url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=383,Rep. Becca Balint Joins Colleagues in Voting to Keep Government Open and Fund Disaster Relief,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement after tonight’s vote to keep the government funded and deliver disaster relief funds to Vermonters:

“Tonight, I voted to send disaster recovery funding directly to the communities who need it most and keep the government open. These dollars will help Vermonters build back stronger and more resilient from the devastating flooding we faced the last two years. After Republicans let Elon Musk play games with our nation’s budget, I’m relieved Vermont will finally receive the millions we need to build back our small businesses, farms, homes, and communities.

“The last two days have shown Americans that House Republicans are beholden to the richest man on earth, who's calling the shots from ‘X.’ They would rather use their power to help billionaires get ahead and give handouts to the ultra-rich than stand up for regular Americans. Tonight, Democrats fought and won against their plan to gut Social Security and Medicare. We know this fight will only intensify over the next two years and I want Vermonters to understand I’m 100% focused on fighting for the needs of working people.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=382,"Sanders, Welch, Balint Secure Essential Flood Resilience Provisions for Vermont in Bill Headed to President’s Desk",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (Vt-AL) today announced several important provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) to help Vermont repair and maintain its flood control infrastructure and build resiliency against the global crisis of climate change. The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate last night and now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“Vermont has experienced historic and devastating floods over the past two years,” said Sanders, who is a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the water infrastructure legislation. “And the somber reality is that this type of extreme weather is going to happen again. The good news is this bill will help Vermont complete important work on critical flood control infrastructure and enlist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with our communities to build resilience against future flooding and the devastating impacts of climate change.”

“The Water Resources Development Act will help repair and strengthen Vermont’s flood-impacted infrastructure, protect our watersheds, and make our communities more resilient to extreme weather. Now more than ever, we need to support the Army Corps of Engineers as they work with our communities and the State to protect our communities from flooding,” said Welch. “I look forward to President Biden signing this bipartisan bill, and I thank my colleagues Bernie and Becca for their partnership in getting these Vermont-focused priorities over the finish line.”

“As Vermont endures more frequent climate disasters, we have to take action to fortify our infrastructure and protect our watersheds. This is what the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act allows us to accomplish. This will have a real impact on Vermonters' lives,” said Balint. “I’m thankful for Senators Sanders and Welch’s partnership to get this done on behalf of our state.”

First passed in 1938, the Water Resources and Development Act authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to help manage and strengthen the nation’s water resources. This includes working with communities across the country on projects to reduce flood and storm damage and restore aquatic ecosystems. In Vermont, the Army Corps designed the Waterbury, East Barre, and Wrightsville dams in the 1930s after the devastating 1927 flood caused massive destruction and loss of life.

The recently passed Water Resources and Development Act of 2024 will help Vermont maintain these three flood control structures and sets the table for new projects that will help Vermont weather future flooding events. Some key provisions of the legislation include:

Authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study long-term flood control measures in the Winooski River Basin and designate the basin as an Army Corps priority project area.

Helping Vermont access more federal funding to repair and maintain the Waterbury, Wrightsville, and East Barre Dam flood control structures.

Allowing the Army Corps to provide more federal funding to economically disadvantaged communities in the Lake Champlain Watershed for water infrastructure projects.

The bill also reauthorizes the Economic Development Administration and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), a federal-state partnership that supports economic development in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and Maine. Sanders helped secure a number of provisions here, including recovery assistance for nuclear power plant host communities like Vernon, increased authorized funding for the NBRC, and improved flexibility on matching fund requirements for communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381,"Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Paul Tonko Introduce Legislation to Tackle Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Mental Health Crisis",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced the Combating Loneliness Act (CLA) to address the acute mental health and loneliness crisis in America. The Combating Loneliness Act is co-led by Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), chair of the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus.

The CLA tackles the mental health crisis through community-focused approaches. To truly bring communities together, it is essential the federal government fund the organizations that already provide low-barrier support to those struggling with their mental health. Americans need an all-hands-on deck approach to combating loneliness and creating healthier and happier communities.

The U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy cites that having poor or insufficient connection can result in a “29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.” Long-term social isolation has proven more dangerous to one’s health than smoking.

“The research is clear: we need social support for our emotional and physical health, and when we don’t have it, we suffer. Loneliness and social isolation have negative effects on us, more than just socially. The loneliness epidemic affects many of us, but it is profoundly seen in rural areas, our senior communities, and among young people,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Social isolation is increasingly damaging to civic engagement and our democracy, as well. Our feelings of loneliness and isolation fuel anger and distrust in politics. And our loneliness is being manipulated to drive extremist ideologies. This needs our attention.”

“For many of us, the holidays are a time of togetherness – a moment to connect with neighbors, friends, and loved ones in the joyous season of peace and love,” Congressman Paul Tonko said. “Yet for far too many, the holidays mark a lonely, isolated time without the companionship and comfort of community. We can and must take action to address this epidemic of loneliness – our legislation does the job. I’m honored to join my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Balint in introducing this legislation and I thank her for her leadership to foster social engagement, connection, and support for our communities.”

This legislation supports the excellent work being done at the community level to increase social connection and mental wellbeing for all Americans.

Social infrastructure: This legislation invests in physical infrastructure that creates social connection through playgrounds, community gardens, recreation areas, and bike lanes. This bill also bolsters our “third-spaces” such as libraries, recreation centers, veteran service organizations, and senior centers so that they can expand their services with a focus on social connection.

Public health: Mental health care for communities and the health care workers that take care of us are both essential components of ending the loneliness crisis. The CLA bolsters the community health workforce, reauthorizes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, funds mental health support groups, and encourages peer mental health first aid training, Additionally, this legislation creates new grants for mental health providers and extends pandemic-era programs that prevent burnout of healthcare providers.

Youth mental health: The CLA prioritizes youth mental health and social connection through increasing funding to existing mental health programs in schools, access to school-based health services and after-school programs.

See the full section-by-section here.

It is critical the CLA be implemented alongside other initiatives that promote stronger, healthier communities including universal health care, paid family leave for all, affordable housing and childcare options, and more.

In the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, Surgeon General Murthy writes “We are called to build a movement to mend the social fabric of our nation. It will take all of us—individuals and families, schools and workplaces, health care and public health systems, technology companies, governments, faith organizations, and communities—working together to destigmatize loneliness and change our cultural and policy response to it.”

This bill is endorsed by: The Kennedy Forum, The Foundation for Social Connection Action Network, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

""Rep. Balint’s bill is a bold step to address the urgent challenges of social isolation and loneliness in the U.S., aligning closely with our broad coalition’s vision and priorities. Its investments in social infrastructure—like playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, and senior centers—are a powerful commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. The focus on supporting the health care workforce through mental health provider loan forgiveness and burnout prevention is equally impactful. And, by including a GAO study on social isolation, a working group on measurement, and grants for outreach to at-risk individuals, this bill demonstrates a thoughtful and transformative approach to creating a more connected and compassionate society. We thank Rep. Balint for her leadership and look forward to ensuring passage of this critical legislation,"" said Andrew MacPherson, Founder & Board Chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network.

See bill text here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=377,Rep. Becca Balint Votes “No” on Inflated Defense Spending Bill,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Contact:

Sophie.Pollock@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on this year’s defense spending bill:

“We cannot bankroll a nearly $1 trillion military budget, while we continue to underfund our schools, housing, and essential programs American families depend on. This exorbitant level of spending doesn’t serve to improve the lives of regular Americans, but rather line the pockets of the wealthy defense industry. The Pentagon has never passed an audit.

“I will always support service members receiving the care they deserve, which this bill restricts. Republicans have decided to politicize this important funding responsibility with yet another attack on military families with trans children. While Democrats support age appropriate, medically recommended health care for everyone, Republicans have singled out these military families and stripped them of life saving care. It’s about stoking fear and promoting misinformation.

“The federal budget is a reflection of our values as Americans. It’s long past time we put the urgent needs of working families before giving a blank check to the military industrial complex.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=375,Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Montpelier Federal Building,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the announcement from the Government Services Agency regarding its decision to dispose of 87 State Street, Montpelier’s federal building that was damaged in the July 2023 flooding:

“Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier, has been home to a federal building for decades. Generations of Vermonters have served their state and nation as civil servants in this building. I’m disappointed and concerned to learn that GSA will sell or transfer the building and property. This decision is especially distressing following the devastation of the 2023 flooding of the city. Now is a critical time for the federal government to be investing in our nation's small cities and towns. As Vermont's voice in the U.S. House, I will work with the community to find creative solutions that will open opportunities for Vermonters, the city of Montpelier, and our federal employees.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=374,Vermont Congressional Delegation Calls on U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Restore Pre-Pandemic Hours at Vermont’s Border Crossings,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today called on Troy Miller, Acting Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to immediately return the hours of operation for six Land Ports of Entry (LPOEs) in Vermont, to pre-pandemic levels, following the agency’s recent reduction of hours at a total of 38 crossings along the U.S.-Canada border.

The Delegation expressed concern about how reduced hours of operation at border crossing facilities in Vermont will negatively impact public safety, the local economy, and the availability of workers in critical industries. Sanders, Welch, and Balint also requested information from CBP on how the Biden-Harris Administration is utilizing funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster Vermont’s ports of entry, as well as the process and data used to decide to reduce operating hours at the ports.

“On November 20, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced a joint agreement to adjust the hours of operation for 38 ports of entry along the northern border, including reductions at six Land Ports of Entry in Vermont, beginning on January 6, 2025,” wrote the Delegation. “This joint agreement between CBP and CBSA will leave Vermont with only six LPOEs with 24-hour service, halving the number of LPOEs operating with 24-hour service prior to the pandemic. This decision will harm the communities of Alburgh, Canaan, Derby Line, North Troy, and West Berkshire, where the hours of operations are being reduced. This significant reduction in hours will increase border wait times and burden cross-border workers and employers.”

“While we know staffing is a challenge across CBP, the reduced border hours hurt border communities, as well as CBP employees. We have already heard from CBP employees who are seeing their hours reduced—a fact that flies in the face of CBP’s stated rationale for the reductions, to reposition staff and resources to other needed locations,” continued the Delegation. “As you know, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) dedicated $3.4 billion to modernizing 26 LPOEs throughout the country, including over $200 million for major construction projects at five of Vermont’s LPOEs: Highgate Springs, Alburgh Springs, Beebe Plain, Norton, and Richford—one of which will now permanently operate under reduced hours beginning January 6, 2024.”

The Delegation concluded: “We ask that you take immediate action to reverse your November 20th decision and return all facilities in Vermont to pre-pandemic hours.”

The Vermont Congressional Delegation’s request is supported by leaders and businesses that are invested in a strong Vermont economy and workforce:

“North Country Hospital is in Newport Vermont which is literally situated on the Canadian border. Our hospital is the northernmost hospital and the most rural hospital in the state of Vermont. Many of our employees are Quebec residents, we have nurses, physicians, and various technicians who treat our patients on a daily basis, like all hospitals we are a 365/24-hour business. With limited crossing hours, many of our valued and uniquely qualified providers from north of the board would no longer be able to work at our hospital. With our rural location, it would be impossible for us to replace those talented folks with Vermont residents. Patient care would suffer tremendously under these new border crossing hours we strongly request that the border crossing remain open 24 hours a day,” said Thomas Frank, CEO, North Country Hospital.

“At Jay Peak, we rely on a consistent flow of cross-border traffic for both staff members and our guests. Canadian visitation is vital to supporting Jay Peak and accounts for more than 50% of our overall gross revenue. These proposed hours virtually eliminate the ability for our overnight and evening staff to do their jobs and will force thousands of Canadian guests to reduce or eliminate stays here at the mountain. These changes would force us to cut staffing hours and negatively impact our bottom line. As an employer of more than 1,500 Vermonters, we understand budget and operating challenges—but returning North Troy Port hours to pandemic-era scenarios will create more problems than it tries to solve,” said Steven Wright, President and General Manager of Jay Peak Resort.

Read the full letter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=376,Rep. Becca Balint Names Thetford Academy Student 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"South Burlington, V.T. — On Monday, Rep. Becca Balint hosted an event highlighting the winner of the Congressional App Challenge. The winner, Elijah Renner of East Orange, VT, submitted “Lymely,” an app that leverages emerging AI methods and public data to create cost-effective Lyme disease safety tools.

Renner was inspired to make “Lymely” after a close friend contracted Lyme and still experiences long term symptoms. Renner knew that treating Lyme early prevents long-term effects. His app is focused on two tools: reliable risk assessment and rash analysis. Through “Lymely,” users can accurately judge their risk assessment based on a series of criteria and analyze photos of rashes for probability of Lyme disease. Judges noted this app showed great technical skill and practicality.

“I was thrilled to see the creative, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented apps created by Vermont students this year,” Rep. Balint said. “Today’s event was an excellent display of the work our students put in to find innovative solutions to everyday challenges. Hosted at one of the centers of Vermont innovation, Beta Technologies, this year’s Congressional App Challenge highlighted the bright future we have here in Vermont for new technology and ingenuity.”

Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers in each Congressional district by creating an app. The Challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science. The competition is open to all middle and high school students in the United States. The app designed by Vermont’s first-place winner is featured alongside the winners from other Congressional districts in the United States Capitol Building and on the main website for the U.S. House: House.gov.

Judges for the 2024 Vermont Congressional App Challenge include:

Denise Reilly-Hughes, Vermont Secretary of Digital Services

Vincent Moeykens, Beta Technologies

For more information, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge website at CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=367,Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Mark Pocan Introduce Intersex Awareness Day Resolution,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced the Intersex Awareness Day Resolution. The resolution recognizes October 26 as Intersex Awareness Day and affirms the dignity, and the universal human right to bodily autonomy of intersex people. Intersex Awareness Day is recognized on October 26 and marks the first public demonstration by intersex people in the United States at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1996.

“This is about basic human dignity. There are 5.6 million intersex Americans who are no less worthy of respect and dignity than anyone else,” said Rep. Balint (VT-AL). “Every kid born with intersex traits deserves to live free of discrimination and exclusion. And it’s critical the LGBTQI+ community work to raise awareness of the stories and needs of intersex people. I’m proud to introduce this resolution with Chair Pocan to stand up for intersex Americans and affirm the universal right to bodily autonomy.”

“As we celebrate Intersex Awareness Week, the full force of the Equality Caucus stands with the intersex community, not just today, but every day,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “Intersex people are valid and valued members of the LGBTQI+ community, and it is on all of us to ensure the government is addressing the needs of intersex people. I’m honored to be leading the charge to protect intersex peoples’ rights in Congress and to join Co-Chair Becca Balint in introducing a resolution recognizing Intersex Awareness Day.”

“Intersex people have been fighting for the fundamental human right to bodily integrity for decades. Today’s resolution honors that history, and it stands as a powerful call for a future in which children with intersex traits can grow up free from unnecessary and unwanted medical interventions,” said Erika Lorshbough, Executive Director of interACT. “We are grateful to the sponsors for taking action to raise awareness and help make that future a reality.”

The Intersex Awareness Day Resolution:

Supports the goals and ideals of Intersex Awareness Day;

Encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community organizations to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities, with the goal of increasing public knowledge of the intersex community and empowering individuals to celebrate and respect their diversity;

Encourages health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the intersex community, and schools to support education regarding the intersex community, and connect individuals to resources for young people with intersex variations and their families; and

Encourages the Federal Government, States, international funding organizations, and United States bilateral and multilateral aid efforts to prioritize the health and human rights of intersex people.

Intersex refers to having innate variations in physical traits that differ from typical expectations for male or female bodies regarding the development, appearance, or function of sex-related characteristics. This includes variations in one or more traits such as genitals, gonads and other reproductive organs, hormone production or response, or chromosome patterns, which may present at birth or may occur naturally at a later time.

The resolution is endorsed by InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth and the Congressional Equality Caucus. The resolution is cosponsored by Pocan, Bonamici, Crockett, Davids, Evans, Foushee, Frost, Sylvia Garcia, Grijalva, Jacobs, Barbara Lee, Mullin, Norton, Peters, Ramirez, Sánchez, Ritchie Torres, Takano, Tlaib, and Watson Coleman.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=366,ROUND UP: Rep. Balint Celebrates World Mental Health Day by Highlighting her Work Addressing the Mental Health Crisis,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Burlington, VT – In honor of World Mental Health Day, October 10th, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) highlights the six bills she has led in the 118th Congress to address the urgent mental health crisis and end the stigma for those who deal with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

H.R. 2642, the Peer Education and Emergency Response (PEER) for Mental Health Act, creates a grant program to support training for teachers, school personnel, parents, caregivers, and students in mental health first aid.

H.R. 5623, the Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act, helps ensure disaster resources include support for mental health and substance use disorder. This bill has advanced out of committee.

H.R. 6257, the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-scene Care and Support (EMS ROCS) Act, ensures EMS can provide essential medical care to rural communities and modernizes Medicare to reimburse EMS.

H.R. 6415, the Crisis Assistance and Resources in Emergencies (CARE) for First Responders Act, provides specialized mental health, substance abuse, and crisis counseling services to law enforcement, firefighters, emergency response workers, and 9-1-1 operators.

H.R. 8422, the MEND Act, deploys mental health crisis units, funds grants for behavioral and mental health recovery, authorizes research on the effects of natural disasters on mental health and substance use disorders, and supports victims, families, and communities.

H.R. 8444, the Mental Health in Schools Act, creates two new grant programs to help K-12 schools develop mental health education programs and to promote careers in mental health to high school students.

“Mental health care is health care. Period. And Americans deserve a full range of mental health care services available to us as part of comprehensive health care,” said Rep. Balint. “We must all do our part to end the stigma of talking about mental health struggles and to normalize what is part of the human condition. I’ve heard from so many Vermonters about the mental health crisis–and it’s not just doctors and nurses that I’m hearing from. It’s parents, teachers, teens, first responders and employers. That’s why I’ve introduced a suite of legislation to ensure we have the tools we need to address this growing crisis.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365,Balint Statement on the U.S. Postal Service Reopening Montpelier Post Office,2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Montpelier, VT— After 15 months without postal services in Vermont’s capital city, the U.S. Postal Service announced the opening of a retail location at 89 Main Street in Montpelier, with a ‘Grand Reopening Celebration’ on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement:

“It’s been more than a year and three months since families, small businesses, and seniors in the Montpelier area have had a full range of postal services and a fully functioning post office. A result of constant pressure and activism from our communities, postal workers, and local, state, and federal leaders, postal services will once again be restored in the Montpelier community.

“Postmaster General DeJoy failed our state’s capital by stalling restoration and leaving the community without answers for months, adding real hardships to a community already wrecked by flood damage. USPS cannot continue to leave small and rural communities behind.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363,Rep. Becca Balint on One Year Since October 7th Attack,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Burlington, VT - Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement marking one year since the October 7th attack:

“One year ago, today became the deadliest day in Israeli history. Over 1,200 people were murdered by Hamas and hundreds taken hostage, devastating communities, and families in Israel and around the world. This is a day of trauma and pain for the global Jewish community. Our collective anguish could not be deeper.

“Today, I mourn the lives lost and call for an immediate end to the violence and suffering. The United States must be a forceful voice for a ceasefire, a release of all hostages, and delivering vital humanitarian assistance in order to bring about long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364,"Sanders, Welch, Balint Demand Postmaster General DeJoy Provides a Date for the Opening of the Montpelier Post Office Following Flooding",2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Montpelier, VT—U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) on Tuesday sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy urging immediate action to reopen the Montpelier Post Office, which has been closed for 449 days following devastating flooding across the state in July 2023. The Vermont Delegation demanded a written response providing a date by which the Postal Service will reopen a fully operational retail post office downtown, in Vermont’s Capital City.

“We write with disappointment and alarm that USPS has yet to restore retail postal services for the people of Montpelier, Vermont,” said Sanders, Welch, and Balint. “As you know, it has been more than 440 days since Montpelier’s post office was destroyed by catastrophic flooding…USPS has an internal benchmark of restoring retail service within 180 days of a natural disaster. Yet 14 months after the flood, Montpelier still does not have a fully functioning post office. It is the only state capital in the country without one.”

The Delegation continued: “In April 2024, nine months after the flood, USPS announced that it had signed a lease for a temporary retail post office located in downtown Montpelier, estimating completion and opening of the office by mid-summer. Today, that retail space consists of an empty, unstaffed room with a bank of PO boxes affixed to one wall.”

“To make matters worse, in the many months since the flood, USPS has been uncommunicative and unresponsive to requests from impacted residents, community organizations, and the congressional delegation for information about plans for restoring service. USPS’s failure to restore retail service to Montpelier is not an anomaly; it is emblematic of a multi-faceted failure of USPS management to meet its obligations to rural customers.”

“We understand that USPS has faced many challenges in restoring services following the multiple floods that hit Vermont in 2023 and 2024; however, your continued failure to restore service to Montpelier over a year later has undermined Vermonters’ confidence in the Postal Service. Transparency and urgent action by USPS are now needed to restore it,” the lawmakers concluded.

Yesterday, Vermont Attorney General Charity R. Clark also called on Postmaster General DeJoy and the USPS District Management to provide a detailed timeline to restore service in Montpelier and stated, her “office is cognizant of the legal obligations on the Postal Service when it wishes to relocate, close, or consolidate a post office, whether temporarily as the result of a natural disaster like our July 2023 flood, or permanently. [Attorney General Clark is] not aware that the USPS has followed any of these regulatory requirements or timelines with regards to the Montpelier post office.”

Read the full letter below or here:

Dear Postmaster General DeJoy:

We write with disappointment and alarm that USPS has yet to restore retail postal services for the people of Montpelier, Vermont. As you know, it has been more than 440 days since Montpelier’s post office was destroyed by catastrophic flooding. We respectfully demand a written response providing the date by which the Postal Service will have a fully functioning retail post office open in Montpelier.

USPS has an internal benchmark of restoring retail service within 180 days of a natural disaster. Yet 14 months after the flood, Montpelier still does not have a fully functioning post office. It is the only state capital in the country without one.

In October 2023, four months after the flood, we wrote to your office about the decision to temporarily relocate the post office to a pair of parked, inoperable mail trucks. Not only did these trucks lack power, bathrooms, and protection from the elements, they were stationed in several locations that were either unsafe or difficult to access without transportation. Following significant public outcry over working conditions and community accessibility, USPS relocated postal services to another temporary location—albeit with insufficient public notice and even further from the Montpelier service area.

In April 2024, nine months after the flood, USPS announced that it had signed a lease for a temporary retail post office located in downtown Montpelier, estimating completion and opening of the office by mid-summer. Today, that retail space consists of an empty, unstaffed room with a bank of PO boxes affixed to one wall.

To make matters worse, in the many months since the flood, USPS has been uncommunicative and unresponsive to requests from impacted residents, community organizations, and the congressional delegation for information about plans for restoring service. USPS’s failure to restore retail service to Montpelier is not an anomaly; it is emblematic of a multi-faceted failure of USPS management to meet its obligations to rural customers. Since 2021, postal delivery service in many rural American communities has seriously declined as a result of the Delivering for America Plan. And just last month, USPS announced plans to further slow delivery services to rural areas beginning in 2025.

We understand that USPS has faced many challenges in restoring services following the multiple floods that hit Vermont in 2023 and 2024; however, your continued failure to restore service to Montpelier over a year later has undermined Vermonters’ confidence in the Postal Service. Transparency and urgent action by USPS are now needed to restore it.

We look forward to your response to this important matter by October 15, 2024.

Sincerely,

Senator Bernie Sanders

Senator Peter Welch

Representative Becca Balint

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362,"Sanders, Welch, Balint Urge FEMA to Address Staffing Issues Slowing Flood Recovery in Vermont",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) called on Deanne Criswell, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to address concerns raised by Vermont municipalities about high staff turnover and other bureaucratic inefficiencies within the agency’s Public Assistance (PA) program, which has slowed the disaster recovery process for small and rural communities across Vermont. The lawmakers also urged FEMA to shift more resources and administrative control to local communities who can be more effective in disaster response.

The Delegation raised the concern that many municipalities have struggled to get clear guidance, timely responses, or consistent staffing from FEMA’s Program Delivery Managers (PDMG), further exacerbating the complicated process of securing PA funding from the agency. Lyndon has worked with four PDMGs since July 2023, while Ludlow is on its seventh PDMG. New managers add to the bureaucratic backlog and set back communities’ recovery.

In May, Sanders, Welch, and Balint called on FEMA Administrator Criswell and the Agency to work with Congress and the Delegation to improve disaster response and FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) process, which has slowed assistance for many seeking aid.

Sanders, Welch and Balint requested answers to several questions outlined in their letter related to short- and long-term concerns impacting Vermont’s disaster recovery, specific to the PA process and control of administrative responsibilities.

Read the full letter below or here.

Dear Administrator Criswell:

We write to express our concern about two issues—one short-term and administrative, and the other long-term and structural—regarding FEMA’s disaster recovery response to Vermont’s severe flooding. As you know, Vermont suffered devastating storms in July 2023 (DR-4720-VT), followed by another two storms in July (DR-4810-VT, and a pending Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Scott for July 29-31, submitted August 27) and one August 2024 (EM-3609-VT).

We want to begin by acknowledging our immense appreciation of the work of you and your team, and FEMA’s immediate response to the damage sustained by Vermont homeowners, businesses, and farms.

The immediate issue of concern is this: homeowners, businesses, selectboards, farmers, and other stakeholders across Vermont have faced, and continue to face, delays, confusing and conflicting guidance, and inefficiencies in getting clear answers and timely responses from FEMA to predictable inquiries about what help they can expect and when they can expect it. These frustrations have caused immense concern, added expense, and despair for Vermonters doing their best to move on from catastrophic losses. For municipalities in particular, we believe that the extraordinary turnover in Program Delivery Managers (PDMG) exacerbates the already complicated Public Assistance process. Let us provide a few examples:

Ludlow, one of the most heavily impacted communities in 2023, has worked with six PDMGs since July 2023. On August 9, 2024, the town manager learned a seventh PDMG would be starting the following week. Ludlow has nearly $4 million in projects for which it has not received payment from FEMA.

Another small community, Lyndon, which was severely flooded again last month, has worked with four PDMGs. The Lyndon town administrator reported that with each new PDMG, he had to file all the required paperwork to receive assistance over again, starting from scratch. This resulted in hundreds of unnecessary emails and hours of duplicated work. As Lyndon was struggling to rebuild its roads and bridges in 2024, it was still awaiting reimbursement for infrastructure repairs made following the 2023 flood, in part because of this bureaucratic backlog.

The second issue is long-term and structural. We believe that follow up services from FEMA would be more effective, responsive, and efficient, if far more administrative responsibility for resource distribution were transferred to local officials in affected communities. For example, a recent Vermont report found that for every $2 FEMA spent on administrative costs, it only spent $1 on Individual Assistance. In order to provide the best relief at the most efficient prices, local leadership is essential. With respect to our short-term concerns regarding PDMG turnover rates, we request information from FEMA to help us to evaluate concretely how this impacts Vermont. Specifically:

What have been the PDMG turnover rates within FEMA Region 1 and Vermont?

What is the average timeline in Vermont for towns to get approvals for their reimbursements from their PDMGs?

How often do PDMGs reverse project approvals from previous PDMGs? Even without an overt reversal, how often do replacement PDMGs require project requests be submitted from scratch?

What processes does FEMA have in place to ensure continuity between outgoing and incoming PDMGs?

What specific legislative changes or other support that Congress could provide to minimize PDMG staff turnover?

With respect to our long-term concerns:

What are your suggestions on how to concretely move administrative responsibilities, along with resources, to local communities directly affected by disasters?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to receiving a response by October 11, 2024.

Sincerely,

Senator Bernie Sanders

Senator Peter Welch

Representative Becca Balint

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361,Balint Legislation to Bolster Mental Health Supports after Disasters Advances out of Committee,2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced, on a bipartisan basis, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL)’s bill, H.R. 5623, the Addressing Addiction After Disasters (AAAD) Act. The bill is co-lead by Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01).

For the last two summers, Vermont was hit by devastating flooding and mudslides. While the physical damage is clear, disaster-stricken communities need resources to cope with the mental and emotional damage they endure.

“Extreme natural disasters are becoming more and more regular across the country because of climate change. Vermonters have fought through this after back to back summers of devastating flooding,” said Rep. Balint. “We must build our communities back both physically and mentally. When families lose their homes, businesses, and workplaces from disasters, it takes a tremendous mental toll.”

“This bill will help ensure disaster resources include support for mental health and substance use disorder,” continued Balint. “The climate crisis is impacting every single Congressional district. I’m proud to see this legislation advance out of committee with bipartisan support in a divided Congress so that every American can get the help they need.”

""I am pleased to see this reform move through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. By allowing FEMA to support those struggling with substance abuse in the wake of disasters, we are taking an important step toward helping Americans recover from tragedy. Every year our nation sees disaster and even with support sometimes people turn to substance abuse to cope. Part of recovery from disaster is bringing back not only homes and businesses, but our people. I thank Reps. Balint and Tokuda for leading this effort and working with me on a bipartisan basis to pass committee,” said Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01).

""After the wildfires on Maui, we saw the devastating impact disasters have on survivors and community mental health and well being. While we help people rebuild, we must not overlook the wounds we cannot see, and the alcohol and substance use some in our ʻohana have turned to as an escape,"" said U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). ""I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation to ensure disaster victims can get help dealing with both their trauma and addiction and have every chance at building their life.""

Current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants are authorized to provide professional counseling services to victims of major disasters through the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCATP).

The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act strengthens the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCATP) by ensuring FEMA can include substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder in the services provided. It is essential that substance use and alcohol use disorders are included in order to de-stigmatize and help survivors of natural disasters gain access to the full range of health services. This bill does not cost any additional funds or take resources away from existing mental health services.

The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act is endorsed by the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and the Kennedy Forum.

This bill is cosponsored by Reps. Budzinski (D-IL-13), Caraveo (D-CO-8), Carter (D-LA-2), Costa (D-CA-21), Davids (D-KS-3), Davis (D-NC-1), Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Kuster (D-NH-2), LaMalfa (R-CA-1), Lee (D-CA-12), Molinaro (R-NY-19), Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Norton (D-DC-AL), Perez (D-WA-3), Pettersen (D-CO-7), Salinas (D-OR-6), Thanedar (D-MI-13), Titus (D-NV-1), Tokuda (D-HI-2), and Trone (D-MD-6).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360,ICYMI: Rep. Becca Balint Visits All 14 Vermont Counties for 2nd Year in a Row,2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – As of this month, Rep. Balint has visited all 14 counties in Vermont this year — making this the second year in a row to mark the milestone and ensure Vermonters in every corner are heard and their needs are met.

“When I ran for Congress, I ran to serve every single Vermonter in every corner of our state. By touching all 14 counties and connecting in person, Vermonters can get to know me and all the ways my office can help ease the burdens families are facing right now. Every Vermonter deserves to have their needs met and have access to essential supports, even and especially in our most rural communities.”

Rep. Balint’s office released a video showcasing highlights in each county.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359,"Sanders, Welch, Balint Welcome Over $51 Million in Federal Transportation Funds to Support Vermont Flood Recovery",2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Vermont’s Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) today welcomed $51 million in funding for Vermont from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief (ER) Program to reimburse Vermont for the costs of repairs caused by flooding in July and December 2023.

“Devastating flooding has destroyed roads and highways across Vermont, and federal assistance is necessary to offset the extensive costs the State has incurred. When disaster strikes, states and localities act quickly—no matter the cost. This federal funding is an important part of the long process of rebuilding more resiliently after flooding, and underscores the need for our colleagues in Congress to act quickly to pass critically important disaster aid funding,” said the lawmakers.

This funding from the FHWA ER Program was authorized by the annual appropriations process supporting the Highway Trust Fund. This funding will offset the cost of repairs for the following, among other projects:

$49,419,374 in FY24 FHWA ER Program funds to reimburse Vermont for repairs following catastrophic flash flooding across the State in July 2023, which caused washouts of roads and bridges, land and mudslides, and property losses.

$1,734,500 in FY24 FHWA ER Program funds to reimburse Vermont for repairs following severe flooding across Vermont in December 2023 caused by heavy rain and snow melt. The flash flooding caused pavement damage, structural damage, shoulder erosion, mudslides, and other damage.

This funding is in addition to previous rounds of FHWA ER funds awarded to Vermont, including $10 million in quick-release ER funds in August of 2023 and $37.77 million in FHWA ER funds allocated to the state in January 2024.

The July 2023 floods caused extensive road and infrastructure damage, including 46 state roads closed (totaling 181.5 miles), countless culverts, 409 miles of rail closed, 149 miles of rail trail closed, and 64 State bridges closed.

The FHWA supports state and local governments with the maintenance of our highway system. The ER program helps support communities through natural disasters and provides critical support for recovery and resiliency efforts.

View a digital version of this release.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=358,"Welch, Balint Announce Release of $250,000 in Federal Funding from NIST to Norwich University Applied Research Institutes for Cybersecurity",2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,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. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) announced $250,000 in federal funding has been released from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which will support the Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) and their work to advance cybersecurity research and innovation. NUARI will use the funds to bolster domestic manufacturing by developing an advanced cybersecurity system to better detect vulnerabilities and potential threats.

Senator Welch and Representative Balint identified and secured funding for the project through the Congressionally Directed Spending process.

“Keeping manufacturers safe from cyberattacks is crucial to our national economic security. Supporting initiatives like NUARI's innovative research to develop better cyber threat detection is vital to protecting our manufacturers and boosting industrial competitiveness,” said Welch and Balint. “We’re proud to have helped secure these NIST funds to increase the cybersecurity resilience of domestic manufacturers across the country.”

“This NIST funding will help NUARI drive cybersecurity innovation, protecting our nation's manufacturers from evolving threats. We're grateful for Senator Welch and Representative Balint’s support in this critical effort,” said Phil Susmann, President of NUARI.

The funding to NUARI’s Operational Technology Advanced Cyber Architecture initiative will support development of an advanced cybersecurity strategy to fortify the security of small-medium manufacturers' industrial control systems, which are increasingly susceptible to cyberattacks. This initiative aims to preemptively detect vulnerabilities and potential threats before they impact the physical manufacturing process. The initiative also aims to foster knowledge sharing among cybersecurity professionals and industry stakeholders to promote adopting best practices and standards in operational technology cybersecurity.

View a digital version of this release.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=344,"Sanders, Welch, Balint Announce Nearly $750,000 for Preservation of Historic Rockingham Meeting House",2024-08-28,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Town of Rockingham, V.T. – Following advocacy by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), the Town of Rockingham has been awarded $749,983 from the National Park Service to preserve the historic Rockingham Meeting House, a Vermont and New England landmark and rare eighteenth-century meeting house built in 1787. Last year, Sanders also secured $360,000 for the preservation of the Rockingham Meeting House in FY2023 Congressionally Directed Spending funds.

“It’s critical we preserve, restore, and expand accessibility of our historic landmarks so every Vermonter and people visiting New England can enjoy historic places like the Old Rockingham Meeting House for generations to come. The Meeting House is one of the oldest structures in Vermont and an early site of Town Meeting Day – it’s a symbol of our democratic process. The impacts of climate change have taken a toll on the Old Rockingham Meeting House, which is why this funding is so urgent,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation.

This funding from the National Park Service will restore interior plaster and exterior wood deterioration, and exterior siding and trim. The meeting house was a gathering place for church services and Town Meeting Day. It fell into disuse until the town restored it in 1906. Since 1911, the Old Rockingham Meeting House Association has been dedicated to the preservation of the building and its history. Contemporary restoration efforts began in 2022.

The Rockingham Meeting House is owned by the Town of Rockingham and is nationally significant as a rare and unaltered eighteenth-century New England meeting house of the Second Period type. The Meeting House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only 18 Historic National Landmarks in Vermont.

The NPS’ Semiquincentennial Grant announcement includes the Old Rockingham Meeting House and 18 additional preservation projects to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The Vermont Congressional Delegation urged the National Park Service to support the restoration of the Rockingham Meeting House in February.

View a digital version of this release.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=343,ICYMI: Rep. Becca Balint Receives “A” on Defend The Vote Scorecard,2024-08-08,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Last week, in recognition of the 59th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Defend The Vote Action Fund, one of the nation’s leading pro-democracy organizations, released its 2024 Legislative Scorecard for the 118th Congress.

The Scorecard tracks the support of Members of Congress for bills that ensure our democracy works for everyone as well as whether they oppose destructive legislation that attacks the core rights and freedoms of American citizens.

“Our democracy is stronger when we pull more people into the fold. It’s essential we protect and strengthen one of our most sacred rights in this country - the right to vote. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and other legislation to make voting more accessible for everyone, no matter your zip code or identity. It’s urgent that we continue to remain unwavering in the fight for the health of our democracy,” said Rep. Becca Balint.

“Fifty-nine years after the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, our nation is once again at an inflection point. The attacks on our freedoms and democracy continue to intensify,” DTV Action Fund Executive Director Brian Lemek said. “We need Members of Congress who will side with the Constitution and the rule of law, fight to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to vote in safe, accessible elections, and work to give the people a voice in the system, not just wealthy and corporate interests. Our scorecard found that Rep. Balint is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of Vermonters and all Americans, and she has earned the top grade possible.”

Click here to see Rep. Balint’s grade and the full list of bills scored.

Defend The Vote Action Fund advocates for legislation to defend and strengthen our democracy and to hold members accountable to their commitment to voting rights.

On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. It was one of the most successful civil rights laws in our nation’s history, blocking thousands of discriminatory voting laws before they could take effect. In 2013, the extreme conservative majority of the Supreme Court began gutting the law, starting with the Shelby v Holder decision. The John Lewis Voting Rights Act and Freedom to Vote Act together would restore the VRA’s power, while setting national standards to protect ballot access, end gerrymandering, and protect poll workers and voters from harassment as well as ban Dark Money.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=342,"HHS Assistant Sec., Admiral Rachel Levine Joins Rep. Balint for Health Equity Roundtable",2024-08-07,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Burlington, V.T. – Yesterday, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) was joined by Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD for a LGBTQI+ health equity community roundtable at the Vermont Pride Center.

As Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Rachel Levine fights every day to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. She's working to help our nation overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger foundation for a healthier future - one in which every American can attain their full health potential. ADM Levine also is the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, one of the eight uniformed services.

“The Biden-Harris administration has prioritized, really from day one, our efforts to advance health equity for LGBTQI+ Americans,” said Adm. Rachel Levine. “While we continue to make progress, we all have more work to do to truly transform health care to support LGBTQI+ individuals and address multiple disparities that persist.”

“I’m so thrilled to welcome HHS Assistant Secretary Admiral Rachel Levine to Vermont today. The Biden-Harris Administration’s tireless work for equitable, affordable health care has been transformational for so many working families,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “This kind of discussion is essential to continuing to move the needle forward to equitable health care for the LGBTQI+ community. The Admiral and today’s group of experts understand that we must protect the freedoms of families and individuals to make their own choices about their bodies. I’m so proud to represent a state with such strong protections for the LGBTQI+ community and look forward to working with Admiral Levine on strengthening federal protections so every American gets the health care they need.”

Rep. Balint is a co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and the first openly gay person and woman to represent Vermont in Congress. She is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and an original cosponsor of the Equality Act.

See photos attached.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=339,Rep. Becca Balint on Netanyahu’s Joint Address to Congress,2024-07-24,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement announcing she will not attend Netanyahu’s address to Congress and instead join families of the hostages taken in the October 7 attack for counter programming:

“Netanyahu should not be welcomed here in the US Congress. He should be spending every waking moment working to bring the hostages home, securing a ceasefire, and ending this catastrophic war. His reckless decisions and deadly offensive since the horrifying attacks on October 7 have killed thousands of Palestinians and brought famine to over a million people in a devastated Gaza. His address before Congress will not further the goals of peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, but rather will serve as a distraction from the Prime Minister's failure of leadership.

“His own people are deeply disturbed by the actions of their Prime Minister, with 72% of Israelis in favor of his resignation. I stand with Israelis in stressing that Netanyahu's leadership has not brought peace and security. Instead, it has greatly reduced the chance of ever achieving a two-state solution. The United States must use all its leverage to bring an end to this war and find a political solution that serves all Israelis and Palestinians.

“I vehemently object to giving the prime minister a platform in the U.S. Congress when his failed leadership has brought so much death and destruction to Palestinians and Israelis.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=338,Vermont Delegation Urges USDA to Approve Vermont Request for Flood Recovery Support,2024-07-23,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) this week called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to quickly approve Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation for the State of Vermont, including for Orange, Washington, Caledonia, Orleans, Essex, Lamoille, Chittenden, and Addison counties. The lawmakers also urged USDA to approve any additional requests for support forthcoming from the state.

“On July 10, 2024—just one year after the most catastrophic flooding Vermont has seen in nearly a century—our state was struck by remnants of Hurricane Beryl, causing severe flooding across northern and central Vermont. More than five inches of rain fell in numerous towns, with the town of Walden receiving 7.25 inches of precipitation. This intense rainfall over a short period of time damaged railways, destroyed crops, and washed away roads, bridges, and culverts,” wrote the lawmakers. “Vermont’s farms—still in the process of recovering from last year’s floods—were also heavily impacted, and it is imperative that the federal government, working in conjunction with the state, mobilize as many resources as possible to aid our agricultural sector. We therefore ask that you quickly approve Governor Scott’s request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation and any additional requests for support forthcoming from the state.”

“We are grateful for all the support USDA has already provided and would like to reiterate how critical that is to mitigating the impact of this natural disaster on Vermont farms and communities. Together we can help Vermont’s farmers successfully respond to this disaster and facilitate their path to recovery,” concluded the lawmakers.

The USDA request comes as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepares an initial damage assessment of impacted communities, a necessary step in determining what federal funding the state could receive.

Read the full letter.

View a digital version of this release.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=341,"Rep. Becca Balint Joins Senators Welch, Sanders, Schumer, and Gillibrand Introduce Bicameral Bill to Support the Health of the Lake Champlain Basin",2024-07-23,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a senior and longtime member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y), and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in introducing the bicameral Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act – legislation that would reauthorize the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) for ten years at $55 million to support interstate conservation and the health of the Lake Champlain Basin. The bill would establish the Patrick Leahy LCBP Foundation to formally administer the program to promote climate resilience and mitigation through ecosystem restoration.

“With a rich history and diverse ecosystem, the Lake Champlain watershed is home to more than 600,000 across Vermont, New York, and Quebec Province, Canada. The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCPB) is critical to protect this natural resource for the communities and ecosystems that enjoy it. As Vermonters know well, in an era of climate change it’s more important than ever to make investments in the resiliency of our infrastructure and the health of our ecosystems. I’m proud to partner with Vermont and New York’s US Senators to bring critical funding to LCPB and support the program’s conservation efforts,” said Rep. Balint.

“Lake Champlain is an important part of Vermont’s culture. But an increase in climate-driven disasters like last July’s brutal flooding are a real threat to the Lake’s water quality and biodiversity. That’s why investing in the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, which has supported conservation, the health of our ecosystems, and thriving rural communities, is vital,” said Senator Welch. “The bill supports the important work of the LCBP by ensuring the program has resources to mitigate extreme weather events and boost climate resilience.”

“From Plattsburgh to Port Henry, Lake Champlain is one of the crown jewels of Upstate New York, with people coming from across the country to visit this gorgeous economic anchor for the Adirondack region’s outdoor economy. This critical legislation will strengthen the preservation of Lake Champlain’s health & beauty, boosting the Adirondack region’s thriving tourism industry and supporting the local economy,” said Senator Schumer. “I am proud to work with Senators Welch, Sanders, and Gillibrand to ensure that Lake Champlain has the resources it needs to preserve its expansive shores, cultural and physical landscape for the next generation.”

“Lake Champlain is one of Vermont’s most treasured natural resources and an essential part of our natural heritage,” said Senator Sanders. “We must do everything we can to protect it. For the past 30 years, the Lake Champlain Basin Program has worked to reduce pollution, restore habitats, mitigate harmful invasive species, and educate residents and visitors. I look forward to seeing the good work the program will continue to do over the next ten years for current and future generations.”

“The Lake Champlain Basin is a vast, historic, and invaluable resource that is enjoyed by millions of visitors each year,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act will ensure Lake Champlain receives the support and stewardship it deserves, protecting the lake and its watershed for decades to come. I’m proud to fight alongside Senators Welch, Sanders, and Schumer to secure vital resources to restore and preserve Lake Champlain and look forward to getting this legislation passed.”

“This new bill will strengthen the role of the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program in coordinating management of water quality and ecosystem health in the Lake Champlain Basin,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “The timing of this bill coincides with a second consecutive year of devastating flooding that likely delivered significant amounts of pollutants to Lake Champlain. Increasing federal resources to improve the health of Lake Champlain is as critical as ever.”

Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources, Julie Moore, recognized the important and multi-faceted role the Lake Champlain Basin Program plays in helping steward our great lake: “The LCBP supports and empowers not only organizations that not only implement innovative clean water projects, but also those that cultivate clean water awareness for the next generation of basin residents, through arts, culture, and science.”

The Lake Champlain Basin Program Reauthorization Act would establish the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program Foundation—modeled after the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation—to serve as the administrative body of the LCBP to formally administer the activities of the LCBP. The bill would also update the program’s current guidelines for its environmental management plan to explicitly add climate change, mitigation, and resilience to the program’s focus, and strengthen collaboration between the program and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission on a variety of conservation and educational activities.

Read the full text of the bill.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=337,Rep. Becca Balint Introduces Campaign Finance Reform Legislation,2024-07-11,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Balint was joined by Reps. Jayapal and Tonko to introduce the Small Dollar Donor Protection Act (SDDPA). Online small dollar donations are increasingly prevalent in campaigns. In the first quarter of 2024, more than 1.2 million individuals made 5 million donations to House and Senate campaigns and about two-thirds of those donations were less than $20. This bill aims to ensure small dollar support is accurately portrayed by political campaigns and that the donations are not solicited fraudulently or under false pretenses. The Small Dollar Donor Protection Act (SDDPA) creates a reporting mechanism to keep campaigns honest about their level of grassroots support.

“Active participation in campaigns and elections from everyday people is critical to the strength of our democracy. Increasing donations from everyday people, rather than corporate PACs and dark money groups, is a positive trend in American politics. But it’s important we take action to ensure campaigns do not abuse and deceive these small donors while lying about their grassroots support. I’m proud to be joined by Reps. Jayapal and Tonko to take action against practices that risk hurting working people and the integrity of our elections, ” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL).

“Political campaigns love to tout small-dollar donations – and that’s a good thing. We should be encouraging candidates to focus on grassroots support from their constituents, rather than catering to wealthy individuals and corporations to bankroll their campaigns. But right now, many campaigns use deceptive strategies to solicit small dollar donations. That’s why I’m proud to support the Small Dollar Donor Protection Act to protect these donors from fraud and give the FEC more authority and oversight over how campaigns report their small-dollar donations. Grassroots fundraising is good for our political process and for democracy. When campaigns use misleading tactics to solicit money, that’s not only bad for our elections, but it’s also conning average people into spending their hard-earned money. It’s time to crack down on these practices,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07).

“This bill more closely aligns the approach to small donations in federal elections with Vermont’s approach to campaign finance. Vermont already requires state and local campaigns to disclose basic information on small donations. I am happy to support my friend, Representative Becca Balint, in bringing Vermont common sense to our federal elections, and to all things in Congress,” said Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark.

“Ultimately, transparency to voters and clarity for voters builds trust in candidates, the political process, and democracy,” said Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas. “At this critical time, there is nothing more important than building trust in democracy and I would like to thank Congresswoman Balint for bringing this important issue to the forefront.”

“Small dollar donations are generally a good and democratizing aspect of campaigns,” said Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. “But without proper oversight, it’s possible for unscrupulous candidates to corrupt the process and potentially mislead voters. We applaud Congresswoman Balint for her legislative proposal that would provide greater transparency and chart a course toward further protections for voters.”

“While there are a lot of problems with how we finance federal campaigns, the polarized nature of our politics and likely split party control of Congress means that fixes will have to focus on addressing a narrower set of problems and in ways that can garner support from both parties. It strikes me that The Small Donor Protection Act does just that. It focuses on a real need to set rules for reporting small donor contributions while protecting the identity of contributors. Additionally, the study that the Act commissions would be of great value, providing needed information for future legislation to protect contributors and prevent abuse of the system,” said Anthony “Jack” Gierzynski, Ph.D. Professor, UVM, Department of Political Science.

This legislation would:

· Require campaigns to report the number of contributions received that were less than $200.

· Instruct the FEC to issue guidance within 90 days of enactment to describe the form of disclosure, with an emphasis on easy public access.

· Authorize the FEC to study how campaigns conduct SDD outreach and any deceptive or fraudulent tactics used.

The bill is endorsed by Public Citizen, Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=327,"Welch, Balint Meet with Flood-Impacted Vermonters, Small Businesses in Ludlow and Londonderry",2024-07-02,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Londonderry and Ludlow, VT – Nearly one year after the July 2023 floods, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) sat down with community members and flood-impacted small businesses in Londonderry and Ludlow. Sen. Welch and Rep. Balint discussed the communities’ ongoing flood recovery efforts and work to improve flood resilience. The Vermont Delegation returned to businesses and areas in the West River Valley that they toured immediately following the flooding in Southern Vermont.

“Nearly one year ago, catastrophic flooding devastated homes and livelihoods throughout Vermont. While we've made progress in our recovery efforts, today Rep. Balint and I heard from Vermonters who have made clear that there's still a long way to go to ensure critical infrastructure is rebuilt and communities have the resources they need to recover,” said Sen. Welch. “I'll keep fighting for and prioritizing disaster recovery funding to ensure Vermonters have the support they need to rebuild even stronger than before.”

“One year after floods devastated our communities, businesses and homes, Vermonters remain resilient. But there is still so much work to be done to get every Vermont family and business to a full recovery. Today’s conversations in Londonderry and Ludlow highlighted further some of the important work still left to do to ensure our towns are prepared for disasters to come. I was pleased to visit Londonderry and Ludlow today with Senator Welch to continue direct dialogue with Vermonters. We will continue to fight for Vermonter, to get our state the resources we need to rebuild with resiliency in mind,” said Rep. Balint.

View photos from the event below and on Senator Welch’s website:

In Londonderry, Sen. Welch and Rep. Balint hosted a Community Coffee, and heard directly from flood-impacted Vermonters and local leaders in the West River Valley about the flood recovery process.

In Ludlow, Sen. Welch and Rep. Balint met with local businesses that were flooded, as well as the Okemo Regional Chamber of Commerce. They toured restored buildings that sustained damage during the floods, including the expanded Darkside Snowboard Shop and Green Mountain Fireplace Specialties in the Okemo Marketplace Plaza.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=326,Rep. Becca Balint on Supreme Court Immunity Ruling,2024-07-01,2024,2024-07,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to today’s Supreme Court ruling, granting former President Trump immunity for plotting to subvert the 2020 election:

“Today, the Supreme Court delivered another shocking blow to our democracy. This dangerous, disgraceful ruling allows Presidents to act like dictators with no consequence. Our democracy is built on the idea that no one is above the law. However, today, the Supreme Court dismantled that principle.

“Treason and inciting an insurrection are not core powers afforded to a President. Donald Trump has made clear he’s prepared to act as a dictator from the Oval Office from day one and the Supreme Court just gave him full permission. Congress must act to reel in this extremist MAGA court. Our democracy is on the line.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=324,Vermont Congressional Delegation Welcomes $25 Million U.S. Dept. of Transportation Grant for Town of Killington,2024-06-28,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Killington, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large), today welcomed $25 million in federal funding for the Town of Killington, announced this week by the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Sanders and Welch helped pass in 2021, the RAISE grant program helps communities rebuild their aging and unsafe transportation infrastructure. The Killington grant is awarded to help complete pedestrian safety and accessibility projects, road reconstruction, and the installation of new stormwater infrastructure to address runoff issues.

“We cannot bolster our local economies or strengthen community safety, connectivity, and sustainability if we are not paying attention to the essential methods of transportation that Vermonters need in their daily lives,” said Sanders, Welch, and Balint. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a historic, and greatly needed, investment in America’s infrastructure. We are glad to see the positive impact of this law reaching communities across Vermont, including Killington. This project will help pedestrians and drivers alike with improvements that increase safety, climate resilience, and quality of life.”

The project includes the construction of approximately 2.7 miles of shared use path, 1.4 miles of new sidewalk, new crosswalks with pedestrian warning signs, and new intersection safety improvements. New stormwater infrastructure will be installed in addition to a complete, full-depth reconstruction of the roadway. The funds will also address stormwater runoff issues and treat 100% of runoff before it enters waterways. Construction is estimated to start June 2026.

The announcement comes after the Delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg advocating on behalf of the Town of Killington’s application.

In total, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $1.8 billion in funding through the department’s RAISE discretionary grant program. The program was authorized $1.5 billion a year on top of previously appropriated funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Read more about the project.

Learn more about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has supported Vermont.

View a digital version of this release.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=321,Rep. Becca Balint Announces the Stop Comstock Act to Repeal Antiquated Law that Could be Misused to Implement National Abortion Ban,2024-06-20,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) is joined by Reps. Bush (MO-01), Escobar (TX-16), Scanlon (PA-05) and Watson Coleman (NJ-12) to announce the introduction of the Stop Comstock Act in response to clear Republican intent to misuse the antiquated and unconstitutional statute, the Comstock Act, to prohibit the mailing of medication abortion and other materials used in abortion procedures. The bill would repeal the portions of the Comstock Act that anti-choice extremists intend to misuse to enact a nationwide abortion ban. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn) introduced the Senate companion bill.

“Congressional Republicans and their allies in statehouses across the country are out of step with the American people – they will stop at nothing to enact extreme policies that put women’s lives at risk. We know Americans want the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “It’s time we take immediate action to stop Republicans from abusing the Comstock Act to further erode our reproductive rights. I’m proud to stand alongside Senator Smith to introduce the Stop Comstock Act, which would take this outdated and unconstitutional law off the books.”

“The Comstock Act is a 150-year-old zombie law banning abortion that’s long been relegated to the dustbin of history. But extremist Republicans and Trump judges have seized upon the idea of misusing Comstock to bypass Congress and strip women nationwide of their reproductive freedoms. When MAGA Republicans say they intend to use the Comstock Act to control women’s decisions and enact a backdoor national abortion ban, we should believe them. Now that Trump has overturned Roe, a future Republican administration could try to misapply this 150-year-old Comstock law to deny American women their rights, even in states where abortion rights are protected by state law. This is why I’m introducing legislation to repeal Comstock. It is too dangerous to leave this law on the books; we cannot allow MAGA judges and politicians to control the lives of American women,” said Senator Smith.

“As a Black woman from the first state to ban abortion post-Dobbs and someone who has had abortions, I deeply and personally understand the critical need to protect and expand access to abortion care,” said Congresswoman Bush. “Anti-abortion extremists and the Republican party have shown they will stop at nothing when it comes to stripping away our reproductive freedoms. They aren't hiding their playbook: reviving the outdated and obsolete zombie statute, the Comstock Act, is the GOP’s latest hack to bypass Congress and impose a nationwide abortion ban. When people tell you who they are, believe them. I am proud to be working alongside my colleagues in introducing legislation to repeal the Comstock Act and protect access to abortion care.""

“While access to contraception, IVF, and abortion are under attack across the country, U.S. Courts have found that the Comstock Act of 1873 does not ban the mailing of medicines used for lawful abortion — but that won't stop a Trump-controlled Department of Justice and other extremists from using it to effectively enact a nationwide abortion ban,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I'm proud to co-lead the Stop Comstock Act to amend the Comstock Act to make clear that medical providers cannot be prosecuted for doing their jobs and providing basic healthcare.”

""Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, we have seen an explosion in court cases and legislation designed to ban abortion nationwide,"" said Rep. Scanlon, “including growing threats to willfully misapply and weaponize the Comstock Act, a relic of the Victorian era. I'm proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate in introducing the Stop Comstock Act as part of our ongoing work to protect Americans’ right and freedom to choose medically safe reproductive health care, including medical abortion care.”

“The Supreme Court’s recent decision left the door open to future bans on medication abortion, even in states where reproductive healthcare is protected. It’s on Congress to shut that door,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Medication abortion is safe and effective. Repealing portions of the Comstock Act of 1873 will help keep these safe and widely used medications available across the country. I’m so proud to co-lead this bill with Rep. Balint, the culmination of decades of work dating back to the efforts of the late Senator Lautenberg of New Jersey. It’s high time the GOP majority abandoned their obsession with stripping away people’s freedom to make their own medical decisions. I strongly encourage Congress to take up and pass this bill.”

The Comstock laws are a set of 1800s laws to ban the mailing or shipping of every obscene, lewd, lascivious, indecent, article, matter, thing or device, with the goal of restricting abortion, contraceptives, sex toys, and even love letters. Federal appellate courts have uniformly held that the law does not apply to lawful abortion care. Nonetheless, Republican strategists have been clear that they intend to misuse these antiquated and unconstitutional statutes to criminalize providers and impose a nationwide abortion ban.

The Stop Comstock Act would repeal provisions of the Comstock laws in the U.S. Code that anti-abortion extremists want to willfully misapply in order to ban abortion nationwide without any congressional action.

The bill is endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, ACLU, Center for Reproductive Rights, Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Women’s Law Center, and Reproductive Freedom for All.

“Abortion opponents have made it clear: they’ll stop at nothing to ban abortion nationwide. As they’ve shown us, they want to control people’s bodies, lives, and futures, and they’re willing to misuse the Comstock laws to try to ban abortion entirely and restrict other health care — even though for decades, the courts, Congress, and the Department of Justice have made clear that position is wrong. Planned Parenthood Action Fund will continue to raise the alarm about efforts to ban abortion and restrict sexual and reproductive health care,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

“Trumps’ advisors are quietly plotting to bypass Congress and misuse a 150-year-old law to attempt to ban abortion nationwide. They are arguing that the Comstock Act is a de facto national abortion ban already on the books, and they are wrong. The Department of Justice has made clear and federal appeals courts have uniformly held for almost a century that the Comstock Act does not apply to legal abortion care. But anti-abortion extremists have manipulated the law to ban abortion before, and there’s no reason to think they won’t try it again,” said Madison Roberts, senior policy counsel, ACLU. “We applaud Representative Balint for introducing the Stop Comstock Act to fight back against extremists’ threats to misapply Comstock as a nationwide abortion ban. We will continue to work with elected leaders to raise the alarm and neutralize this potential anti-abortion attack before Trump allies get the chance to launch it.”

“The Comstock Act has long been considered obsolete, but anti-abortion extremists are now threatening to use it to push for a national abortion ban. While we would expect their efforts to be rejected by the courts, they could still sow chaos for abortion access nationwide,” said Katie O’Connor, Director of Federal Abortion Policy at the National Women’s Law Center. “This law, a relic from the 19th century, was originally passed to enforce a specific view of morality rooted in racist, sexist, homophobic, and other discriminatory beliefs. It has no place in our modern laws, and we commend Senator Smith and Reps. Balint, Bush, Escobar, Watson Coleman and Scanlon for introducing legislation to prevent its misuse by anti-abortion extremists to ban abortion across the country.”

“MAGA Republicans have detailed their plans to block all abortion access—with or without the support of Congress and the courts—if they win power this November by enforcing a radical and baseless interpretation of the Comstock laws. Their Project 2025 provides a lengthy and destructive playbook that Trump could begin implementing on Day One of his administration. We’re grateful to Reps. Balint, Bush, Escobar, Scanlon, and Watson Coleman for their crucial work to ensure anti-abortion extremists’ dystopian vision never becomes a reality,”said Reproductive Freedom for All President and CEO Mini Timmaraju.

""The end goal of the anti-abortion movement has always been clear: they want to ban all abortion in the United States. Now, with Roe v. Wade overturned, they are promising to weaponize the Comstock Act – an outdated anti-sex statute from the 1800's -- to essentially ban abortion nationwide if they get a President who is willing. This backdoor ban on abortion could be forced through without the approval of Congress or the American public, who would never support a national ban. That may sound unthinkable to most people, but so did the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This potential misuse of the Comstock Act is a very real threat that we must take seriously,” said Rachana Desai Martin, CRR’s Chief Government and External Relations Officer.

“As we continue to feel and experience the devastating impact of abortion bans and restrictions across the country, this legislation is one important step to neutralizing increasingly dangerous and troubling attacks on care, including the potential threats of the Comstock Act. Comstock was an extreme law when it was written. It is not applicable to the current landscape and health care needs of our communities. Health care providers should not be at risk for criminalization for doing their jobs - providing essential medical care to those who need it. Our community deserves laws that reflects the lived experiences of people and families today, and that will always include access to full spectrum reproductive health care, like abortion care,” said Dr. Jamila Perritt, President & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health.

The original cosponsors of the Stop Comstock Act are Reps. Bush, Escobar, Scanlon, Watson Coleman, Beatty, Blumenauer, Bowman, Caraveo, Carbajal, Cárdenas, Casten, Chu, Cohen, Connolly, Crockett, Dean, DeLauro, Deluzio, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Evans, Garamendi, Garcia (CA), Garcia (TX), Gottheimer, Huffman, Jacobs, Jayapal, Johnson (GA), Kennedy (NY), Landsman, Larson, Lee (PA), Lee (NV), Lieu, McClellan, McCollum, Menendez, Moulton, Mullin, Nadler, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Pettersen, Pocan, Porter, Pressley, Ramirez, Raskin, Salinas, Schakowsky, Smith (WA), Sherman, Sherrill, Soto, Spanberger, Stansbury, Stanton, Strickland, Ryan, Thanedar, Torres (NY), Tlaib, Trone, Vargas, Velázquez, Wasserman-Schultz, Wild, Williams (GA), and Wilson.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=319,ICYMI: Rep. Becca Balint Working on Legislation to Stop Republicans from Abusing the Comstock Act,2024-06-14,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Press Releases
ICYMI: Rep. Becca Balint Working on Legislation to Stop Republicans from Abusing the Comstock Act
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Washington,
      June 14, 2024
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Health Care
“Republicans are using every tool at their disposal to regulate our bodies. The latest: a plan to misuse an antiquated bill to restrict abortion access. We can’t let them win. I'm writing legislation to stop Republicans from abusing the Comstock Act to dismantle our rights.”
###
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https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=318,Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher Introduce Legislation to End Discrimination Against LGBTQI+ Community in the Jury Selection Process,2024-06-12,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduce the Juror Non-Discrimination Act, which explicitly clarifies that it is illegal to discriminate in jury service based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. This bill is included in the Equality Act, a landmark package of LGBTQI+ rights bills to guarantee full equality for LGBTQI+ Americans.

“Today in 2024, federal law does not explicitly protect LGBTQI+ people from discrimination in the jury selection process. When we exclude people from our judicial process, we make our system inherently less free and fair. Diverse participation in the American justice system is critical to strengthening our democracy.” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Explicitly banning this kind of discrimination is an important step to ending anti-LGBTQI+ bias everywhere. It’s long past time our community is guaranteed equality under federal law and is free from discrimination because of who we are or who we love.”

“Jury service is a privilege and a responsibility of citizenship. As a former courtroom lawyer, I know how important it is to ensure that prospective jurors have the opportunity to serve and that parties have an impartial jury of their peers,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. “I am glad to introduce the Juror Non-Discrimination Act with Congresswoman Balint to ensure that LGBTQI+ people can serve on juries and neither fear nor experience discrimination in jury selection.”

The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Beyer, Bonamici, Brownley, Chu, Clarke, Connolly, Crockett, Davids, DeLuzio, Espaillat, Frost, R. Garcia, S. Garcia, Goldman, Hayes, Hank Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, S. Lee, Moulton, Nadler, Norton, Peters, Pocan, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Soto, Swalwell, Takano, Tonko, R. Torres, Watson Coleman, Williams

The bill is endorsed by the following organizations: Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign, National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality.

Bill text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=314,Reps. Becca Balint and Jesús “Chuy” García Introduce Legislation to  Crack Down on Companies Exacerbating Rental Housing Crisis Through Price-Fixing Algorithms,2024-06-06,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) introduced thePreventing Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act, legislation to prohibit digital price fixing by landlords. In the midst of an urgent housing supply and affordability crisis, many housing providers are using algorithms to collude to further increase rents for working families. Rents across the country have gone up nearly 30%, and housing costs remain one of the highest inflation indicators. The Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act was introduced by Senators Welch and Wyden earlier this year.

Reporting shows how companies like RealPage and Yardi advertise their products as “property management software,” but in reality help landlords in coordinating prices to increase rents (by between (5% and 12%), resulting in less competition and higher rent prices for consumers. This is exactly how a price-fixing cartel operates, but instead of using code names and secret meetings, the price-fixing is offered as a service.

Companies have argued that the Sherman Act, the original antitrust law passed in 1890, is inapplicable because machines cannot contract or collude in the same way as humans. This egregious behavior by many of the nation’s biggest landlords has been challenged by renters nationwide, the D.C. Attorney General, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Vermonters are feeling the crushing burden of the housing crisis. And predatory tech companies are taking advantage of working families by coordinating between landlords to increase rents,” said Rep. Becca Balint. Corporate greed continues to exacerbate the housing affordability crisis in this country. We cannot allow corporations to continue to drive up their profits by illegally hiking already high rent. I’m proud to work alongside Rep. García to crack down on corporate greed in the rental market and ensure American families have access to affordable housing options.”

“Two years ago, I led a letter urging the Department of Justice to look at rental price-fixing algorithms, which are exacerbating the housing crisis and raising the cost of living for many of my constituents. The Department has since started a criminal investigation—and today, I’m proud to join my colleague Rep. Balint in introducing this bill to ban algorithmic price-fixing and protect renters from this new frontier of anticompetitive, anti-consumer behavior,” said Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.

“Vermonters are amongst the hardest hit by the housing crisis raging across the country. We have the second-highest rate of homelessness in the nation. In the midst of this crisis and at a time when families are struggling to put food on the table, housing providers are using anti-competitive pricing algorithms to raise rents. It’s outrageous. Our bicameral Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act would crack down on these pricing algorithms and prevent future monopolies on the housing market to protect renters in Vermont and nationwide,” said Senator Welch.

The Preventing Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act would:

Make it unlawful for rental property owners to contract for the services of a company that coordinates rental housing prices and supply information, and designate such arrangements a per se violation of the Sherman Act;

Prohibit the practice of coordinating price, supply, and other rental housing information among two or more rental property owners;

Make it unlawful for two or more coordinators to merge where a merger creates an appreciable risk of materially lessening competition; and

Allow individual plaintiffs to invalidate any pre-dispute arbitration agreement or pre-dispute joint action waiver that would prevent their bringing a suit under this act.

The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Watson Coleman, Norton, Nadler, Johnson (GA), Gomez, Omar, Jayapal.

The Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act of 2024 is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Link to bill text here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=310,Rep. Becca Balint on Passing of Vermont State Senator Dick Sears,2024-06-03,2024,2024-06,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“I am so sad to learn of Dick Sears passing. This is a deep loss for Vermont. His was a true life of service, rising from profoundly humble beginnings to serve as Chair of Vermont’s Senate Judiciary Committee for nearly 30 years. His work stands as a monument. He did more to shape Vermont’s judicial system than anyone in that time. He steered it with wisdom, an openness to new ideas, genuine courage in making change, and a deep compassion for the people who most needed their government to serve and care for them.

“I was honored to serve alongside Senator Sears in the Vermont Senate. Some people saw him as the tough and forceful committee chair, but I quickly came to know the man who dedicated his life to helping Vermont’s most vulnerable young people. He spent decades running a home for troubled teenagers in Bennington. He became a powerful and effective legislator, but I so admired how he wrote laws without ever forgetting the love and care that brought him to safety when he was a small child born to an incarcerated mother.

“I know I join the chorus of so many Vermonters who thank Dick for his deep commitment to public service.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=307,Rep. Becca Balint Statement Following Deadly Israeli Strike on Rafa,2024-05-29,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“Netanyahu must end this devastating war. Now. A redline has been crossed over and over again and the humanitarian crisis in Rafah is beyond words. The US must exert its influence to bring about an immediate end to this horrific violence, suffering, death and destruction.

“Hamas must be brought to justice for the horror of October 7, and Israel has the right, in accordance with international law, to defend itself, but that is not what we are witnessing in Rafah today. Only a negotiated ceasefire will bring about an end to the war, bring home hostages, and end the suffering of civilians. Idly standing by while children are dying, is an unconscionable decision – and one that we cannot accept.

“Netanyahu’s current path serves to bring more death and destruction to Gaza and risks any hope of regional peace and security. The United States must use all its leverage to bring an end to this war and find a political solution that serves all Israelis and Palestinians.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=284,Napolitano and Balint Introduce Mental Health in Schools Act,2024-05-17,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Reps. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-31) and Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) introduced H.R. 8444, the Mental Health in Schools Act of 2024, to create two new grant programs within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help K-12 schools develop mental health education programs and to promote careers in mental health to high school students.

""Stigma-reducing youth mental health programs in schools across Los Angeles County have for more than two decades been educating the students, parents, faculty, and administrators on the warning signs and symptoms of mental health. Early intervention and trained clinicians have been critical to the programs' and students' success, which is why I am so proud that our bill aims to enhance both efforts,"" Napolitano said. ""As our nation continues to confront an unfolding mental health crisis, this critical legislation reinforces the timeless, urgent message that there is zero shame in asking for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength. I thank Congresswoman Balint and all of our colleagues for supporting this measure to provide students everywhere with the support, education, and services they need to thrive.""

“Investing in resources to address the youth mental health crisis is essential,"" said Rep. Balint. ""We know our kids and students are struggling in the wake of the pandemic and in the face of the damaging effects of social media. Providing mental health programs in schools is how we directly prioritize the well-being of students. So often I hear from students who want to help their peers by pursuing a career in mental health services. I’m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Napolitano to create programs that can make that a reality.”

The Mental Health in Schools Act would establish the School Mental Health Awareness Grant Program and the Mental Health Career Promotion Grant Program within SAMHSA.

The School Mental Health Awareness Grant Program would provide funding to schools to establish programs that would promote the mental health and well-being of students familiarizing them with the key signs of common mental health conditions, reducing the stigma associated with these conditions, and informing them about the various mental health services available to them.

The Mental Health Career Promotion Grant Program would provide funding to schools to establish programs for high school students designed to promote careers in the mental health field. Specifically, these programs would inform students about careers in mental health, provide opportunities for students to interact with and shadow mental health professionals, and provide students mental health related mentorship and experiential learning opportunities.

“The American Psychological Association endorses the Mental Health in Schools Act, which would improve the mental health and well-being of our nation’s students and encourage them to pursue careers in mental health,” said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “Introducing young people early to the benefits of careers in mental health can help ensure the future of our workforce. We applaud Congresswoman Napolitano’s and Congresswoman Balint’s leadership for introducing this much-needed bill.”

“Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death for children and young adults, and we urgently need more supports to promote mental health, increase recognition of warning signs, and reduce stigma,” said Laurel Stine, J.D. M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention strongly supports the Mental Health in Schools Act, which would create a mental health education program for K-12 students and promote mental health careers for high school students. We are grateful to Rep. Napolitano for leading this important legislation and championing the mental health of our nation’s children and youth.”

Napolitano and Balint were joined in introducing the bill by: Reps. Colin Z. Allred (D-TX-32); Judy Chu (D-CA-28); Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12); Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11); Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05); Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18); Robin L. Kelly (D-IL-2); Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8); Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC); Katie Porter (D-CA-47); Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3); Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6); Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM-01); Darren Soto (D-FL-9); Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15); and Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44).

Supporting Organizations: American Psychological Association (APA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP); National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); International OCD Foundation, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals; Tourette Association of America, National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW); Sandy Hook Promise, Crisis Text Line, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD); National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); and Youth Villages.

The full text of the Mental Health in Schools Act can be viewed HERE.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=283,Rep. Becca Balint Introduces Bipartisan Mental Health Legislation,2024-05-16,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Becca Balint introduced the Mental Health Emergency Needs in Disasters (MEND) Act. Following the devastating 2023 flooding in Vermont and as we face a growing climate crisis, Rep. Balint is introducing federal legislation to provide communities with the mental health support they need in disaster recovery. Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-AL) joins Rep. Balint as a co-lead of the bill, a display of bipartisan support for robust disaster recovery.

While there is often a focus on infrastructure repairs, it is as important to establish systems of mental health care impacted communities. Unfortunately, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has limited resources to address mental health needs following a disaster. The MEND Act builds on successful pilot programs to expand effective, tailored services for communities impacted by disasters. This bill aims to reach directly into the community to support victims, victims’ families, and the community at large.

“The recovery period following a disaster is a time of upheaval for individuals, families, and communities – taking a serious mental and physical toll on those affected. We know Vermonters are resilient, but communities need federal resources for a complete and robust recovery. This bill is about embedding in a community, getting to know the community and the families and staying for two years because the arc of recovery is long, ” Congresswoman Becca Balint said. “We must take steps to ensure mental health care and support are not forgotten in the recovery process. While we work to repair buildings, infrastructures, and roads, we have to establish systems of mental health care in impacted communities, that go alongside the actual rebuilding of brick and mortar. I’m grateful this kind of critical intervention has bipartisan support and I look forward to continuing to work toward robust mental health care access for all.”

“The road to recovery we have faced in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria extends well beyond infrastructure. That’s because the effects of a disaster are not just material. People’s everyday lives are heavily impacted, sometimes putting intense, prolonged emotional pressure on those affected,” said Congresswoman González-Colón. “For that reason, I am supporting this legislation to develop mental health resources that can be deployed as part of FEMA emergency response in support of our communities at times when citizens are the most vulnerable. Adequate attention to mental health needs is critical for a successful recovery, and in major disasters that often goes beyond what current programs contemplate.”

The MEND ACT establishes a FEMA grant program to deploy mobile mental health crisis units following a major disaster declaration. The mobile mental health units will:

Provide professional counseling services to victims of a major disaster

Be staffed by appropriately trained professionals to address impacts from major disasters in communities, and to individuals with socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds

Include both professional behavioral health counselors and non-clinical staff to disperse information about resources, preventive materials, and establish peer supports networks

Deploy to counties within the affected area, and be centrally located to the community

It also establishes a permanent grant program through SAMHSA that:

Disburses funding following a natural disaster or emergency to address the behavioral and mental health impacts on the community

Is flexible in nature, to allow the grant to be best-suited for the distinct needs of a geographic region and type of disaster

Finally, the bill authorizes FEMA to establish a research program which will specifically work to better understand the short-term and long-term effects of natural disasters on mental health, substance use disorder, and alcohol use disorder. This research will also study the cultural, racial, and socio-economical differences in impact of a disaster.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=243,Vermont Delegation Calls on FEMA to Fix Challenges Slowing Assistance for Flood Victims,2024-05-09,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) today called on Deanne Criswell, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to work with Congress and the Delegation to improve disaster response ahead of future emergencies and address the serious challenges Vermonters have faced in accessing FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) after the devastating flooding of July 2023.

In their letter to Administrator Criswell, the Delegation expressed their appreciation for the role FEMA played in Vermont flood recovery, including providing over $25 million in individual and household assistance to over 3,600 households. Sanders, Welch, and Balint also highlighted areas where FEMA assistance has fallen short for Vermonters, including inadequate direct housing assistance, an unclear application process, and insufficient technical assistance for impacted Vermonters seeking aid.

To help Congress and FEMA improve its future disaster response, the Delegation today requested answers to several questions – accompanied by a staff briefing – no later than May 29, 2024.

Read the full letter below or here:

Dear Administrator Criswell:

We appreciate the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) continued efforts to respond to the catastrophic July 2023 flooding in Vermont. We write to request information regarding potential improvements to FEMA’s provision of Individual Assistance (IA) to affected communities.

As you know, in July 2023, severe flooding caused significant damage to cities and towns across Vermont, leading President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration on July 14, 2023. Support from FEMA—including IA—has been crucial to the state’s recovery efforts: among other aid, FEMA has provided over $25 million in individual and household assistance to over 3,600 households. We sincerely appreciate FEMA’s efforts to work with state, local, and other officials to help Vermont rebuild.

Vermont’s experience recovering from the July 2023 floods, however, also highlighted areas of improvement for FEMA’s IA process. For example:

Inadequate Direct Housing Assistance. Following the flooding, FEMA worked in coordination with state officials to ultimately provide more than $23 million to Vermonters in housing assistance through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). However, just 11 households in the state ultimately received Direct Housing Assistance, and many Vermonters struggled to access the assistance they needed. FEMA’s process for providing Manufactured Housing United (MHUs), in particular, was poorly communicated and implemented. Initially, FEMA committed to siting about 20 MHUs in Montpelier, one of the hardest hit flood communities. Shortly before the planned siting, however, FEMA announced it would be exploring “alternative options” to relocating those residents, rather than placing them in MHUs. State officials and the congressional delegation were not informed in advance. Ultimately, FEMA only delivered five MHUs across the entire state. One of the residents being moved was not able to access the MHU until December—three months after the MHU was delivered and five months after the flood. Caseworkers in our offices worked with families who were still in unsafe, severely damaged housing six months after the flood.

Unclear application process. FEMA updated the format of its IA determination letters in 2022, following a 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office which found that the determination letters were a barrier to disaster survivors accessing assistance and did not comply with federal communication guidelines. Reports received from our constituents suggest that, despite FEMA’s efforts, the IA determination process continues to be confusing for disaster survivors. In some cases, constituents reported not knowing whether they were being asked for additional information or that they could appeal an initial determination. In other cases, constituents reported submitting an application to FEMA on multiple occasions before the application was finally accepted. This lack of clarity created a barrier to Vermonters seeking assistance after the flooding—particularly low-income families who often have less time and resources to devote to working through the bureaucratic process.

Insufficient technical assistance. Though Vermont, working with FEMA, ultimately applied for, and received federal funding to support technical assistance through Disaster Case Management (DCM), it took over three months for the state’s application to be approved so that it could begin setting up the DCM program. As a result, Vermonters relied on volunteer organizations across the state in addition to—and in some cases in lieu of—federally- and state-funded resources. Constituents reported receiving inconsistent information from FEMA staff at the national call center, local disaster recovery centers, and a field representative.

We appreciate that FEMA has taken steps to improve its IA program. For example, FEMA recently released the Interim Final Rule “Individual Assistance Program Equity,” an effort to better support disaster survivors by expanding eligibility for housing assistance and simplifying the application process. FEMA has also recently implemented changes to the IA program for Presidentially Declared Disasters on or after March 2024.

To help us better understand the steps that FEMA and Congress can take to further improve disaster response, and to ensure FEMA addresses the challenges faced by our constituents, we request answers to the following questions—accompanied by a staff briefing—no later than May 29, 2024:

With respect to Immediate Disaster Case Management (IDCM) and Disaster Case Management (DCM) assistance:

Please describe the needs required for states to receive Immediate Disaster Case Management (IDCM).

How many communities with Presidential Declared Natural Disasters were granted IDCM in 2023?

What barriers, if any, does FEMA face in distributing DCM funding in a timely manner following disasters?

What process changes, if any, could FEMA consider to make it easier for state, local, and volunteer-run organizations providing technical assistance and case management services to access funds?

What steps, if any, should Congress consider to better streamline the provision of case management funding?

With respect to Direct Housing Assistance:

What challenges, if any, does FEMA face in housing disaster victims under the Direct Housing Assistance program in a timely manner?

What metrics does FEMA use to determine whether Direct Housing Assistance is needed following a disaster, and in what timeframe is that determination made?

In the second quarter of 2023, immediately prior to the flooding, the rental vacancy rate in Vermont, as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was just 1.8 percent. What steps, if any, could FEMA take to expedite providing housing for those with housing damage to ensure that victims are not living in damaged homes?

With respect to IA determination letters:

Please provide examples of determination letters sent to Vermonters in 2023, including determination letters that include final denials of IA assistance and determination letters that inform individuals they can appeal their determination.

What steps is FEMA taking to improve the clarity and efficacy of its mailed correspondence surrounding IA determinations, including any efforts to solicit and implement survivor feedback?

How often does FEMA update its determination letter process to ensure applicants are aware of appeal options?

What is FEMA doing to ensure survivors do not have to submit multiple applications for the same benefits?

With respect to FEMA’s new streamlined process for the Individuals and Households Programs (IHP), what is the national denial rate for IA applications before the IHP process updates and what does FEMA project the denial rate for IA applications will be under the new process?

What improvements could FEMA make to ensure survivors are receiving consistent and accurate information, provided across disparate outlets, such as the national call center, local recovery centers, and field representatives?

Sincerely,

Senator Bernie Sanders

Senator Peter Welch

Representative Becca Balint

A digital version of this release can be found on Sen. Welch’s website.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=241,Rep. Becca Balint Announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition Winner,2024-05-08,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Castleton, VT – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) announced the winner for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. This year, 90 high school students from 12 counties and 24 schools across Vermont sent in artwork for submission to the annual competition. The Congressional Art Competition was established in 1982 by Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords. This year’s winner from Vermont is Cora Chivington, a junior at Green Mountain Tech Center in Hyde Park, Vermont. Her art will be on display with other 2024 Congressional Art Competition winners in the US Capitol.

“I’m so proud to be carrying on the tradition of Congressional Art Competition. This incredibly impactful legacy in Vermont is a moment to recognize and celebrate the arts and our youth. As a former teacher, as a mom, as a writer, I know how essential it is to foster creativity, a love of the arts in our students, and to make it a continued priority in schools.”

“I want to congratulate Cora Chivington for receiving the Grand Prize for her piece “Light of Hunger” in this year's Congressional Art Competition. I’m blown away by her work, and I look forward to seeing a piece of Vermont every day in the US Capitol.”

Photos attached of Cora Chivington and her artwork. Courtesy of the Office of Rep. Becca Balint.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=226,Rep. Becca Balint Votes “No” on H.R. 6090,2024-05-01,2024,2024-05,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on H.R. 6090:

“The steady rise of antisemitism is dangerous and deeply disturbing. As the grandchild of a man killed in the Holocaust, I never thought I would see this dramatic increase in antisemitism in my country in my lifetime. It’s critical we work to tackle this hatred with real, effective action. Unfortunately, HR. 6090 is not that. It’s a misguided, ineffective attempt at getting to the root of this issue. The antisemitism so many American Jews face is not abstract. I’ve heard from many Vermonters and Jewish friends across the country that they are scared - scared to go to synagogue and observe holidays. Their children are afraid to be identified as Jewish. This shocks and sickens me.

“We must work diligently to ensure antisemitism, and hate of any kind, cannot survive in America. We must also support freedom of speech. Criticism of Israel and its devastating campaign in Gaza is not by itself antisemitic. Attacking Jews for being Jewish, however, is overtly antisemitic and is exactly what so many are facing right now. Today’s bill would be a violation of the Civil Rights Act. And adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition would equate protected political speech with unprotected discrimination, risking the Department of Education’s efforts to combat discrimination.”

“Addressing rising antisemitism requires serious action – not performative bills that attempt to score political points instead of confronting the clear and present threats to Jewish Americans. ”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=225,Rep. Becca Balint Votes for Supplemental Funding for Ukraine,2024-04-22,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on HR. 8035:

“It’s long past time the United States showed robust support for our democratic ally, Ukraine. Sustaining Ukraine's effort to maintain its independence is so critical to the health of our global democracy. I’m proud to vote to send over $60 billion in aid to support Ukraine in its fight to defeat Putin.”

“Our NATO allies have been watching closely. It’s clear that if the United States does not stand with Ukraine and beat back Putin’s advances, he will not stop with Ukraine. A Russian victory in Ukraine signals to our allies that we are untrustworthy, and they must seek other alliances to protect themselves.

“Pro-Putin extremists in Congress have delayed this vote and want to see Russia win. Finally, Congress is providing decisive aid to defend democracy and freedom in Ukraine.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=224,"Statement from Castro, Velázquez, Doggett, Jayapal, Khanna, Ocasio-Cortez, Balint, Casar, Takano, McGovern, Barbara Lee, Blumenauer, Chu, Johnson, Carson, Watson Coleman, Jesús “Chuy” García, Jonathan Jackson, and Tokuda on the Israel Security Supplemental",2024-04-20,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, nearly 20 members of Congress — Reps. Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Mark Takano (CA-39), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Judy Chu (CA-28), Hank Johnson (GA-04), André Carson (IN-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02), released the following statement after voting against H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

“This is a moment of great consequence – the world is watching. Today is, in many ways, Congress’ first official vote where we can weigh in on the direction of this war. If Congress votes to continue to supply offensive military aid, we make ourselves complicit in this tragedy.

“Our votes against H.R. 8034 are votes against supplying more offensive weapons that could result in more killings of civilians in Rafah and elsewhere. We believe strongly in Israel’s right to self-defense and have joined colleagues previously in affirming our shared commitment.

“All of us support strengthening the Iron Dome and other defense systems and we are committed to a sovereign, safe, and secure future for Israel. To protect that future, we believe the United States must help achieve a ceasefire that allows hostages to be freed, humanitarian aid to be delivered, and peace talks to begin.

“Benjamin Netanyahu appears willing to sacrifice the hostages while inflicting extraordinary suffering on the people of Gaza. He is willing to expand this conflict to preserve his power at the expense of Israel’s safety. In recent weeks, reports have indicated that Netanyahu is moving closer to a full-scale invasion of the southern Gaza town of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians have taken shelter. When faced with the question of whether to provide offensive aid to further this conflict, we believe there is a moral imperative to find another path.

“Most Americans do not want our government to write a blank check to further Prime Minister Netanyahu’s war in Gaza. The United States needs to help Israel find a path to win the peace.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=223,Rep. Becca Balint to Vote “No” on Sending Offensive Weapons to Israel,2024-04-19,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the upcoming vote on H.R. 8034:

“To give the Netanyahu government more offensive weapons at this stage is to condone the utter destruction of Gaza we’ve seen over the last seven months and risks fueling a deadly regional war. The United States cannot continue to support the extreme offensive that has caused unimaginable suffering to the Palestinian people. I will vote “no” on sending more offensive weapons and dollars to Israel.

“I’m a lifelong supporter of a safe and secure Israel and a two-state solution. I will always be firm in supporting Israel as a sovereign nation, supplying defensive tools like the Iron Dome, demanding the release of all hostages, and working toward a free and safe future for the entire region. But supporting Netanyahu’s war in Gaza will undermine Israel’s long-term security and standing, and it is not a path to peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

“I’m encouraged that Democrats were able to secure global humanitarian aid in this bill. However, I’m deeply concerned that with the prohibition on funding UNRWA and the Netanyahu government consistently blocking aid, this does not come close to meeting the desperate needs of the people in Gaza.

“Americans will remember this moment. The United States must be firm in demanding a course correction from the Netanyahu government. Without a strong message against more offensive aid, the United States risks signaling support for an expanded offensive in Rafah, for an escalation with Iran, and for continued disregard for Palestinian life. ”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=222,Rep. Becca Balint to Vote “No” on Divisive Republican Resolution,2024-04-16,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement ahead of a House vote on H.Res. 883:

“Extremists on both sides of this conflict, including in the Netanyahu government, have co-opted the phrase “from the river to the sea” to assert a one-sided claim to this land. But let’s be clear, everyone - Israelis, Palestinians - belongs to this land and suggestions that any group should be eradicated from the region are abhorrent.

“If Republicans wanted to truly address the quickly escalating crisis in the region, they would bring substantive bills to the floor and get immediate aid to Gaza and Ukraine.

“This resolution is yet another way to sow division and demonize Palestinians. I’m voting no.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=221,Rep. Becca Balint Among Growing Group of Democrats Calling to Withhold Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel,2024-04-09,2024,2024-04,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Becca Balint signed a letter to President Biden and Secretary Blinken, alongside 55 Democrats led by Representatives Pocan, McGovern and Schakowsky urging the Biden Administration to withhold pending and future weapons assistance to Israel. This comes following the seven humanitarian aid workers from World Central Kitchen, including one American, killed in an Israeli airstrike. Representatives also expressed grave concern about Israel’s consistent blocking of humanitarian aid as Gaza descends into famine.

“We write to express our shared concern and outrage regarding the recent Israeli airstrike which killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including an American citizen,” the Members wrote. “In light of this incident, we strongly urge you to reconsider your recent decision to authorize the transfer of a new arms package to Israel and to withhold this and any future offensive arms transfers until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed. If this strike is found to have violated U.S. or international law, we urge you to continue withholding these transfers until those responsible are held accountable. We also urge you to withhold these transfers if Israel fails to sufficiently mitigate harm to innocent civilians in Gaza, including aid workers, and if it fails to facilitate – or arbitrarily denies or restricts – the transport and delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

“It is estimated that over 32,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of this war, nearly half of whom are children,” the Members continued.“While we appreciate your administration’s recent efforts to increase the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, these efforts will not be sufficient to meet the extraordinary need on the ground. The Israeli government’s restrictions on the flow of aid into Gaza, coupled with the death and grave harm that aid workers have faced during this war, are compounding this hunger crisis. Recent reports indicate that hundreds of aid trucks sit idle outside the Rafah border crossing due to Israel’s restrictions. And now over 200 aid workers have been killed since the start of the war. These attacks and deaths are having a chilling effect with the World Central Kitchen and other humanitarian groups now suspending their operations in Gaza. Until now, World Central Kitchen has provided more than 43 million meals to Palestinians in Gaza, lending support to 68 community kitchens throughout the territory and serving more than 170,000 hot meals each day. Its services are irreplaceable, and its absence will fuel the growing hunger crisis in Gaza.”

“In light of the recent strike against aid workers and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis, we believe it is unjustifiable to approve these weapons transfers,” the Members concluded. “We again strongly urge you to withhold any offensive weapons transfers until the investigation into the airstrike is concluded and, if it is found this strike violated U.S. or international law, those responsible are held accountable. And we again urge you to ensure that any future military assistance to Israel, including already authorized transfers, is subject to conditions to ensure it is used in compliance with U.S. and international law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=216,Rep. Becca Balint Votes ‘No’ on Inflated Defense Spending Bill,2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“Federal spending is a reflection of our values. And Vermonters are sick of inflating an unchecked Pentagon budget – following nothing but failed audits. It’s time we finally invest instead in the urgent needs of working families.

“I’ll always support a strong defense system for our country and a fully funded National Guard. But it’s unconscionable to vote to give the military nearly a trillion dollars when working families in this country can barely make ends meet.

“I know Vermonters share my concern around funding robust and immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza. I’m troubled that this bill includes a prohibition on contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency until March 2025. Sustained funding to UNRWA alongside accountability for any UNRWA workers who participated in the October 7th attacks is essential. If UNRWA is no longer funded, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will worsen substantially.

“However, I’m proud to work alongside Democratic leaders who worked tirelessly to remove dangerous anti-LGBTQ+, anti-immigrant, anti-climate provisions from this bill which ultimately passed the House.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=215,"WATCH: Rep. Becca Balint Slams Republicans for Craven, Hateful Anti Trans Bills",2024-03-21,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) called out hateful anti-trans bills in the House Judiciary Committee. Her remarks below:

“So here we are, spending time, once again, using our valuable time to pick on a class of people in this country. I believe I'm the only person on this committee who represents the LGBTQ community. Though, I always say that we know of. And I have to tell you, I've been absolutely stunned by the amount of time and energy that we have spent in this Congress talking about trans kids, their parents, gay Americans, that somehow my community is the source of all that is wrong in this country. And I want to associate myself with remarks of Ms. Jackson Lee from Texas and Ms. Jayapal from Washington.

“This is about basic humanity. This is about dignity. And it is no secret, if you are paying attention, that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have decided that this congressional term would be about bringing up the issue of trans kids and their families and gay Americans relentlessly. Amendments and bills and riders constantly, as if we have nothing better to do than to demonize our fellow citizens. Because that's what we're talking about here. It's about constantly trying to get Americans. To hate one another. It is about dehumanizing children. Children.

“And as a former teacher, I can tell you it is hard enough to be an adolescent without getting all of these messages from our elected officials that somehow, they are not worthy. They are not loved. And some of the rhetoric that I hear right now in this body is about making them less than human. And all they want to do is live their lives, attend school, have friends, participate in sports, know that their government is not using every opportunity to fan the flames of fear and hatred.

“Now, I understand that there are some people in this room and in this body as a whole that may actually believe the rhetoric, may actually believe that you are doing good. But I'm telling you, it has a devastating effect on children, on teens and their parents.

“In this committee, we had a hearing on trans kids generally, and the danger, essentially, they were to the American way of life. And right there in that seat, we had a conservative, Republican woman who came to talk about her experience trying to raise her trans kid and what it felt like for her to sit in this body and have members of her own party try to treat her as if she were somehow doing damage to her child by simply trying to hold her for all that she was. I don't believe that you think you're doing real damage, but I'm telling you, you are.

“This is not how we should be spending our time. We should be spending our time uplifting Americans, alleviating suffering, letting Americans know that we believe in them and we support them and not this. This fear mongering, this constant fear mongering in this Congress. People who just want to live their lives and the families who love them.”

Watch her full remarks in the House Judiciary Committee here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=214,Rep. Becca Balint Votes ‘Yes’ on the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,2024-03-13,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"“As a mom of two teenagers, I share the concerns of parents across the country that TikTok in its current form poses a threat to mental health, data privacy, and national security. But let’s be clear: the legislation that the House considered today does not ban TikTok, rather it requires divestiture by ByteDance and the sale of TikTok to an American company. This bill is a chance to allow users to access the app without risking the collection of their personal data from China.”

“While social media has created a global community and become a place for connection, we also know that we must take action to regulate social media sites and ensure we safeguard our kids from their known damaging effects. As a mother and former teacher, I see these effects firsthand. This bill is a step toward protecting Americans — especially younger generations — from user data exploitation and harm to mental health and safety.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=212,Rep. Balint Announces State of the Union Guest: Chloe Learey,2024-03-06,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Highlighting need for solutions to urgent childcare and housing crises

Washington, D.C - Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) announced Chloe Learey, Executive Director of the Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development as her guest for the State of the Union address.

“Childcare and housing are at the root of so many of the greatest challenges facing Vermont families,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “That’s why this year I’m thrilled to be joined by someone who understands the impacts bold and creative investments in housing mean for a family’s stability and a child’s future. Chloe knows that meeting her mission to support our youngest children and their families meant tackling the housing crisis head on. She has left no stone unturned in her quest to convert an underutilized historic campus into a space that can meet emergency, transitional, and affordable housing needs. Humanity and heart have always been the center of Chloe’s work, spearheading transformative change for Southern Vermont. She represents the type of creative community leadership we need across the state and the country to address the housing crisis. ”

“I am deeply honored to be invited by Congresswoman Balint as her guest to the State of the Union. She understands that our most challenging issues require us to work together across sectors if we are going to successfully address them,” said Winston Prouty Executive Director Chloe Learey. “Recognizing community needs, identifying creative solutions, and inviting collaboration in problem solving is our best path forward. Modeling this at all levels, from local to international, creates hope and possibility during daunting times. For me, this opportunity is about sparking and maintaining that hope.”

Chloe Learey has been Executive Director of The Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development since July 2007. Chloe is passionate about helping create communities where everyone is valued and has a chance to develop and contribute their gifts. The Prouty Center has grown significantly during that time as new programs to support young children and their families added over $2.4 million to the budget. In addition, The Prouty Center purchased the 184-acre campus of the former Austine School in 2016, moved operations to that location and took over managing the property. A community planning process in 2019 identified this asset as a potential site for developing housing, and efforts to explore this possibility began in earnest in early 2022. Initial master planning was completed in April 2023, and work continues on bringing this vision to fruition.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=213,Rep. Balint Votes to Pass Bipartisan Government Domestic Funding Legislation,2024-03-06,2024,2024-03,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Budget Committee, voted ‘YES’ on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, a package of six domestic funding bills focused on helping families and communities across the United States. The investments in the bill will create and sustain good-paying jobs and support working families through essential government services.

“After months of chaos and extremism, the House has fulfilled its basic responsibility, funding critical government programs,” said Rep. Balint. “By fully funding programs that keep families fed, our veterans protected, and that boost housing assistance, we are able to invest directly in the communities that need it most. Working families depend on government assistance to make ends meet and this bill makes good on our promises. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues to defeat Republican extremism and finally get this funding bill across the finish line.”

Rep. Balint secured over $10.9 million in funding for the following community-based projects in Vermont:

Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless – $500,000

To enable the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless to purchase a new building to serve as a family emergency shelter.

Canaan Naturally Connected – Canaan Gathering Place - $125,000 (Joint project with Senator Sanders)

To create a community center by bringing the historic Episcopal Church building in Canaan into ADA compliance, enhancing the bathroom facilities as well as upgrading the wiring, plumbing, kitchen, lighting, parking, and security areas. This facility will serve the community by providing learning opportunities, financial literacy training, and a space for the community to come together.

Carlos G. Otis Health Care Center, Inc. dba Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital – Primary Care Medical Office Building - $1,500,000

To improve patient care for the residents of 25 towns in Windham County, VT, and beyond who rely on Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital for primary and mental health care.

Champlain Housing Trust – Bay Ridge Neighborhood Development - $1,000,000

To redevelop the site of Harbor Place in Shelburne, VT from a transitional housing motel with 59 short-term rooms to a new mixed-income and mixed-tenancy neighborhood. This new neighborhood will include 68 new rental apartments and 26 new shared equity condominiums for sale in a total of 10 buildings, adding significantly to Shelburne’s housing stock.

City of Burlington – Burlington High School - Burlington Technical Center Campus Stormwater Treatment - $1,200,000 (Joint project with Senators Sanders and Welch)

To treat stormwater at the site of the new Burlington High School/Burlington Technical Center campus. The stormwater treatment and control system will ensure that all stormwater generated from the site will be managed to minimize the adverse impacts of runoff to surface waters.

City of South Burlington – Bartlett Bay Wastewater Facility Energy Efficiency Improvements - $700,000

To reduce the overall carbon footprint as part of the current upgrade of the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) in South Burlington. An energy efficient heating system will help keep wastewater rates low for rate payers, reduce the plant's carbon footprint, and support a clean energy future.

East Berkshire Fire District #1 – Water Source - $600,000 (Joint project with Senator Sanders)

To discover and connect a new clean drinking water source to provide sufficient capacity for the individuals served by the East Berkshire Fire District #1 village water system. Securing a safe, reliable water source will save the community the expense of bringing in bulk water and could support new housing development.

North East Kingdom Community Action Inc. – Family Wellness and Economic Empowerment Campus - $1,116,279

To acquire and renovate property in St. Johnsbury to serve the needs of Northeast Kingdom residents, creating efficiencies within the NEKCA organization and improving service delivery and privacy for clients.

Norwich University Applied Research Institutes – Operational Technology Advanced Cyber Architecture - $250,000 (Joint project with Senator Welch)

To conduct research, and spur design, and innovation through a partnership between the Norwich University Applied Research Institutes and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),

Royalton Fire District #1 — South Royalton Rescue Squad Crew Quarters and Ambulance Garage - $648,887 (Joint project with Senator Sanders)

To support rural first responders by building a two-bay garage for rescue squad vehicles and crew quarters. SRRS provides essential, life-saving services to South Royalton, Sharon and Tunbridge.

Rutland Housing Authority – Templewood Court Housing Preservation Project - $650,000

To provide mandated electrical upgrades to 10 buildings, preserving affordable housing serving over 60 low-income elderly and disabled individuals.

Town of Bennington – Bennington High School Redevelopment - $1,000,000

To support the redevelopment of Bennington High School, which has been vacant since 2004. In addition to restoring a historic building, the project will create much needed housing as well as new space for essential community services, such as the Town’s Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, a Town recreation center, and an early childcare center.

Town of North Hero – New Elevated Water Storage Tank - $500,000

To improve reliable, safe water access by constructing an elevated water storage tank that will provide a backup water source to areas south of the village and eliminate any disruption of service during future breaks and necessary repairs.

Turning Point Center of Central Vermont – Recovery Center Renovation - $400,000

To support the development of a model substance use disorder recovery center serving all central Vermont. In doing so, it will also restore and revitalize a historic building in downtown Barre. This project is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders in central Vermont.

Vermont Agency of Transportation – State Bridge #237 Culvert Replacement - $800,000

To support the replacement of an outdated culvert that poses a risk of failure and resulting disruption to the surrounding communities. A culvert failure could result in an emergency closure, creating a detour distance of up to 27.4 miles for area residents, visitors, truck freight, and public transportation, and also place pressure on local roadways.

“I’m thrilled to have secured over $10.9 million to invest directly in our communities across Vermont. These investments will spur 15 different projects, generating jobs and strengthening our community resources. These projects address some of Vermont’s most pressing issues: rural health care, housing, climate resiliency and education. I look forward to seeing these federal dollars put to work for Vermont families,” said Rep. Balint.

Democrats rejected extreme Republican cuts and policies. This first government package invests in America’s future and delivers for the American people by:

Helping with the high cost of living, creating and sustaining tens of thousands of good paying jobs, fighting inflation, and providing full funding for key lifelines such as food assistance and more affordable housing and homeownership.

Protecting women’s rights by blocking attempts to limit women’s access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and by increasing funding for gender-based violence prevention and prosecution programs.

Confronting the climate crisis, fighting climate change, and ensuring America’s energy independence with robust, transformative investments in deploying clean energy technologies in communities across the country, and providing funding for cutting-edge scientific and climate-related research.

Honoring our commitments to our veterans by ensuring they receive the care and benefits that they have earned and investing in veterans’ health care, including targeted investments that advance women's health, mental health, and homelessness assistance.

This package includes the following funding bills: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

A detailed summary of the legislation is available here.

The remaining six appropriations bills for fiscal year 2024 are expected to be released in the coming days and be voted on ahead of their expiration on March 22.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=201,Rep. Balint Votes to Keep Government Open,2024-02-29,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Once again Saving Republicans and Speaker Johnson from Government Shutdown

Washington, DC - Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement following the vote on H.R. 7463 to avert a government shutdown.

“Republicans continue to make clear that they don’t take the most basic function of their job seriously. Once again at the 11th hour, we are extending the budget deadline because they have wasted months refusing to engage in serious, bipartisan negotiations. Their reckless behavior and lack of seriousness put real families at risk and their proposed budget cuts are extreme and cruel. Working families across this country need real investment in education, health care, housing, and the essential programs that keep families fed. It’s time we work toward funding these critical programs that invest directly to our communities that need it most.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=202,Congressional Delegation Statement on Trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories,2024-02-29,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Mark Takano (CA-39), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Sean Casten (IL-06), and Becca Balint (VT-AL), released a statement on their recent trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories and outlining changes for future U.S. policy.

“What happened in Israel on October 7th was horrifying. On our recent trip to Israel, we saw firsthand the remnants of the violence that innocent people were subjected to on that dark day. The world must not forget that there are still over 130 hostages being held by Hamas – they must be freed immediately. Hamas is ultimately responsible for this war and must be defeated.

“Through our travels around Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we saw the impacts of October 7th and Israel’s response following that dark day. We learned how leaders and residents are preparing for the ‘day after’ this deadly conflict. We went to the site of the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival that Hamas attacked and saw the memorial to over 300 that were murdered. We went to Kibbutz Be’eri and saw the homes where so many were massacred. And we visited the Hostage Square and met with families of those taken hostage by Hamas. We then went to Khirbet Zanutah, a Palestinian village in the West Bank where settlers destroyed homes and a school. We were briefed from Gaza by UNRWA, which has lost 154 staff to the violence.

“We are deeply worried that Prime Minister Netanyahu is moving toward the total destruction of Gaza and has demonstrated an utter disregard for Palestinian lives. Nearly 30,000 Palestinians have been killed – with almost 70,000 more injured and thousands missing. He has shamefully been unwilling to allow humanitarian services in at the scale needed.

“The Prime Minister’s plan for Gaza foresees Israel with a permanent occupation of Gaza and rejects any role for the Palestinian Authority. It makes it impossible for moderate Arab states to play a future role.

“With the defeat of Hamas, the Palestinian people must have a strong vote and voice in their future. A two-state solution is the only path that gives the Israeli and Palestinian people hope, dignity, and security. Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes a two-state solution. That puts him in direct conflict with President Biden and virtually all Arab states.

“We found all parties working for change are looking for greater U.S. leadership and welcome the major steps President Biden has taken. The President must continue to lead on humanitarian assistance and ending settler violence, building off the executive order.

“We believe that the changes outlined in this statement are necessary to bring us toward our ultimate goal: an end to this conflict, an end to the suffering, and lasting security and peace for all Palestinians and Israelis.

“This trip created an opportunity for us to hear diverse views on what must happen going forward in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, and the Middle East. Throughout every stop and meeting on our trip, it was evident that major changes are needed in order to bring security and peace to Israelis and Palestinians:

“An immediate end to violence in Gaza and the West Bank:

An immediate, sustained pause in fighting of at least six weeks to allow for an increase in humanitarian assistance and to protect Palestinian civilians. This pause must include the release of all hostages that continue to be held by Hamas.

Recognition that the current level of civilian loss of life in Gaza is unacceptable and far beyond what is necessary to defeat Hamas. The Israeli government must take every step possible to prevent the loss of civilian life and deconflict military action with humanitarian deliveries.

The Israeli government must bring an end to settler violence, which predated October 7th and then surged after October 7th.

“Providing humanitarian aid and security for refugees:

A dramatic increase in the level of humanitarian aid into Gaza. There is currently a need to more than double the number of trucks to at least 500 trucks of aid per day and a re-start to commercial shipments.

Sustained funding to UNRWA alongside accountability for any UNRWA workers who participated in the October 7th attacks. If UNRWA is no longer funded, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will worsen substantially.

Israel’s military response has killed thousands of innocents – too many of which were avoidable – and worsened a humanitarian crisis that has put millions at risk of starvation. Any Israeli offensive on Rafah must include a radically different plan for refugees. To date, no such plan has been provided.

“’Day After Plan’ and Reconstruction:

Meaningful reforms to strengthen the Palestinian Authority so that it can represent the Palestinian people and a Palestinian state, including new elections of new leadership.

Increased regional cooperation among Arab states that can support new Palestinian leadership to help lead to a two-state solution.

Reforming the Palestinian Authority’s current prisoners’ payments program, allowing a resumption of aid to the Palestinian Authority in line with the Taylor Force Act.

Increased efforts by the U.S. and Israel to bring an end to settler violence – including by greater accountability for perpetrators, expanding the use of President Biden’s Executive Order, and reinforcing that the West Bank and Gaza are “occupied territory” under international law.

“Promoting long-term regional stability:

Joining with U.S. allies in pushing back on the Iranian government for supporting the Houthis and other proxy groups and militias in the region.

Stronger U.S. leadership to bring security and peace to the Middle East.

Regional security assurances for Israel to live side-by-side with an independent Palestinian state.

Constructive participation by the Israeli government in planning for a future Palestinian state.

Commitment to the long-term and ultimate goal of security, peace, and hope for all Palestinians and Israelis.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=198,Rep. Becca Balint Joins Congressional Delegation to Israel and West Bank,2024-02-20,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"During wartime, Balint Advocates for Peace and Security in Region through Direct Dialogue with Israelis and Palestinians

Washington, D.C - Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the Congressional Delegation to Israel and the West Bank:

“During one of the most devastating and pivotal times for the region in modern history, it is crucial for me to engage directly with Israelis and Palestinians. What the region needs now is to swiftly reach a ceasefire agreement, safely return all hostages, administer robust humanitarian aid, and find viable long-term solutions for Israel’s post war government and who will govern Gaza.

“I’ve never shied away from tough conversations and this delegation visit is no exception. I’m deeply concerned by the deadly offensive on Gaza. We need real, immediate solutions to end this suffering, and we must find a way to ultimately get to a two-state solution. While there are extremists on both sides holding us back from this goal, it is imperative we push forward with consistent dialogue and diplomacy. Without it we keep Israelis and Palestinians from having safety, security, and a promise of a better future for their children and grandchildren.

“I look forward to further understanding the rich and complicated history of the region from a variety of viewpoints.”

Rep. Balint and her colleagues will meet with senior Israeli officials, family members of hostages, Palestinians living in the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority, and UN officials.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=192,Rep. Balint Introduces Sweeping New Housing Legislation: Community Housing Act,2024-02-12,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Bellows Falls, VT - Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced her first major piece of legislation of her first term: the Community Housing Act (CHA). This ambitious plan invests over $500 billion in federal programs that fund the construction of affordable and deeply affordable housing. The CHA embraces perpetually affordable housing through a community land trust which means a nonprofit organization of residents that jointly stewards community assets, guaranteeing that housing on that land stays affordable and inclusive. The bill includes a suite of creative policy solutions to address root causes of the housing crisis and alleviate long term affordability challenges.

“The Community Housing Act is designed to tackle some of the biggest barriers to addressing our housing crisis, here in Vermont and across the country. CHA offers creative solutions and big, bold investments. Hundreds of billions of dollars in housing investments. Because that’s wht’s needed,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “So many Vermont families face the crushing burden of the housing crisis. We need real policy solutions to alleviate the national housing crisis by encouraging the creation of more affordable, community-based housing. I’m grateful for the partnerships in Vermont and across the country for their support and I look forward to our work to alleviate this burden on working families everywhere.”

The Community Housing Act addresses the housing crisis by:

Increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Ensuring that affordable housing stays affordable for the long run.

Giving renters the support they need to stay in their homes.

Encouraging revamping zoning codes to eliminate barriers to more affordable housing construction.

Giving antitrust enforcers the information they need to prosecute digital price fixing by landlords.

Strengthening and preserving pathways to homeownership.

Supporting affordable homes and apartments for rural residents.

The bill is co-led by chair of the Congressional Renters Caucus, Jimmy Gomez (CA-34).

“The Community Housing Act gets to the core of why I founded the Renters Caucus—to build a coalition of policymakers like Rep. Balint who will find creative solutions to address the housing crisis. I’m proud to introduce this sweeping legislation with my Renters Caucus colleague to make housing more affordable and accessible for all communities—from rural Vermont to my densely populated district in Los Angeles,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “I will work to ensure our 34-member strong caucus throws our full support behind advancing this important bill to tackle the housing crisis head-on.”

“More than ever, bold policies are needed to ensure that people with the lowest incomes and the most marginalized people have a stable, affordable home. I applaud Representative Balint for introducing legislation to provide historic investments in proven solutions, such as the national Housing Trust Fund and emergency rental assistance, at the scale needed to help millions of low-income people obtain the stable, affordable, and accessible homes they need to thrive,” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition

“The Community Housing Act represents a comprehensive solution to America’s shortage of affordable housing. The bill establishes a federal infrastructure to support shared equity housing and enables us to invest in public housing again. Both of these supply-side strategies complement market-based solutions like the Housing Trust Fund. The bill also recognizes that developing so much housing will take time. In the interim, people will continue to face affordability challenges. Therefore, the bill establishes a permanent emergency rental assistance program and funds free legal assistance programs to aid people at risk of eviction. The Community Housing Act provides immediate relief to people who can’t afford housing today and rebuilds the federal government’s capacity to prevent high housing costs altogether in the future,” said Jesse Fairbanks, policy analyst, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP).

“The Champlain Housing Trust stands ready to work with Congresswoman Balint and others to address the housing needs of low and middle income Vermonters, and particularly appreciates the emphasis in this proposal of prioritizing permanently affordable housing, including shared equity homeownership,” said Michael Monte, Chief Executive Officer, Champlain Housing Trust.

“The National NeighborWorks Association (NNA) endorses and applauds the efforts of Rep. Balint through the Community Housing Act to create solutions in addressing our nation’s affordable housing crisis. Addressing the need for resources, regulation, and policy improvements is the roadmap to increasing the supply of affordable housing and provides the foundation for the success of our members’ residents and communities,” said Lou Tisler, Executive Director, National Neighborworks Association.

“This bill comes at a time when Vermonters are facing incredible hardship due to the lack of housing. Bold investments in perpetually affordable homes directly addresses the need for new homes right now and ensures that future generations of Vermonters will continue to benefit from these investments. We thank the Congresswoman for supporting solutions that address the unique needs of our rural communities and that strengthen the very foundation of our community’s well being and the stability of our neighborhoods,” said Elizabeth Bridgewater, Windham & Windsor Housing Trust.

“The Community Housing Act would help address the housing needs of Vermont's rural renters and homeowners and provide needed funding to help address Vermont's acute shortage of affordable housing,” said Frank Knaack, Executive Director of Housing and Homeless Alliance of Vermont.

The bill is endorsed by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), National NeighborWorks Association (NNA), Grounded Solutions Network, Champlain Housing Trust, Housing and Homeless Alliance of Vermont (HHAV), Windham & Windsor Housing Trust, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB), Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP).

One pager on the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=188,Rep. Becca Balint to Vote ‘NO’ on Republican’s Israel-Only Supplemental Funding,2024-02-06,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Speaker Johnson follows Trump Demands; Brings Bill to Floor Without Humanitarian Aid or Ukraine Funding

Washington, D.C - Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) issued the following statement on her opposition to HR 7217, the Israel-only supplemental funding bill:

“Speaker Johnson’s Israel-only supplemental does nothing to aid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, bring security to the region or protect Ukrainian sovereignty. I have long been a strong advocate for Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself, within the bounds of international law. But I cannot support any aid package that does not immediately surge robust humanitarian assistance to the millions of Palestinian families suffering in Gaza. As President Biden made clear today, this is a cheap political ploy from Republicans that would be dead on arrival in the White House.

“Congress must act to support democratic allies around the world. This is an urgent matter of delivering resources and relief to real people suffering. However, Republicans have chosen to elevate this piece of standalone legislation, again showing their willingness to hand Putin a strategic win and ignore the dire crisis in Gaza. I will vote “no” on this type of cynical legislation until a comprehensive aid package is brought to the floor.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=189,Rep. Becca Balint Votes ‘NO’ on Failed Sham Impeachment of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas,2024-02-06,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C - Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) issued the following statement on her opposition toH.Res. 863, Impeaching Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas:

“This failed effort by House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas would do absolutely nothing to address immigration concerns, and only serves to politicize the humanitarian crisis at the Southern border. It’s clear that House Republicans have no intention of working to find legislative solutions to address our broken immigration system. This was a political stunt with no real case for charges of ‘high crimes and misdemeanors.’

“Congress has a role to play in immigration reform and making changes to address systemic failures, expand legal pathways, and invest resources in updating an outdated and inhumane system. We need to prioritize the humanity of the real families and children at the border rather than demonizing and othering. ”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=185,"Rep. Balint Votes to Advance Child Tax Credit for Working Families, Boost Affordable Housing",2024-02-01,2024,2024-02,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Rep. Becca Balint voted to advance an expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), disaster relief, and an enhanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), out of the House of Representatives with the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.

“The enhancements to the Child Tax Credit will lift nearly half a million children out of poverty in the first year, delivering relief to 16 million children nationwide, including an estimated 15,000 in Vermont. And the enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit will make way for 200,000 affordable rental units. These commonsense changes to our tax code finally will be impactful for so many Vermonters who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Rep. Balint.

“But why can’t Republicans ever support working families without massive handouts to corporations? Americans want and deserve tax fairness. We need to make our tax code work for working families, not just the ultra-wealthy. I look forward to working with my Democratic colleagues to make even further expansions on transformative tax credits like the child tax credit and others.”

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that the bill would benefit 15,000 children in Vermont and 16 million children nationwide while lifting as many as 400,000 children above the poverty line in its first year, with more even more set to benefit in 2025.

The legislation delivers vital tax relief to working families by:

Increasing the maximum refundability of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), allowing low-income families to receive more of the credit than they were able to previously.

Giving eligible families the option to use their earned income from the prior year to calculate their CTC, benefiting taxpayers whose income may have fallen from one year to the next.

Assists businesses and individuals by cutting red tape and rebuilds communities struck by disasters with tax relief.

Modifying the computation of the refundability to be on a per-child basis, meaning more low-income families with multiple children will qualify for a higher CTC.

Adjusting the CTC for inflation starting in 2025, keeping pace with the cost of living.

Other Key Provisions

This package will spur spending on domestic research and development by businesses, by allowing businesses to deduct those expenses immediately. It will lower the cost of housing by enhancing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which will help develop more than 200,000 affordable housing units.

It will provide tax relief to taxpayers who have been the victims of natural disasters. The assistance for disaster impacted communities extends the rules for the treatment of certain disaster-related personal losses including any area where a major disaster was declared by the President during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending 60 days after the date of enactment of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=175,Rep. Balint Highlights Impact of Tax Credits on VT Families on National EITC Day,2024-01-26,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Barre, VT - Today, to mark National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Day, Rep. Becca Balint was joined by state and local representatives and advocacy groups at Capstone Community Action to raise awareness of the tax credits available to Vermonters.

The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low- to moderate-income households. Last year over $66 million in Earned Income Tax Credits were returned to Vermonters from 2022 tax returns.

Rep. Balint was joined by Craig Bolio, Tax Commissioner, State Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Former State Rep. Janet Ancel, Bob Fett, Local IRS Taxpayer Advocate for VT, Sue Minter, Executive Director, Capstone Community Action, Matt Harris, VITA Program Manager, Dr. Julie Lowell, Public Assets Institute.

“Anti-poverty programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit are essential to ensuring Vermont families can live with dignity and meet their needs. The historic poverty levels we see in this country are an abject policy failure. And we need to give American families the tools to support themselves and their families,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “When we invest in our children and their families we invest in the future of our country.”

“In Vermont, we passed the largest state level CTC in the country— $1000 for each family and refundable, so families can get that magic money back at tax time, and we significantly expanded our EITC,” said VT State Rep. Emilie Kornheiser. “I know taxes aren’t the thing that people think of when grappling with rent, and groceries, but these solutions make space for families, reduce child poverty, and close our rapidly growing wealth gap. We can make a difference in people’s lives, if we focus on what is needed and we make the solutions accessible.”

“For our families living with low incomes, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are essential for their financial well-being. These credits boost income levels to help move people out of poverty, and the influx of cash provides an opportunity to catch up on bills, save money, and offer relief from the stresses of living on a tight budget,” said Sue Minter,Executive Director of Capstone Community Action.

“All over the country, state policy makers are looking to Vermont as an example of how these proven anti-poverty tax credits can be used at the state level to reduce poverty and advance racial, social, and economic justice. This year we have the opportunity to build on our success by increasing the credits and getting them to even more Vermonters so they can better support themselves and their families,” Dr. Julie Lowell, Policy Analyst at Public Assets Institute.

“The VITA Tax Program is delighted to provide free tax services to eligible Vermonters who earned less than 64,000 last year. Free tax appointments are available at 17 different VITA Tax sites across Vermont this filing season. Contact your local Community Action Agency for more info,” said Matt Harris, VITA Tax Program Manager.

Vermonters can determine their eligibility and file claims for free using the online EITC Assistant atwww.irs.gov and http://tax.vermont.gov for their state taxes.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z
https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=152,Vermont Delegation Holds Rally on Restoring Montpelier Post Office and Postal Issues Across the State,2024-01-09,2024,2024-01,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"MONTPELIER, VT – Vermont’s Congressional Delegation held a rally with members of the Montpelier community and the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience on the effort to restore the state capital’s post office. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), and a representative for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) spoke at the rally.

“The Postal Service is an essential public service that is vital to our democracy and the lives of Vermonters—and it’s time the national management at USPS treat it that way,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “The consistent failure of USPS national management to deliver for the people of Vermont and Montpelier is incredibly frustrating. We stand in solidarity with the residents and postal workers of Vermont’s capital city who need and deserve a functioning post office. We will accept nothing less. We’re going to keep fighting until we get it.”

Since the catastrophic flood damage this summer, more than five months ago, the Montpelier Post Office has operated out of a series of temporary locations, including trucks that failed to provide safe working conditions for employees or reliable service to the community. In October, Sanders, Welch, and Balint sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy calling on him to restore postal service in Montpelier, protect worker safety on the job, and address the deterioration of service across Vermont and in rural communities across the country.

In November, USPS closed the temporary units in Montpelier without a timely plan to restore full postal operational service to Montpelier.

In December, Sen. Welch and Sen. Sanders were joined by Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in sending a letter to President Biden urging him to nominate individuals to the USPS Board of Governors by the end of the year who will hold Postmaster General Louis DeJoy accountable for his failure to provide adequate mail service in rural communities.

View photos from the event on Sen. Welch’s website.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T23:46:48Z