 years, the Older Americans Act has connected seniors with services that help them age with dignity,” Cassidy said. “This bipartisan reauthorization ensures that support continues as the nation’s aging population grows.” The OAA, first signed into law in 1965, funds a wide range of services. The act has provided vital nutrition, social, economic and health services to millions of older adults for over six… | 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.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-statement-on-civil-war-and-genocide-in-sudan/ | NEWS: Sanders Statement on Civil War and Genocide in Sudan | 2026-07-09 | 2026 | 2026-07 | Independent | Senate | VT | Bernard Sanders | S000033 | www.sanders.senate.gov | sanders | https://www.sanders.senate.gov/media/press-releases/ | scraper | BURLINGTON, Vt. July. 9 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement: This is the year 2026. One might have hoped that, after thousands of years of war, humanity could have come up with a better way to resolve conflicts than killing and mass destruction. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is now more war and bloodshed raging across the world than at almost any point in decades. In February 2022, Vladimir Putin, without provocation, invaded Ukraine. The result: hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians killed, millions displaced and a war that grinds on with no end in sight. In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 innocent people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Netanyahu and the Israeli military did not simply wage war against Hamas — they waged war against the entire population of Gaza. At least 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, the real toll almost certainly far higher, most of them women, children and the elderly. Virtually the entire physical infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed. I agree with the major human rights organizations around the world who call this a genocide. Four months ago, in collusion with Netanyahu, Trump took a page from Putin’s playbook: he started a war with Iran without provocation. The result of this war (and the ensuing Israeli war against Lebanon): 13 U.S. service members dead, thousands of Iranian and Lebanese civilians killed and more than $100 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars spent. And in the midst of all of this — Ukraine, Gaza, Iran — there is another horrific war happening now that is getting relatively little attention: the civil war and genocide in Sudan. Sudan’s two rival military factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the country’s national army, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have been at war since 2023. The RSF descends from the Janjaweed militias that carried out Sudan’s first genocide in Darfur two decades ago, killing as many as 400,000 non-Arab civilians. Today, the R… | 1 | 2026-07-10T08:20:04Z | 2026-07-10T08:21:18Z |
| 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 |
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