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://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-van-hollen-reiterate-call-to-noem-urging-release-of-full-fema-review-council-report/,"Welch, Van Hollen Reiterate Call to Noem Urging Release of Full FEMA Review Council Report",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to release the FEMA Review Council’s full, unaltered report. According to reports, Secretary Noem edited the report and recommendations down dramatically, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. Senator Welch urged Secretary Noem to release the full report ahead of the Council’s final meeting last week. But, hours before the meeting was scheduled to begin, it was abruptly canceled. “On December 11, 2025, two hours before it was set to begin, the White House cancelled the meeting of the Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which was set to vote on releasing its findings,” wrote the Senators. “On December 10, 2025, Senator Welch wrote you a letter urging you to release the Council’s complete findings, following reporting that you and your top advisor, Corey Lewandowski, had cut approximately 140 pages of the Council’s 160-page draft report assessing potential FEMA reforms. The Council’s draft report reflected nearly 13,000 public comments and a dozen meetings with communities across the country.” The Senators concluded: “We again request that you release the Council’s complete report, including all conclusions and recommendations, by December 23, 2025, in order to inform productive bipartisan discussions about potential improvements to FEMA.” Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act on the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023 and 2024. Senator Welch’s bill will cut red tape and empower state and local governments to access recovery assistance when it is needed. The bill will support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster response. In July, Senator Welch called for the resignation of Secretary Noem citing, in part, her mismanagement of FEMA. Read and download the Senators’ full letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-blackburn-lead-bipartisan-legislation-to-empower-visual-artists-to-protect-their-work/,"Welch, Blackburn Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Empower Visual Artists to Protect Their Work",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this week introduced the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA), bipartisan legislation to modernize copyright registration for visual artists to make it easier and less costly for high-volume visual artists to register and protect their works. “Vermont’s visual creators make significant contributions to our country, and their work should be protected. But visual artists often struggle to protect the authenticity of their work because of the unique challenges facing high-volume artists,” said Senator Welch. “We’re working to modernize copyright processes and safeguard the creativity of visual artists.” “Visual artists produce incredible work that deserves to be protected, but current copyright law has fallen short,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act would modernize copyright registration so creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists can protect their work and enforce their rights. This bill would fix a broken system by cutting unnecessary costs and bureaucracy, helping America’s creative community thrive.” The Copyright Act of 1976 offers the promise that copyrightable works are automatically protected the instant they are created. However, those rights cannot be enforced unless each work is registered with the Copyright Office. The registration process is so complicated that the time and expense of compliance is too high for high-volume creators like photographers, illustrators, and graphic artists. We are committed to working with the Copyright Office to address these shortcomings. The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act would: Direct the Register of Copyrights to establish a process for an individual to submit a single application for copyright registration of a group of up to 3,000 photographs; Adopt a deferred copyright registration option. Under current law, the Copyright Office calculates registration fees based on their administrative costs, regardless of ability to pay or the punitive impact of high fees on photographers and all creators. These high fees ultimately result in many high-volume visual artists not registering their works because they cannot afford to do so. This bill would create a less costly “deferred examination” option for those who need it; Direct the Register of Copyrights to establish regulations that allow for all-you-can-eat annual registration subscriptions for pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; and Direct the Register of Copyrights to create a modern, secure, searchable registry of electronic copies of copyrighted photos and the copyright holders’ information. Until the Copyright Office can achieve this, photographers would be allowed to submit copies of their photos to Copyright Office-certified private sector registries. Depositing a photo in such a registry would satisfy all necessary copyright deposit requirements. Allowing creators to submit their deposits to third party registries rather than the Copyright Office would streamline the process while also providing the public with useful information about the deposited work. This provision would sunset when the Copyright Office is able to provide its own modern, efficient online system. The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act is endorsed by the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and the Professional Photographers of America. Senator Welch has led efforts to protect creator content in the Senate. This summer, Sens. Welch and Blackburn reintroduced their bipartisan Transparency and Responsibility for Artificial Intelligence Networks (TRAIN) Act, legislation to help musicians, artists, writers, and others access the courts to protect their copyrighted works if and when they are used to train generative AI models. Learn more about the TRAIN Act here. Learn more about the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bicameral-bill-to-protect-medicare-benefits-from-trump-admins-dangerous-ai-experiment/,Welch Joins Bicameral Bill to Protect Medicare Benefits from Trump Admin’s Dangerous AI Experiment,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"As Republicans double down on health care sabotage, Democrats lead effort to halt the Trump Admin’s looming Medicare AI prior authorization takeover WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week joinedU.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, and 14 Democratic Senators in introducing the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act, bicameral legislation to prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model that is set to begin January 1, 2026, and last for six years. The Trump Administration’s WISeR model will introduce prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever—allowing private companies to use artificial intelligence to decide whether to approve or deny certain medical procedures for patients on Traditional Medicare. The model will impose new burdensome requirements on health care providers, especially those working in small or low-resource settings, and create new roadblocks for patients. Under this model, AI will get to decide what care patients receive, even after their doctors have recommended a particular procedure or medication. “From Day One, the Trump Administration has been on a rampage to wreck Medicare and make health care unaffordable. Their newest plan to let AI take over important Medicare prior authorization decisions will be a disaster for providers and make it harder for seniors to get the care they need,” said Senator Welch. “We’re fighting to ensure health care decisions stay in the hands of seniors and their doctors.” “The Trump Administration is gearing up to use AI to delay and deny Medicare benefits for seniors—this is outrageous and should be a national scandal. Seniors already face painful delays when it comes to getting health care, and Republicans have plunged our nation’s health care system further into crisis by passing the largest-ever cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act—leaving many hospitals hanging on by a thread. The very last thing this Administration should be doing is strangling already overworked providers in new red tape and letting AI decide who gets health care and who doesn’t,” said Senator Murray. “We already know that prior authorization creates major burdens and delays for patients and providers, and expanding it to Traditional Medicare will just force seniors to wait longer and navigate mountains of paperwork to get the care their doctor says they need. Make no mistake: this is a backdoor effort to privatize Medicare and cut benefits. My message to seniors in Washington state: I will fight with everything I’ve got to stop this morally bankrupt AI takeover of Medicare and make sure you can get the health care you need.” “The Trump Administration is pushing automated care denials on seniors in Traditional Medicare, which is the last thing Americans want for their health care,” said Senator Wyden. “Instead of improving Traditional Medicare to give seniors the health care they’ve earned, Donald Trump and his cronies are empowering insurance companies and AI special interests. It’s time to stop this experiment on seniors.” “Artificial intelligence should not delay or deny seniors’ health care. The Trump Administration’s new program would force seniors to jump through unnecessary hoops just to get the care they need and impose new, unnecessary burdens on health care providers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, protecting and expanding access to Medicare is one of my top priorities, and I will keep fighting to ensure that health care decisions are made by patients and their doctors, not untested, profit-driven AI programs.” The Trump Administration plans for the WISeR model to run as a pilot program for six years beginning January 1, 2026, in six selected states: Washington, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona. Concerningly, the third-party AI companies involved in the program will be compensated based on a share of “averted expenditures”—rewarding companies based on the volume or cost of care they deny to seniors on Medicare. According to CMS, human clinicians will review any denials made by AI—but the Trump Administration has failed to provide clear guidance to providers and the public about what this will look like, despite implementation being mere weeks away. The Trump Administration has provided little detail on how patients will be notified, supported, or protected if prior authorization requests are denied. In addition to Senators Welch, Murray, Wyden, and Gillibrand, the Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act is cosponsored by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01) introduced companion legislation alongside Reps. Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), and Mark Pocan (D-WI-02) in the House of Representatives. The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act is endorsed by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; American Podiatric Medical Association; American Osteopathic Association; Center for Health and Democracy; Just Care USA; Health Care for All – Washington; Healthcare is a Human Right Coalition; Mental Health Liaison Group; National Nurses United; Physicians for a National Health Program; Public Citizen; Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA); Social Security Works; Social Security Works Washington; Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions; Washington Community Action Network; Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA); and the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA). This Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermonters, including the 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act, Eliminating Thickets to Improve Competition (ETHIC) Act, Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency (MORE) Savings Act, Share the Savings with Seniors Act, Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies (CARE) Act, Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, Social Security Emergency Expansion Act, Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, End Price Gouging for Medications Act, Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act, and the Rural Hospital Support Act. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-speaks-on-trumps-march-to-war-in-caribbean/,Welch Speaks on Trump’s March to War in Caribbean,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) raised alarm about President Trump’s mobilization of National Guard troops, warships, and fighter jets to the Caribbean and urged Congress to enforce the War Powers Act before the United States embarks on another unauthorized war. The Senator emphasized that the Trump Administration has not provided Congress with adequate information about its recent military strikes in the region and demanded transparency and accountability for attacks that have killed nearly 100 people. “The question is: why are our warships, a carrier group, and support assets in the Caribbean? They are not there for drug interdiction. The reason they’re there is obvious, and it’s even acknowledged. President Trump wants Maduro gone. He wants regime change,” said Senator Welch. “As the President masses our forces for a war—as he and his associates have explicitly stated is one in which their goal would be the elimination of the Maduro regime—the President continues to refuse to come to Congress and seek Congressional approval for a military action, as is required under the War Powers Act. “All of us as elected members of the United States Senate have vested in us, under the Constitution Article I, the responsibility and exclusive authority to declare war. Let us all accept our duty and demand that the executive be transparent, be accountable, and comply with the provisions of the War Powers Act and come to Congress for our approval of the military action that is clearly underway.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Read Senator Welch’s remarks as delivered here. Senator Welch has urged Congress to reassert its constitutional authority and pass new legislation to prohibit the unauthorized use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities in Venezuela. The Senator also expressed strong opposition to the President’s mobilization of the Vermont Air National Guard, alongside thousands of other U.S. military units, to support Operation Southern Spear. In October, Senator Welch voted in support of a War Powers Act Resolution led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to stop Trump’s unconstitutional attacks in the Caribbean Sea and urged the Senate to question President Trump’s legal authority to take the United States to war. Senator Welch also led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in demanding answers from the Department of Justice about the legality of military actions ordered by President Trump that have now killed at least 99 people in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-slams-trump-admins-efforts-to-demolish-federal-education-programs-it-has-nothing-to-do-with-reform/,Welch Slams Trump Admin’s Efforts to Demolish Federal Education Programs: “It has nothing to do with reform.”,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week joined a spotlight hearing titled: “Dismantling Education: What the Trump Administration’s Illegal Attacks on Federal Programs Mean for Students, Families, and Educators,” to highlight how the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education would be detrimental for Vermont’s students, families, educators, and schools. “The Trump Administration has taken a wrecking ball to essential federal education programs like Title I, which ensure first-generation, rural, and lower-income students get an equal opportunity to learn and grow. Despite our taxpayers spending one of the highest rates in the country for our students’ education, Vermont now ranks well below the national average on reading and math scores. Just a decade ago, our students scored the 4th highest in the country,” said Senator Welch. “Instead of trying to dismantle the Department of Education, we should be doing everything in our power to give students the resources they need to succeed.” Senator Welch’s exchange with Rachel Gittleman, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, focused on how the Trump Administration’s policies have endangered the ability of vital federal programs like TRIO to help hundreds of underserved students in Vermont succeed at higher education institutions. Ms. Gittleman emphasized how the Trump Administration’s proposal to move the TRIO program to the Department of Labor would be disastrous for students and TRIO’s program infrastructure: “This has already led to students and higher education institutions dropping out of the program for fear of retaliation—not because these students are not citizens, but because they support high immigrant populations at these institutions. This move is nothing but harmful to the very students who rely on this funding just to have the same opportunities as kids from other backgrounds.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: The bicameral forum focused on the Trump Administration’s recent proposal to illegally move nearly all federal K-12 programs—and many higher education programs—to other federal agencies, which have limited capacity and no prior experience to run such programs. Last month, the Department of Education announced that it would partner with the Departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State to conduct the transfer of these programs. This move would fulfill President Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the Department of Education and weaken the federal government’s role in ensuring that all students have access to a quality education. At the forum, witnesses comprised of K-12 education leaders and civil rights experts spoke about how abolishing the Department of Education—and moving education programs to other federal agencies—would harm students across the country, especially those from low-income, rural, Native, migrant, and federally-impacted communities. The forum featured testimony from Rachel Gittleman; Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers; Denise Forte, President and CEO, The Education Trust; Dr. Amy Loyd, CEO, All4Ed; Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children; and Angelica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Rhode Island Department of Education. The forum was led by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and attended by Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Watch a livestream of the spotlight forum here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-ndaa/,Welch Statement on NDAA,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, and released the following statement: “This defense funding bill perpetuates the status quo. Congress is, once again, sinking taxpayer dollars into the Pentagon’s bloated budget, and neglecting to modernize and adapt to 21st century warfare. This bill does little to rein in the Trump Administration’s reckless efforts to politicize the military here in America or restrict his use of force abroad. I offered amendments to the Senate’s bill and worked with my colleagues to improve it, but ultimately Congressional Republicans advanced a bill I cannot support. “Despite the bill’s shortcomings, this annual defense spending package does contain policies and priorities I championed and support—including a pay raise for our troops and my bipartisan legislation that takes a significant step forward in banning the use of burn pits that have caused severe illnesses for so many of our soldiers. This bill requires the Department of Defense to be more transparent about accountability and actions surrounding war crime allegations, and ensures the military is trained annually in standards of conduct and government ethics. “I remain committed to working with the President and my Republican colleagues on a military budget that defends American interests for another century—but they must show a willingness to invest American taxpayer dollars in smarter, more forward-leaning ways.” The FY 2026 NDAA includes Senator Welch’s bipartisan Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act, legislation to support servicemember health and strengthen national security by improving how the U.S. military eliminates certain materials both at home and overseas. The FY 2026 NDAA also includes the following policies led and championed by Sen. Welch: War Crimes Accountability: Senator Welch’s provision would push DOD to comply with its legal commitments to retain records of alleged war crimes. Agent Orange Cleanup: Senator Welch’s provision would push the Defense Department to ensure America follows through on its responsibility to continue cleaning up Agent Orange around former U.S. bases in Vietnam, where children are still born with preventable disabilities and diseases. ICE Detentions by the Military: The bill’s language exercises congressional oversight to ensure the Defense Department is accountable toward the use of DOD facilities for immigration detentions and that U.S. troops can focus on keeping Americans safe instead of President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Support for Ukraine: The bill sustains and bolsters U.S. military and intelligence support for Ukraine’s resilient defense against Russia’s invasion. Senator Welch supported several other provisions included in the NDAA including: a pay increase for servicemembers; repealing laws that authorize military action in the Middle East, including the 2002 and 1991 AUMFs; authorizing the Baltic Security Initiative and the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, repealing the 2019 Ceasar Act sanctions to help Syria rebuild; and forcing Defense Secretary Hegseth to release the video of the Caribbean strikes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-curtis-cohen-wilson-welcome-release-of-123-political-prisoners-in-belarus/,"Welch, Curtis, Cohen, Wilson Welcome Release of 123 Political Prisoners in Belarus",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Bipartisan lawmakers called on Trump Admin to work to free political prisoners WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), alongside U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), today welcomed the release of 123 political prisoners held by Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenka. The news comes after the bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers called on the Trump Administration to continue working to free political prisoners in Belarus, including several U.S. nationals. The lawmakers also encouraged the Department of State to continue to hold Strategic Dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement and their exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. “While long overdue, the release of Maryia Kalesnikava, Viktar Babaryka and other high-profile political prisoners is a welcome development. There are still at least 1,100 political prisoners in Lukashenko’s jails, and we will continue to work for their release,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. In their November letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers urged the State Department to prioritize the release of Maryia Kalesnikava, Ales Bialiatski, Viktar Babaryka, Uladzimir Labkovich, and Maksim Znak, all of whom were released on Saturday. Other political prisoners mentioned in the lawmakers’ letter, but still imprisoned, include Marfa Rabkova, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Nasta (Anastasia) Loika, Eduard Babaryka, Dzyanis Ivashyn, and Kaciaryna Andrejeva. Senator Welch has spoken on the Senate floor to highlight the case of Maryia Kalesnikava, a leading member of the Belarusian political opposition calling for free and fair elections in Belarus, who was apprehended in 2020 by officials who attempted to forcibly deport her to Ukraine. Senator Welch also met with political and human rights advocates, including Maryia’s sister, Tatsiana Khomic to discuss ways to help secure the release of Maryia and other political prisoners in Belarus. Senator Welch has advocated for bipartisan cooperation to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus and around the world. Following high-level bilateral U.S.-Belarus negotiations in June 2025, which led to the release of pro-democracy opposition figures, Senator Welch encouraged the Administration to ensure human rights and the release of political prisoners remain central to any further negotiations. Earlier this year, the Senator led his colleagues in urging Secretary of State Rubio to preserve the staff and programs administered by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) amid the Department’s proposed reorganization. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-reintroduces-bill-to-provide-climate-finance-to-countries-in-the-global-south-while-reducing-debt/,Welch Reintroduces Bill to Provide Climate Finance to Countries in the Global South While Reducing Debt,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Agriculture Committees, and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) today reintroduced the Global Climate Resilience Act, legislation that would create a new debt-for-resilience program to bolster the United States’ ability to provide climate finance and debt relief to countries in the Global South. This new program would enhance the United States’ ability to negotiate debt reductions with countries in the Global South that agree to undertake climate resilience initiatives. The Senators’ legislation also directs the United States to use its influence with international financial institutions to promote debt reduction for nations at risk of climate destruction and advocate for an international climate insurance program. “As the second-largest carbon emitter in the world, the United States has a responsibility to do more to combat the climate crisis. Owning up to our contributions to climate change includes helping countries in the Global South, which are often the first to feel the impacts of climate-driven extreme weather events,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill will create new pathways for climate funding to help reduce the debt burden on countries in the Global South and increase global climate resilience.” “Communities here in the United States like those impacted by Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Ida in New Jersey know the long-term damage from extreme weather caused by the climate crisis. When I meet with leaders from the Global South, I hear about the devastation caused by rising sea levels and droughts. By lending this support to countries that have faced such devastation around the world, we not only support their own resilience but also our own national security and global economic stability and resilience,” said Senator Kim. In 2025 alone, the Global South was devastated by floods and cyclones in South and Southeast Asia, hurricanes in the Caribbean, extreme heat waves in Middle East and Northern Africa, and rising sea levels which are beginning to submerge small Pacific Islands countries. While some nations have the resources necessary to adapt to the effects of climate change, countries with developing economies often lack resources to meet challenges of a warming world. For many countries in the Global South, this creates a vicious cycle where funds from economic growth service debt from a climate event instead of building resilience. Collective international action to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience are crucial to combatting the growing impacts of climate change. At recent United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COPs), global leaders have recognized the need to provide climate financing to countries in the Global South. During COP29, Global North countries, as the largest historical emitters of carbon, committed to providing $300 billion a year to support climate actions in Global South countries. The United States must do its part in reaching this commitment and take further action to help at-risk countries reduce their debt. Learn more about the Global Climate Resilience Act of 2025 and read a section-by-section summary of the bill. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-marshall-bipartisan-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act-heads-to-presidents-desk/,Welch-Marshall Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Heads to President’s Desk,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Bill will support Vermont students and dairy farmers WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) today celebrated the House’s passage of their bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to support America’s students and dairy farmers. The Senators’ bipartisan bill would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, lactose-free milk, and non-dairy alternatives. It now heads to the President’s desk. “Dairy is at the heart of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk and inclusive alternatives in our schools is a major win for Vermont’s students and farmers. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will help future generations grow stronger and let dairy farmers in Vermont, Kansas, and around the country do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the partnership of Senator Marshall and to my House colleagues for their support in getting this bipartisan bill to the President’s desk.” “This is a win for kids, parents, and common sense. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts nutrition back in the lunchroom, gives families more choice, and ensures our children have access to the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan bill head to the President’s desk.” As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has championed efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy industry. Last week, Senator Welch joined students, educators, and farmers at St. Albans City Elementary School to celebrate the Senate’s unanimous passage the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This Congress, Senator Welch reintroduced the Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act (O DAIRY) Act, legislation to expand federal support for organic dairy farmers by extending emergency assistance to farmers facing losses due to factors like feed shortages and increased costs. Senator Welch also recently introduced legislation to help more Americans access SNAP and improve child nutrition, including the Local School Foods Expansion Act, Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2025, Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025, and the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act. Last Congress, Senator Welch introduced several bills in the 118th Congress to support Vermont’s dairy, organic, and specialty crop farmers. These bills were included in Senate Democrats’ draft Farm Bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-sanders-balint-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-give-greater-local-control-over-nuclear-reactor-shutdown-plans/,"Welch, Sanders, Balint Introduce Bicameral Bill to Give Greater Local Control Over Nuclear Reactor Shutdown Plans",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, and U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large) introduced the Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025, bicameral legislation that aims to give states a more meaningful role in the development and approval of reactor shutdown plans and post-shutdown license transfers. The legislation will also provide new support for Community Advisory Boards and economic development in host communities throughout the decommissioning process. “Vermonters know first-hand that decommissioning a nuclear power plant has enormous economic and environmental impacts on neighboring communities. That’s why it is absolutely essential that state and local leaders have a seat at the table throughout the decommissioning process,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense, bicameral legislation will ensure that the decommissioning process is transparent, inclusive, and collaborative.” “For too long, working class communities across the country have been forced to deal with the safety and economic consequences of nuclear power plant while having virtually no say in the plans, which the people of Vernon understand all too well,” said Senator Sanders. “That is unacceptable. These communities deserve economic relief and a meaningful role in the decommissioning process. The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 would make sure communities like Vernon are actually part of the decision making and receive the federal support they need to deal with the very real impacts of these closures.” “When a nuclear plant decommissions, the consequences are felt first and hardest by the surrounding communities, from the loss of jobs to the long-term challenge of managing stranded waste,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These communities deserve transparency, accountability, and a meaningful seat at the table. I am proud to join my colleagues on this legislation to ensure local and state voices are better heard and communities have the support they need to build a strong economic future.” “As the Trump administration wages attacks on the NRC’s independence, we must defend open, transparent, and safety-first regulation and decision-making. We must also ensure that communities are kept safe and not stuck with major costs when nuclear plants shut down. The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act would provide the NRC, states, and communities the ability to weigh in on decommissioning activities that directly affect public health and safety, while also providing for economic development and revitalization that will make communities resilient and successful in the long term,” said Senator Markey. “Decommissioning a nuclear plant creates significant economic challenges for residents, communities, and for local and state governments. Vermonters experienced these challenges when Vermont Yankee was shut down in 2014,” said Rep. Balint. “It’s crucial for stakeholders to have a voice during the decommissioning process and are provided economic support for their recovery. This legislation ensures that decommissioning plans are made with local communities, not without them.” The process of hosting and decommissioning a nuclear plant carries significant consequences for both the operator of the plant and the surrounding community. For example, the closure and subsequent transfer of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon during the late 2010s created far-reaching environmental and economic impacts on the state and surrounding communities, including revenue and job loss. The closure also decreased traffic to local businesses, as nuclear workers left Vernon in search of new employment. However, under current regulations, states and host communities are not guaranteed a say in the development and implementation of shutdown plans for nuclear plants. As a result, shutdown plans may not accurately capture all potential environmental and community impacts. The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act would give affected communities an opportunity to weigh in on shutdown plans if there is a license transfer or other significant change to the decommissioning plan. The legislation would also require licensees to consult with the host state as well as state governments within 50 miles of the plant when drafting a proposed decommissioning plan, as well as require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to solicit public input on the proposed decommissioning plan. The NRC would have to evaluate and formally adopt or reject the input of the affected states. The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act would also create several new grant programs to foster communication and information exchange between licensees and communities impacted by plant decommissioning and stranded nuclear waste, and to provide economic assistance to impacted communities. If a host state supports the proposed plan or license transfer, the licensee can secure expedited NRC approval. Otherwise, the NRC must consider amending the proposed plan based on the host state’s recommendations. The legislation is endorsed by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation. “Communities that host nuclear plants feel the effects of a shutdown immediately. Jobs disappear, local tax revenues drop and long-term plans for housing, infrastructure and business development can get thrown off course. In Vermont, the loss of steady information, limited local capacity and the lack of predictable planning dollars made it much harder for the region to adapt. A community can only react for so long before momentum slips away,” said Adam Grinold, Executive Director, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation. “This legislation gives host communities what they have historically lacked. With these new tools in place, host communities can prepare for what’s coming, manage the transition with more confidence and build a post-closure economy that reflects their own goals instead of reacting to circumstances they can’t control. This bill gives them the structure and resources to do exactly that.” Senator Welch previously led the introduction of the bill as a member of the House, and Senator Sanders led the Senate version. Learn more about the Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act and read a section-by-section summary of the bill. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=634,Rep. Becca Balint’s Statement on the Shooting at Brown University,2025-12-14,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"""I am filled with sorrow and rage this morning after learning that two students were killed at Brown University and many others are fighting for their lives. Last night was yet another reminder that gun violence touches everyone."" ""This is NOT the price we must pay for our freedom. I will continue to fight for sensible gun laws."" ""We all deserve that.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=635,Bipartisan Statement from All 25 Jewish House Members on Antisemitic Attack in Australia,2025-12-14,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Brattleboro, VT — All 25 Jewish Members of the US House of Representatives released the following statement in response to an attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that targeted Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah: “On a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of antisemitism. “We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the family and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged. “Antisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear. “Jews around the world will continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the festival of lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than might, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.” The 25 members who signed the statement include: Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA) Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX) Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY) Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=633,Rep. Becca Balint Offers Support for the Vermont Air National Guard and Opposes Unauthorized Military Actions by the Trump Administration in the Caribbean,2025-12-13,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Brattleboro, VT — Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on the deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard’s (VTANG) 158th Fighter Wing in support of Operation Southern Spear: “My heart is with all the Vermont National Guard members and their families as they prepare for a deployment during the holidays. Vermonters are proud of the brave men and women who sacrifice a lot to serve in the National Guard, representing both Vermont and our country. I know I speak for all Vermonters when I say that I am praying for their safe return back home when their deployment is over.” “I am, however, deeply concerned about the Trump administration's decision to deploy the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG). Any deployment must be based on lawful authority, and full transparency must be provided to Congress. Wile the media is reporting that VTANG will be deploying to the Caribbean to take part in Operation Southern Spear, the Vermont congressional delegation has received zero notice, information, or clarity about the location, duration, and purpose of this deployment. This is not normal, nor should it be tolerated.” “The decision to send our service members into harm’s way must be rooted in a clear mission and safety. It should not be based on unpredictable, unilateral and unlawful directives from any president. I have witnessed the Trump administration violate Congress’s constitutional authority and conduct unauthorized military activity. None of the strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which have killed more than 80 people, were authorized by Congress. This administration has continually failed to provide a justification for this use of lethal force.” “Vermonters have been clear with me: they do not support our entanglement in a war with Venezuela. I unwaveringly support our troops and their families, but I do not support military action without Congressional authorization.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=632,Vermont Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolution Congratulating Vermont Green Football Club on Historic Season,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"BURLINGTON, VT – This week, the Vermont Congressional Delegation, Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT.), and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT.), introduced a bicameral resolution congratulating the Vermont Green Football Club on their historic win in the 2025 USL League Two National Championship. The Vermont Green FC’s win came after an undefeated season and marks the second year in a row a Vermont-based soccer team has won a national championship. “Vermont Green FC has proven that Vermont is a soccer state. In just three years, they have not only built a team but built a community,” said Rep. Balint. “Their undefeated season, overflowing with crowds, has made our state proud. I'm looking forward to watching them defend their title in 2026.” “I think I speak for the whole state in congratulating the Vermont Green on their extraordinary championship season, and I am glad to join my Vermont colleagues to recognize their accomplishments in the Congressional record. Undefeated. Two overtime playoff wins. Finally, national champions. Unbelievable,” said Senator Sanders. “Vermont Green is respected by Vermonters and soccer fans around the country for their skill and heart on the field. The founders built their team the Vermont way — by involving the community and creating an organization rooted in social and environmental justice. What they have done is truly remarkable, and we know they are just getting started.” “I’m pleased to join Senator Sanders, Rep. Balint, and all Vermonters in congratulating the Vermont Green FC on their well-deserved USL League Two National Championship win following an incredible and undefeated season. We’re so proud of this team’s achievements and of their commitment to building a soccer community that reflects the core values of Vermonters: hard work, dedication, and teamwork,” said Senator Welch. “We look forward to cheering on the Boys in Green as they defend their title in 2026!” Read and download the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-congressional-delegation-introduces-resolution-congratulating-vermont-green-football-club-on-historic-season/,Vermont Congressional Delegation Introduces Resolution Congratulating Vermont Green Football Club on Historic Season,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), this week introduced a bicameral resolution congratulating the Vermont Green Football Club on their historic win in the 2025 USL League Two National Championship. The Vermont Green FC’s win came after an undefeated season and marks the second year in a row a Vermont-based soccer team has won a national championship. “I think I speak for the whole state in congratulating the Vermont Green on their extraordinary championship season, and I am glad to join my Vermont colleagues to recognize their accomplishments in the Congressional record. Undefeated. Two overtime playoff wins. Finally, national champions. Unbelievable,” said Senator Sanders. “Vermont Green is respected by Vermonters and soccer fans around the country for their skill and heart on the field. The founders built their team the Vermont way — by involving the community and creating an organization rooted in social and environmental justice. What they have done is truly remarkable, and we know they are just getting started.” “I’m pleased to join Senator Sanders, Rep. Balint, and all Vermonters in congratulating the Vermont Green FC on their well-deserved USL League Two National Championship win following an incredible and undefeated season. We’re so proud of this team’s achievements and of their commitment to building a soccer community that reflects the core values of Vermonters: hard work, dedication and teamwork,” said Senator Welch. “We look forward to cheering on the Boys in Green as they defend their title in 2026!” “Vermont Green FC has proven that Vermont is a soccer state. In just three years, they have not only built a team but built a community,” said Rep. Balint. “Their undefeated season, overflowing with crowds, has made our state proud. I’m looking forward to watching them defend their title in 2026.” Read and download the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-ruiz-celebrate-advancement-of-bipartisan-bicameral-wipe-act-to-eliminate-burn-pits-and-enhance-protections-for-veterans/,"Welch, Ruiz Celebrate Advancement of Bipartisan, Bicameral ‘WIPE Act’ to Eliminate Burn Pits and Enhance Protections for Veterans",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) today celebrated the advancement of the Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support servicemember health and strengthen national security by improving how the U.S. military eliminates certain materials both at home and overseas. The WIPE Act’s provisions prohibiting the use of open-air burn pits to dispose of contraband or classified materials and of burn-pit disposal systems were included in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). “When we passed the PACT Act, we took a major step forward to ensure the cost of the war will include the cost of caring for the warrior. But we can—and must—do more to address the risk burn pits and other toxic substances pose for our veterans,” said Senator Welch. “The WIPE Act will increase protections for veterans who could potentially be exposed to toxic substances and invest in waste disposal alternatives that will eliminate harmful burn pits. I’m encouraged this essential, common-sense bipartisan legislation to protect our veterans was included in the NDAA.” “As an emergency physician, I’ve seen the devastating effects of toxic exposure on our servicemembers. That’s why I championed the toxic exposure provisions of the PACT Act and why I’m committed to preventing future harm,” said Rep. Dr. Ruiz. “The WIPE Act builds on that work by moving the military away from hazardous burn pits and toward safer, modern disposal systems. I’m proud to see this bipartisan measure included in the NDAA to better protect those who protect us.” For decades, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has relied on open-air burn pits to dispose of waste in overseas contingency operations. The Department’s use of open-air burn pits—which create airborne hazards and increase health risks—has exposed an estimated 3.5 million U.S. servicemembers to harmful toxins that have been linked to long-term health conditions, including respiratory disease, cancer, and heart issues. In 2022, Congress passed the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act to expand care and benefits for veterans suffering from toxic exposure. Since the bill was signed into law by President Biden, over 5.6 million veterans have been screened for exposure to toxic chemicals. The WIPE Act would invest in safer disposal systems for the future by replacing outdated and harmful waste disposal practices with modern, secure alternatives. These new systems will also improve how the U.S. secures and eliminates dangerous material and can also be deployed to military bases, border operations, and overseas installations. The WIPE Act is cosponsored by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24). The legislation is endorsed by Burn Pits 360 and the FealGood Foundation. Senator Welch has championed efforts to limit toxic substance exposure among veterans in the Senate, including supporting legislation to educate servicemembers on the impact of burn pits and other airborne hazards and improve data collection on veterans affected by toxic exposure. Last year, Senator Welch introduced the bicameral Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry 2.0 Act, which passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and the bipartisan Burn Pit Elimination Act, both bills that would improve protections for veterans under the PACT Act and prevent future toxic exposure cases. Last Congress, a bipartisan amendment led by Sens. Welch, Tillis, and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) requiring the VA to conduct a review on mortality and toxic exposure data for veterans who served in Kosovo passed with bipartisan support in the Senate. Senator Welch also cosponsored the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act, and Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act, bills that build on the PACT Act to provide increased support for veterans exposed to burn pits, improve data collection on burn pit and toxic substance exposure, and help mitigate future toxic substance exposure for servicemembers. Learn more about the WIPE Act and read the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-thanks-vermont-airmen-for-loyal-service-promises-to-continue-pushing-back-on-trumps-illegal-strikes-and-march-to-war-in-the-caribbean/,"Welch Thanks Vermont Airmen for Loyal Service, Promises to Continue Pushing Back on Trump's Illegal Strikes and March to War in the Caribbean",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Pentagon orders mobilization of Vermont’s 158th Fighter Wing to Caribbean as Trump ramps up conflict with Venezuela BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement on the deployment of the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing to support Operation Southern Spear: “I want to thank our brave airmen for their faithful service to Vermont and the United States—and acknowledge the difficulty of leaving their families at home this holiday season. You have my full respect and gratitude. “At the same time, I strongly oppose President Trump’s mobilization of the Vermont Air National Guard alongside thousands of other U.S. military units in what appears to be a relentless march to war. An undeclared war against the Venezuelan regime would be illegal under our Constitution. If this president—or any president—wants to start a war with Venezuela, which has not attacked us and is not a source of the fentanyl that is killing Americans, then he needs to seek authorization from Congress, as the authors of the Constitution intended. “One of the gravest decisions Congress can make is to authorize the U.S. military to attack a sovereign nation—in this instance, a sovereign nation that has not attacked us. I will continue to urge my colleagues—Democrats and Republicans—not to cede our constitutional authority for a war of choice based on lies.” Senator Welch recently spoke on the Senate Floor urging Congress to reassert its constitutional authority and pass new legislation to prohibit the unauthorized use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities in Venezuela. In October, Senator Welch voted in support of a War Powers Act Resolution led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) to stop President Trump’s unconstitutional attacks in the Caribbean Sea and urged the Senate to question President Trump’s legal authority to take the United States to war. Senator Welch also led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in demanding answers from the Department of Justice about the legality of military actions ordered by President Trump that have now killed at least 87 civilians in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=630,"Reps. Balint, Tokuda, Fitzpatrick, LaMalfa, Tran, Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Mental Health Care Services for First Responders",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Yesterday, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL), joined by colleagues Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Derek Tran (D-CA-45), introduced legislation to increase access to specialized mental health, substance abuse, and crisis counseling services for first responders. The Crisis Assistance and Resources in Emergencies (CARE) for First Responders Act aims to strengthen resources and support systems for the individuals who are often first on the scene during emergencies. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue workers, 911 operators, and other emergency response personnel regularly face significant yet frequently unseen trauma and challenges as they confront disasters and assist survivors in their moments of greatest need. The CARE for First Responders Act would prioritize the needs of first responders by: Ensuring access to FEMA counseling and mental health services after major disasters. Funding on-site and mobile support through a grant program for mental health and substance use services. Expanding an existing, confidential 24-hour hotline to provide specialized first responder support. Establishing a peer counseling program at the Department of Health and Human Services to assist first responders and their families. Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to research best practices for mental health care and suicide prevention for first responders. “Because of the difficult work they do on the frontlines, Vermont’s first responders are facing serious mental health challenges,” said Rep. Balint. “I’m proud to join Rep. Tokuda once again in fighting to ensure that our emergency personnel, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and law enforcement officers have access to the mental health resources they deserve. Our first responders shouldn’t have to shoulder the weight of their jobs alone.” “Our first responders go above and beyond, carrying the weight of trauma that no one should have to bear alone. After the devastating fires on Maui two years ago, I saw firsthand the toll that disasters can take on first responders and their families,” said Rep. Tokuda. “I’m proud once again to introduce the CARE for First Responders Act to ensure our frontliners who protect our communities have the specialized health support they desperately need and deserve. I’m grateful to my Republican and Democratic colleagues for their partnership in this effort because crises don’t care about politics, and neither should we when it comes to supporting our first responders.” “I’ve met too many local firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and telecommunicators who carry the heaviest parts of this job by themselves, not because they want to, but because the support isn’t there when the shift ends. The CARE for First Responders Act changes that: true 24/7 confidential crisis care, tailored mental-health services during major disasters, and peer counselors who have lived the same calls. No one who saves lives should ever feel like they have to save their own alone,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “First responders, medical personnel, and wildland firefighters carry an incredibly heavy burden,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “They run toward danger when the rest of us run away, and the toll it takes on their mental and emotional health is real. Too often, getting the support they need is complicated or delayed. The CARE for First Responders Act will hopefully relieve some of that burden and let our first responders know that their work is not unnoticed or unappreciated.” “From fighting crime to managing natural disaster response, California’s first responders are on the front lines of keeping our community safe. This work is essential, but it also poses unique burdens on those who protect us day-in and day-out. First responders face serious mental health risks but often lack access to specialized treatment plans that properly manage their needs. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to provide our first responders with the mental health support they deserve,” said Rep. Tran. The legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), APCO International, and the National Association for Rural Mental Health. Full text of the bill can be viewed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=631,Rep. Becca Balint joins Members of Congress to Support Journalist Dylan Collins and Demand Accountability for Netanyahu Govt’s Targeting of Journalists,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, December 11th, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined a press conference with Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), Vermonter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) video journalist Dylan Collins, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Amnesty International USA to show support for Dylan Collins, an American citizen and journalist. Dylan Collins was attacked and wounded by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) while reporting in Southern Lebanon. This event also conveyed solidarity with the other journalists who were wounded, as well as the family of Issam Abdallah, the Reuters journalist who was killed in the attack. “For over two years, there have been no answers for the journalists who were harmed from a targeted attack by the Israeli Defense Forces in Southern Lebanon. Dylan Collins, an American and a Vermonter, was severely wounded alongside six of his colleagues. A Reuters journalist, Issam Abdallah, was killed instantly. All of them were clearly identified as press."" Rep. Becca Balint said. ""I want to thank my colleagues, Senators Welch and Van Hollen, for continuing to demand accountability from both the Israeli and United States government. I will continue to oppose any attempt to intimidate or silence the press and seek accountability for the victims and their families."" “Here’s the bottom line: the Netanyahu government has made it crystal clear that they never had serious intentions to investigate the deadly October 2023 attack that wounded Dylan Collins. It isn’t asking much of the Israeli government to conduct an investigation that meets international standards and to punish those responsible for this attack. Yet for over two years, we have done everything reasonably possible to get answers and accountability, only to be stonewalled at every turn. But we’re not going to give up our fight for answers,” said Senator Welch. “We’re demanding accountability from the Israeli government and our own to get justice for Dylan, his colleagues, and every member of the press targeted by the IDF since October 7, 2023.” “Over two years ago, Dylan Collins was injured by an IDF strike that left one reporter dead and several of his colleagues hospitalized alongside him. Since that strike, there have been no answers or accountability regarding what happened to Dylan and his colleagues. This silence has become part of a pattern of attacks on journalists by the IDF, with no resolution and no justice. It’s long past time for the U.S. government to live up to its stated commitment to defend American citizens abroad, and pursue accountability for this attack — it is essential not only for justice for Dylan and his colleagues, but also for the defense of press freedom around the world,” said Senator Van Hollen. “Vermonters continue to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities in the wake of the devastating 2023 floods — the worst natural disaster in our state since 1927. The recovery process is expensive, and this federal funding is absolutely essential for cities and towns across our state,” said Sanders. “By investing in essential infrastructure, economic revitalization and mitigation against future disasters, this funding will help Vermonters rebuild stronger than before. I am proud to have helped champion this funding and will continue to demand that the federal government stand with people throughout our country in their times of need — especially after natural disasters like the ones we’ve experienced in Vermont.” “This was not a ‘fog of war’ incident. It was a war crime carried out in broad daylight and broadcast live television,” said Mr. Collins. “As an American, I thought my government would fight for me. I thought that when an American citizen is wounded in an attack carried out by the U.S.’s greatest ally in the Middle East, that we would get answers.” “For more than two years, we have demanded answers about Israel’s deadly attack on a group of journalists, including an American and Vermonter. Having killed nearly 250 journalists in two years, it is clear Israel has no intention of investigating their crime. But it is even more outrageous that our own government — under both Biden and Trump—has helped that coverup. This Israeli impunity continues because of Washington's silence. We will not forgive. We will not forget. And we will keep demanding justice,” said Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). “For decades, Israel’s purported investigations have functioned not to establish facts or deliver justice, but to shield Israeli forces from accountability for the targeted killing of journalists. The international community must now step in to break that pattern of impunity by ensuring effective war crimes investigations are opened,” said Amelia Evans, Advocacy Director, Committee to Protect Journalists. ""Failing Dylan Collins is an unacceptable dereliction of a vital responsibility by the U.S. government — to defend U.S. citizens around the world. The Trump administration must uphold its duties to its citizens.” “More than two years have passed without accountability for the October 13 attack,” said Elizabeth Rghebi, MENA Advocacy Director, Amnesty International USA. “Israel must not be allowed to continue to kill and attack journalists with impunity. Those responsible for the unlawful attack on October 13 by Israeli forces must be held to account. We urge U.S. authorities to open an independent and thorough war crimes investigation in this case and to ensure accountability goes to the top of the Israeli military’s chain of command.” Watch a livestream of the press conference here ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-kim-raskin-beyer-reintroduce-bicameral-ranked-choice-voting-act-a-pro-democracy-bill-to-empower-voters/,"Welch, Kim, Raskin, Beyer Reintroduce Bicameral Ranked Choice Voting Act, a Pro-Democracy Bill to Empower Voters",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Legislation would require ranked choice voting for all congressional primary and general elections, giving voters more meaningful choices at the ballot box. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, alongside U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA-08), reintroduced the bicameral Ranked Choice Voting Act, legislation to bring ranked choice voting to U.S. congressional elections across America. The bill would require ranked choice voting in all congressional primary and general elections starting in 2028, allowing voters to express support for multiple candidates for public office, with the candidate receiving the most votes declared the winner. “Our democracy is at its strongest when everyone is heard and represented. Ranked choice voting offers an opportunity to break through polarization and strengthen our democracy by ensuring that our elected candidates have received the broad support of the folks they’ll represent,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my friends and former colleagues Representatives Raskin and Beyer on this pro-democracy bill to make our elections more equitable, more civil, and more representative.” “Empowering voters couldn’t be more important at a moment when so many people feel detached and disillusioned with our politics. With so much that is broken, ranked choice voting can help reinforce the American people as the drivers of our democracy and make sure that everyone’s voice is heard equally at the ballot box, and by those they chose to represent them in Congress,” said Senator Kim. “Ranked choice voting is a great advance in democracy. It gives voters more power at the ballot box and makes our politics more positive and inclusive, encouraging candidates to connect with more voters,” said Rep. Raskin. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Beyer and Senator Welch on this important legislation to keep growing and improving electoral democracy.” “Polarization in Congress is worse than ever, and this is making it harder and harder for Congress to solve basic problems for the American people,” said Rep. Beyer. “Ranked choice voting would help fix our broken political system by changing election incentives to favor leaders who build broad and diverse coalitions focused on solutions rather than divisive rhetoric. This reform would strengthen our democracy and make Congress more responsive to the needs of the people we represent.” With ranked choice voting, voters rank candidates in order of choice. If a candidate receives more than half of the first choices, that candidate wins, just like in any election. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who picked that candidate as ‘number 1’ have their votes redistributed and counted for their next favored choice. This process continues until a candidate wins with more than half the votes. Voting and elections experts observe that ranked choice voting can help foster political goodwill in a polarized, partisan environment. Ranked choice voting is already being used across the country and in a wide range of jurisdictions. As of October 2025, 52 American jurisdictions have ranked choice voting in place for all voters in public elections, reaching nearly 14 million voters. This includes two states (Maine and Alaska), three counties, and 39 cities. Many more jurisdictions are on the path to implementing ranked choice voting, including Utah, which in 2018 authorized a pilot program to allow cities to use this system in local elections. The bill is cosponsored in the House by U.S. Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) and Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13). The Ranked Choice Voting Act of 2025 is endorsed by 7th Generation Labs; Bridge Alliance Education Fund; Campaign Legal Center; Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW); Clean Elections Texas; Divided We Fall; FairVote Action; Fix Democracy First; Greenpeace USA; League of Women Voters Rogue Valley; National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW); NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; People Power United; Public Citizen; Rank the Vote; RepresentUs; RepresentWomen; Third Way; and Voter Choice MA. “The Ranked Choice Voting Act will give voters more choice and more power. It will make Congress more responsive and more accountable to the people they represent,” said Meredith Sumpter, President and CEO of FairVote, a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections. “At a time when polarization and gridlock are making it harder for Congress to deliver for the American people, ranked choice voting gives members of Congress incentives to lead, legislate, and govern together.” Learn more about the Ranked Choice Voting Act of 2025 and read a section-by-section summary of the bill. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-votes-to-extend-health-care-tax-credits-protect-access-to-care-for-vermonters/,"Welch Votes to Extend Health Care Tax Credits, Protect Access to Care for Vermonters",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement after Republicans blocked a vote on the Lower Health Care Costs Act, a three-year extension of urgently-needed health care tax credits for Vermonters: “A health care crisis is literally days away, yet 48 of my Republican colleagues are refusing to act. We owe it to hardworking families in Vermont and across America to extend these health care tax credits and protect access to quality, affordable health care. Premiums are about to double—even triple—if we don’t take action in the next 20 days,” said Senator Welch. “It couldn’t be more clear: working families, farmers, and seniors can’t afford a massive spike in their premiums; millions could lose their health care; people will be forced to choose between paying for care and putting food on the table. I’m not giving up on the fight to extend these tax credits and protect Vermonters’ access to care.” The Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, which help over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—afford health care, are set to expire on December 31, 2025. So far, Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to avoid this coverage cliff, which would drive up costs for millions. Senate Democrats today offered a three-year extension of the tax credits, which was blocked by Republicans. Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, is a champion in the fight to lower health care and prescription drug costs. Last week, he joined Senator Schumer to unveil Senate Democrats’ plan to extend the tax credits and protect access to care for millions. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-welcomes-vermonter-dylan-collins-to-u-s-capitol-demands-accountability-for-netanyahu-govts-targeting-of-journalists/,"Welch Welcomes Vermonter Dylan Collins to U.S. Capitol, Demands Accountability for Netanyahu Govt’s Targeting of Journalists",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch and Mr. Collins were joined by Senator Van Hollen, Representative Balint, human rights leaders, and advocates for press freedom and safety WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Vermonter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) video journalist Dylan Collins, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Amnesty International USA to demand justice for journalists killed and injured in the Middle East. For the first time publicly, Senator Welch revealed that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government has closed a review into the Israeli military’s October 13, 2023, targeted double-tap strike on a clearly identifiable group of journalists in southern Lebanon, which wounded his constituent, U.S. citizen and AFP video journalist, Dylan Collins. Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed in the first strike, and AFP photojournalist Christina Assi was gravely wounded, resulting in the amputation of her right leg. It was the first case CPJ documented of Israeli forces targeting journalists after October 7, 2023—a pattern that has since expanded into dozens of similar cases. “Here’s the bottom line: the Netanyahu government has made it crystal clear that they never had serious intentions to investigate the deadly October 2023 attack that wounded Dylan Collins. It isn’t asking much of the Israeli government to conduct an investigation that meets international standards and to punish those responsible for this attack. Yet for over two years, we have done everything reasonably possible to get answers and accountability, only to be stonewalled at every turn. But we’re not going to give up our fight for answers,” said Senator Welch. “We’re demanding accountability from the Israeli government and our own to get justice for Dylan, his colleagues, and every member of the press targeted by the IDF since October 7, 2023.” “This was not a ‘fog of war’ incident. It was a war crime carried out in broad daylight and broadcast on live television,” said Mr. Collins. “As an American, I thought my government would fight for me. I thought that when an American citizen is wounded in an attack carried out by the U.S.’s greatest ally in the Middle East, that we would get answers.” Watch a livestream of the press conference hereand view photos from the event below: “For over two years, there have been no answers for the journalists who were harmed from a targeted attack by the Israeli Defense Forces in Southern Lebanon. Dylan Collins, an American and a Vermonter, was severely wounded alongside six of his colleagues. A Reuters journalist, Issam Abdallah, was killed instantly. All of them were clearly identified as press,” said Rep. Balint. “I want to thank my colleagues, Senators Welch and Van Hollen, for continuing to demand accountability from both the Israeli and United States government. I will continue to oppose any attempt to intimidate or silence the press and seek accountability for the victims and their families.” “Over two years ago, Dylan Collins was injured by an IDF strike that left one reporter dead and several of his colleagues hospitalized alongside him. Since that strike, there have been no answers or accountability regarding what happened to Dylan and his colleagues. This silence has become part of a pattern of attacks on journalists by the IDF, with no resolution and no justice. It’s long past time for the U.S. government to live up to its stated commitment to defend American citizens abroad, and pursue accountability for this attack — it is essential not only for justice for Dylan and his colleagues, but also for the defense of press freedom around the world,” said Senator Van Hollen. “For more than two years, we have demanded answers about Israel’s deadly attack on a group of journalists, including an American and Vermonter. Having killed nearly 250 journalists in two years, it is clear Israel has no intention of investigating their crime. But it is even more outrageous that our own government — under both Biden and Trump—has helped that coverup. This Israeli impunity continues because of Washington’s silence. We will not forgive. We will not forget. And we will keep demanding justice,” said Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). “For decades, Israel’s purported investigations have functioned not to establish facts or deliver justice, but to shield Israeli forces from accountability for the targeted killing of journalists. The international community must now step in to break that pattern of impunity by ensuring effective war crimes investigations are opened,” said Amelia Evans, Advocacy Director, Committee to Protect Journalists. “Failing Dylan Collins is an unacceptable dereliction of a vital responsibility by the U.S. government — to defend U.S. citizens around the world. The Trump administration must uphold its duties to its citizens.” “More than two years have passed without accountability for the October 13 attack,” said Elizabeth Rghebi, MENA Advocacy Director, Amnesty International USA. “Israel must not be allowed to continue to kill and attack journalists with impunity. Those responsible for the unlawful attack on October 13 by Israeli forces must be held to account. We urge U.S. authorities to open an independent and thorough war crimes investigation in this case and to ensure accountability goes to the top of the Israeli military’s chain of command.” While hospitalized from injuries sustained in the strike, Collins reported the targeted attack to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and later presented video evidence of the double-tap strike to FBI and DHS investigators and the State Department in May 2024. Watch a video made by Collins of the targeted attack that he survived on October 13, 2023,below: In May 2024, the Vermont Congressional Delegation requested that the Department of State conduct a thorough and independent investigation into these events under the War Crimes Act of 1996 as well as other relevant U.S. and customary international law. In October 2024, Senator Welch joined eleven members of Congress in calling on the Biden Administration to open an investigation on the October 13 targeted attack that injured Collins. Senator Welch has directly engaged with the Trump Administration, Biden Administration, and the Embassy of Israel to demand accountability for the attack and obtain information about the case. Senator Welch’s office has repeatedly pressed both the Netanyahu and U.S. governments for clarity about Israel’s review of the strike that seriously wounded Collins and killed another journalist. In June 2025, the Israeli government told Senator Welch that its review had concluded and that no soldiers violated instructions or the Israeli military’s Rules of Engagement. It completed its review without ever interviewing Collins or requesting the extensive forensic evidence held by media and independent human rights investigators. Yet, in October 2025, the Netanyahu government told AFP: “The incident is currently under review, and the findings regarding the event have not yet been concluded.” Senator Welch, staff of Sens. Sanders, Van Hollen, and Rep. Balint also met with Collins on Capitol Hill in July. To date, the U.S. has failed to undertake an independent and transparent investigation resulting in accountability for this deadly attack. Following the press conference, Senator Welch led Sens. Sanders, Van Hollen, and Rep. Balint in sending an eighth letter to the U.S. government requesting answers about the attack and demanding accountability. A fact sheet on the Netanyahu government’s investigation into the October 13, 2023, attack on Collins and his colleagues can be found here. Read Senator Welch’s eight letters to the Biden Administration, Trump Administration, and State Department below: May 16, 2024: Letter to Biden State Department October 22, 2024: Letter to President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, Attorney General Garland December 5, 2024: Letter to Secretary of State Blinken June 27, 2025: Letter to President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, Attorney General Bondi August 20, 2025: Letter to Secretary of State Rubio September 16, 2025: Letter to Secretary of State Rubio December 5, 2025: Letter to Secretary of State Rubio December 11, 2025: Letter to Secretary of State Rubio To date, CPJ has determined that a total of 59 journalists and media workers have been directly targeted and killed by Israeli forces, cases that CPJ classifies as murders. Independent investigations by AFP, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Reuters, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon all concluded that on October 13, 2023, Israel conducted an apparently deliberate attack on a group of clearly identifiable members of the media. A deliberate attack on civilians constitutes a war crime under international law. At least 246 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israel since October 7, 2023, making it the deadliest period for journalists on record. The majority of those killed were Palestinians reporting from the occupied Gaza Strip. CPJ’s May 2023 report, “Deadly Pattern,” found that over 22 years, at least 20 journalists were killed by members of the Israel military. No one has ever been charged or held responsible for these deaths. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=629,"Rep. Becca Balint Votes ""No"" on Inflated Defense Spending Bill",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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 this year’s defense spending bill: ""We cannot continue to bankroll a nearly $1 trillion military budget while shortchanging our schools, housing, and health care system. As Americans face rising premiums from the expiration of the Affordable Care Act subsidies, I can’t green light this spending while Republicans claim there’s no money for health care.” “The Trump administration has weaponized the military and our service members against Americans. Over 35,000 federal troops have been sent into states and cities to carry out President Trump’s violent anti-immigrant agenda. I refuse to be complicit in funding Trump’s illegal deployment of our service members on U.S. soil.” ""I cannot vote for a defense authorization bill while Trump uses the military as his personal intimidation force and makes life unaffordable for Americans."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-noem-to-release-full-report-from-fema-review-council/,Welch Calls on Noem to Release Full Report from FEMA Review Council,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a leader in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reform efforts, today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to release the FEMA Review Council’s full, unaltered report ahead of the Council’s final meeting. According to reports, Secretary Noem edited the report and recommendations down, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. “Public reporting indicates that upon receiving the Council’s report, you and your top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, whittled the recommendations down, eliminating roughly 140 pages of the Council’s work. White House officials reportedly also received the draft report. Members of the Council, appointed by President Trump, have raised concerns about your decision to alter the report. I categorically oppose any efforts to eliminate FEMA. I do energetically support reforms to streamline the disaster relief process. It is too burdensome for many small towns, particularly in rural areas,” wrote Senator Welch in his letter to Secretary Noem. Welch concluded: “Whether or not you agree with all of the Council’s conclusions or recommendations, it is essential their complete findings be released without alteration or selective changes. This welcomes a robust discussion of the best reforms to improve FEMA. I urge you to release the Council’s complete findings to the public immediately.” Established by executive order, the FEMA Review Council was created to provide the Trump Administration recommendations for FEMA’s future—which could include drastic reductions in capacity. The Council is expected to vote on the final draft report on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Senator Welch introduced the Disaster Assistance Improvement and Decentralization (AID) Act on the anniversaries of Vermont’s catastrophic floods of July 2023 and 2024. Senator Welch’s bill will cut red tape and empower state and local governments to access recovery assistance when it is needed. The bill will support hazard mitigation efforts, make the delivery of disaster aid more efficient and effective, provide technical assistance to small towns and communities impacted by natural disasters, and block the White House from withholding funding for disaster response. In July, Senator Welch called for the resignation of Secretary Noem citing, in part, her mismanagement of FEMA. Read and download the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-welcomes-winooski-school-district-superintendent-chavarria-to-bicameral-forum-on-trumps-detention-of-u-s-citizens/,Welch Welcomes Winooski School District Superintendent Chavarria to Bicameral Forum on Trump’s Detention of U.S. Citizens,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this week introduced Vermont’s Wilmer Chavarria, Superintendent of the Winooski School District, during a bicameral forum focused on the Trump Administration’s cruel and inhumane mass deportation campaign. At the forum, Senator Welch expressed outrage against the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional, arbitrary, and cruel immigration policies and highlighted how these policies are impacting Vermont. “You know, so many of the people here just show how wonderful new Americans are, wherever it is they come from. This indiscriminate round-up of people—because who knows why, it’s all arbitrary—is what this hearing is about today. So, we’re very proud to have a Vermonter with us today,” said Senator Welch. Senator Welch’s introduction and exchange with Superintendent Chavarria focused on his experience with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the agency’s detention of a second grader in Chavarria’s school district who was placed in immigration detention in Texas while traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday: “I think the American people don’t understand or don’t see what you’ve experienced. And that’s why it’s so important that you’re here, because people don’t want that to happen. And if it happens to somebody they know—if it happens in their neighborhood and it’s visible—I think the American people are pretty good people. And each of you has had such an honorable life and has gone through such a horrible experience—and that feeling of the power of the State taking you away and you being invisible and having no idea whether you’re going to get out and in the physical jeopardy that you were in,” said Senator Welch. “Telling your story so that the American people can see that what we’re not talking about is an open border; what we’re not talking about is criminals, who all of us want to be protected from; we’re talking about hard working people who have families, who have careers, who have aspirations, and who deeply, deeply believe in the American dream…I want to thank you for coming here and sharing your story, not just because you want to tell it to us but because it’s really important for the American people to hear it.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: View a photo of Senator Welch and Wilmer Chavarria here: In his opening remarks, Superintendent Chavarria recalled his experience being detained by CBP at an airport in Houston, Texas, after returning home from visiting family in Nicaragua: “Since this incident, I do not feel free to travel. I am fearful that a visit to my mother could mean extended detention or a fabricated plot to destroy my life—like they threatened to. If the goal is to make some citizens feel like they are of a second class with only some of the rights, but not others, then they have succeeded. But I choose to believe that the pendulum will swing the other way, and that our collective disgust for these abuses will catalyze into a powerful backlash against overreach. I thank you for being here to support me and my fellow Americans as we ride out a dark time in our history.” The bicameral forum follows the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) refusal to respond to multiple requests from members of these committees for information on the number of U.S. citizens who have been detained by CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The forum was hosted by members of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The forum was led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) and attended by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Reps. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12). Lawmakers heard testimony from five U.S. citizens who have been assaulted, detained, and denied constitutional rights by DHS agents, including Superintendent Chavarria; Dayanne Figueroa, a paralegal from Illinois; Javier Ramirez, a father from California; George Retes, a disabled U.S. Army veteran from California; and Andrea Velez, a marketing designer from California. The lawmakers also heard testimony from Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council. Watch a livestream of the spotlight forum here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/ahead-of-holiday-travel-season-welch-joins-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-from-flight-cancellations-and-delays/,"Ahead of Holiday Travel Season, Welch Joins Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers from Flight Cancellations and Delays",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the holiday travel season, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and 13 Senators in introducing the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, legislation to protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The Senators’ bill would also direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging as a result of flight disruptions, regardless of the cause of the delay. The legislation comes in response to the Trump Administration’s cancellation of a popular consumer protection rule in the making that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for preventable travel cancellations or delays. “From Day One, President Trump has made it clear that he doesn’t care about consumers. His decision to scrap a proposal to hold airlines accountable for delays is the latest example. Passengers impacted by delays and cancellations should get the compensation they deserve,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join this legislation which will do just that.” “Flying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,” said Senator Kelly. “We’re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don’t cost them money out of their own pockets.” “This commonsense legislation holds airlines accountable and properly compensates passengers when their flight is delayed or cancelled—protecting Americans from losing their hard-earned paychecks to flight disruptions beyond their control and alleviating the burden of chaotic travel days. The Trump Administration’s senseless backtracking on airline passenger protections only serves the airline industry, padding their pocketbooks and leaving Americans stranded without help. With the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, we put the traveling public first and bolster cost-saving consumer protections,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Airlines that cancel and significantly delay flights due to their own mistakes can costs flyers thousands of dollars in secondary costs and lost income. In other words, the traveling public covers the costs of the airlines’ mistakes,” said Senator Markey. “Instead of protecting family budgets, the Trump Administration is choosing to protect the airlines’ bottom line. I’m proud to partner with Senator Kelly and Senator Blumenthal to introduce the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, an important step to hold airlines accountable, enact cost-saving protections, and prioritize consumers instead of CEO billionaires and corporations at the top of the airline industry.” On November 15, 2025, the Trump Administration officially withdrew a planned Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) that the previous Administration’s Department of Transportation had initiated in December 2024 to require airlines to compensate passengers and cover their expenses for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by carriers. The ANPRM is the first part of the federal rulemaking process, meant to solicit public comment on the policies proposed by the agency. This ANPRM sought public comment on a rulemaking to “ensure consumers experiencing significant flight disruptions are taken care of and protected from financial losses.” Under the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, the DOT would be required to issue regulations that: Establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) that includes consumer protection groups to develop recommendations for how to implement rules that would require air carriers to provide consumers experiencing significant flight disruptions cash compensation, free rebooking, and reimbursements for passenger care needs such as meals, lodging for overnight delays, and transportation to and from lodging; Require the ARC to develop recommendations for passenger compensation in alignment with foreign standards, including the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations and Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council; Set a baseline standard of compensation of at least $300 for a delay of more than 3 hours but less than 6 hours; and at least $600 for a delay of 6 hours or more; Direct DOT to undertake a rulemaking to implement the ARC recommendations within 90 days after the ARC report is submitted; and Establish a stricter interim final rule that will go into effect 18 months after the bill is enacted, to prevent DOT from dragging its feet and ensuring the rulemaking takes place. The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Learn more about the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-welch-to-join-journalist-dylan-collins-members-of-congress-human-rights-leaders-for-press-conference-on-netanyahu-governments-systematic-targeting-of-journalists/,"MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch to Join Journalist Dylan Collins, Members of Congress, Human Rights Leaders for Press Conference on Netanyahu Government’s Systematic Targeting of Journalists",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Vermont journalist Dylan Collins will join call for justice for October 2023 Israeli attack that wounded him and killed a Reuters journalist in Lebanon WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, December 11th at 9:00 AM ET, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will join Vermonter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) video journalist Dylan Collins, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), U.S. Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Amnesty International USA to demand accountability for the Netanyahu government’s systematic targeting of members of the press since October 7, 2023. For the first time, Senator Welch will share findings from his office’s engagement with the Netanyahu and United States governments on the status of its probe into the attack on his constituent, U.S. citizen and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins. Collins was wounded in the October 13, 2023, double-tap Israeli attack in southern Lebanon on a group of seven journalists clearly identifiable as members of the press. Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah was killed in the first strike, and AFP photojournalist Christina Assi gravely wounded, resulting in the amputation of her right leg. Collins reported the targeted attack to the U.S. embassy in Beirut while hospitalized from injuries sustained in the strike, and later presented video evidence of the double-tap strike to FBI and DHS investigators and the State Department in May 2024. Watch a video made by Collins of the attack that he survived on October 13, 2023, below: In May 2024, the Vermont Congressional Delegation requested that the Department of State conduct a thorough and independent investigation into these events under the War Crimes Act of 1996 as well as other relevant U.S. and customary international law. In October 2024, Senator Welch joined eleven members of Congress in calling on the Biden Administration to open an investigation on the October 13 targeted attack that injured Collins. Senator Welch has directly engaged with the Trump Administration, Biden Administration, and the Embassy of Israel to obtain information about the attack and demand accountability for those involved. Senator Welch, staff of Sens. Sanders, Van Hollen, and Rep. Balint also met with Collins on Capitol Hill in July. To date, the U.S. has failed to undertake a credible and thorough investigation or to seek accountability for those involved. WHO: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.); Vermonter and Agence France-Presse (AFP) video journalist Dylan Collins; U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.); Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large); Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ); Amnesty International USA WHEN: Thursday, December 11th at 9:00 AM ET WHERE: Senate Swamp, Capitol Hill WATCH: Livestream the press conference on Senator Welch’s YouTube channel. RSVP: Media are asked to RSVP hereand to Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/sanders-welch-balint-and-scott-announce-more-than-12-million-in-northern-border-regional-commission-investments-for-vermont-communities/,"Sanders, Welch, Balint, and Scott Announce More Than $12 Million in Northern Border Regional Commission Investments for Vermont Communities",2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"MONTPELIER, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large), along with Governor Phil Scott and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), announced NBRC’s Fall 2025 Catalyst Program, Forest Economy Program, and Timber for Transit awardees. Sixteen projects in Vermont will collectively receive over $12.2 million in funding to support initiatives that will enhance public health and environmental resilience, support school expansion and regional forestry jobs, bolster tourism, and facilitate long-term community development. Established in 2008, the NBRC is a federal-state partnership in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire collaboration to improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. “The Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program is instrumental in supporting projects that help Vermont’s rural communities thrive. This new federal funding will be critical in revitalizing rural economies in every corner of our state, from updating our aging water infrastructure, to expanding childcare access, to creating new community centers,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “We look forward to seeing these investments improve Vermont communities and are proud to work with local partners to support projects that make life better for all Vermonters.” “These strategic investments across Vermont will have important long-term impacts for our communities and pay dividends for future generations by supporting much needed infrastructure across the state,” said Governor Scott. “I want to thank our Congressional Delegation for their support.” When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst Program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature. Awarded projects in the 2025 Catalyst Fall Competition will support childcare access and workforce development, update essential transportation and water and wastewater infrastructure, expand housing development, reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects, and support wood heat, tourism, Vermont’s forest economy, and more. The 2025 Catalyst Fall Competition, Forest Economy Program and Timber for Transit Awardees include: The City of Montpelier – $2,994,597: to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure and support redevelopment of the 133-acre Country Club Road site into a mixed-use neighborhood. Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation – $1,940,715: to lead a multistate demonstration of nanocellulose-enhanced concrete in transportation infrastructure. The project will construct eight pilot installations across the Northern Border region, showcasing the environmental and economic benefits of using timber-derived materials. The City of Vergennes – $1,000,000: to construct a new 1,280-foot city street with sidewalks and utilities to support the Vergennes North workforce housing development. Northeast Kingdom Community Action, Inc. – $1,000,000: to expand the Lakemont Family Resource Center in Newport, Vermont, by adding 16 childcare slots, constructing three classrooms, and purchasing the building. The project will also support mobile service delivery to rural areas and create six new jobs. Town of Shelburne – $1,000,000: to install an ultraviolet disinfection system as part of a larger wastewater treatment plant consolidation and upgrade. Town of Waitsfield – $1,000,000: to connect Waitsfield School to a new municipal wastewater system as part of a broader infrastructure project. The connection will replace aging septic infrastructure, support school expansion, and enable future residential and commercial tie-ins. Vermont Public Service Department – $1,000,000: to support advanced wood heating systems and develop a fuel price comparison platform to promote low-grade wood use. The project will provide financial incentives for schools and municipalities and improve consumer access to wood fuel data. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) – $500,000: to launch a technical assistance program building capacity for municipalities to access the state’s new Community Housing & Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Cambridge 360 – $489,020: to acquire and renovate the Cambridge Community Center in Jeffersonville, Vermont, preserving it as a vital hub for recreation, youth programs, and economic development. Norwich Community Collaborative – $390,000: to complete the third phase of restoring the historic Norwich Grange Hall into a multi-purpose community center. Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) – $375,000: to conduct a feasibility study for a new Welcome Center near the Canadian border in Highgate, VT. The study will evaluate site suitability, use of advanced wood products, and heating options for the facility. Taproot Farm & Environmental Education Center – $294,400: to establish a permanent farm, recreation, and education campus on 60 acres in Lunenburg, Vermont. Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission – $100,000: to conduct a feasibility study for redeveloping the 87 State Street Federal Building in downtown Montpelier. Southern Vermont Health and Recreation Center Foundation, Inc. – $100,000: conduct pre-development planning for a new Connector building that will link its aquatic and fitness center with a historic facility. The project will include design work for a childcare center, wellness programming space, and public meeting areas. HatchSpace – $36,225: to conduct a feasibility study for acquiring and improving its current facility in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont. The study will assess building conditions, financial models, and acquisition strategies to support HatchSpace’s mission of advancing craft and technical education. Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission – $35,000: to conduct a feasibility study for downtown White River Junction infrastructure improvements, including a public plaza, parking facility, and geothermal energy options. This is the second of two Catalyst funding rounds in 2025. Click here for a complete list of awardees. Learn more about how to apply for future NBRC grants here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-bonamici-lead-47-bicameral-lawmakers-in-call-to-provide-additional-funding-for-the-federal-public-defender-program-in-fy26-budget/,"Welch, Bonamici Lead 47 Bicameral Lawmakers in Call to Provide Additional Funding for the Federal Public Defender Program in FY26 Budget",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate’s only former Public Defender, and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), led a group of 47 bicameral lawmakers in calling on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to provide additional funding to the Federal Defender Services program in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, beyond the recently released Republican budget proposal. In their letter, the lawmakers urge committee leaders to fully fund the program at $1.76 billion, as requested by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense instead of the lower amounts in House and Senate Republicans’ appropriations bills. “As you are aware, in FY24, an inadvertent failure to account for the federal defender program’s carryforward funding structure resulted in initial funding levels that were more than $100 million less than what the program needed. In response to those marks, the program implemented a set of cost-savings measures, including a hard hiring freeze, suspension of most in-person training opportunities, and deferral of other programmatic needs such as cybersecurity upgrades. In FY25, the Defender Services budget was frozen at the artificially low FY24 levels, leaving the program with a critical shortfall woefully inadequate to meet its identified needs,” wrote the lawmakers. “As a result of two years of underfunding because of a calculation error, Defender Services began FY26 significantly in the red. The current funding level, based on the recent anomaly, is still $194 million short of what is required to fund the program.” The lawmakers continued: “We are very appreciative of your inclusion of a $1.564 billion anomaly for Federal and Community Defenders in the Continuing Resolution. This is an important step in addressing the underfunding. Now we must fully fund the program as soon as possible. Full funding for the program to staff Federal Defender offices, pay the panel deficit for missed payments last fiscal year, and avoid missed payments to panel attorneys throughout FY26 requires $1.76 billion. Without full funding, Federal Defender Services will face more extreme shortfalls in FY26.” “The Defender Services program has a history of bipartisan support. This essential funding supports the more than 4,000 attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and other personnel throughout 83 federal defender organizations serving 92 of the 94 federal judicial districts, as well as approximately 12,000 private CJA panel attorneys. Criminal defense funding is non-partisan, and federal defenders represent everyone regardless of political affiliation. Currently, more than ninety percent of federal cases are handled by public defense lawyers,” wrote the lawmakers. “The inevitable cascading consequences of underfunding public defense will delay prosecutions, create backlogs in U.S. Attorneys Offices, compromise convictions and sentences, and deny witnesses and victims their day in court.” The lawmakers concluded: “In short, a fully funded federal defender system is necessary to promote public safety and the rule of law. We respectfully urge you to fully fund the Federal Defender Services program at $1.76 billion to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense and appreciate the unprecedented challenges of the current appropriation process.” Senator Welch previously joined Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and eight Senators in writing to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to urge robust funding for federal defenders in the FY26 appropriations bill. The Federal Defender Services program serves as an integral part of the federal judicial system by securing access to counsel and providing other necessary defense services for those who cannot afford counsel. The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney in criminal proceedings, and the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) provides that courts appoint counsel from Federal public and community defender organizations or from a panel of private attorneys established by the court. The court must employ private attorneys, often at a higher cost, to meet their constitutional duty to appoint counsel for individuals who cannot afford counsel. As the Executive Branch pursues increased federal prosecutions, including capital cases, it is important that constitutionally adequate counsel is provided. Federal Defender organizations have now entered their third year in a hard hiring freeze, resulting in more than 500 positions below what the Judicial Conference-approved staffing formula dictates. Additionally, CJA panel attorneys face another devastating year of months-long payment delays. In FY25, money to pay CJA panel attorneys for work performed in federal court ran out beginning in July 2025 and did not restart until the government shutdown ended this November, resulting in over four months without pay. Trials across the country were delayed because of the nonpayment, and at least one case was dismissed. In the Senate, the letter is cosigned by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The letter is cosigned in the House by Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Cleo Fields (D-LA-04), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29). Read and download the lawmakers’ full letter to Senate and House Appropriations Committee leadership. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-st-albans-students-educators-and-farmers-to-cheer-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act/,"Welch Joins St. Albans Students, Educators, and Farmers to Cheer Senate Passage of Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act",2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"ST. ALBANS, VT — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined students, educators, and farmers at St. Albans City Elementary School to celebrate the Senate’s unanimous passage of his bipartisan bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which supports America’s students and dairy farmers. The bipartisan bill, co-led with Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, lactose-free milk, and non-dairy alternatives. It now moves to the House of Representatives, which is expected to consider the legislation soon “Dairy is at the heart of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why this bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers alike. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will help our next generation grow stronger and let Vermont dairy farmers do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I look forward to the President signing this bill into law to ensure students in St. Albans and around the country can get the key nutrients they need.” View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website: Senator Welch has been a leading advocate for protecting and expanding access to nutrition programs in the Senate. Senator Welch recently introduced legislation to help more Americans access SNAP and improve child nutrition, including the Farm to School Act, Local School Foods Expansion Act, Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2025, Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025, and the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act. In August, the Senator joined nutrition advocates and leaders from across Vermont for a press conference outlining how President Trump and Republicans’ tax and spending bill will hurt Americans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other nutrition assistance programs. Senator Welch voted in strong opposition to the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-trumps-farm-bailout/,Welch Statement on Trump’s Farm Bailout,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch: Trump is “trying to cover up his mistakes and the pain he’s caused in rural America.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture and Finance Committees, and Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today released the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed plan to give farmers a one-time bailout after his administration’s reckless economic policies exacerbated the farm crisis: “American farms are in crisis, and the agricultural economy is in free-fall. President Trump’s reckless economic and trade policies bear much of the blame for the pain that farmers in Vermont and across the country feel right now. The president’s tariffs and the trade wars he created have closed markets and raised taxes on farms and farming communities. Republican leadership in the Senate and House has slow-walked a multi-year Farm Bill. Consolidation is making it impossible for small, family, and young farmers to succeed. Farmers and their families will be forced to go without health care as health care premiums skyrocket, and rural hospitals will close as a result of the Republicans’ tax bill. It’s obvious: the president is trying to cover up his mistakes and the pain he’s caused in rural America. “Farmers want to farm, they don’t want endless government handouts. President Trump’s proposed bailout will do nothing to end the pain of his tariffs or support farmers in the long-term—much of this funding won’t help commodity and dairy farmers at all. Republicans and Democrats in Congress need to work together to pass the multi-year Farm Bill that America’s farmers deserve, and provide long-term, forward-thinking policy solutions that strengthen farms in Vermont and across the country.” Senator Welch recently traveled to Nebraska and Iowa to speak with farmers at statewide annual Farmers Union Conventions. While in Nebraska, Senator Welch was the keynote speaker at a town hall focused on access to health care in rural communities. Senator Welch has championed legislation to end the trade war, support rural development, and strengthen farms. He is the cosponsor of several bipartisan bills and resolutions to block the Trump Administration’s tariffs on Canada, as well as the global tariffs. Senator Welch has led legislation to ensure farmers have the right to repair their farm equipment, improve crop insurance, and support beginning farmers and ranchers. He is also the sponsor of bipartisan bills to support rural hospitals and build out rural broadband. Recently, the Senate passed his bipartisan bill to support dairy farmers and kids by allowing whole milk in schools. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-travels-to-iowa-and-meets-with-farmers/,Welch Travels to Iowa and Meets with Farmers,2025-12-06,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Pledges to Keep Up the Fight Against Trump’s Reckless Agriculture, Trade, and Economic Policies AMES, IOWA—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today traveled to Ames, Iowa, where he spoke with Iowa farmers and producers at the 110th Annual Iowa Farmers Union State Convention. His remarks focused on the turmoil caused by President Trump’s economic policies, and his fight to support farmers in Vermont, Iowa, and across the country. “I hear it from Vermont’s world-class farmers, I heard it yesterday in Nebraska, and I heard it today from farmers in Iowa: Farmers ask ‘When are we going to get a Farm Bill?’ But they’re really asking, ‘When are we going to get the Farm Bill we need?’,” said Senator Welch. “Farmers are the backbone of our communities—we can’t have a strong America without a strong rural America. I was honored to speak with Iowans today and listen. It’s clear that if Washington is truly going to support farmers we need to let them farm, and that means open markets and an end to this trade war—which is hurting farmers across the country. I’m committed to making rural America more affordable and stronger—and won’t back down in the fight.” View photos below: Senator Welch speaks at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention Senator Welch meets with farmers in Iowa The affordability crisis is causing extraordinary pain in rural America. Iowa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025, and row-crop prices have continued to falter throughout 2025 as the Trump Administration’s tariffs (and subsequent retaliation) have closed markets. As in Vermont, farm machinery prices are rising as imported parts and equipment is tariffed. School enrollment is declining, and housing is unaffordable. Iowa will lose $9 billion over the next decade because of the Medicaid cuts enacted in Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ and rural hospitals are at risk of closing. Senator Welch has championed legislation to end the trade war, support rural development, and strengthen farms. He is the cosponsor of several bipartisan bills and resolutions to block the Trump Administration’s tariffs on Canada, as well as the global tariffs. Senator Welch has led legislation to ensure farmers have the right to repair their farm equipment, improve crop insurance, and support beginning farmers and ranchers. He is also the sponsor of bipartisan bills to support rural hospitals and build out rural broadband. Recently, the Senate passed his bipartisan bill to support dairy farmers and kids by allowing nutritious whole milk in schools. In addition to serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch serves on the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Rules Committee. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-and-scott-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-new-multigenerational-home-caregiver-tax-credit/,Welch and Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create New Multigenerational Home Caregiver Tax Credit,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) this week introduced the Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit Act, bipartisan legislation to address the nationwide aging crisis and combat skyrocketing health care costs by creating a $2,000 tax credit for adults caring for an older family member within the same residence. The Senators’ legislation will promote dignified, compassionate aging in place and support new and current generations of caregivers by incentivizing in-home and intergenerational caregiving. “We can always do more to meet the needs of aging Americans, and supporting the family caregivers who deliver world-class care to their relatives is a major part of ensuring that older folks can continue to age with dignity in the comfort of their own homes. Creating a tax credit that provides relief to families providing in-home care to elderly relatives will help aging Americans remain in their communities with a known and reliable support system,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Scott on this legislation to ensure older Americans can age with compassion surrounded by the ones they love.” “Multigenerational households have long strengthened our communities and improved the well-being of our aging Americans, something families across the country already understand. As chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I’m proud to help lead this legislation to establish the Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit, providing family caregivers with meaningful relief as they care for aging parents or family members at home, where they can maintain their dignity and independence while surrounded by loved ones,” said Senator Scott. The number of Americans living in multigenerational homes has quadrupled since 1970, with nearly 60 million Americans—18% of all U.S. households—living in an intergenerational household in 2021. In recent years, over a quarter of U.S. adults living in a multigenerational home cite caregiving for an adult family member as a major reason for their living arrangement. Adult family members can provide valuable support to aging adult relatives, including assisting with medications, finances, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and other care needs, which can often delay or prevent institutionalization. For older adults with dementia and disability, their chance of nursing home placement is reduced by about 50% in the subsequent two years following diagnosis when they live with an adult family caregiver, in comparison to receiving care from a family member living outside their household. Additionally, older adults living in multigenerational households exhibit improved mental health and better cognition with concurrent hearing loss as they age. In addition to supporting older Americans, multigenerational homes help address the national aging crisis by reducing unwanted transitions to long-term care facilities that struggle with bed availability and workforce shortages. In-home caregiving also reduces the need for increasingly expensive and often unreliable third-party caregiver support, a service already vastly inaccessible in rural communities. The Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit Act recognizes a qualifying adult family member as a mother, father, uncle, aunt, grandparent, or in-law living with their aging relative for at least six months of the taxable year. The bill also requires all adult caregivers to submit an attestation from a medical provider when filing their taxes to demonstrate their status as a known caregiver. Additionally, the bill also mandates qualifying adult caregivers to provide support for a minimum of ten hours per week in accordance with the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) scale, which measures the maximum assistance needed for individuals to complete everyday tasks independently. Such tasks can include assisting with basic care needs such as bathing, dressing, eating or transferring, as well as more complex tasks such as finances, transportation, and cooking. The Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit Act is endorsed by the National Alliance for Caregiving. “We commend Senator Welch and Senator Scott for introducing this important legislation, which recognizes the essential caregiving work that family members provide within intergenerational households. Family caregivers serve as the invisible backbone of our nation’s care system. Our latest research reveals that more than half of family caregivers experience negative financial impacts due to their caregiving responsibilities. Tax credits that support family caregivers represent a meaningful step toward alleviating the financial hardships these individuals face daily,” said Jason Resendez, President and CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving. Learn more about the Multigenerational Home Caregiver Credit Act. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-speaks-at-nebraska-farmers-unions-112th-annual-state-convention-talks-rural-health-care-with-nebraskans/,"Welch Speaks at Nebraska Farmers Union’s 112th Annual State Convention, Talks Rural Health Care with Nebraskans",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"NEBRASKA — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today traveled to Nebraska to speak with farmers impacted by President Trump’s tariffs and economic policies. Senator Welch met with farmers and toured two farms in Madison County ahead of providing remarks at the Nebraska Farmers Union’s 112th Annual State Convention. Senator Welch’s remarks focused on the importance of strengthening the agriculture economy and supporting rural communities in Vermont, Nebraska, and across America: “Farmers in Vermont and Nebraska power America’s rural economy. Their work is rooted in generations of farming families who work tirelessly to support their communities. But the job is getting harder and harder—Washington needs to work for our farmers and producers, not the other way around. America’s farmers need open markets, strong trade relationships, and federal policy that makes it easier to keep farming for generations to come,” said Senator Welch. “I hear it at home and I heard it here in Nebraska—President Trump’s economic policies are deeply unpopular. I won’t back down in my fight to support hardworking farmers by leading policies that help rural communities thrive, survive, and be more sustainable.” View photos below and on Senator Welch’s website: Friday evening, Senator Welch will be the special guest at a town hall in Omaha, NE focused on the fight for quality, affordable health care in rural America. His remarks will focus on the impact of Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, which will kick more than 78,000 Nebraskans off their health care and cut $3.6 billion in funding over the next decade. If Republicans refuse to work with Democrats to extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, around 112,000 Nebraskans will face higher health care costs—with the average annual premium rising 160% next year. On Saturday, Senator Welch will travel to Iowa and speak at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention in Ames. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-amo-lead-bicameral-bill-to-update-and-expand-social-security-survivor-benefits-provide-financial-relief-to-families/,"Welch, Amo Lead Bicameral Bill to Update and Expand Social Security Survivor Benefits, Provide Financial Relief to Families",2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Legislation was inspired by Vermont constituent WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) introduced the Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act, bicameral legislation to adjust benefits for the first time in over 70 years to cover costs associated with cremation or burials for surviving family members by increasing the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) lump-sum death benefit to account for inflation. Beginning in 2026, survivor benefits would increase from $255 to $2,900. The legislation would index the SSA death benefit to the Consumer Price Index to ensure this benefit is aligned with other Social Security benefits, such as Cost-of-Living Adjustments. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act was inspired and shaped by a letter Senator received from a Vermont constituent concerned about how the outdated benefit would create financial burdens for their surviving family members. “Funeral costs should be the last thing on the minds of grieving families when they lose a loved one. But because benefits designed to help folks afford funeral expenses haven’t kept pace with inflation, the cost of burying a loved one has become top of mind for many mourning families,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense bill, inspired by the experiences of Vermonters, will update Social Security death benefits to help alleviate financial burdens for families following the loss of a loved one.” “Families experiencing a loss should not have to struggle to afford a funeral for their loved one,” said Rep. Amo. “I’m proud to introduce the Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act with Senator Peter Welch to raise the amount a family can receive to help cover end of life costs for the first time in 70 years and index the benefit to inflation going forward. I will keep fighting in Washington to lower costs for Rhode Islanders, including at the most difficult moments.” Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) are cosponsors of the legislation. “Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs and skyrocketing costs are already squeezing American families— losing a loved one shouldn’t be the reason they go broke,” said Senator Warren. “Democrats are fighting hard to expand benefits and provide relief so families can stay afloat.” “This bill will modernize an important feature of Social Security to give families real financial relief and dignity as they grieve a loved one,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I’m glad to join my good friend Congressman Amo on legislation that further strengthens Social Security for the future.” “Our legislation eases the burden of funeral expenses for American families by adjusting Social Security benefits associated with burials and cremation to account for rising costs. Families grieving a loved one should receive increased Social Security benefits to alleviate the crushing financial burden and stress of burial expenses,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Despite Social Security’s lump-sum death benefit remaining stagnant at $255 for over 70 years, the costs of funerals have increased ten-fold, costing thousands of dollars for grieving families,” said Senator Booker. “No one should have to worry about increasing funeral expenses, especially after losing a loved one. This legislation would make long-overdue updates to our Social Security system to ensure survivor benefits reflect the financial and emotional challenges families face during the loss of a family member.” “A death in the family is already one of life’s hardest moments. The Social Security death benefit exists to ease stress for survivors making final arrangements for loved ones, but this benefit hasn’t been updated in decades. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act increases benefits to reflect costs and lowers the burden for families in grief,” said Senator Markey. The Social Security Administration provides a lump-sum death benefit to survivors of a beneficiary in the event of their death to help families offset funeral costs. The lump sum payment, which is provided to surviving spouses, dependent children under 18, or children with disabilities, was capped at $255 in 1954. In the 1950s, a full memorial and cremation service cost around $700. In Vermont, the average cost for a funeral with a viewing and cremation is $7,023. Nationwide, the median cost of a funeral with a viewing is $8,300, while the average cost for a funeral with cremation is $6,280. Despite this increase in cost, the SSA’s lump-sum death benefit has remained stagnant at $255. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act is endorsed by the Alliance for Retired Americans; American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Justice in Aging; National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare; National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR); Social Security Works; Strengthen Social Security Coalition; and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER). “It’s been 70 years since Social Security’s lump-sum death benefit, currently $255, was last increased. This bill raises the benefit to $2,900 and indexes it to inflation, to better reflect the cost associated with burying a loved one,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans. “Grieving families deserve more meaningful assistance at a difficult and painful moment in their lives.” “AFGE is proud to support Senator Welch’s Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act. This long-overdue legislation would raise the Social Security death benefit to help keep family members from being impoverished by basic funeral expenses for a loved one. It is the least we can do as we continue to pursue the modernization of Social Security – the greatest anti-poverty program the country has ever known,” said Everett B. Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE). “Working families are being squeezed by rising costs on every front, and if tragedy strikes, this financial strain can become overwhelming. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act will bring meaningful relief to families when they need it most, finally adjusting these benefits for inflation for the first time in more than 70 years. AFSCME members know how easily a family can slip into poverty after losing a loved one, and they see every day how critical this lifeline can be. We thank Sens. Welch, Sanders and Warren for easing the financial burden on families so they can move forward with dignity,” said Lee Saunders, President, AFSCME. “The death of a spouse or parent brings profound economic pain for families that only adds to the stress of grieving. The Social Security lump-sum survivor benefit was created to help but remains meager and has completely failed to keep up with the cost of living. Sen. Welch’s Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act would finally increase the lump-sum death benefit from $255 to $2,900 and index it to inflation. It’s a compassionate move that would make a huge difference for people grappling with loss—and it’s simply the right thing to do. We fully support it and urge Congress to pass it,” said Randi Weingarten, President, AFT. “Among the lesser known and utilized benefits provided under the Social Security Act is a lump-sum amount payable upon the death of a beneficiary which was intended to help the surviving family pay for a beneficiary’s funeral expenses. The last time the amount was adjusted was seventy years ago, when funerals only cost about $700. The Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act would adjust the death benefit to account for inflation, providing some relief to families facing financial and emotional burdens following the death of a loved one. Increasing the level would also provide an incentive for more families to claim the benefit, thus advancing the President’s goal of increased accuracy in timely and accurate reporting of the death of Social Security beneficiaries,” said Max Richtmann, President and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “For decades, the Social Security lump-sum death benefit has remained virtually unchanged, failing to reflect the realities families face when a loved one passes away. By updating and indexing this payment to inflation, Senator Welch’s legislation ensures that Social Security continues to provide meaningful, timely support to surviving spouses and families at one of the most difficult moments in their lives. NOSSCR appreciates Senator Welch’s leadership in modernizing this vital but long-overlooked aspect of the Social Security program,” said Betsy Rosecan, Government Relations Director, NOSSCR. “When families lose a loved one, the last thing they should have to worry about is how they will pay for the funeral. Social Security includes a lump-sum death benefit, which should help to cover those costs. However, the value of that benefit has greatly deteriorated. Shockingly, the last time it was increased was almost three-quarters of a century ago. Social Security Works enthusiastically endorses the Social Security Benefits Equity Act, which restores this important component of Social Security so that it once again provides peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments. The American people owe Senator Welch an enormous debt of gratitude for this important legislation,” Nancy J. Altman, President, Social Security Works. “This bill is important for widows who are worried about outliving their savings and ending up without resources at the end of their lives,” said Cindy Hounsel, President, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER). Learn more about the Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act of 2025. Read the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-introduces-resolution-condemning-anti-palestinian-hate/,Welch Introduces Resolution Condemning Anti-Palestinian Hate,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced a Senate Resolution condemning anti-Palestinian hatred and violence. The resolution was unveiled on the second anniversary of an attack that injured Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, college students who were shot in Burlington. On November 25, 2023, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad were shot and badly injured in an unprovoked attack, simply for speaking in Arabic and wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf. The three students were visiting family in Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday. All three victims were injured in the unprovoked attack and Mr. Awartani was paralyzed. Senator Welch released the following statement on the second anniversary of the attack on Mr. Awartani, Mr. Abdalhamid, and Mr. Ali Ahmad in Burlington: “After the shocking attack in Burlington against Hisham, Kinnan, and Tahseen, Vermonters came together to condemn violence and declare that our state will not tolerate hate in any form. I’m proud that Vermonters have continued to come together to advocate for peace. Threats made against Palestinian Americans are on the rise across the country, and the United States Congress must speak with one voice to condemn anti-Palestinian hate, antisemitism, and violence against anyone on account of their race, religion, or ethnicity.” The resolution condemns hateful language, bias, hate, intimidation, and threats to life and safety. The resolution also mourns those killed an injured in the United States by anti-Palestinian violence since the beginning of the war in Gaza, including the attack on Mr. Awartani, Mr. Abdalhamid, and Mr. Ali Ahmad; and on Wadea al-Fayoume, a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in Illinois killed by his family’s landlord. Read the Senate Resolution below and download it here: “Whereas on November 25, 2023, three college students were shot while walking down a street in Burlington, Vermont, where they were visiting family for Thanksgiving; “Whereas all three victims were grievously injured, including one who was paralyzed; “Whereas Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad were attacked simply for wearing a scarf using a traditional Palestinian pattern and speaking in Arabic; “Whereas Palestinian communities across the United States and the Middle East have suffered growing threats and acts of violence and prejudice linked to anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hatred during the war in Gaza; “Whereas no individual in the United States should be subjected to violence or intimidation because of their religion, ethnicity, heritage, or expressions of identity; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate— “1.) Mourns those killed and injured in the United States by anti-Palestinian violence since the beginning of the war in Gaza, including the murder of Wadea al-Fayoume in Plainfield Township, Illinois, and the violent attack on Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad in Burlington, Vermont; “2.) Decries the bias, hatred, and threats to life and safety experienced by many Palestinian Americans during the two-year conflict in Gaza; “3.) Condemns hateful language that– “ a. advocates for the removal of Palestinians from Israel or the Palestinian territories; “b. suggests that Palestinians should move to other countries; “c. denies the existence, cultural traditions, or right to a state of the Palestinian people; and “4.) Commends community leaders in the United States, Israel, and the West Bank and Gaza who have spoken out against hateful language and urged peace and mutual respect between different communities, religions, and traditions.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-schumer-to-unveil-plan-to-protect-plan-to-protect-aca-tax-credits/,Welch Joins Schumer to Unveil Plan to Protect ACA Tax Credits,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) to unveil Senate Democrats’ plan to protect health care tax credits for millions of Americans. The Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, which help over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—afford health care, are set to expire on December 31, 2025. So far, Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to avoid this coverage cliff, which would drive up costs for millions. Senate Democrats have offered a three-year extension of the tax credits. “We’ve got a calendar that is relentlessly ticking away, and unless we extend these tax credits—so that people can continue to have the same health care in 2026 that they had in 2025—24 million Americans are in jeopardy,” said Senator Welch. “We felt it was our responsibility to put a concrete plan on the table that would make certain that Americans across the country did not lose their health care.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Open Enrollment for the ACA Marketplaces began on November 1, and the sticker shock is devastating families nationwide. Without health care tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. Ultimately, Republicans’ actions will kick 15 million Americans off their health insurance, including about 4 million people who will no longer be able to afford an ACA health plan. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-resolution-condemning-trumps-pardon-of-ex-honduran-president-and-drug-kingpin-juan-orlando-hernandez/,Welch Leads Resolution Condemning Trump’s Pardon of Ex-Honduran President and Drug Kingpin Juan Orlando Hernández,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today led eleven Democratic Senators in introducing a resolution condemning President Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández, the former two-term President of Honduras who was sentenced to 45 years in prison and fined $8 million for drug trafficking and weapons conspiracy charges. The Senators’ resolution emphasizes how President Trump’s pardon of Hernández’s vast crimes weakens the rule of law and severely harms the United States’ credibility in combating global drug trafficking. The resolution also outlines how President Trump’s pardon is an affront to the extraordinary efforts of federal law enforcement and judicial officials who investigated and prosecuted Hernández, as well as to the jurors who performed their civic duty in convicting him. “President Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández is outrageous. The evidence was overwhelming that throughout his career he abused his office to protect violent drug cartels in return for bribes to finance his political ambitions. His detractors were either extradited or killed. Criminality on this scale—facilitating the importation of massive amounts of cocaine to the U.S. and the corruption of his country’s police force—should be universally condemned,” said Senator Welch. “Let’s hope our next President uses the pardon power to correct manifest injustice as the framers intended, not to reward friends, cronies, and drug kingpins.” “Trump’s pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández – a narcotrafficking kingpin who bragged about ‘shoving the drugs up the noses of the gringos’ as he flooded U.S. communities with more than 400 tons of cocaine – is disgusting,” said Senator Kaine. “This pardon is so bizarre that it’s difficult to fathom any reason why this would happen other than that someone in Trump’s circle is personally benefitting from it. Convicted drug kingpins should be in prison, end of story.” “President Trump’s decision to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández doesn’t just seek to whitewash the crimes of a man who helped poison our communities with illegal drugs—it lays bare the inconsistency of President Trump’s entire counternarcotics efforts,” said Senator Shaheen, Ranking Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “You cannot claim to be waging a tough fight against traffickers while simultaneously freeing someone convicted of facilitating one of the most notorious drug trafficking conspiracies in decades. The American people want real solutions to the drug epidemic, but this only makes us less safe and undermines the work of law enforcement and our partners abroad.” “President Trump’s pardoning of Juan Orlando Hernández, a known drug smuggling conspirator who was set to spend over 40 years in jail, is the latest abuse of pardon power by the president. By using the pardon power as a means of rewarding wealthy donors, family members, allies, benefiting himself personally, or in this case trying to influence the elections in Honduras, Trump is using the pardon power to commit injustice rather than correcting it,” said Senator Schiff. “Juan Orlando Hernández once boasted that he ‘would stuff the drugs up the gringos’ noses’, he accepted a million-dollar bribe from El Chapo to allow cocaine shipments to pass through Honduras destined to the United States, had a man killed in prison to protect him, and orchestrated a vast trafficking conspiracy that prosecutors said raked in millions of dollars for cartels,” said Senator Durbin. “Juan Orlando Hernández is the worst of the worst and the fact the President of the United States pardoned him is appalling. This is not an action by a President trying to keep America safe from narcotics. It is a strange understanding of his power that he would use this and not penalize those responsible for the narcotics coming into the United States.” “Trump and Republicans can’t claim to be for protecting America’s borders or getting tough on drugs and then turn around and release a convicted, notorious drug trafficker from U.S. prison. Setting free Juan Orlando Hernández sends the message that no crime against Americans is out of bounds as long as Trump and Republicans think they get a political benefit,” said Senator Wyden. Hernández was at the center of one of the largest and most violent drug-trafficking conspiracies in the world for nearly two decades. During his tenure as President of Honduras and in the Honduran National Congress, Hernández abused his positions and authority to facilitate the importation of over 400 tons of cocaine into the United States—enough for approximately 4.5 billion individual doses. As President, Hernández also selectively supported and took credit for extraditions to the United States of certain drug traffickers who threatened his grip on power, including directing the Honduran National Police and military to protect smugglers who paid him off, promising that he would shield them from extradition to the United States. Hernández and his co-conspirators were convicted and sentenced to prison in the United States for their abuse of Honduran institutions to protect and grow their conspiracy. The resolution is supported by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.). Read and download the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-continued-support-for-ukraine-to-resist-russian-aggression-we-must-stay-the-course/,Welch Urges Continued Support for Ukraine to Resist Russian Aggression: “We must stay the course.”,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) urged the United States to remain steadfast in its support of the Ukrainian people’s brave defense against Putin’s unjust invasion. Senator Welch emphasized the importance of renewing Congress’ bipartisan commitment to ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to resist Russian aggression and defending a world where borders cannot be changed by force. “The question before this United States Senate, right now, is not whether Ukraine is going to hang in there and fight—they’ve proved again and again that they will hang in and fight. If Ukraine won’t falter in that fight, the U.S. must also persevere,” said Senator Welch. “I believe we must renew our commitment to the Ukrainian people. I believe we must stay the course. This year, we’re celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, when the United States advanced a foreign policy principle that borders cannot be changed by force….We have an opportunity today to stand up and protect that legacy for this century by recommitting to the Ukrainian people that we will stand in support of that principle, in support of their freedom, and in support of our security.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: In March, Senate Republicans rejected a resolution offered by Senator Welch reaffirming the United States’ support for the principle that no country can take another by force or threat of force. In his remarks on the resolution, Senator Welch reaffirmed support for the people of Ukraine as they defend their country against Russia’s violent invasion. On the third anniversary of the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Senator Welch joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and his colleagues in introducing the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased, and it is safe for them to return. Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=628,"Rep. Balint Opposes SCORE Act, Cites Antitrust Concerns",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on her opposition to the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act: “In addition to harming women’s sports programs and preempting labor protections, the SCORE Act includes an irresponsible antitrust exemption. The SCORE Act’s antitrust exemption opens the door to abuses of the already significant power imbalance between athletes, schools, and conferences. I’m alarmed by the possibility of algorithmic price fixing by schools under Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) agreements. I’m proud to join antitrust experts across the spectrum, including eight former Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officials, and five state attorneys general, in opposing the SCORE Act.” The landmark 2021 Supreme Court decision National Collegiate Athletic Association v. Alston unanimously held that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was subject to antitrust laws and that it had unlawfully used its monopoly power to limit NIL compensation to college athletes. The SCORE Act broadly shields the NCAA, athletic conferences, and educational institutions from antitrust liability. Granting this sweeping immunity deprives state and federal antitrust enforcers the power to hold institutions accountable for actions that undermine athletes’ rights and harm competition. It is a free pass for athletic conferences and educational institutions to take anticompetitive actions to unfairly limit college athletes’ compensation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bicameral-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration/,"Welch Joins Bicameral Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, bicameral legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump Administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. Following the Trump Administration’s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the Administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda—such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings. “Everyone deserves to have their fair day in court before an immigration judge who knows and understands our complex immigration laws. But as a result of the Trump Administration’s continued attempts to steamroll our judicial system, we now have judges with no prior immigration law experience making decisions that have permanent consequences on people’s lives,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reaffirming our commitment to a just, independent, and humane immigration system.” “The Trump Administration’s willingness to fire experienced immigration judges and hire inexperienced or temporary ‘deportation judges,’ especially in places like California, has fundamentally impacted the landscape of our justice system. Given the Administration’s unlawful terminations of qualified judges, and their plan to leverage the power of temporary positions to speed up their mass deportation agenda, the risks of grave injury to families, fairness, and due process have expanded. The Administration’s unlawful mass firing of immigration judges at an alarming rate is their latest aggressive enforcement tactic that jeopardizes our judicial workforce. Amidst the growing number of pending cases in immigration courts, this legislation will ensure that only experienced and trained temporary immigration judges will have the privilege of adjudicating cases that have permanent consequences for millions of people,” said Senator Schiff. “After purging over 100 permanent immigration judges from the DOJ, the Trump Administration is now looking to push attorneys with limited to no prior immigration law experience into these roles,” said Representative Vargas. “Anyone facing the life-altering consequences of deportation deserves to have their case heard in front of a judge who is trained and experienced in immigration law. We need guardrails now as the Trump Administration continues to attack our immigrant communities and due process rights.” The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act would: Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services; Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges; Authorize appointments of attorneys at DOJ who meet the eligibility requirements; and Establish basic training requirements. In the Senate, the bill is also cosponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); American Immigration Council (AIC); American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA); Brennan Center for Justice; and the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ). “The Trump Administration has exploited its ability to improperly influence immigration judges’ decisions, further eroding the integrity of the immigration court system. This year alone, the administration has fired or pushed out more than a hundred permanent judges while simultaneously taking steps to hire hundreds of unqualified temporary judges. The American Immigration Council supports this bill because it would prevent future administrations from replacing permanent immigration judges with temporary appointees who lack immigration law experience and are vulnerable to political pressure. Noncitizens are entitled to fair and impartial hearings, and this bill is a critical step toward protecting the independence and credibility of immigration courts,” said Adriel D. Orozco, Senior Policy Counsel, American Immigration Council (AIC). “The bill is a common-sense approach that ensures temporary immigration judges have sufficient expertise and training to allow them to handle immigration cases. The Supreme Court has recognized immigration law as a complex legal specialty, and minimum requirements are needed to make sure immigrants’ due process rights are respected,” said Brennan Center for Justice. “Strengthening appointment criteria to emphasize credentials, judicial temperament, and commitment to due process reinforces public trust that decisions are based on law and evidence—not politics. Further, implementing rigorous vetting, training, and performance evaluation standards, with safeguards against political influence, promotes judicial excellence and consistency across both permanent and temporary appointments,” said the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ). Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-welch-to-travel-to-nebraska-and-iowa-to-speak-with-farmers-rural-communities-about-trade-war-and-rural-health-care/,"MEDIA ADVISORY: Welch to Travel to Nebraska and Iowa to Speak with Farmers, Rural Communities About Trade War and Rural Health Care",2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"NEBRASKA and IOWA—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee, will travel to Nebraska and Iowa this week to discuss the Trump Administration’s trade war and attack on rural health care. On Friday, Senator Welch will visit farms in Madison County, Nebraska, and provide remarks at the Nebraska Farmers Union State Convention. Senator Welch’s remarks will focus on the impact of President Trump’s reckless tariffs on the agriculture economy and the importance of strengthening rural communities. Welch will host a town hall on Friday evening at Creighton University, focused on supporting working families’ access to quality, affordable health care. On Saturday, Senator Welch will meet with farmers in Ames, Iowa, and provide remarks at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention. Media Note: Senator Welch is available for interviews on the trade war and rural health care in both Nebraska and Iowa. Reporters are asked to RSVP to Aaron White: aaron_white@welch.senate.gov. Friday, December 5, 2025 9:30AM Farm Tours in Madison County, NE Location provided upon RSVP 2:00PM Senator Welch provides Remarks at the Nebraska Farmers Union State Convention Location: Norfolk Lodge & Suites & Divots Convention Center; 4200 W Norfolk Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701 6:30PM Town Hall with Senator Welch: Fighting for Affordable Health Care: Supporting Working Families and Rural Communities Location: Creighton University, Hixson-Lied Auditorium at the Harper Center; 602 N 20th St, Omaha, NE 68178 Saturday, December 6, 2025 9:30AM Senator Welch Provides Remarks at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention Location: Quality Inn & Suites; 2601 E 13th Street, Ames, IA President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act will cut more than $1 trillion dollars from Medicaid over ten years and will result in billions of lost revenue for rural hospitals. Senator Welch voted in strong opposition against the legislation in July. If Republicans refuse to work with Democrats and extend ACA Premium Tax Credits before December 31, 2025, nearly 27,000 Vermonters, 129,000 Nebraskans, and 120,000 Iowans will lose a vital source to pay for plans provided through the ACA marketplace. The trade war has been devastating for farmers in Vermont, Nebraska, and Iowa. In the first quarter of 2025, Nebraska and Iowa saw their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shrink by more than 6 percent each. Senator Welch’s Committee and Subcommittee Assignments for the 119th Congress include: Senate Committee on Finance Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry; Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit Senate Committee on the Judiciary; Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Constitution Senate Committee on Rules & Administration Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. RSVP/Media Questions: Aaron White, Director of Communications for Senator Welch: Aaron_White@welch.senate.gov; 608-792-3617 (cell); 202-960-0677 (work). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-release-of-mohammed-ibrahim-and-the-prosecutions-of-palestinian-children-2/,Welch Statement on Release of Mohammed Ibrahim and the Prosecutions of Palestinian Children,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today submitted a Statement for the Congressional Record raising deep concern about the systematic incarceration, prosecution and punishment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military justice system. In Senator Welch’s statement, he discussed the recent release of Mohammed Ibrahim, a Palestinian American child who was detained by Israeli authorities for nearly ten months. Ibrahim was released late last week. Read the statement here and below: Statement of Senator Peter Welch On Prosecutions of Palestinian Children Congressional Record December 2, 2025 Mr. President, for those of us who have long supported U.S. diplomatic leadership in pursuit of a secure, democratic Israel alongside a demilitarized, independent Palestinian state, the protection of due process and the rule of law has central importance. Equal access to justice is essential for lasting peace in the Middle East. Today I voice a concern shared by many of my colleagues: the incarceration, prosecution, and punishment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military justice system. As a former public defender and member of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, which has jurisdiction over human rights, I have a perspective on the way justice systems should treat children. To put it categorically, civilians, and especially children, should not be prosecuted in military courts. It’s analogous to how I feel about child soldiers—children should not be recruited or allowed to serve in the armed forces. The reasons should be obvious. Civilians are, by definition, noncombatants. Military justice systems lack independence and routinely fall short in providing the fundamental protections of due process and a fair trial that exist in the civilian justice system, and which are rooted in international law. Israel, however, automatically and systematically prosecutes Palestinian civilians in the West Bank in Israeli military courts under Israeli military law. These courts lack impartiality and transparency, as military court judges and military court prosecutors are active or reserve duty officers in the Israeli military and subject to the chain of command. To make the process even less credible, in the West Bank Israeli military law only applies to the Palestinian population, while Israeli citizens have the benefit of the protections of Israeli civil law and courts. This double standard is glaringly inconsistent with the principle of equal justice that is foundational to a democracy. According to numerous credible reports, Palestinian children are frequently arrested in their homes by heavily armed Israeli soldiers. They are bound, blindfolded, and often beaten in military vehicles during transport before arriving at an Israeli police station for interrogation, which is often located in an Israeli settlement. They are routinely interrogated alone without the presence of a family member or attorney and often threatened with physical violence if they don’t confess. Nearly half of the approximately 350 Palestinian children currently detained by Israel are in administrative detention. Most have not been formally charged or brought to trial. When they are charged in military courts, they are overwhelmingly accused of throwing rocks. Rarely are they accused of causing injury or significant property damage. Generally, there is no evidence-gathering process by Israeli authorities for children who are charged in the military courts, so the crux of the case is the child’s confession or a signature on a document in Hebrew they don’t understand. There can also be an affidavit from an arresting soldier or intelligence officer or an incriminating statement made against the child by another child who was also arrested and accused in connection with the same alleged incident. Only a small percentage of Palestinian children in the military courts are released on bail. Custodial pre-trial—and often pre-charge—detention is the norm. Almost all prosecutions of children in military courts are resolved with plea agreements, which are the fastest way for a Palestinian child to be released from detention. Entering a not guilty plea is rare, and contesting a charge in the military courts means legal proceedings can be long and drawn out. To put it bluntly, punishment, not justice, is the goal of the military courts. The system is stacked unfairly against the child defendant, whose family is not even allowed to be present during court hearings, so irrespective of the facts or the reliability of the confession, pleading guilty in return for the shortest time in jail—which can still mean weeks or months or even years—is the norm. I think of Mohammed Ibrahim, a Palestinian American who was detained for nearly ten months after being arrested at the age of 15 in his home at 3 o’clock in the morning by heavily armed Israeli soldiers. He described being bound and beaten while being transported and threatened while being interrogated without the presence of a family member or an attorney. U.S. Embassy officials who visited him most recently in November described obvious deterioration in his mental and physical condition. Mohammed’s case fits the pattern, except that he is an American citizen. Putting aside that his confession may have been coerced, even if everything he was accused of—throwing stones that caused no harm—were true, it is unconscionable that he was abused and detained for months. He was deprived of adequate food and reportedly lost a third of his body weight. Senator Van Hollen, I, and other Members of Congress repeatedly raised concerns about him, and thankfully, on Thanksgiving Day, he was released. It is now the Israeli government’s obligation to hold accountable the soldiers who beat him and the jailers who mistreated him. Israeli authorities have defended this inherently flawed and discriminatory system as a necessary response to an ongoing state of hostilities. There are at least three problems with that argument: First, these are children. Children do not belong in military detention or military courts, and the fact that they are caught in the middle of a decades-long conflict doesn’t change that. A child does not become an armed combatant deserving of prosecution and punishment in the military justice system because of throwing a stone that causes no injury. Yet that is the reality for Palestinian children in the West Bank. Second, administrative detention compounded by physical and psychological abuse and humiliation of Palestinian detainees and the lack of due process that is endemic in the military justice system, have long-lasting impacts on a child. They have difficulty re-entering and continuing school, face increased restriction on freedom of movement, disruptions to family life, behavior and mental health issues, and it fuels resentment and hatred. And third, Israeli settlers routinely and increasingly engage in provocations, threats, and violence—sometime deadly violence—against Palestinians with impunity. These attacks and gratuitous destruction and theft of Palestinian property are often observed and tolerated by IDF soldiers. This too fuels hatred and more violence. Absent a legitimate claim of self-defense, violence is wrong no matter who engages in it. But the incarceration, prosecution, and punishment of Palestinian children by Israeli military prosecutors and judges should stop. It is a flagrant violation of international law. It perpetuates an indefensible double standard of tiers of justice based on ethnicity, religion, and nationality. And by fomenting hatred it makes Israel less secure. Finally, it should stop because it reflects badly on the United States. The Israel Defense Forces are a major recipient of U.S. aid, and the United States should not explicitly or implicitly condone a flawed system of justice that systematically abuses and violates the rights of Palestinian children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-welcomes-nearly-21-million-in-liheap-funding-for-vermonters/,Welch Welcomes Nearly $21 Million in LIHEAP Funding for Vermonters,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch urged Secretary Kennedy to stop blocking LIHEAP funding WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, welcomed $20.7 million in federal funding for Vermont to support the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Nearly $4 billion in federal funding for communities across the country was unnecessarily delayed by the Trump Administration. LIHEAP is a crucial lifeline that keeps people safe and warm in the winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. “After weeks of delay, it’s a relief that federal LIHEAP funding will finally reach Vermonters who need it most. But let’s be clear: these funds never should’ve been stalled in the first place. While the Trump Administration sat on these funds, vulnerable communities across the country were left without a vital resource to stay warm during freezing weather. Not only was it illegal, but heartbreakingly cruel,” said Senator Welch. “This funding will be a lifeline in helping low-income families and seniors afford their home heating bills and stay safe this winter.” The Trump Administration’s release of this funding comes after Senator Welch joined 30 bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to release LIHEAP funds as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households—including 26,000 Vermonters—received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. According to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8% over last winter on average, with costs for heating with electricity forecasted to increase even higher—to 10% above last year. States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. As eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of the state median income. While the Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget plan, the Senate’s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to $4.045 billion. In the House of Representatives, the Appropriations Committee recommended a $10 million increase. In November, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor and urged the Trump Administration to stop stalling and release federal funding for LIHEAP. The Senator also recently grilled a Trump Administration nominee about the Administration’s actions to undermine the program and partnered with the Vermont Congressional Delegation in pushing back on the President’s proposal to eliminate LIHEAP funding entirely. Vermonters interested in applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program can use the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool to quickly identify if they might be eligible for LIHEAP assistance by inputting basic information like income and household size. Vermonters can also visit www.dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/fuel or call 1-800-479-6151 to learn more. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/icymi-welch-pushes-for-bipartisan-action-to-extend-aca-tax-credits/,ICYMI: Welch Pushes for Bipartisan Action to Extend ACA Tax Credits,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"In a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, Congressional leadership, and members of the House, Welch calls for bipartisan cooperation to solve urgent health care crisis WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, called on Senate Finance Committee leadership, Congressional leadership, and members of the House of Representatives to act with urgency and extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) before the credits expire on December 31, 2025 and the cost of coverage skyrockets nationwide. In his letter to Chairman Mike Crapo (I-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senator Welch urged immediate bipartisan action in both the chambers of Congress. “Once we address the current premium crisis, there are numerous policy reforms we can pursue on a bipartisan basis to rein in out-of-control health care costs. I am eager to work with both of you on those reforms,” wrote Senator Welch. “But with the reality of January 1st looming, the only action this Congress can take to avoid inflicting unnecessary harm on people we all represent is to extend the Advanced Premium Tax Credits.” Senator Welch concluded: “Failure to extend the tax credits now will destabilize the insurance marketplace and inflict harm on all of our constituents. Let us work together and solve this urgent crisis. I urge you, as leaders of the Senate Finance Committee, to schedule a markup of an extension of the APTCs during the first week of December.” Open Enrollment for the ACA Marketplaces began on November 1, and the sticker shock is devastating families nationwide: Over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—saw premiums more than double next year, on average. Without health care tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. Ultimately, Republicans’ actions will kick 15 million Americans off their health insurance, including about 4 million people who will no longer be able to afford an ACA health plan. Read and download the full text of Senator Welch’s letter to Senate Finance Committee leadership. This Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermonters, including the Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies (CARE) Act, Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, End Price Gouging for Medications Act, Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, and the Rural Hospital Support Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/ahead-of-small-business-saturday-welch-visits-with-local-businesses-in-burlington-and-brattleboro/,"Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Welch Visits with Local Businesses in Burlington and Brattleboro",2025-11-26,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"BURLINGTON & BRATTLEBORO, VT — Ahead of Small Business Saturday and the busy holiday season, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, visited with small business owners in Burlington and Brattleboro. Senator Welch celebrated Vermont’s nearly 82,000 small businesses and reminded Vermonters to shop small and locally this holiday season. In Burlington, Senator Welch visited Outdoor Gear Exchange, Kountry Kart Deli, and Phoenix Books—where he purchased Dog Show, a book of poems by former Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Prior to meeting small businesses, he received a tour of the new AC hotel (which will also be home to new apartments) in downtown Burlington, led by Vermont-based construction company S.D. Ireland. In Brattleboro, Senator Welch visited the Brattleboro Food Co-op, Burrow’s Sports, and the Hatch Space—a woodworking school and community workshop located downtown. “Vermont’s small businesses power our Main Streets—they’re a source of great pride for the state, employing thousands and supporting our local economy. This holiday season, I encourage Vermonters to join me in shopping small and supporting local businesses and workers,” said Sen. Welch ahead of his tour. View photos here and on Senator Welch’s website: Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state. Small businesses employ more than 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=627,Vermont Delegation Condemns Anti-Palestinian Hatred on Second Anniversary of Burlington Attack,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today condemned anti-Palestinian hatred and violence. Their statements came on the second anniversary of an attack on college students Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, in Burlington. Senators Welch and Sanders today also announced a forthcoming Senate Resolution commemorating the second anniversary of the attack and denouncing bias, hatred, and threats to life and safety. The Senate Resolution will be officially filed when Congress returns in early December. “The idea that three young men just walking down the street were shot, for no other reason than that they are Palestinian, is unspeakable. It’s incomprehensible. No one should fear for their safety simple because of who they are, and we must remain vigilant against the rise in hate crimes targeting Muslims and Palestinian-Americans in particular. We must come together and remain committed to fighting all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” said Senator Sanders. “After the shocking attack in Burlington against Hisham, Kinnan and Tahseen, Vermonters came together to condemn violence and declare that our state will not tolerate hate in any form. I’m proud that Vermonters have continued to come together to advocate for peace. Threats made against Palestinian Americans are on the rise across the country, and the United States Congress must speak with one voice to condemn anti-Palestinian hate, antisemitism, and violence against anyone on account of their race, religion, or ethnicity,” said Senator Welch. “Vermonters do not tolerate hate in our state. The attack on Palestinian students in Vermont two years ago is no exception,” said Rep. Balint. “While some people want to fan the flames of bigotry and sow division, we must stand together against all forms of hate. The rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism poses a clear and present threat. Everyone deserves to be safe — no matter who you are or where you come from. For Hisham, Kinnan, and Tahseen, we need to make it crystal clear that we stand against all kinds of hate, bigotry, and racism.” On November 25, 2023, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad were shot and badly injured in an unprovoked attack, simply for speaking in Arabic and wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf. The three students were visiting family in Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday. All three victims were injured in the unprovoked attack and Mr. Awartani was paralyzed. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/vermont-delegation-condemns-anti-palestinian-hatred-on-second-anniversary-of-burlington-attack/,Vermont Delegation Condemns Anti-Palestinian Hatred on Second Anniversary of Burlington Attack,2025-11-25,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Sanders, Welch announce new Senate Resolution on anniversary BURLINGTON, VT — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today condemned anti-Palestinian hatred and violence. Their statements came on the second anniversary of an attack on college students Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, in Burlington. Senators Welch and Sanders today also announced a forthcoming Senate Resolution commemorating the second anniversary of the attack and denouncing bias, hatred, and threats to life and safety. The Senate Resolution will be officially filed when Congress returns in early December. “The idea that three young men just walking down the street were shot, for no other reason than that they are Palestinian, is unspeakable. It’s incomprehensible. No one should fear for their safety simple because of who they are, and we must remain vigilant against the rise in hate crimes targeting Muslims and Palestinian-Americans in particular. We must come together and remain committed to fighting all forms of bigotry and intolerance,” said Senator Sanders. “After the shocking attack in Burlington against Hisham, Kinnan and Tahseen, Vermonters came together to condemn violence and declare that our state will not tolerate hate in any form. I’m proud that Vermonters have continued to come together to advocate for peace. Threats made against Palestinian Americans are on the rise across the country, and the United States Congress must speak with one voice to condemn anti-Palestinian hate, antisemitism, and violence against anyone on account of their race, religion, or ethnicity,” said Senator Welch. “Vermonters do not tolerate hate in our state. The attack on Palestinian students in Vermont two years ago is no exception,” said Rep. Balint. “While some people want to fan the flames of bigotry and sow division, we must stand together against all forms of hate. The rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism poses a clear and present threat. Everyone deserves to be safe — no matter who you are or where you come from. For Hisham, Kinnan, and Tahseen, we need to make it crystal clear that we stand against all kinds of hate, bigotry, and racism.” On November 25, 2023, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad were shot and badly injured in an unprovoked attack, simply for speaking in Arabic and wearing a traditional Palestinian scarf. The three students were visiting family in Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday. All three victims were injured in the unprovoked attack and Mr. Awartani was paralyzed. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=625,Reps. Becca Balint and Jill Tokuda Reintroduce Bill to Bolster Mental Health Supports after Disasters,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,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) and Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) reintroduced the Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act. Following a year of climate emergencies across the country, Americans are suffering the cost. While the physical damage is clear, disaster-stricken communities need resources to cope with the mental and emotional damage they endure. 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 (AAAD) Act strengthens the CCATP by allowing FEMA to provide services for substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder. “Too many communities in Vermont and across the country have endured devastating natural disasters driven by climate change. These disasters cause severe financial and emotional stress on regular people, which can lead to an increase in substance-use and alcohol-use disorders,” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL). “I’m proud to work with Rep. Tokuda and our colleagues to bring forth legislation that helps destigmatize these struggles and provide services to support those dealing with a substance use disorder and mental health issues in the aftermath of a disaster.” ""When a disaster strikes, it leaves scars that cannot always be seen. The emotional strain can push those already struggling with addiction into more despair, stress, and trauma,"" said Rep. Tokuda (HI-02). ""That's what I'm proud to join Rep. Balint in introducing this legislation to ensure victims have access to the services they need to care for their health, safety, and well-being. Recovery after a disaster isn't just about rebuilding roads and bridges — it's also about rebuilding lives."" The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Norton, Fields, Moulton, Carson, Soto, Costa, Thanedar, Budzinski, and Davids. Studies show that following Hurricane Katrina, alcohol consumption increased by about 185% from before the storm and the annual hospitalization rate for substance use disorders increased by approximately 30%. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, 60% of individuals with substance use disorders experienced withdrawal and 70% of those on opioid maintenance therapy could not obtain sufficient doses. The CCATP helps people recover and rebuild their lives after a disaster. The CCATP works through immediate interventions such as: Assisting disaster survivors with navigating their current situation and reactions Reducing stress and providing emotional support Reviewing survivors’ disaster recovery options Disseminating the use or development of coping strategies Connecting survivors with other people and agencies who can help them in their recovery process. The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), Kennedy Forum, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), National Association of Behavioral Healthcare (NABH), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The full bill text is here.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/bipartisan-statement-on-the-crisis-in-sudan-from-senators-welch-and-rounds/,Bipartisan Statement on the Crisis in Sudan from Senators Welch and Rounds,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) released the following statement on the crisis in Sudan: “We are deeply concerned by the extreme atrocities being perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against civilians in and around the city of El Fasher and in North Kordofan, and call on those backing the RSF to urgently press for a cessation of the violence. “We urge all external parties—in particular the United Arab Emirates—to publicly condemn the RSF’s atrocities and to make consequence-bound demands for the RSF to cease attacks on civilians, allow the safe passage of civilians fleeing El Fasher and other towns in North Kordofan, and allow emergency humanitarian aid into the area. “We are committed to making sure that the United States supports efforts to aid civilians whose lives are threatened and to bring perpetrators of these war crimes in Sudan to justice.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-adams-reintroduce-bicameral-bill-to-improve-agricultural-loan-process-for-farmers-and-ranchers/,"Welch, Adams Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Improve Agricultural Loan Process for Farmers and Ranchers",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Legislation will reform FSA loans to create long-term payoffs that strengthen rural communities across America WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week joined U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-NC-12) in reintroducing the bicameral Fair Credit for Farmers Act, bicameral legislation to strengthen financial security for agricultural producers. The lawmakers’ bill will improve access and accountability for the farm loan services offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and strengthen borrower rights of the farmers and ranchers who feed America’s families. “Vermont farmers are facing challenges at every turn, from brutal flooding and drought to shifting markets and rising costs caused by Trump’s reckless economic policies. Those hardships are made worse when farmers have nowhere to turn to absorb losses without risking their farms. Working to eliminate financial barriers and expand access to FSA loans is essential to ensuring farmers facing hardship can get help when they need it most,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill will reform FSA loans to better meet the needs of farmers in Vermont, North Carolina, and across the country.” “New York’s farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy, and they deserve fair, transparent credit opportunities as they do the critical work of feeding our communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “For too long, family farmers and beginning farmers have been weighed down by administrative red tape and barriers that stack the deck against them. Our legislation will provide real relief for farmers and help ensure they have the protections and resources they need to thrive.” “The Fair Credit for Farmers Act offers relief to our small, mid-sized, and family farms, allowing them to compete with the growing corporate consolidation of agriculture,” said Rep. Adams. “Small-scale farmers are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy but falling commodity prices, the impacts of climate change, and the Trump trade war are making it harder for these farms to stay in business. My bill reforms FSA loans, making it easier for farmers to get farm credit and removing harmful barriers that have prevented underserved farmers from receiving the support they deserve.” Most family farmers rely on agricultural credit or loans to plant crops, invest in conservation, purchase livestock, replace old machinery, and navigate marketplace disruptions. FSA loans provided through USDA offer great potential to help farmers get their operations up and running. However, financial barriers and unfair FSA lending practices have put this vital resource out of reach for many family farmers. FSA has also been criticized for discriminatory lending practices and burdensome requirements that have harmed farmers of color. USDA estimates that farm debt will exceed more than $591 billion in 2025—higher than ever before. In the past decade, crippling debt caused by natural disasters has led to the closure of nearly half of Vermont’s dairy farms. More recent natural disasters like the brutal back-to-back floods in 2023, 2024, and 2025 have left many Vermont farms burdened with debt and with few options for relief. As farming operations in Vermont and across the country continue to face external shocks, farmers need new ways to help absorb losses without risking their farms and livelihoods. The Fair Credit for Farmers Act will improve access and accountability in the FSA loan application and appeals process for farmers. Specifically, the bill will: Enact a targeted, two-year, low-interest payment deferment on direct farm loans and extend the term for repayment by two years to help farmers recover from recent market disruptions. To be eligible, farmers must be economically distressed. Waive guaranteed loan fees for certain borrowers for two years, which can cost farmers much more in interest over time. Limit over-collateralization on farm loans and protect farmers’ homes to a maximum of the full value of FSA loans and only allow farmers’ homes as the last option for collateral. Homes will also be the first collateral removed from the loan once enough has been paid. Protect farmers in delinquency against FSA taking all of their assets as collateral, as well as from some lenders of guaranteed loans initiating liquidation without concurrence by FSA. Better ensure that historically underserved farmers and ranchers receive equal treatment in FSA lending and appeal processes. Ensure that farmers can refinance existing debt with FSA loans to better manage their debt and adapt to market and environmental changes or disasters. Eliminate arbitrary FSA loan eligibility term limits for farmers who cannot access favorable credit options in the private sector. The bill would amend current FSA policy which restricts farmers to only seven years of loan eligibility for direct operating loans and only ten years for direct farm ownership loans, regardless of financial status. Restore FSA eligibility for farmers with a previous debt write-down (or partial debt-relief). Provide greater flexibility and improve access to the use of funds and credit reserved for beginning farmers. This provision would shorten USDA’s three-year experience requirement for direct loans to enhance loan access for new and beginning producers. Expand equitable relief when FSA erroneously denies a farmer’s loan or program benefit to deliver economic support to farmers in situations where FSA’s error has financially harmed them, particularly if the farmer missed a planting season or market opportunity. It also makes equitable relief decisions appealable to the National Appeals Division. These provisions do not apply retroactively. Improve transparency and fairness in the National Appeals Division (NAD) by requiring FSA to include all potential reasons for denial in its initial communication with the farmer to ensure that the farmer does not have to repeat the appeals process. This bill also shifts the burden of proof in NAD appeals to FSA when the farmer’s annual farm income is $300,000 or lower. The Fair Credit for Farmers Act is endorsed by the National Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) and the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI). “Independent farmers and ranchers are facing extreme, often unpredictable financial challenges, including the highest level of farm debt in history. Improving transparency and fair access to the public loans offered by FSA must be a top priority to support the hard-working farmers that put food on our tables. The improvements made through the Fair Credit for Farmers Act will support farmers in confidently sustaining and growing their businesses, and their ability to remain resilient against the unique challenges of farming,” said the National Family Farm Coalition. “Farmers are navigating all types of uncertainty right now–whether that’s fluctuating costs and prices, changes at USDA, or increasingly frequent weather disasters. Farmers need FSA to be a lender where they can have a fair shot at accessing credit that makes sense for their businesses, and who will work with them when they hit hard times. The Fair Credit for Farmers Act directly addresses many of the barriers we’ve seen farmers encounter as we work with them to navigate those crises,” said Margaret Krome-Lukens, Policy Co-Director, RAFI. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-trump-administration-to-stop-stalling-and-release-liheap-funding-there-is-no-excuse-for-withholding-the-funding/,Welch Calls on Trump Administration to Stop Stalling and Release LIHEAP Funding: “There is no excuse for withholding the funding.”,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, this week spoke on the Senate floor and urged the Trump Administration to release $4 billion in federal funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that has yet to be distributed this year. In his remarks, Senator Welch emphasized how LIHEAP funding helps more than 6 million lower-income households and seniors—including 26,000 Vermonters—heat their homes during the cold winter months. “We are in the cold weather season, and getting money out after the cold weather season does not help keep people warm. LIHEAP funding enjoys broad support, and that’s because—in your state and in mine—folks in the winter who are on the margins financially, literally, can’t get by unless they have access to this funding. So here we are; the heating season is upon us and the LIHEAP funding is stuck and not being distributed. This is an absolute responsibility of the Trump Administration and there is no excuse for withholding the funding,” said Senator Welch. “This is the call to the Trump Administration: do your job. Secretary Kennedy has a legal responsibility to disburse the current LIHEAP funding. It’s illegal for him to withhold those funds, as well as pretty cruel.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: States and tribes typically receive LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of the state median income. While the Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget plan, the Senate’s funding bill for 2026 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP. Last week, Senator Welch joined 30 bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling on Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to release LIHEAP funds as swiftly and at the highest level possible. The Senator also recently grilled a Trump Administration nominee about the Administration’s actions to undermine the program and partnered with the Vermont Congressional Delegation in pushing back on the President’s proposal to eliminate LIHEAP funding entirely. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=626,Reps. Becca Balint and Jesús “Chuy” García Introduce Bill to Crack Down on Companies Using Algorithms to Illegally Raise Rents,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, November 19th, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) introduced the End Rent Fixing Act to prohibit digital price fixing by landlords. In the midst of a crisis of housing availability and affordability, landlords are using algorithms to collude and increase rents for American families. Companies like RealPage and Yardi brand themselves as providing property management software, but in reality they facilitate collusion to push higher and higher rents. These companies collect real-time price and lease information from landlords and use it to suggest rent increases, which suppresses price competition in the rental housing market. This is exactly how a price fixing cartel operates, but instead of using code names and secret meetings, this price fixing is offered as a service. “Families in Vermont and across the country are being crushed by the housing affordability crisis — a result of corporate greed,” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL). “Landlords are colluding to illegally push rent higher and higher. The End Rent Fixing Act will prevent this type of price fixing and protect people’s wallets. Everyone deserves affordable housing. We cannot allow greedy corporations to get away with this.” “Companies like RealPage and Yardi are building algorithms that jack up rent prices for consumers, making the housing and affordability crisis worse. I’m proud to join my colleague Congresswoman Balint in reintroducing the End Rent Fixing Act as we continue our fight against this new frontier of anticompetitive, anti-consumer behavior,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “People should never have to choose between paying rent and buying food. The Council of Economic Advisors found that in 2023, rent fixing cost renters at least $3.8 billion. Increased rents push more people into homelessness, which reached record levels in 2024. Rent fixing does not give renters more amenities or a better deal: it only makes rent more expensive to line the pockets of landlords and companies like RealPage and Yardi. The End Rent Fixing Act will strengthen all these efforts by setting a federal floor of protection against this collusive activity and making lawsuits against rent fixers easier to win. The End Rent Fixing 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 U.S. antitrust law. Prohibit the practice of coordinating price, supply, and other rental housing information among two or more rental property owners. Allow individual plaintiffs to invalidate any pre-dispute arbitration agreement or pre-dispute joint action waiver that would prevent their bringing a suit. The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Bonamici, Casar, Craig, Deluzio, Gomez, Goodlander, Jayapal, Johnson (GA), Norton, Omar, Ramirez, Salinas, and Tlaib. “Corporate landlords across the country are pricing families out of their homes. By using algorithms from corporations that get a cut of those profits, these landlords collude and make life unaffordable for working people – who are already paying too much as inflation continues to skyrocket. I’m proud to sponsor the End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 to ensure that renters are protected from this greedy and destructive behavior,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). ""At a time when Minnesotans are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, corporations are colluding with large landlords to price working families out of the housing market,"" said Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05). ""I'm proud to support this legislation to crack down on these predatory price-fixing practices and give Minnesotans, and renters across the country, the housing protections they need."" U.S. Senators Peter Welch and Ron Wyden are leading the Senate version of the bill. It is cosponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith, Andy Kim, Jean Shaheen, John Fetterman, Bernie Sanders, and Sheldon Whitehouse. “Vermonters are amongst the hardest hit by the housing crisis raging across the country. We have the fourth-highest rate of homelessness in the nation. In the midst of this crisis and at a time when families are struggling to put food on the table—thanks to Trump’s reckless economic policies—housing providers are using anticompetitive pricing algorithms to raise rents. It’s outrageous,” Welch said. “The End Rent Fixing Act of 2025would crack down on these pricing algorithms and prevent future monopolies on the housing market to protect renters in Vermont and nationwide.” “Setting prices with an algorithm is no different from doing it over cigars and whiskey in a private club,” Wyden said. “These cartels are already being sued for violating antitrust laws, but I don’t want there to be a sliver of doubt that fixing rents with an algorithm is illegal. Housing costs are crushing American families. Companies shouldn’t be using AI to make the housing crisis worse.” The full bill text is here. A one-page summary of the bill is here. The End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, the Center for American Progress, Color of Change, the Consumer Federation of America, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and the Open Markets Institute. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/media-advisory-ahead-of-small-business-saturday-welch-to-tour-local-businesses-in-burlington-brattleboro/,"MEDIA ADVISORY: Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Welch to Tour Local Businesses in Burlington, Brattleboro",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"BURLINGTON and BRATTLEBORO, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, will travel to Burlington and Brattleboro next week ahead of Small Business Saturday and the holiday season to meet with small business owners and discuss the importance of shopping small. “Vermont’s small businesses power our Main Streets—they’re a source of great pride for the state, employing thousands and supporting our local economy. This holiday season, I encourage Vermonters to shop small and support local businesses and workers,” said Sen. Welch. Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state. Small businesses employ more than 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. TOUR SCHEDULE: Monday, November 24th, 2025: Burlington Meeting Location: AC Hotel (130 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401); followed by stops at Outdoor Gear Exchange (37 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401) and Phoenix Books (89 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401) Meeting Time: 9:45 AM ET Tuesday, November 25th, 2025: Brattleboro Meeting Location: Brattleboro Food Co-op (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301); followed by stops at Burrow’s Sports (105 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301) and The Hatch Space (22 High Street, 3rd Floor, Brattleboro, VT 05301) Meeting Time: 10:00 AM ET RSVP:Media are asked to RSVP to Aaron White; 202-960-0677 ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/sanders-welch-balint-host-telephone-town-hall-as-vermonters-face-health-insurance-premium-hikes/,"Sanders, Welch, Balint Host Telephone Town Hall",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large), last night held a statewide telephone town hall on the delegation’s continued fight to protect health care and lower costs for hardworking Vermont families. The telephone town hall followed Congressional Republican’s government shutdown, which was brought on by the Trump Administration’s refusal to negotiate an extension of health care tax credits. The delegation heard directly from Vermonters about their concerns and answered questions about how they are working to lower costs for families, protect democracy, and fight back against President Trump’s reckless policies. “The immediate urgency is health care. This is on top of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ (so called), which is going to kick 15 million people off of health care. It’s going to take a trillion dollars out of our health care system, and it’s going to be brutal on our community hospitals that are so essential to the well-being of Vermonters. And now, with the expiration of the premium tax credits, businesses, farmers, individuals are going to see their premiums skyrocket,” said Senator Welch. “It’s just unsustainable.” Watch a livestream of the event here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-on-dhs-to-investigate-secretary-noems-220-million-ad-campaign/,Welch Calls on DHS to Investigate Secretary Noem’s $220 Million Ad Campaign,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch requested answers from DHS about Noem’s authorization of multiple no-bid contracts to firms close to her and her advisors WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to investigate Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent awards of multiple no bid contracts as part of a $220 million ad campaign to firms with which she and her senior advisors have personal ties. Senator Welch asked Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to investigate and provide answers on Secretary Noem’s use of a “national emergency” to issue these taxpayer-funded contracts. “Between February and August 2025, DHS awarded $143 million in no bid contracts to a company called Safe America Media, which was incorporated 11 days before the initial contract solicitation. In October, Safe America Media was contracted to help DHS produce a commercial—filmed during the government shutdown—featuring Secretary Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore,” wrote Senator Welch. “Although not identified in public contracting disclosures, according to public reporting, a firm called Strategy Group was engaged by Safe America Media to produce the ad at Mount Rushmore.” “This is not the first time the Department has used the claim of a ‘national emergency’ to issue no bid contract awards. Earlier this year, DHS invoked the measure to skip a competitive bidding process for an ad featuring Secretary Noem thanking President Trump. One of the firms contracted for the ad, People Who Think, LLC, is headed by Jay Connaughton, a former Trump campaign advisor. Connaughton worked with Lewandowski, Noem’s chief advisor, on Jeff Landry’s gubernatorial campaign in Louisiana,” continued the Senator. “In June 2025, Secretary Noem announced that she would personally approve all DHS contracts over $100,000.” The Senator concluded: “These awards call into question whether DHS, under Secretary Noem’s leadership, is fulfilling its obligations under federal procurement laws to consider bids ‘with complete impartiality and with preferential treatment for none.’ In order to understand the extent to which Secretary Noem’s advertising campaign and contract process complies with applicable federal laws and regulations, I request that your office initiate a review of DHS’s contracts associated with advertising campaigns since January 20, 2025.” Senator Welch requested answers from DHS Inspector General Cuffari to the following questions: What is DHS’s process for reviewing bids associated with its advertising campaigns? Is this process compliant with federal procurement rules? Did Secretary Noem personally review and approve the contracts awarded to Safe America Media or People Who Think, LLC? Has DHS awarded any other contracts to Safe America Media or People Who Think, LLC? If so, please provide a list of such contracts and a copy of each contract. Does Secretary Noem have any personal or professional relationships with the firms Safe America Media, People Who Think LLC, or their subcontractors? If so, please provide details on their relationship. Do any senior personnel at DHS have any personal or professional relationships with the firms Safe America Media, People Who Think LLC, or their subcontractors? If so, please provide a list of those personnel and details on their relationship(s). Do any other firms that have been awarded contracts to conduct advertising since January 20, 2025 have any personal or professional relationships with Secretary Noem? If so, please provide a copy of each contract. Did Secretary Noem personally review and approve the contract(s) awarded to these other firm(s)? Do any of these firms have any personal or professional relationships with senior personnel at DHS? If so, please provide a list of those personnel and details on their relationship. Read and download the full text of the Senator’s letter to DHS Inspector General Cuffari. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welchs-bipartisan-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act-passes-senate/,Welch’s Bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Passes Senate,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Bill will support students and Vermont’s dairy farmers WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today celebrated the Senate’s unanimous passage of his bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, legislation to support America’s students and dairy farmers. The bipartisan bill, co-led with Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), would allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer students whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, lactose-free milk, and non-dairy alternatives. It will now move to the House of Representatives. “Dairy is at the heart of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers. Our Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will help our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the support of the Senate on our bipartisan bill and look forward to sending it to the President’s desk.” Before the vote, Senators Welch and Marshall took to the Senate floor to highlight the benefits of their bipartisan legislation. “This is a very serious thing in two ways: number one, we’ve got to have good nutrition for our kids…and the second reason is that the dairy farming industry—it’s not so much an industry as it is a way of life. And in Vermont, the hardest working people we have are dairy farmers. It’s a hard, hard job. But it’s one where families have done it for generation to generation. There’s an enormous pride in being custodians of the landscape, and caring for the animals and the herd, and in providing nutritious milk to the community. And there’s a lot of pressure on our farmers. And this whole milk bill is an acknowledgment of the extraordinary contribution that the dairy farmers in the state of Vermont make to the entire state of Vermont—that the dairy farmers in America make to all of America…” said Senator Welch on the Senate Floor, after drinking from a glass of whole milk. Watch the Senator’s full remarks below: As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has championed efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s dairy industry. This Congress, Senator Welch reintroduced the Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act (O DAIRY) Act, legislation to expand federal support for organic dairy farmers by extending emergency assistance to farmers facing losses due to factors like feed shortages and increased costs. Senator Welch also recently introduced legislation to help more Americans access SNAP and improve child nutrition, including the Local School Foods Expansion Act, Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2025, Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025, and the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act. Last Congress, Senator Welch introduced several bills in the 118th Congress to support Vermont’s dairy, organic, and specialty crop farmers. These bills were included in Senate Democrats’ draft Farm Bill, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-out-republicans-health-care-affordability-crisis-in-finance-committee-hearing-this-hearing-is-a-year-too-late-you-had-the-gavel/,Welch Calls Out Republicans’ Health Care Affordability Crisis in Finance Committee Hearing: “This hearing is a year too late. You had the gavel.”,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch stressed the urgent need to extend ACA tax credits before January 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a Senate Finance Committee hearing this afternoon, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) exposed how Republicans’ inaction on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits will raise premiums for families already struggling to afford health care, food, housing, and other basic needs as a result of President Trump’s economic policies. Senator Welch reiterated that the only path forward is a clean extension of the ACA tax credit. “Mr. Chairman, here’s the reality: this hearing is a year too late. You had the gavel,” said Senator Welch. “…There’s something fundamentally bogus about us having this discussion about ideas about how we can bring down health care costs, when families in Vermont; when families in Idaho; in Oregon; have no capacity to deal with these macro-issues we’re talking about—with insurance ripoffs; drug company ripoffs; executive pay; shareholder buybacks; huge dividends; trillions of dollars—where all that money that we put into the health care system is not reinvested in the health care system.” “We have no choice, and no other option other than to extend these tax credits, so we don’t penalize good American families—Republican, Democrat, Independent—for the failure of Congress to do what its job is: and that is to address the rising cost of health care.” Watch the Senator’s full remarks below: Read the Senator’s remarks as delivered here. Open Enrollment for the ACA Marketplaces began on November 1, and the sticker shock is devastating families nationwide. Over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—are seeing their share of premiums more than double next year, on average. Without ACA tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. Ultimately, Republicans’ actions will kick 15 million Americans off their health insurance, including about 4 million people who will no longer be able to afford an ACA health plan. This Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermonters, including the Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies (CARE) Act, Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, End Price Gouging for Medications Act, Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, and the Rural Hospital Support Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-21-senate-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-on-trump-admins-unlawful-head-start-funding-delays/,Welch Joins 21 Senate Colleagues in Demanding Answers on Trump Admin’s Unlawful Head Start Funding Delays,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"GAO recently found that the Trump Admin. illegally withheld Head Start Funds, exacerbating delays caused by the Republican shutdown WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and 18 Senate colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration regarding delays in disbursing Head Start funds, which the Government Accountability Office found violated the Impoundment Control Act. The Senators also called for immediate clarification on authorization of the delays, legal rationale, and measures to prevent recurrence, as well as assurances that Head Start programs can continue providing inclusive services for children with disabilities. In their letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the Senators highlight how these delays, worsened by the government shutdown, forced programs to reduce services, temporarily close classrooms, lay off staff, and left thousands of children and families without critical early learning and family support. “When funds are delayed, many Head Start programs must plan for a disruption in services by notifying staff and families of a possible closure. In extreme cases, Head Start programs have had to close due to funding delays and lack of communication by the Administration. These issues were compounded by the government shutdown, which created an additional and immediate crisis for Head Start programs,” wrote the Senators. “We are particularly alarmed that there have been no assurances by HHS that funding delays for this critical program have been resolved, especially as Head Start programs continue to face issues drawing down their funding which puts the livelihoods of their employees and families served at risk,” continued the Senators. “We strongly urge HHS to take immediate steps to ensure Head Start funds were delivered promptly and equitably to serve the children and families who depended on them, especially as the government shutdown and limited funding threatened to disrupt services for the 134 grantees whose programs are November 1st grant recipients. These programs, their staff, and the families they serve cannot afford further uncertainty or delay,” concluded the Senators. In addition to Senators Welch, Luján, Warnock, and Merkley, the letter was signed by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). Read and download the Senators’ full letter HHS Secretary Kennedy and OMB Director Vought. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-wyden-balint-reintroduce-end-rent-fixing-act-to-crack-down-on-companies-using-algorithms-to-illegally-raise-rents/,"Welch, Wyden, Balint Reintroduce End Rent Fixing Act to Crack Down on Companies Using Algorithms to Illegally Raise Rents",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Bill would strengthen enforcement and lawsuits against companies that allow landlords to collude on rent prices WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Senate Judiciary Committees, today joined Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large) in introducing the End Rent Fixing Act, bicameral legislation to crack down on companies that help landlords increase rents in already high-priced markets. These services allow landlords to collude to set prices via software and price-setting algorithms. Since the legislation was first introduced in early 2024, the state of New York, Seattle, Philadelphia, and cities across the country have adopted the bill, formerly titled Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act, to serve as a successful model for reigning in algorithmic rent fixing in states and localities. “Vermonters are amongst the hardest hit by the housing crisis raging across the country. We have the fourth-highest rate of homelessness in the nation. In the midst of this crisis and at a time when families are struggling to put food on the table—thanks to Trump’s reckless economic policies—housing providers are using anticompetitive pricing algorithms to raise rents. It’s outrageous,” said Senator Welch. “The End Rent Fixing Act would crack down on these pricing algorithms and prevent future monopolies on the housing market to protect renters in Vermont and nationwide.” “Setting prices with an algorithm is no different from doing it over cigars and whiskey in a private club,” said Senator Wyden. “These cartels are already being sued for violating antitrust laws, but I don’t want there to be a sliver of doubt that fixing rents with an algorithm is illegal. Housing costs are crushing American families. Companies shouldn’t be using AI to make the housing crisis worse.” “Families in Vermont and across the country are being crushed by the housing affordability crisis — a result of corporate greed,” said Rep. Balint. “Landlords are colluding to illegally push rent higher and higher. The End Rent Fixing Act will prevent this type of price fixing and protect people’s wallets. Everyone deserves affordable housing. We cannot allow greedy corporations to get away with this.” The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). “Today in America — at a time when millions of our people spend 50% or 60% of their limited incomes on housing, when nearly 800,000 Americans are homeless, and when there is not a state, city or town in this country where a full-time minimum wage worker can afford the rent — greedy corporations like RealPage are exploiting our housing crisis for profit by illegally colluding to jack up rents,” said Senator Sanders. “That is outrageous and it has got to end. This legislation is an important step toward finally taking on that corporate greed and protecting the American people.” “When landlords delegate pricing decisions to algorithms, renters lose out on the benefits of competition and are faced with higher rates, while some homes are priced so high they sit vacant,” said Senator Klobuchar. “This bill will ensure rental property owners abide by antitrust law and let market forces determine rents.” “Corporate landlords should not be able to collude to raise rents,” said Senator Smith. “Increasing the price of rent using algorithms makes housing less affordable and worsens the financial struggles for everyday Americans. This bill would end these anti-competitive practices and make accessing affordable housing easier for renters nationwide.” “Using AI driven rent-setting tools, big corporations are rigging the rental housing markets in cities across the country – sending prices ever higher and leaving residents with almost no way to find an affordable place to live,” said Senator Van Hollen. “We need to put a stop to this corporate cronyism by ending the price fixing and restoring fair competition in the rental market, a key step toward addressing the housing affordability crisis we’re facing in this country.” “This measure cracks down on predatory use of new technology like algorithms to exploit renters with rising prices,” said Senator Blumenthal. “It helps stop high tech collusion that suppresses competition and exacerbates our nation’s housing crisis. Affordable housing depends on consumers having access to fair prices.” “Housing costs are out of control in this country and rising rents are crushing people,” said Senator Booker. “This bill cracks down on predatory landlords who use sophisticated pricing software to game the system and drive rents even higher. It’s a simple, straightforward way to stop illegal price-fixing that takes advantage of families who are already struggling to keep a roof over their heads.” Reporting has demonstrated that companies like RealPage and Yardi advertise their products as “property management software,” but in fact help landlords coordinate prices to increase rental rates in the same market. The companies collect real-time price and lease information and in return suggest rent increases. The result is less competition and higher rent prices for consumers. The Council of Economic Advisors found that rent fixing costs renters at least $3.8 billion. In cities like Atlanta, Tampa, and Dallas, rent fixing alone raised rents well over $100 a month. RealPage has said that its software “ensures that [landlords] are driving every possible opportunity to increase price even in the most downward trending or unexpected conditions,” and that by using RealPage, landlords can “move in unison versus against each other.” To address this, the End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 would: Make it illegal 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 U.S. antitrust law; Prohibit the practice of coordinating price, supply, and other rental housing information among two or more rental property owners; and Allow individual plaintiffs to invalidate any pre-dispute arbitration agreement or pre-dispute joint action waiver that would prevent their bringing a suit. The End Rent Fixing Act of 2025 is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project; Center for American Progress; Color Of Change; Consumer Federation of America; National Low Income Housing Coalition; National Alliance to End Homelessness; and the Open Markets Institute. “Amid a generational housing crisis, algorithmic rent fixing has allowed corporate landlords to do through software what used to be done in smoke-filled rooms: coordinate prices, suppress supply, and extract billions in extra rent from struggling tenants. The End Rent Fixing Act draws a clear line by reinforcing the per se illegality of cartel pricing schemes, prohibiting covert data exchanges and cut-and-paste pricing strategies that tech platforms have used to rig markets with impunity. Restoring competitive dynamism to struggling housing markets is among the easiest steps lawmakers can take to drive down rents and encourage new housing development today,” said Lee Hepner, Senior Legal Counsel, American Economic Liberties Project. “Algorithmic rent-setting has allowed too many corporate landlords to collude in plain sight, driving up housing costs for families across the country. The End Rent Fixing Act will restore competition in the market, stop this digital price-fixing, and ensure renters aren’t forced to pay inflated prices just to keep a roof over their heads,” said Michael Negron, Senior Fellow for Economic Opportunity, Center for American Progress. “We are very excited and proud to endorse the End Rent Fixing Act. Wealthy landlords are using rent-fixing algorithms to distort the market and take hard-earned money from renters across the country. Underrepresented communities are demanding policies that prioritize the working class and make housing more affordable for everyday people. It’s time that Congress passes common-sense legislation that restricts algorithms from gouging consumers and gives more resources back to our families and communities,” said Michael Huggins, Deputy Senior Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Color Of Change. “Algorithms already secretly mediate so much of people’s lives – their job prospects, insurance rates, loan eligibility, and increasingly their rent. Exploitative companies and landlords are capitalizing on the lack of regulation and transparency and boosting people’s rents beyond market value when people need relief most. This law is a straightforward effort that would draw clear lines prohibiting this collusive behavior hidden behind a proprietary algorithm and help victims hold the conspirators accountable,” said Ben Winters, Director of AI and Privacy, Consumer Federation of America. “Algorithmic collusion by landlords is a contributor to pushing housing costs out of reach for too many Americans, especially young people. Collusion against consumers is illegal, whether it takes place in smoke-filled rooms, over the phone, or via algorithm. The End Rent-Fixing Act will give enforcers enhanced powers to protect renters from the use of digital tools to fix rents,” said Brian Callaci, Chief Economist, Open Markets Institute. “The main thing making homelessness worse is long-term increases in rents. The End Rent Fixing Act will put free market principles to work as part of a solution to this problem,” said Steve Berg, Chief Policy Officer, National Alliance to End Homelessness. Learn more about the End Rent Fixing Act. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=624,Rep. Balint Votes to Release the Epstein Files,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,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) released the following statement after voting YES on H.R. 4405 to release the Epstein files: “Powerful men protect powerful men, including all those around Jeffrey Epstein. My vote today to release the Epstein files will bring transparency, accountability, truth, and justice to the thousands of survivors who have waited far too long. We are sending a message to all victims of trafficking and sex abuse that we stand with you. We stand with you in the face of intimidation, and the rich and powerful men who have enabled the abuse. The American people deserve to see what’s in the files. The Senate must send this to the President’s desk immediately.”",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-and-46-democratic-colleagues-call-on-leader-thune-to-quickly-bring-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-senate-floor-for-vote/,Welch and 46 Democratic Colleagues Call on Leader Thune to Quickly Bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to Senate Floor for Vote,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined every Senate Democrat in calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to immediately bring the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions. The Senators’ letter follows the U.S. House of Representatives’ overwhelming bipartisan approval of the measure by a vote of 427-1 earlier this afternoon. For more than two decades, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have sought justice and accountability for his alleged sexual crimes involving underage girls. The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator Welch, would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents and records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency and providing the American people with access to critical information. “The victims of Jeffrey Epstein—and the American people—deserve answers, accountability and the truth,” wrote the Senators. “So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has acted to provide transparency on this matter—we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.” “Despite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, the DOJ and FBI have refused to produce any information to the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House,” the Senators continued. In a social media post over the weekend, President Donald Trump abruptly changed course and encouraged House Republicans to vote for the bill, despite having tried for months to prevent the complete release of the files. Given longstanding efforts by President Trump and his Administration to slow walk or discourage the release of these files, the Senate must take action to provide transparency and help restore the public’s trust. “The U.S. Senate has the chance to show strong leadership and swiftly pass this legislation,” concluded the Senators. “We urge you to promptly proceed to the consideration of H.R. 4405 on the Senate floor pursuant to Senate Rule XIV, so that the legislation can be immediately placed on the Senate Calendar.” The letter was led by Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Ranking Member of the Budget Committee Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). Joining Senators Welch, Peters, Schumer, Durbin and Merkley in sending the letter were Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Read and download the full text of the Senators’ letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-collins-introduce-bipartisan-care-act-to-support-ems-providers-in-rural-communities/,"Welch, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Treat-in-Place Emergency Medical Services",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Bill would test a treatment-in-place Medicare reimbursement model for EMS providers, helping patients avoid unnecessary hospital visits WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies (CARE) Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to test a five-year “treatment-in-place” model in which Medicare reimburses Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers when they treat a patient outside of the hospital, such as for minor medical incidents, rather than transporting them to a hospital for care. “Vermont’s EMS providers are on the frontlines of medical emergencies. It’s only common sense that our government should pay EMS providers for their vital services, regardless of whether a person needs an ambulance to the hospital. But right now, EMS providers aren’t getting reimbursed for their work—we need to fix that,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to work with Senator Collins on this bipartisan legislation to ensure that EMS providers can better help communities across rural America.” “Having access to high-quality emergency medical services is essential for individuals in rural communities across Maine and the nation, yet in many areas these providers face serious staffing and financial challenges,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would expand the treatment-in-place model for EMS services, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, lowering costs, and easing the strain on our state’s hospital and EMS workforces.” Inflationary pressures, coupled with the increasing volume of services that are ineligible for reimbursement, pose a serious threat to EMS providers, particularly those serving rural and older communities. These challenges are forcing EMS providers to curtail service and, in some areas, shut down services entirely. In recent years, several EMS providers in rural Vermont have closed their doors due to mounting expenses, leaving local residents with fewer options for emergency services. The CARE Act would build on the success of a temporary treatment-in-place model implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated savings of more than $500 to Medicare per patient encounter. In recent years, about 22% of EMS calls conclude without transport to a hospital, leaving providers to absorb those costs. By reimbursing EMS for care delivered in place, this legislation would strengthen local emergency response and better ensure that more patients receive appropriate, timely care. The CARE Act is endorsed by the American Ambulance Association; Congressional Fire Service Institute; International Association of Firefighters; International Association of Fire Chiefs; National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT); National Association of Towns and Townships; National Rural Health Association; and the Vermont Ambulance Association. “An immense thank you to Senator Welch for introducing with Senator Collins the CARE Act (S. 3145), which recognizes that Vermont ambulance service organizations and our paramedics and EMTs provide vital prehospital medical care and that reimbursement should not be based solely on also transporting a Vermonter to a medical facility,” said Drew Hazelton, President, Vermont Ambulance Association. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senators Collins and Welch for their leadership in introducing the CARE Act. By acknowledging that ambulance service organizations provide critical prehospital medical care, not just transportation, this legislation helps ensure that our nation’s EMTs and paramedics are properly recognized and services are reimbursed for this care delivered every single day in communities across America,” said Jamie Pafford-Gresham, President, American Ambulance Association. “The IAFC supports the bipartisan Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act,” said Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford, President and Board Chair, International Association of Fire Chiefs. “Fire-based EMS agencies across the nation are on the front lines of our healthcare system, providing critical care every day while facing the challenges of overburdened emergency departments and increasing demand on EMS. The CARE Act represents a significant step toward recognizing and supporting fire and EMS departments in their lifesaving work, while enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating the burden on overcrowded emergency departments. We commend Senator Collins and Senator Welch for their leadership in advancing this initiative with a common-sense approach to modernizing emergency medical care.” “NAEMT advocates to provide patients with the right care, in the right place, at the right time, and in the most cost-effective manner. We are grateful for Senators Collins and Welch for introducing the Comprehensive Alternative Response for Emergencies (CARE) Act. This legislation will assess the benefits of TIP to reduce overall Medicare costs, promote patient outcomes, and allow patients the freedom to receive care on their own terms. TIP provides strong benefits to struggling EMS agencies and crowded emergency departments (ED). By allowing patients to more appropriately receive care on-scene in lieu of transportation to a hospital, CMS can lessen the burden placed on EMS providers struggling with workforce shortages as well as decompress overcrowded hospitals and ED,” said Chief Chris Way, President, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). Learn more about the CARE Act. Read and download the full text of the bill. ### ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-27-senate-democrats-on-anti-cash-grab-act-to-repeal-500000-republican-kickback/,"Welch Joins 27 Senate Democrats on Anti-Cash Grab Act to Repeal $500,000 Republican Kickback",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Bill repeals last-minute ‘Arctic Frost’ provision allowing Republican Senators to collect $500,000 per lawfully subpoenaed phone record WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Rules Committee, today joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and 25 Senate Democrats in introducing the Anti-Cash Grab Act, legislation that will repeal a provision—quietly added into the Senate government funding bill at the last minute—that allows Senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record lawfully obtained. “There’s no excuse for this Republican kickback—it’s a gross abuse of the policymaking process and should be immediately blocked before the American taxpayers are forced to pay millions of dollars. This bill is just common sense,” said Senator Welch. “While Democrats were fighting to make health care more affordable and help working families put food on the table, Senate Republicans were focused on taxpayer-funded windfalls for themselves. Let’s be crystal clear: negotiating a $500,000 windfall for yourself while refusing to help everyday Americans is wrong and deserves to be called out,” said Senator Heinrich. “Our bill is about accountability, transparency, and fighting for working families. The Senate must take this bill up and pass it now.” “While we were fighting to lower health care costs and keep food on the table for hardworking Americans, Senate Republicans were slipping a taxpayer-funded payout for themselves into the government funding bill,” said Senator Kelly. “It’s a political cash grab — plain and simple, and our bill puts an end to it. Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree that ripping off American taxpayers is bad policy.” In addition to Senators Welch, Heinrich, and Kelly, the legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Learn more about the Anti-Cash Grab Act. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-curtis-cohen-wilson-call-on-trump-administration-to-free-political-prisoners-in-belarus/,"Welch, Curtis, Cohen, Wilson Call on Trump Administration to Free Political Prisoners in Belarus",2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Lawmakers commend and encourage the Administration’s efforts to free political prisoners wrongfully held in Belarus WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) partnered with U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Joe Wilson (D-SC-02) in calling on the Trump Administration to continue working to free political prisoners in Belarus, and use caution in future negotiations with the Putin-aligned Lukashenka regime. In a letter sent recently, the bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers commended the Trump Administration for working to free political prisoners in Belarus, including several U.S. nationals. The lawmakers also encouraged the Department of State to continue to hold Strategic Dialogue with the Belarusian democratic movement and their exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. “We were very encouraged by the June 21, 2025 release of 14 hostages, wrongful detainees, and political prisoners who had been unjustly held in Belarus, followed by the September 11 release of an additional 52 political prisoners and foreign nationals, and the release of 25 prisoners on September 16,” wrote the lawmakers to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “As the Administration continues its engagement with this illegitimate regime, we urge caution to ensure that any progress on the release of political prisoners is not undermined by the government’s continued pattern of arbitrary detention.” The lawmakers emphasized the need for sustained vigilance, highlighting that Lukashenka’s concessions could be a tactic to distract from Belarus’ sustained support for Putin’s war in Ukraine: “Negotiations with the Lukashenka regime inevitably contribute to its pursuit of legitimacy in the eyes of the international community. The regime’s practice of releasing certain prisoners while detaining new opposition figures, journalists, and human rights defenders must not be allowed to persist unchecked… At the same time, Belarus continues to facilitate Russia’s unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine, including by enabling drone strikes launched from its territory, and by supporting hybrid warfare tactics such as the orchestration of irregular migration into the European Union. These actions not only perpetuate repression at home but also directly undermines U.S. interests and broader transatlantic security in the region.” “While we recognize the Administration’s significant achievements to date, these actions demonstrate the need for sustained vigilance and conditionality in any further engagement with the Lukashenka regime,” the lawmakers continued. “Any released political prisoners should have all pending charges against them dropped. They should not be forced into exile, which is a violation of international law. We also urge the State Department to prioritize the release of those individuals in need of urgent medical care on what is known as the ‘humanitarian list,’ which was prepared by Belarusian human rights organizations.” In their letter, the lawmakers urged the State Department to prioritize the release of the following individuals in any future negotiations with the Government of Belarus: Maryia Kalesnikava; Viktar and Eduard Babaryka; Marfa Rabkova; Ales Bialiatski; Valiantsin Stefanovich; Uladzimir Labkovich; Nasta (Anastasia) Loika; Dzyanis Ivashyn; Maksim Znak; and Kaciaryna Andrejeva. The Senators’ letter is endorsed by the McCain Institute and Freedom House. Senator Welch has advocated for bipartisan cooperation to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus and around the world. Following high-level bilateral U.S.-Belarus negotiations in June 2025, which led to the release of pro-democracy opposition figures, Senator Welch encouraged the Administration to ensure human rights and the release of political prisoners remain central to any further negotiations. Earlier this year, the Senator led his colleagues in urging Secretary of State Rubio to preserve the staff and programs administered by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) amid the Department’s proposed reorganization. Last Congress, Senator Welch spoke on the Senate floor to highlight the case of Maryia Kalesnikava, a leading member of the Belarusian political opposition calling for free and fair elections in Belarus, who was apprehended in 2020 by officials who attempted to forcibly deport her to Ukraine. Senator Welch also met with political and human rights advocates, including Maryia’s sister, Tatsiana Khomic to discuss ways to help secure the release of Maryia and other political prisoners in Belarus. Read and download the full text of the Senators’ letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-30-bipartisan-colleagues-in-urging-trump-admin-to-release-liheap-home-heating-aid/,Welch Joins 30 Bipartisan Colleagues in Urging Trump Admin to Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid,2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Federal LIHEAP funding helps 26,000 Vermonters BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and 27 bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars that have yet to be distributed this year. In their letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the bipartisan lawmakers emphasize that federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. “As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of LIHEAP funding available under the Continuing Resolution,” the Senators wrote. “As state agencies and tribes activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible. As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.” Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households—including 26,000 Vermonters—received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. According to a new forecast from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, home heating costs are estimated to rise nearly 8% over last winter on average, with costs for heating with electricity forecasted to increase even higher—to 10% above last year. States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150% of the federal poverty guideline or 60% of the state median income. While the Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP, including zeroing out funds in its Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget plan, the Senate’s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to $4.045 billion. In the House of Representatives, the Appropriations Committee recommended a $10 million increase. In addition to Senators Welch, Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Read and download the Senators’ full letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-41-senate-colleagues-in-urging-trumps-hud-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program/,Welch Joins 41 Senate Colleagues in Urging Trump’s HUD to Immediately Halt Plans to Upend Key Homelessness Program,2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Trump Admin is planning to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could force 200,000 people back onto the streets WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined 41 Senate colleagues in urging Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner to immediately halt reported plans to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced out of their housing and back into homelessness. In their letter, the Senators call on Secretary Turner to instead use existing congressional authorization to expeditiously renew existing CoC grants for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) to prevent massive disruption and frightening uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans in the coming months. “We write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue,” write the Senators. “HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and congressionally authorized two-year Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.” The lawmakers note that the reported and potentially illegal plans to upend the program, which is the largest source of federal grant funding to prevent homelessness, would cause sudden and significant shortfalls and real pain across the country. Specifically, they write: “The most troubling of these changes is a new, arbitrary cap on the amount of funds that may be used for permanent housing. Currently, 87% of CoC funds support permanent housing, but the new NOFO reportedly limits the amount of funding for permanent housing to only 30%. This appears to be in contravention of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, undermines local decision-making authority, and ignores decades of research that has proven that permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing are less costly and more likely to be successful in providing long-term stability than other strategies, particularly for chronically homeless people and families.” “Each new Administration can make policy changes when they take office,” the Senators continue. “While we may not always agree on those policy changes, we should never have to question whether agency officials will faithfully follow the law and work to minimize harm to our constituents and communities when implementing those new policies. Reports of HUD intentionally blocking staff from examining the legality of the Fiscal Year 2025 NOFO changes with its own attorneys are deeply troubling.” The Senators note that, since January 20, repeated, chaotic policy changes affecting the program have created needless, costly uncertainty for communities across the country—and HUD has failed to communicate clearly with stakeholders and Congress about its plans: “For months, our staffs have sent HUD countless questions about its intents and actions around CoC funding that have remained unanswered, undermining Congress’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions. Real people in every community across the country rely on these funds to address homelessness. The funding competition process for FY25 has not begun, and with CoC project awards beginning to expire in less than two months, HUD is simply out of time.” “There is a better way forward,” the Senators conclude. “HUD’s current path risks causing a dangerous spike in street homelessness and creating chaos in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike by forcing nearly 200,000 chronically homeless Americans with disabilities and families back onto the streets. We implore you to make the better choice and expeditiously renew current CoC grants for FY25 as authorized by Congress to protect communities and avoid displacing thousands of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals.” The letter is led by U.S. Senators Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; and Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development. In addition to Senator Welch, the letter is also cosigned by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.). Read and download the full text of the Senators’ letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=623,Rep. Becca Balint Votes No on Government Funding that Fails to Address Health Care Cuts,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,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 voting against a continuing resolution that fails to extend Affordable Care Act health care tax credits: “I’m a hell no on any bill that cuts healthcare and skyrockets premiums for millions of American families. Americans are suffering through a health care crisis of Republicans’ making, after fifteen years of efforts to dismantle the ACA and replace it with nothing. “Republicans refusal to come to the table for the last 40 days tells us everything we need to know about where their priorities lie. From the beginning Trump has used the shutdown as a political game - from withholding food from children to harassing air traffic controllers who take on second jobs to make ends meet. This bill is just another way to ram through his corrupt agenda - carving out $500,000 payouts to Senators allegedly implicated in the January 6th insurrection. The corruption is staggering. “I can’t in good conscience vote for something that further damages an already broken health care system. Americans are disgusted by a system that screws them over at every turn. I want Vermonters to know I’m in this fight for a health care system that truly serves us. We deserve that and an economy that works for all of us, not just the billionaire class. The fight doesn’t end here.” The bill includes a provision that provides a legal path for Republican Senators implicated in the January 6th insurrection to get at least a half million-dollar payout. That payout is based on baseless concerns over lawful subpoenas issued by prosecutors who were investigating those Senators' involvement in the attempt to overthrow the government on January 6, 2021. ###",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-on-shocking-human-rights-report-on-el-salvador-prison-cecot/,"Welch Statement Following Shocking Human Rights Report on El Salvador’s Infamous Prison, CECOT",2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"BURLINGTON, VT— Today, leading human rights organizations, from both the United States and El Salvador, released a new report on the shocking conditions in El Salvador’s infamous anti-terrorism prison, Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT). U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following reaction to the report: “The findings in this report are horrific, and they are doubly disturbing because the United States is directly implicated. It would not be an exaggeration to describe what is happening daily in CECOT as President Bukele’s Abu Ghraib. “What happened to those 40 men is shocking, but it was not unique to them. The abuses and deprivations they describe are endemic inside the walls of CECOT. These men were forcibly disappeared, which is a crime in this country and a violation of international law. From their first day behind CECOT’s walls, each of them was subjected to near-daily beatings, food and medical deprivation, and other inhumane and appallingly degrading treatment. “Nobody defends the heinous crimes and corruption perpetrated by Tren de Aragua and other violent criminal organizations. They have terrorized the people of Venezuela, El Salvador, and many other countries. Those who commit such atrocities should be brought to justice. President Bukele’s Kafkaesque response to these criminal gangs is a prison that the guards describe as ‘hell’ and where everyone, innocent or guilty, is labeled a terrorist. Criminal proceedings, if one can call them that, are conducted en masse and make a mockery of due process. “President Trump has feted Bukele in Washington and praised his leadership. Bukele has called himself the world’s “coolest dictator”. There is one thing President Bukele should remember: President Trump’s term expires on January 20, 2028, after which he will no longer be there to turn a blind eye to Bukele’s role in presiding over the torture and denial of fundamental rights of tens of thousands of prisoners, many of whom have no affiliation with violent gangs. Sooner or later the law will catch up to President Bukele, and there will be accountability for what is happening in CECOT. “Until then, or for as long as torture continues in El Salvador’s prisons, the Trump Administration must stop deportations to El Salvador. It is immoral for the United States to be paying Bukele to lock up deportees knowing they will be brutalized and denied due process.” The 81-page report contains detailed, first-hand accounts of 40 Venezuelan prisoners in CECOT who were deported by the Department of Homeland Security and then returned to Venezuela in exchange for 10 American citizens or permanent residents who had been detained by President Maduro. Report investigators found no evidence that any of the Venezuelans in their report were members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, and the Trump Administration has never produced any evidence that they were. Almost none of them were ever convicted of any crime, in Venezuela or the United States. At least 62 of the men in the Human Rights Watch-Cristosal report had fled Maduro’s repression or violence in Venezuela and had pending asylum cases in the United States, before they were arbitrarily rounded up and deported. According to the report, Department of Homeland Security agents lied to them about where they were being sent and refused their requests to contact their families. During the almost four months they were in CECOT, they had no access to lawyers or their families. Excerpts from Human Rights Watch/Cristosal Report “You Have Arrived in Hell” Torture and Other Abuses Against Venezuelans in El Salvador’s Mega Prison November 12, 2025 People held in CECOT said they were beaten from the moment they arrived in El Salvador and throughout their time in detention. Guards and riot police beat them in the hallways of the prison module and in a solitary confinement cell in a section of CECOT known as “the Island.” They beat them during daily cell searches for allegedly violating prison rules, such as speaking loudly with other detainees or showering at the wrong time, and sometimes for requesting medical treatment. People held in CECOT said that many detainees were also beaten after US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s visit in March, following visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in May and June, and after two prison protests occurring in April and May. Human Rights Watch and Cristosal concluded that the cases of torture and ill-treatment of Venezuelans in CECOT were not isolated incidents by rogue guards or riot police, but rather systematic violations that took place repeatedly during their detention. Every former detainee interviewed reported being subjected to serious physical and psychological abuse on a near-daily basis, throughout their entire time in detention. These beatings and other abuses appear to be part of a practice designed to subjugate, humiliate, and discipline detainees through the imposition of grave physical and psychological suffering. Officers also appear to have acted on the belief that their superiors either supported or tolerated their abusive acts. Three people held in CECOT told Human Rights Watch and Cristosal that they were subjected to sexual violence. One of them said that guards took him to “the Island,” where they beat him. He said four guards sexually abused him and forced him to perform oral sex on one of them. “They played with their batons on my body.” People held in CECOT said sexual abuse affected more people, but victims were unlikely to speak about what they had suffered due to stigma. The United States sent the 252 Venezuelans to CECOT despite credible prior reports that torture and other abuses were taking place in El Salvador’s prisons. This violates the principle of non-refoulement, established in the Convention against Torture, among others. In at least 19 cases, people held in CECOT or their relatives said they fled Venezuela to escape threats, abuses, or persecution by state security forces, as well as threats posed by armed and criminal groups, including Tren de Aragua. Their allegations indicate that these individuals fled persecution and, in many instances, articulated strong claims for asylum.” Human Rights Watch analyzed data on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations that ICE released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made by the UCLA Center for Immigration Law and Policy. The data indicates that at least 48.8 percent of the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador on March 15, March 30, and April 12—the dates of flights Human Rights Watch confirmed transported Venezuelans to CECOT—had no criminal history in the United States. Only 8 (3.1 percent) had been convicted of a violent or potentially violent offense. The data only includes information on 226 of the 252 Venezuelan people who were held in CECOT. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-votes-no-on-funding-bill-condemns-republicans-for-refusing-to-address-health-care-crisis/,"Welch Votes No on Funding Bill, Condemns Republicans for Refusing to Address Health Care Crisis",2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement after voting against a continuing resolution that fails to extend urgently-needed health care tax credits: “I cannot vote for a government funding bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care. The heart of this government shutdown is, and always was, about access to health care. There was an early recognition from my Republican colleagues that working families, small businesses, and farmers in their states would be really hurt by these premium increases—just as they will be in Democratic states, too. That’s why it is so disappointing that Republicans refused to come to the table to extend the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits. Millions of hardworking people, in every state, will face higher premiums and many will go without health coverage altogether. “Republicans in the Senate spent the last 41 days capitulating to this White House. Republicans in the House of Representatives took a 52-day vacation. Meanwhile, Democrats fought to protect access to health care and lower costs. We are already in an affordability crisis, and Republicans chose to make it worse. “Nobody wants a government shutdown—shutdowns are painful, damaging, and a sign of dysfunctional government. This Republican shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, was made all the more painful by President Trump’s refusal to negotiate and his total disregard for federal workers and those in need, including millions of people who rely on SNAP and other government services. I am appalled by this Administration’s endless cruelty.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-48-congressional-democrats-on-bicameral-bill-to-ensure-dhs-detainees-can-speak-to-a-lawyer-contact-their-families/,"Welch Joins 59 Congressional Democrats on Bicameral Bill to Ensure DHS Detainees Can Speak to a Lawyer, Contact their Families",2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, today joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), U.S. Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), and 57 congressional Democrats in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, bicameral legislation to ensure the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. “President Trump’s takeover of our immigration system has been nothing short of inhumane–conducting violent raids and detaining folks right off the street. As a result, children and families all across the country are now desperately trying to figure out why their family member didn’t come home and where they are being held—it’s cruel,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill aims to ensure families have access to their loved ones while in immigration detention and access to a lawyer. Everyone deserves due process.” “For months now, Americans have watched the horrific videos of CBP and ICE agents violently snatching people off the street at schools, workplaces, and grocery stores. But what happens after people are taken into custody is equally disturbing,” said Senator Murphy. “DHS has repeatedly refused to allow people to contact their families and lawyers, traumatizing children and families who are left searching for answers when their loved one suddenly misses after-school pickup or just doesn’t come home for dinner. It’s heartless and deeply un-American. This bill protects the basic right of people in this country to call their family – which often includes American citizens – when they are taken into custody. DHS has proven time and again they cannot be trusted to follow basic humanitarian principles, and it’s on Congress to step in and hold them accountable.” “I saw with my own eyes the reality of Trump’s immigration system: a mother and her four U.S. citizen children disappeared and locked in a windowless cell unable to contact a lawyer or their loved ones. The inhumanity was staggering. If we allow this to continue, we will lose who we are,” said Representative Dexter. “I’m proud to join Senator Chris Murphy in defending the simple truth that access to legal counsel and communication with loved ones isn’t a luxury, it is a fundamental human right.” The bill comes after months of credible reporting that U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) have deprived detainees—including children and longtime legal residents—of the ability to access a lawyer, sometimes for months at a time. People have also reportedly been taken into custody, and in some cases, transferred to facilities in other countries, without being allowed to contact their families. The Restoring Access to Detainees Act would ensure: People detained, or transferred to a new facility, have the right to call their families to let them know where they are; People detained have an opportunity to speak confidentially with their legal counsel or to find competent legal counsel while in custody; People detained have an opportunity to communicate confidentially with existing oversight entities, if applicable; and The restoration of a program from the first Trump Administration which established a process for noncitizens to call their families while they are in deportation proceedings. Notable instances of the Trump Administration cutting off detainees from their constitutionally enshrined right to legal counsel include: Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate and U.S. permanent resident, was arrested without a warrant and transferred across three states — from New Jersey to New York to Louisiana — where he spent more than three months in a detention center with limited access to legal counsel. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old from El Salvador living in Maryland, was arrested without a warrant and detained in Texas. Days later, he called his wife to tell her that he was being sent to El Salvador’s notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT — which turned out to be the last time his family heard from him until his return to the U.S. in June. A 13-year-old Brazilian national was arrested in Everett, MA and transferred to a Virginia detention center. His family and lawyers were left in the dark for days about his location or the reason for his arrest. Luis Peralta, who has lived in the U.S. since he was a child, was detained and transferred from Miami to Tacoma. Officers denied him access to his personal documents, leaving him unable to contact his family or attorney. George Retes, a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE agents and held incommunicado, leaving him unable to contact his family — who only learned what happened to him after his release. Ramon Eduardo Contreras-Hernandez was denied access to legal representation after being transferred from an ICE detention center to a county jail, cutting him off from information about his own case. A ProPublica investigation found that more than 20 U.S. citizens have reported being detained for over a day without being able to call their loved ones or an attorney. Civil rights attorneys representing detainees in “Alligator Alcatraz” filed for a temporary restraining order against the detention center, citing systemic violations of detainees’ constitutional rights to legal representation and due process. Civil rights groups including the American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Immigration Law Center, National Immigrant Justice Center, Stop AAPI Hate, and New Haven Legal Assistance Association have endorsed the Restoring Access to Detainees Act. In the Senate, the Restoring Access to Detainees Act of 2025 is cosponsored by Senators Welch, Murphy, Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). The legislation is led in the House by Rep. Dexter and cosponsored by 36 additional House members. Learn more about the Restoring Access to Detainees Act. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-transparency-from-hhs-on-trumprx-new-pricing-deals-with-pfizer-and-astrazeneca/,"Welch Leads Colleagues in Demanding Transparency from HHS on “TrumpRx,” New Pricing Deals with Pfizer and AstraZeneca",2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Senators request answers on structure of “TrumpRx” and how recent drug pricing agreements will impact Medicare and Medicaid benefits WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this week led six Senate Democrats in demanding transparency from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the scope, structure, and legal authority of the Trump Administration’s newly unveiled “TrumpRx” platform. In their letter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Senators requested answers about how the Administration’s recent drug pricing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and AstraZeneca will impact patients, and existing state and federal drug pricing programs. The Senators highlighted that while the President’s “TrumpRx” program promises “deep discounts” on brand-name medications, the Administration has not provided any detailed information on the legality and implementation of the program: “While the announcement of TrumpRx emphasized affordability and access, direct-to-patient sales programs help only a fraction of patients—those who can afford to buy their drugs out of pocket. Additionally, these direct-to-consumer discount programs do nothing to address long-term costs.” “The Administration’s announcement of a new Most Favored Nation (MFN)-style deal with Pfizer and AstraZeneca included much fanfare but few details about how the program will be implemented. State Medicaid programs and safety net providers rely on the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program to ensure vulnerable patients get the lowest prices,” the Senators continued. “The introduction of a new, preferential pricing arrangement with individual manufacturers, absent a statutory framework, threatens to undermine these longstanding programs.” The Senators also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest between TrumpRx and the Trump family’s business dealings: “BlinkRx—a direct-to-patient sales platform of which President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is a board member—will reportedly be facilitating the TrumpRx program. The Wall Street Journal recently reported President Trump’s upcoming ‘Future of Pharmaceuticals’ summit will be co-hosted by BlinkRx and 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm in which Mr. Trump Jr. is a partner. The firm invested in BlinkRx less than a year ago. These connections raise questions about potential conflicts of interest between TrumpRx and the Trump family’s business dealings.” “Given the wide-reaching implications for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and the 340B safety-net covered entities, it is imperative that the Department provide Congress and the public with immediate transparency regarding the structure, impact, and legality of these initiatives,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Senator Welch, the letter is cosigned by Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). Read the full text of the Senators’ letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-collins-blunt-rochester-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-farm-to-school-program/,"Welch, Collins, Blunt Rochester Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Farm to School Program",2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today joined U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) in reintroducing the Farm to School Act, bipartisan legislation to get more fresh, locally grown foods in schools across the nation by expanding and investing in the Farm to School Program. The Senators’ legislation would increase annual funding for the program, reduce barriers to applying for Farm to School Program grants, and support initiatives that deliver fresh, local foods to schools nationwide. “We all want our kids to eat well and get a quality education. The Farm to School Program has helped connect Vermont schools with fresh, local foods, and has supported nutrition and agriculture education. This program has also been a reliable lifeline for family farms as they face incredible economic pressures from all sides. Expanding this program would be a win-win for our kids and farmers alike,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senators Collins and Blunt Rochester in this bipartisan effort to improve childhood nutrition, uplift small farms and rural economies, and support education across America.” “The Farm to School Program helps provide nutritious, locally sourced food to Maine students while supporting family farms in their communities,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan bill would help ensure that schools and nonprofits in Maine and across the nation can continue purchasing local foods for student lunches and offering innovative agriculture and wellness lessons.” “For 15 years, the Farm to School Program has brought local foods to our students’ lunch tables while teaching them about nutrition and agriculture in their communities,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Supporting farmers, feeding children, and equipping them with valuable skills is a bipartisan effort. I’m proud to stand alongside Senators Welch and Collins to reintroduce the Farm to School Act and look forward to increasing our investment in the leaders of tomorrow.” Since its creation in 2010 through the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, the Farm to School Program has invested over $100 million in initiatives that feed children local foods at lunch and help teach students about food, nutrition, and agriculture in their communities. According to the 2023 Farm to School Census, school food authorities (SFAs) estimated that they spent about $1.8 billion on local food through the Farm to School Program—16% of their total food spending. During the 2022-2023 school year in Vermont, over 93% of SFAs participated in the Farm to School Program, reaching 224 schools and feeding over 50,000 students across the state. Additionally, nearly 80% of Vermont SFAs provided food, nutrition, or agricultural education, and 59% of SFAs had operating food-producing gardens in the state. However, the popular program—which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—is significantly oversubscribed, with less than a quarter of grant applications receiving funding each year. The Farm to School Act would increase the program’s mandatory funding from $5 million to $15 million per year and increase the maximum grant award to $500,000. Additionally, the Farm to School Act would reduce barriers to applying for Farm to School Grants by granting USDA the authority to modify or waive the current 25% non-federal matching requirement. This legislation would also help grantees improve procurement and distribution of local food and expand the scope of the program to include pre-schools, summer food service, and after-school programs. The Farm to School Act of 2025 is endorsed by the Food Research & Action Center, Hunger Free Vermont, and the National Farm to School Network (NFSN). “Hunger Free Vermont is grateful to Senator Welch for championing the Farm to School Act. Investing in Farm to School strengthens our local food systems, supports Vermont farmers, and ensures that more children can enjoy fresh, nourishing foods at school,” said Anore Horton, Executive Director, Hunger Free Vermont. “The Farm to School Act of 2025 will expand critical investments in the projects benefiting kids, farmers, and their local communities across the country. Building on ten years of the popular Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, these improvements will allow more students to experience agriculture hands-on, maximize the health impact of federal child nutrition funding, spur new engagement with local farmers, circulate food dollars in communities, and strengthen the future of rural economies and our food system,” said Karen Spangler, Policy Director, National Farm to School Network (NFSN). “We’re grateful to Sen. Welch, Sen. Collins, and Sen. Blunt Rochester for recognizing the importance of this work.” Learn more about the Farm to School Act of 2025. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-republicans-to-support-legislation-extending-aca-tax-credits-and-open-enrollment-the-answer-to-dealing-with-the-cost-of-health-care-is-not-to-take-away-insurance/,Welch Urges Republicans to Support Legislation Extending ACA Tax Credits and Open Enrollment: “The answer to dealing with the cost of health care is not to take away insurance.”,2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Republicans block legislation to fund Affordable Care Act premium tax credits until 2028, extend Open Enrollment until May 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today urged the Senate to pass his bill that would extend funding for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits by three years and extend nationwide Open Enrollment. In his remarks, Senator Welch highlighted how uninsured rates in states like Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina will skyrocket if Republicans fail to help Democrats extend ACA premium tax credits. The bill, which would fund ACA premium tax credits until 2028 and extend the current Open Enrollment season to May 1, 2026, was blocked by Senate Republicans. “I would love to get the government open, and I’d love to be able to let folks know that the health care they had in 2025—they’ll be able to have in 2026. I’d like the President to do what Presidents do—and that’s get the parties together in the room and negotiate an outcome that works for all of us,” said Senator Welch. “We have real work to do on the cost side of health care. We really all have to take that on. But the approach to dealing with the high cost of health care can’t be taking people’s health care away. It has to be making the health care they have more affordable.” “There is an urgency to the moment, because the Open Enrollment now, in November, is here, and families have to make decisions. And this body is literally the only institution in the United States of America that has the ability; that has the authority; that has the power to provide a remedy to the families we all care about. So, that’s my plea to my Republican colleagues.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Read a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks: “You know, President Trump…he’s got enormous authority, and he’s got enormous influence on the Republicans in the House and in the Senate. And it would be so good if he would come and sit down and figure out how to address this problem. The simplest way to do it is to extend the tax credits, and then all of us acknowledge that we have to address the cost of health care,” said Senator Welch. “I know in talking to many of my Republican colleagues, you’re focused on costs. Totally fair. But the answer to dealing with the cost of health care is not to take away insurance. People still get sick.” “I do believe the one thing we cannot do in good conscience is allow these premium tax credits to expire when what that means is that the folks we care about—who have no control themselves over what the cost of health care is, they’re just on the receiving end—that we’ve got to extend those. That can bring us time to start addressing some of the concerns that my colleagues have about the cost of health care.” ••• Over 24 million Americans rely on the ACA’s tax credits to afford health care. In Vermont, nearly 30,000 people rely on ACA tax credits to afford health care. Without ACA tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. Read and download the full text of the legislation here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/as-supreme-court-hears-arguments-on-trumps-tariffs-welch-and-colleagues-join-small-businesses-to-decry-trade-war/,"As Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Trump’s Tariffs, Welch and Colleagues Join Small Businesses to Decry Trade War",2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch: “We are urging the Court to do something simple: read the Constitution.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Administration Ed Markey (D-Mass.), alongside Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Agriculture Committee Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and small business owners in condemning the negative impact of President Trump’s chaotic tariff policies on small businesses. The Senators and small business owners called on the Supreme Court to uphold previous court decisions and strike down Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose reckless, global tariffs. “The small businesses that are so much the focus of community life, who do so much for the well-being of our communities that are under such pressure—it’s our small businesses, our bakers, our small farms, our small manufacturers—they’re getting hit every single day with something new on the tariff front,” said Senator Welch. “Bottom line: there should be no tariffs unless Congress acts. What’s at stake here is the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances. Congress has the taxing authority—we can be held accountable if people don’t like the vote that we make. That’s been hijacked, not by an emergency, but by a presidential whim. We want the Supreme Court to do, really, the simplest thing possible, and that is stand up for enforcing the Constitution.” Watch a livestream of the press conference below: Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans. President Trump’s turbulent changes and modifications to his tariff proposals and policies have been difficult to navigate for small businesses across the United States, especially in Vermont, where Canada is the state’s largest trading partner. Small business importers paid an average of $90,000 in tariffs from April to July. In June, 44% of small business owners reported a loss in revenue from the month before, and U.S. small businesses have reported average revenue losses of 13% as a result of Trump’s tariffs. Additionally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has projected that small businesses should expect to pay up to $202 billion annually as a result of Trump’s tariffs—nearly $856,000 per small business. These costs are ultimately passed onto consumers, where Trump’s tariffs are expected to cost U.S. households $2,400 annually. Senator Welch is the leading sponsor of the CANADA Act, bipartisan legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada from the April 2 global tariff Executive Order. The Senator also voted in favor of bipartisan legislation to restrict the executive branch’s authority to impose tariffs through the IEEPA, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support last week. The Senator has hosted roundtables in Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, Manchester, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian businesses impacted by the trade war. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-resolution-honoring-life-and-legacy-of-dr-jane-goodall/,Welch Leads Resolution Honoring Life and Legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall,2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch today led 16 Democratic Senators in introducing a resolution honoring the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, one of the world’s most celebrated ethologists and environmental conservationists. The Senators’ resolution pays tribute to Dr. Goodall’s lifelong dedication to global wildlife conservation and advocacy for the survival and ethical treatment of all living things. The resolution also acknowledges her tireless efforts to educate the public and especially children about the importance of working together to protect the natural environment. “Dr. Jane Goodall fundamentally changed our understanding of the complex emotional and social behavior of animals, and she inspired generations of people on every continent to become actively involved in environmental conservation,” said Senator Welch. “By honoring her with this resolution, we rededicate ourselves to continuing her remarkable legacy of advocacy for the protection of wildlife and the conservation of nature,” In addition to Senator Welch, the resolution is supported by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). Read and download the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-statement-ahead-of-supreme-court-decision-on-trumps-global-tariffs/,Welch Statement Ahead of Supreme Court Decision on Trump’s Global Tariffs,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement ahead of oral arguments in Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc., cases challenging the legality of President Trump’s use of a 1977 law to impose global tariffs: “President Trump has no authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose new taxes—these tariffs hurt America’s small businesses, farmers, and working families. Markets are being destroyed, inflation and consumer prices are rising, and chaos is constantly swirling. “Just last week, the Senate voted to pass three bipartisan bills to rebuff President Trump’s reckless trade war and reassert our constitutional authority. Now, this White House is attempting to bypass Congress by turning to the Supreme Court, hoping the conservative Justices will reverse the lower courts’ decisions and give the president a green light to abuse his power. The Court has an obligation to stand up to this illegal power grab by the Executive, and Congress has an obligation to reassert our authority over taxation and tariffs.” The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in Learning Resources v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-bill-to-expand-social-security-veterans-affairs-benefits/,"Welch Joins Bill to Expand Social Security, Veterans Affairs Benefits",2025-11-03,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Legislation would increase benefits by $200 per month for six months, offering relief while costs rise due to Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Republicans’ health care cuts WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and eight Senate Democrats in introducing the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, legislation to provide rapid relief by expanding Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits by $200 per month for six months. The bill follows a recent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at just $56 per month, on average. “President Trump’s reckless economic policies are raising costs for seniors left and right—from the grocery store to the pharmacy counter. For seniors living on a fixed income, the President’s tariffs and rising inflation have meant that their Social Security benefits don’t stretch as far as they used to,” said Senator Welch. “Our bill provides a financial lifeline to seniors to help them weather the disastrous impacts of Trump’s trade war.” “While Donald Trump sends $40 billion to Argentina, I’m proposing sending American seniors on Social Security an extra $200 a month to offset higher prices. The cost of everything from coffee to beef to health care is up, in large part due Trump’s chaotic tariffs, and Democrats are fighting to deliver some financial relief and lower costs for Americans,” said Senator Warren. “This new legislation to expand Social Security is an emergency lifeline for seniors struggling to afford Trump’s tariffs and rising inflation.” “Trump campaigned on lowering costs, but all he has done is raise tariffs, slash healthcare benefits, and sabotage energy projects, increasing prices on everything from groceries to electricity,” said Leader Schumer. “Seniors face difficult decisions as they see their bank accounts shrinking and the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is simply not reflective of the current reality. I urge Republicans to join with us to help offset the cost of Trump’s inflationary trade war and give seniors the money they deserve.” “Seniors, families and Americans with disabilities can’t keep up with the higher costs Donald Trump is inflicting on the country. Trump has fanned the flames of inflation and passed out tax breaks to billionaires, betraying his promises to lower costs yet again. Democrats are fighting back to help seniors afford basic necessities while Trump refuses to lift a finger,” said Senator Wyden. In addition to Senators Welch, Warren, Wyden, and Leader Schumer, the bill is also cosponsored by Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). The Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act would provide critical relief to Americans living on a fixed income by providing a $200 per month emergency increase to Social Security checks until July 2026. The legislation would also support all Title II Social Security beneficiaries, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries, Railroad Retirement beneficiaries, veteran disability compensation, and veteran pension benefit annuitants. Just last week, the Trump administration announced that the 2026 cost of living adjustment will be 2.8%—equivalent to just $56 extra a month on average. Meanwhile, thanks to President Trump’s chaotic tariffs and the Republicans’ giant health care cuts, prices—particularly for food and health care—are rising quickly, leaving families struggling to afford basic necessities. This new bill would provide relief to seniors, veterans, and Americans with disabilities who live on a fixed income and are being flattened by Trump’s economy. The President’s failing economy hits American seniors and people with disabilities especially hard. Half of all American seniors rely on Social Security for half of their income, while Social Security is the sole source of income for one in every four seniors. Due to stringent eligibility requirements, SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are even more likely to be the sole source of income for their beneficiaries. Over half of seniors’ monthly spending is on housing, food, and transportation—all basic necessities that are only becoming less affordable in Trump’s economy. The Trump Administration has also gutted the workforce and in-person services at the Social Security Administration, ultimately making it far more difficult for seniors to claim their benefits at a time when those monthly checks are more critical than ever. Read and download the full text of the legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-schiff-senate-democrats-in-demanding-answers-on-financing-of-president-trumps-white-house-ballroom/,"Welch Joins Schiff, Senate Democrats in Demanding Answers on Financing of President Trump’s White House Ballroom",2025-11-03,2025,2025-11,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Letter comes after Trump demolished the White House’s historic East Wing WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined fellow Senate Judiciary Democrat Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in launching a new push for answers into the financing of President Trump’s White House ballroom, which includes private donations from individuals and corporations whose business interests are directly impacted by the Administration and its decisions. In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles following the recent release of a list of donors, the Senators emphasize that the Trump Administration’s approach to financing the ballroom raises troubling questions about the potential for influence peddling and other forms of corruption. “To assess possible conflicts of interest and violations of law and ethics obligations, Congress and the American public deserve meaningful transparency. We, therefore, request a complete accounting of all donations to the White House ballroom construction project, including the conditions under which contributions were made,” wrote the lawmakers. The Senators are requesting all information related to the ballroom’s financing, including the amount of each financial contribution, which donors have existing business with the federal government—including applications for federal contracts, ongoing litigation, and pending regulatory approvals. The Senators are also seeking information about whether the President or any Executive Branch official sought guidance from ethics officials on whether it is permissible to accept private donations, and about any guardrails the Administration put in place to ensure donors don’t have unfair access to the President or members of his Administration as a result of their contribution to the ballroom. “Among these donors are corporations recently awarded federal contracts worth millions of dollars in revenue, many with close ties to Administration officials. These circumstances risk blatant corruption as these companies and their stakeholders seek to position themselves in the government’s good graces,” the lawmakers continued. In addition to Senators Welch and Schiff, the letter was cosigned by Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.). Read and download the full text of the Senators’ letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-joins-health-care-providers-farmers-and-patients-in-berlin-ahead-of-start-of-open-enrollment/,"Welch Joins Health Care Providers, Farmers, and Patients in Berlin Ahead of Start of Open Enrollment",2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"BERLIN, VT — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined health care providers, farmers, and patients at the Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) in Berlin to discuss looming premium rate increases ahead of the beginning of Open Enrollment on Saturday, November 1st. Senator Welch discussed the urgent need to extend Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which help nearly 27,000 Vermonters access health coverage through the ACA marketplace, including working families, small business owners, and seniors. Senate Republicans have, so far, refused to negotiate an extension of the tax credits and help reopen the government. “We already know what’s at stake for families that count on ACA tax credits to access health care when open enrollment begins tomorrow. Folks in Vermont and in Texas, folks in red and blue states alike, are going to face price increases they can’t afford—all because Republicans refuse to work with us to reopen the government. That means that families already struggling with rising costs will be faced with impossible choices, like paying rent or their mortgage—or affording health care. Without these tax credits, Vermont families will see rates double or triple, and hospitals will lose out on vital revenue. I’ll keep pushing President Trump and Republicans to work with us to help patients and rural care providers,” said Senator Welch. View photos from the tour below and on the Senator’s website: When Open Enrollment begins tomorrow, 24 million Americans across the country will try to shop for health insurance that they can no longer afford. Without ACA subsidies, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more for their premiums. This Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermonters, including the 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act, Eliminating Thickets to Improve Competition (ETHIC) Act, Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency (MORE) Savings Act, Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, End Price Gouging for Medications Act, Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, and the Rural Hospital Support Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-applauds-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-legislation-to-repeal-trumps-global-tariffs-calls-on-house-to-take-up-final-passage/,"Welch Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Trump’s Global Tariffs, Calls on House to Take Up Final Passage",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Bill to reverse Trump’s price-hiking global tariffs passed the Senate with bipartisan support WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in applauding the Senate’s passage of their bipartisan legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs. The measure passed on a 51-47 vote this afternoon. The Senators introduced a similar measure in April, which narrowly failed. The resolution, along with the similar resolutions to repeal the tariffs on products Americans buy from Canada and Brazil, next heads to the House. “The Senate’s passage of our bipartisan resolution makes it crystal clear: we will not continue to sit by and relinquish our authority on trade policy while the President’s trade war throws families into financial crisis. Trump’s tariffs have been especially brutal for Vermont’s economy, farmers, and businesses–and the same is true for folks in red and blue states across the country,” said Senator Welch. “I applaud my colleagues who crossed the aisle to help us pass this vital legislation to reassert the Senate’s constitutional authority on what tariff policy should be in this country. The House must urgently take up and pass this legislation to prevent President Trump’s reckless tariffs from ruining more lives and livelihoods.” “For the third day in a row, bipartisan senators have made it clear that it’s time to put a stake in the heart of Donald Trump’s job-killing trade taxes,” said Senator Wyden. “These three Senate-passed bills are now pending in the House, where Speaker Johnson has done everything in his power to ensure they won’t get a vote. Every time Americans pay more for their TV, groceries or car payment they’re going to know it’s because House Republicans were too afraid to vote to protect them. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to give Republicans opportunities to put their constituents ahead of blind loyalty to Donald Trump.” “This week, the Senate sent a strong message to the administration: Trump’s erratic tariffs and irrational trade war is an illegal tax driving up costs on the American people,” said Leader Schumer. “Congressional authority must be reasserted over trade. The livelihood of the American people and small businesses are at stake. I urge the House to drop their fealty to Trump, stand up for the American people, and pass the repeal of these damaging global tariffs.” “President Trump’s broad-based global tariffs are making prices go up for Virginia families and creating uncertainty that hurts our businesses,” said Senator Kaine. “With the holidays right around the corner, the harm created by these new taxes are only going to get worse. I’m glad the Senate fulfilled its constitutional duty to weigh in on matters of taxation by voting to undo these disastrous tariffs. If the House fails to take up this legislation, it will show that Republicans are fine with punishing American families and businesses with higher prices, fewer jobs and slower growth.” “It is past time to end this so-called ‘national emergency’ that has increased prices for families and businesses alike through an unprecedented tariff tax on Americans,” said Senator Shaheen. “The President does not have the authority to unilaterally hike taxes on Americans, throw our trade system and manufacturers into disarray and raise prices on household goods.” In the wake of Trump’s global tariffs declaration, costs have increased, manufacturers have laid off thousands of workers and halted domestic investments, and foreign countries have sharply cut purchases of American agricultural exports. This bipartisan measure would terminate the emergency that President Trump declared. It now moves to the House of Representatives to become legally binding. Read and download the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-gluesenkamp-perez-lead-bicameral-legislation-to-provide-farmers-with-the-right-to-repair/,"Welch, Gluesenkamp Perez Lead Bicameral Legislation to Provide Farmers with the Right to Repair",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, this week joined U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) in introducing the Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance Act (FARM Act), bicameral legislation to give farmers the right to repair their own equipment and restore competition in the agricultural repair market. The lawmakers’ bill would require farm equipment manufacturers to share documentation, parts, and software with farmers and independent repairers, giving farmers back the autonomy to fix their own equipment and support their farms. The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and in the House by Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02). “Farmers are fixers. It only makes sense that farmers should have the right to repair their own equipment, which is vital to saving money and maintaining operations. But right now, lack of a federal right to repair means that farmers in Vermont have to waste valuable time and resources getting someone else to fix their equipment–even if they can do it themselves,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral legislation will help protect farmers from rip-offs and ensure they have the right to fix their own equipment.” “Farmers work tirelessly to feed this country. They shouldn’t have to wait for weeks on end and pay sky-high prices for a manufacturer to fix essential farm equipment that farmers already know how to repair themselves,” said Senator Warren. “Our bill is a commonsense solution: it fights back against the manufacturers’ greed and will save our farmers billions every year in repair costs.” “For farmers across Pennsylvania, a broken tractor right before a harvest can ruin months of hard work. Time is money,” said Senator Fetterman. “Our farmers should have the freedom to repair their own equipment without having to travel hours on hours to the nearest approved service center or being price gouged on repair software subscriptions. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bill so we can help protect farmers and their right to repair.” “I’ve heard directly from farmers across Colorado that delays to repairs for their equipment can mean thousands of dollars in lost crops. A national Right to Repair Law is a common-sense solution to ensuring these folks have more options to fix broken machinery in a timely manner,” said Rep. Neguse. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues in introducing the FARM Act and look forward to working together to get it across the finish line.” Manufacturing companies’ exploitation of the equipment repair market creates undue financial hardships for farmers, leaving them without vital functioning equipment for long periods of time. In 2023, U.S. farmers lost an estimated total of $4.2 billion a year as a result of these practices: $3 billion to tractor downtime and $1.2 billion in excess repair costs. The FARM Act defines what type of information Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are required to provide to make repair accessible. If the OEM does not have the digital or physical tools available, they are required to provide sufficient information to create the tools. This bill also gives the Federal Trade Commission the ability to enforce these requirements and the authority to make rules to assist in the implementation of these requirements. The FARM Act is endorsed by the American Economic Liberties Project, FULU Foundation, National Farmers Union (NFU), and the United States Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG). “As grain farmers, we have very tight planting and harvest schedules. Where we farm, the timing of planting seed is essential. So, when we’re forced to wait days for the equipment dealer to come to the farm for repairs—that only they can do because the information is locked in their computers— we often lose the opportunity to replant on time and have a crop to harvest the following season. When we buy farm equipment, especially expensive investments like tractors, we should have the right and freedom to fully repair it if something goes wrong. Without a right to repair, we’ve seen an increase in labor rates of equipment dealers, which drives farmers deeper into debt and jeopardizes the lives of farm families,” said Todd Hardie, Vermont grain farmer, President of the Northern Grain Growers Collaborative, and Board Member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT). “I support Senator Welch’s FARM Act to ensure farmers have the right to repair their equipment.” “The Freedom for Agricultural Repair and Maintenance Act is a major step toward restoring fairness and independence for farmers who just want to fix their own equipment,” said Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union (NFU). “By ensuring fair and affordable access to the parts, tools, and information they need, this bill levels the playing field for our family farmers and ranchers. We thank Senators Welch, Warren, and Fetterman for their leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with them to get this bill across the finish line.” “If farm equipment breaks down at the wrong time and farmers can’t get it fixed, they can be forced to watch their crop—and their livelihood—wither on the vine. Too many farmers have told us that they are not able to fix their own equipment, even some that have paid thousands of dollars for repair tools, which the manufacturers intentionally limit. The answer to this problem is simple: Let farmers fix their stuff. We’re grateful to our legislative champions like Sens. Peter Welch, Elizabeth Warren and John Fetterman for standing for farmers, and, frankly, for common sense,” said Nathan Proctor, Senior Director, U.S. PIRG’s Right to Repair Campaign. Learn more about the FARM Act of 2025 and read a section-by-section summary of the bill. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-marshall-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-broadband-internet-in-rural-communities/,"Welch, Marshall Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Broadband Internet in Rural Communities",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today joined U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) in reintroducing the ReConnecting Rural America Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Loan and Grant Program. ReConnect plays a central role in expanding access to high-speed broadband in rural communities, where broadband access is severely limited compared to what is available in urban and suburban areas. “The last few years have shown all of us how important high-speed broadband is to our communities. From online school and remote work to telemedicine, a good connection is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Many rural communities don’t have access to broadband at all, let alone the higher speeds needed to participate in today’s digital economy. Our bipartisan legislation will help more Americans access the service they need, with the help of USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant program. I’m glad to partner with Senator Marshall on this important bill.” “Just as the great Kansan President Eisenhower understood the importance of investing in our nation’s highways in the 1950s, we must invest in the critical highway of our time: reliable, high-speed internet,” said Senator Marshall. “Broadband isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for our way of life. From family farms to schools to small businesses, rural communities depend on connectivity now more than ever. The ReConnecting Rural America Act will help bring rural Kansas up to speed, and I am proud to work with Senator Welch to reintroduce this important legislation.” As of early 2025, over a third of Americans lack access to one or no broadband provider. Recent data reports that more than 45 million Americans lack fixed terrestrial 100/20 Mbps broadband, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) minimum standard for broadband speed. Many Americans, in particular in rural areas, lack access to higher-speed 100/100 Mbps service required to telecommute, access telemedicine, or participate in remote schooling. The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 will codify and clarify components of the ReConnect Program and, in so doing, reduce red tape and speed broadband deployment. The bill will: Establish 100/100 Mbps symmetrical buildout speeds for ReConnect. Clarify that USDA can make grants, loans, or grant-loan combinations under ReConnect. Set unserved definitions to ensure ReConnect reaches those who need broadband the most, and not building broadband where it is not needed. Clarify that Communications Union Districts are eligible entities under ReConnect. Improve coordination and communication among stakeholders at the federal level. The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 is endorsed by the Fiber Broadband Association. “The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) commends Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) for reintroducing the Reconnecting Rural America Act in the U.S. Senate. This critical legislation represents another important step toward closing the digital divide and expanding access to symmetric, high-speed, future-proof broadband networks in rural communities across the country. By clarifying how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers grants and loans under the ReConnect program, the bill ensures that federal investments are used effectively and efficiently to deliver fast, reliable, and scalable broadband to unserved and underserved areas. FBA applauds this bipartisan commitment to strengthening America’s broadband infrastructure and ensuring that every household, business, and community has the connectivity needed to thrive in today’s digital economy,” said Gary Bolton, CEO, FBA. Read more about USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program here. As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch has led the fight to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet across America. In January, Senator Welch pushed then-USDA Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins to support broadband buildout in rural communities. Last Congress, Senator Welch helped secure more than $17 million through USDA’s ReConnect Program to support NEK Community Broadband’s efforts to help low-income Vermonters access affordable broadband. Read and download the full text of the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-slams-trumps-trade-war-for-hurting-vermont-farmers-the-market-is-absolutely-destroyed/,Welch Slams Trump’s Trade War for Hurting Vermont Farmers: “The market is absolutely destroyed.”,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Sen. Welch: “Much of what the farm community is facing is a result of policies that have been allowed to take place by this Congress. And we all revere the hard work of our farmers, but we’ve got to do some work of our own and address these policies…The market is absolutely destroyed, and that is directly a result of the tariffs. This is killing these guys, and we’ve got to acknowledge that and get their markets back. “There is discussion right now about taking some of that tariff money and sending it to farmers. And God knows, I support getting some aid to farmers. But let me ask you this question: Do the soybean and corn farmers in Iowa—would they prefer to work hard and sell their product to a market, or get a government handout?” Mr. Coppess: “Thank you for the question. We don’t want to live by the government’s hand. We’re fine being the tip of the sword if we can correct the greater problems and have a better long-term future.” Sen. Welch: “But the point here is, you want to be self-reliant, you want to sell, you want to produce, you want to work hard, you don’t want a government handout—right?” Mr. Coppess: “We would like to have fair trade.” Sen. Welch: “I am totally with you.” Sen. Welch: “You know, we’ve got the phosphate, as you mentioned, that is everywhere—14% increase in price in Vermont for our farmers. They have no control over that—we mostly import it from Canada. Is that an input cost that is also going up in Iowa?” Mr. Coppess: “It is. On our farm, we minimize the use of phosphate down to an absolute necessity where we have to have it. It is simply a negative return.” Sen. Welch: “…The tariffs are really hurting us in Vermont, my dairy farmers. And this drought, which they don’t complain about, is just something they’ve got to deal with…They cannot control the weather. They cannot control a lot of things. But we can control some policies that will make it possible for another five generations to keep going.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-cosponsored-bipartisan-resolution-to-block-trumps-disastrous-tariffs-on-canada-passes-out-of-senate/,Welch-Cosponsored Bipartisan Resolution to Block Trump’s Disastrous Tariffs on Canada Passes Out of Senate,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Before the vote, Welch slammed Trump’s reckless trade war and called on Congress to reassert its authority on trade policy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of a bipartisan resolution to end President Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canadian imports—a tax on Vermont businesses and manufacturers, farmers, and families. The resolution, led by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and cosponsored by Senator Welch, challenges President Trump’s tariffs on billions of dollars of goods from Canada. The measure passed out of the Senate Wednesday evening. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the February 1 emergency declaration that President Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada and would eliminate many of the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. “I urge all of us in the Senate to reassert our own authority, under Article I—which gives to the Congress the power to tax, the power to impose tariffs or not—and to not have us continue to relinquish the authority and responsibility we have, as the United States Senate, to an Executive. This is our responsibility, and part of that reason is because we are close to people who are affected by these policies,” said Senator Welch. “It is a shirking of responsibility for the United States Senate to essentially cede that authority to a President, particularly when we’re seeing…the harmful impacts on folks in our states—businesses in our states, farmers and ranchers in our states—that are working hard to try to pull things together and keep their businesses going, our economy going, and contributing to the well-being of our country. “I call on the President to reconsider what damages these tariffs are doing. I call on our United States Senate to reassert its authority and be the decider of what tariff policy shall be in this country.” The tariffs were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), an unprecedented use of the nearly 50-year-old statute. Next week, the Supreme Court will hear a case on the President’s authority to impose tariffs under IEEPA. Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks from the Senate floor below: In his remarks, Senator Welch highlighted that Canada is the largest trading partner for 34 U.S. states, including Vermont. In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada. The Senate’s vote comes shortly after newly released inflation data showed that consumer prices rose in September at their fastest pace in eight months. The IEEPA tariffs are the largest tax increase on American families in recent history. Since Trump launched his trade war with Canada, exports of U.S. distilled spirits declined by about 85%, and tourism from Canada to the U.S. fell by nearly 34%. Public opinion surveys have overwhelmingly demonstrated that the American people do not support Trump’s trade wars. According to a recent survey by Public First, 43% of American adults opposed applying tariffs to Canada. In addition to Senators Welch and Kaine, the bipartisan resolution was cosponsored by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Senator Welch is a cosponsor of a bipartisan resolution to repeal the tariffs on Canada, a bipartisan bill to restore congressional tariff authority, a bill to restrict the executive branch’s authority to impose tariffs through the IEEPA, and a bill to exempt small businesses from the April 2nd global tariff Executive Order. Senator Welch also led a bipartisan resolution to end President Trump’s ruinous global tariffs in April. In May, Senator Welch joined a bipartisan delegation and traveled to Ottawa to meet with Canadian dignitaries, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, to discuss bipartisan support for a U.S.-Canada partnership and their commitment to a strong trading relationship between the United States and Canada. The Senator has hosted roundtables in Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, Manchester, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian leaders impacted by the trade war. Read and download the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-senate-judiciary-democrats-in-demanding-answers-from-doj-on-trumps-military-actions-in-the-caribbean-sea-and-pacific-ocean/,Welch Leads Senate Judiciary Democrats in Demanding Answers from DOJ on Trump’s Military Actions in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) today led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in demanding answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the legality of military actions ordered by President Trump that have already killed 57 individuals in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. In their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Senators highlight how the President’s recent strikes may violate an Executive Order, various statutes of U.S. law, and the United States Code of Military Justice. The Senators also slammed the Trump Administration for undermining bipartisan efforts to curb drug trafficking, which has had devastating impacts on American families and communities. “Summarily killing criminal suspects is prohibited under domestic and international law in both peacetime and wartime. These recent strikes raise numerous questions about whether the Department provided adequate legal guidance to those involved in ordering, planning, and carrying out the killings,” wrote the Senators. “In accordance with the Committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, we ask that Committee members and staff be briefed on and afforded the opportunity to review any legal analysis produced by your Department.” The Senators slammed Trump’s DOJ for taking counterproductive steps to stem the drug epidemic, writing: “For example, you have diverted thousands of Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal law-enforcement agents from their critical missions to carry out the President’s immigration agenda. You inexplicably shut down the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, which has dismantled thousands of criminal organizations. You have unilaterally terminated hundreds of grants that provide critical funding to state and local law enforcement. The Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget would slash the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program by more than a third, from about $298 million to $196 million. Not surprisingly, on your watch federal drug prosecutions have dropped to the lowest level in decades.” The Senators concluded: Given the gravity of the President’s claimed authority to lethally target alleged criminals he claims to be at war with, we request that you schedule a briefing prior to November 3, 2025, for members and staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee on the Department’s legal analysis of these strikes, which can be done in an appropriately classified setting.” The Senators requested answers to the following questions by November 7, 2025: What role did you, the Office of Legal Counsel, or any other component of the Department of Justice play in reviewing the legality of these killings either prior to or following the killings? To which executive branch departments and/or agencies did you or anyone else in the Department provide formal or informal legal opinions, including any memos prepared by OLC on the legality of these strikes? Were you or anyone else at the Department of Justice asked or directed to provide a legal justification for the killings by the President, Secretary of Defense, or anyone else? Did the Department conduct an analysis of the risk of putting U.S. personnel in legal jeopardy, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1111, 10 U.S.C. § 918, and Executive Order 12333, prior to the action? What steps has the Department taken or what analysis has the Department conducted, either prior to or since these killings, to assess whether any U.S. laws or provisions of international law applicable to the United States have been violated, including whether any violations of U.S. criminal law have occurred? Do you know whether the Executive Branch took steps to verify whether or not the persons killed in the strike were United States citizens, and, if so, what additional legal protections were applicable? The letter was led by Senator Welch and cosigned by every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat, including Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Read and download the Senators’ full letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-raises-alarm-on-extending-aca-tax-credits-ahead-of-open-enrollment/,Welch Discusses Importance of Protecting Health Care Access as Open Enrollment Nears,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch Joined Wyden and health care advocates for a press conference on lowering health care costs WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor tonight, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, raised the alarm about the need to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) premium tax credits ahead of the start of Open Enrollment on Saturday, November 1. Senator Welch highlighted concerns shared by Vermonters and urged Republicans to negotiate with Democrats, reopen the government, and help prevent millions of Americans from losing their health care. “Folks across the country are going to get some bad news: without the tax credits that are in place now and are set to expire by the end of the year, their health care premiums are going to double, triple, and in some cases quadruple—and even worse,” said Senator Welch. “We’ve been having this debate about a shutdown. But what we haven’t been having is a negotiation about how to protect families from a rate shock that they can’t afford. It means they’re really going to lose health care. “I urge us, and I urge the President, to act aggressively to resolve this. It will help folks whether they are in a red state, a blue state, whether they identify as a Republican, or a Democrat, or an Independent. It just doesn’t matter. But we’ve got a health care system that is too, too expensive, beyond reach, and is crippling to our small businesses, our farmers, and our families.” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: When Open Enrollment begins on Saturday, 24 million Americans across the country will try to shop for health insurance that they can no longer afford. Without the ACA tax credits, a Vermont family of four making $130,000 a year that currently pays $1,195 a month for a baseline health care plan can expect to pay $3,035 a month for that same plan—a $22,080 annual increase. A Vermont family of four making about $64,000 a year will pay 920% more. On Wednesday afternoon, Senator Welch joined Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Protect Our Care, and a patient advocate for a press conference on the importance of extending ACA tax credits and lowering health care costs. “This is not a red-state, blue-state deal. This is not a Republican, Democratic deal. This is about families. It’s about small businesses. It’s about farmers wanting to have some minimal level of confidence that if they get sick, they’ll be able to get care. If they get sick, they won’t go broke. And we’ve got a bad health care system in this country. A lot of places you can get the best quality care, but we spend the most and get the least, and this will make what is already an expensive system—and a creaking system—much worse,” said Senator Welch at the press conference. This Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermonters, including the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, End Price Gouging for Medications Act, Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, and the Rural Hospital Support Act. Senator Welch’s office will remain open throughout the shutdown to help Vermonters. Resources can be found on the Senator’s website or by calling 802-863-2525. Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-senate-to-stop-trumps-unconstitutional-attacks-in-the-caribbean-sea-its-not-up-to-the-president-to-determine-if-we-go-to-war-its-up-to-congress/,Welch Urges Senate to Stop Trump’s Unconstitutional Attacks in the Caribbean Sea: “It’s not up to the President to determine if we go to war—it’s up to Congress.”,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor this week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, questioned the legality of the President’s recent military actions in the Caribbean Sea and demanded that Congress assert its constitutional obligation to determine where and why the United States goes to war. “Laws matter, and the Constitution matters. If the President does want to start a war, if he wants to put America’s troops in harm’s way, he needs to seek authorization from Congress,” said Senator Welch. “It’s up to the Senate to do its job. We have seen from history that our failure to assert our constitutional responsibility to decide whether to send our military to war has resulted in grievous suffering for the American people and a weakening of our national security. In asserting our responsibility, at the bare minimum, this United States Senate should demand—should demand—to see Attorney General Bondi’s legal analysis that the President has used to justify the use of the U.S. military to engage in these attacks.” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: Read key excerpts from Senator Welch’s remarks: “This President—no President—has the legal authority without congressional authorization to take America into military conflict. There have been no credible legal experts that have defended the President’s actions, with one exception—and, of course, and that is the Attorney General, who has provided an opinion to the President. We are told, but have not seen, that what he’s doing is ‘legal.’ That’s without precedent. It’s without precedent for the top legal official in this country to give an opinion that it’s legal to go to war without congressional authorization. “But it’s clearly the legal advice the President wanted and won’t even share with the members of the United States Senate. The President, of course, seems to be basing the legality of these actions on the declaration that drug traffickers are terrorists….But simply the determination by the President that he’s attacking a group of what he calls terrorists, ‘narco-terrorists,’ does not by itself make it legal under the Constitution.” The Senator also condemned the Trump Administration for undermining efforts to curb drug trafficking, which has had devastating impacts on communities in Vermont and across the country: “All of us are on board, Republicans and Democrats, with the fight against narcotics, illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—which mostly enter the U.S. through Mexico and on the Pacific Ocean. They are wreaking havoc on our communities. It’s happened in Vermont, as well as West Virginia, Idaho, Florida, Montana, every other state, our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers are struggling with addiction and dying from overdose….This has not been a partisan issue,” said Senator Welch. “But why are we spending billions of dollars in this effort in Venezuela, while at the same time taking funding away for treatment programs here at home that actually have been proven effective to help the most vulnerable Americans that are actually struggling with addiction to fentanyl and other drugs?” “So, when the President claims his new war is about ‘protecting’ America from drugs, it’s a fair question: why are we doing so little? Why are we taking money away from treatment? Why are we taking money away from high-intensity drug enforcement? Why are we not prosecuting more, instead prosecuting so much less?” Today, Senator Welch led every Senate Judiciary Committee Democrat in demanding answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the legality of military actions ordered by President Trump that have already killed 57 individuals in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/ranking-member-welch-pushes-back-against-far-right-claims-of-one-sided-politically-motivated-violence/,Ranking Member Welch Pushes Back Against Far-Right Claims of ‘One-Sided’ Politically Motivated Violence,2025-10-28,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch: “All of us must condemn every act of violence that tears at the fabric of our society and is absolutely, totally corrosive to our democracy.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, pushed back on the Republican majority’s false narrative of ‘one-sided’ political violence during a Subcommittee hearing titled “Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order.” In his remarks, Senator Welch called on both parties to strongly condemn all politically-motivated attacks and renew a bipartisan commitment to civility. “I just want to make it clear I am absolutely horrified by political violence in this country,” said Senator Welch. “I want to say this: the stakes are really too high for the American people and the health of our democracy to use this hearing as an opportunity to demonize one side or the other. If all violence—all political violence—is wrong, is evil, is corrosive, the debate about where there’s more on one side or the other, I don’t see how that helps us get anywhere. Politicizing violence with inflammatory rhetoric has real consequences. So, all of us have to turn that temperature down, those of us who are in public office, those of us who are in public life.” Watch Senator Welch’s full remarks below: Read and download Senator Welch’s full opening remarks as delivered. In one exchange, following Officer Hodges’ testimony describing his experience defending the United States Capitol against the violent insurrection on January 6, 2021, Senator Welch asked the other hearing witnesses to raise their hands if they agreed with President Trump’s pardoning of individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Every Majority witness raised their hands in support of President Trump’s blanket pardon of January 6 rioters. Witnesses for the Minority included Officer Daniel Hodges, an officer with Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department since 2014, who defended the United States Capitol against the violent insurrection on January 6, 2021, and was injured in the attack. Officer Hodges was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden in 2023. The Committee also heard testimony from Bill Braniff, a respected leader in America’s efforts to prevent violent extremism and the Executive Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) in the School of Public Affairs at American University. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=617,"Rep. Becca Balint Mourns the Loss of Middlebury College Student, Lia Smith",2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Middlebury, VT – Rep. Becca Balint released the following statement following the death of Middlebury College student, Lia Smith: “I’m absolutely heartbroken for the family of Lia Smith and the Middlebury College Community. As a parent, I’m crushed by this news and grieving for her parents and loved ones. The loss of a child is unimaginable. The community will remember Lia as a bright student, talented athlete, and friend. She was pursuing a double major in computer science and statistics. She was an outspoken advocate for her community as a trans woman and athlete. “I’m grateful for the efforts by local, state, and federal law enforcement in this investigation and to everyone who played a role in the search. Vermont stands with the Middlebury community during this extremely difficult time. Please, Middlebury students, faculty, and community members, take care of one another as you mourn this devastating loss.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-calls-police-officer-who-defended-capitol-on-january-6th-and-expert-on-extremism-and-terrorism-as-witnesses-for-hearing-on-politically-motivated-violence/,Welch Calls Police Officer Who Defended Capitol on January 6th and Expert on Extremism and Terrorism as Witnesses for Hearing on Politically Motivated Violence,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, October 28, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution will hold a hearing titled “Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order,” in which the Republican majority will advance a false narrative that political violence is a one-sided issue. Ranking Member Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today announced witnesses for the Subcommittee’s minority—Daniel Hodges, a Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer who responded to the January 6th insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, and William (Bill) Braniff, Executive Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) in the School of Public Affairs at American University. “Let’s be clear: political violence is, without question, a ‘both sides’ issue, and this partisan hearing only serves to turn up the temperature. Any and all politically-motivated attacks must be strongly condemned—from Democrats and Republicans alike,” said Senator Welch. “I am thankful the Subcommittee will hear directly from both a leading expert in extremism, as well as a brave police officer who defended the Capitol from the mob on January 6th. I call on the Subcommittee to work together to curb all political violence and protect our fragile democracy.” Officer Daniel Hodges has served as an officer with Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department since 2014. On January 6, 2021, Officer Hodges defended the United States Capitol against a violent insurrection and was injured in the attack. The mob, incited by President Trump, attempted to prevent the peaceful transfer of power and certification of the 2020 election. He returned to full duty, later testifying before the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack., as well as a spotlight hearing by Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee focused on President Trump’s pardons and commutations for January 6th insurrectionists. Officer Hodges was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden in 2023. Bill Braniff is a respected leader in America’s efforts to prevent violent extremism. Mr. Braniff is the Executive Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) in the School of Public Affairs at American University. He is a United States Army veteran and previously served as Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Partnerships and Programs (CP3). Mr. Braniff also led the University of Maryland’s National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), and served in leadership at West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center (CTC). Majority witnesses will include Michael Knowles of the Daily Wire; Chad Wolf, former Acting DHS Secretary and Chair of America First Policy Institute’s Homeland Security and Immigration Center; and Kyle Shideler, Director and Senior Analyst for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism at the Center for Security Policy. Logistics for tomorrow’s hearing are included below: Title: Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Time: 2:30 P.M. ET Location: Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building Livestream: Watch live HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-works-across-the-aisle-to-protect-snap/,Welch Works Across the Aisle to Protect SNAP,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Hawley and Welch’s Keep SNAP Funded Act would protect millions of Americans from losing SNAP during shutdown WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight cosponsored Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) Keep SNAP Funded Act, which would ensure nutrition assistance will continue despite the ongoing government shutdown. “I’m working across the aisle because a lapse in federal nutrition assistance would hurt more than 41 million Americans—from Vermont to Missouri, and beyond,” said Senator Welch. “The Keep SNAP Funded Act is a commonsense, bipartisan bill. I urge Senate leadership to bring this bill to the floor, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. If the Trump Administration refuses to use the money it has to fund the program during this shutdown, Congress must step in.” More than 63,000 Vermonters rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called 3SquaresVT. Senator Welch is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Last week, Senator Welch joined 45 Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. The Trump Administration refused to release the funding, and benefits will lapse in early November without congressional action. Read the Keep SNAP Funded Act here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=615,Rep. Becca Balint and Rep. Mark Takano Introduce Intersex Awareness Day Resolution,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Today, Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Mark Takano (CA-39) 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 honors the first public demonstration by intersex people in the United States, which took place at the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics on October 26th, 1996, to advocate for bodily autonomy, oppose non-consensual genital surgery, and decrease stigmatization. Since 1996, October 26th has become a day during which intersex people and allies come together to celebrate and uplift the intersex community. “This has always been about basic human dignity and the millions of intersex Americans who are no less worthy of respect and dignity than anyone else,” said Rep. Balint (VT-AL), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “And as the Trump Administration insists on denying the existence and rights of intersex Americans, we will not be deterred in standing up for their rights. It’s critical that we, the LGBTQI+ community, work to raise awareness of the stories and needs of intersex people. I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution with Chair Takano to stand up for intersex Americans and affirm everyone’s right to bodily autonomy.” “Republicans’ attacks on the trans community don’t just hurt trans people—the effects spill over onto intersex people, too, because these attacks are based on the false premise that people’s sex-related traits always fit neatly into one of two binary options. Intersex people cannot be left out of the conversation when we talk about the impacts of these attacks,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the lead sponsor of the most comprehensive nondiscrimination bill for the intersex community—the Equality Act—I’m proud to join Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint in introducing this resolution recognizing Intersex Awareness Day, because there is no justice for the LGBTQI+ community without justice for the intersex community.” This resolution: 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. Urges health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the intersex community that respects bodily autonomy and self-determination, and encourages schools to support education regarding the intersex community, and connect individuals to resources for young people with intersex variations and their families. Encourages the Federal Government, States, international funding organizations, and bilateral and multilateral aid efforts to prioritize the health and human rights of intersex people. Intersex refers to individuals with innate variations in physical traits that differ from stereotypical expectations for male or female bodies regarding the development, appearance, or function of sex-related characteristics. This includes variations in one or more traits or characteristics, such as reproductive organs, genitals, hormone production and response, or chromosome patterns, which may present at birth or may occur naturally later in life. The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Pocan, Bonamici, Foushee, Frost, Mullin, Peters, Tlaib, Norton, Torres, Watson Coleman, Jayapal, Ramirez, Johnson (Hank), Carson, Garcia, Jacobs, Evans, Randall, and Huffman. The resolution is endorsed by the Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC), InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, and Trevor Project. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://balint.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=616,Rep. Becca Balint Conducts ICE Oversight in Chicago,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,VT,Becca Balint,B001318,balint.house.gov,balint,https://balint.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Chicago, IL – Today, Rep. Becca Balint, Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, joined Democrats in Chicago for a hearing on ICE attacks on Chicago. The hearing titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Assault on Chicago was hosted by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, along with Chicago-area Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Danny K. Davis (IL-07). The purpose of the hearing was to dive deeper into Trump’s unlawful and aggressive actions in Chicago and featured witnesses who spoke to personal trauma, constitutional violations, and labor implications. There were over a dozen Members of Congress in attendance from across Illinois and the country. Watch her full remarks here. Read excerpts from her remarks from the hearing below: “Thank you, Ranking Member Jayapal. Thank you for the entire democratic delegation from Illinois that are here. Thank you for hosting us. But most importantly thank you [witnesses] for being willing to come here with us to tell us exactly what's going on because I can tell you our constituents are enraged too. They're enraged by what this government is doing in our name. They are enraged on your behalf. They hate what they're seeing on their TV screens and their phone screens, and they want us to be here witnessing and spreading the alarm and that's why we're here. “And I want to be really clear, some of us were talking about this yesterday, this is all about abuse of power. From the illegal firings of federal workers, to taking away people's health care, to destroying the East Wing of the White House, and now being here watching the ways in which they are terrorizing neighborhoods here in Chicago and across this country. It is about abuse of power and as I said, we are enraged. “Yesterday we had an opportunity from people who are directly impacted by the terror that is being brought here in Chicago. People snatched off the street, disappeared. People who are dropping their kids off at school. People who are just trying to go to work. The big lie - they are not criminals. They do not have criminal records. These are people, the backbones of our communities, that are being hauled off. And they with the respect and the dignity the human dignity that they all deserve as human beings. And one woman told us that her mother had said how shocked she was that here in the United States she could be treated with so much inhumanity, on our watch, in our name “Pastor Black, I know you know something about this, you were there protesting peacefully, you were praying, you were shot with pepper balls to the head. It's a shocking video of unnecessary violence. And you are not the only religious leader that has tried to give comfort to those who have been detained and ICE has refused entry. Can you please tell me why you feel called in this moment to stand up for immigrants?” Witnesses at the hearing included: Lawrence Benito, Executive Director, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Pastor David Black, First Presbyterian Church Bob Reiter, President, Chicago Federation of Labor Kevin Fee, Legal Director, ACLU of Illinois Juliet de Jesus Alejandre, Executive Director, Palenque LSNA Any Huamani, Immigration Defense Coordinator Genesis O., Directly Impacted Chicagoan",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-leads-senators-in-calling-for-state-department-to-provide-answers-on-shooting-of-american-journalist-shireen-abu-akleh/,Welch Leads Senators in Calling for State Department to Provide Answers on Shooting of American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) this week led eight Senate colleagues in sending the U.S. Department of State a fourth request for more information and answers on the death of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. She was killed by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank. “The State Department routinely says its highest priority is the safety of American citizens overseas. We are asking questions about the wrongful, violent death of an American citizen. We want to know why she was shot, and whether anyone has or will be held accountable. Her family and we deserve answers,” said Senator Welch. Shireen Abu Akleh, a highly respected Palestinian American journalist, was inexplicably shot and killed in May 2022 by an Israeli soldier from a distance of approximately 200 meters. At the time, Ms. Abu Akleh was wearing a helmet and flak jacket with the word ‘PRESS’ in bold letters. She was not in the vicinity of any protesters. A month after Ms. Abu Akleh’s murder, 24 Senators led by Senator Welch’s predecessor, Senator Patrick Leahy, called on then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken to provide answers about her killing and launch an investigation. Four U.S. Senators, led by Senator Welch, wrote to Secretary Blinken in September 2024, again asking questions about the case and echoing the Secretary’s call for an independent, credible investigation. Eight U.S. Senators wrote to Secretary Marco Rubio in May 2025, asking about the case. The lawmakers’ questions have not been answered. This week, nine U.S. Senators, again led by Senator Welch, sent another letter to the State Department, asking for the answers to their questions, writing: “We understand that the Office of the U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) is not an investigative body. However, not long after Ms. Abu Akleh was killed the USSC publicly endorsed the Israel Defense Forces’ assertion, without citing any evidence, that the shooting was ‘unintentional.’ “As our May 21st letter made clear, we have repeatedly sought answers from the State Department which do not require an investigation. The answers are either currently known to State or readily obtainable from the Israeli Government. Copies of our May 21 letter, as well as our June 23, 2022, and September 25, 2024, letters about this matter, are attached. “We continue to believe that a U.S.-led investigation is necessary to secure transparency and accountability in this case. In the meantime, we are requesting answers to our questions about the violent, unexplained death of an American citizen more than three years ago and would appreciate receiving them within 20 business days of the date of this letter.” The letter was led by Senator Welch and signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Read and download the full letter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-urges-trump-to-stand-up-for-american-interests-to-ensure-lasting-peace-in-gaza/,Welch Urges Trump to Stand Up for American Interests to Ensure Lasting Peace in Gaza,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Welch highlighted need for continued U.S. leadership in the Middle East to secure lasting peace, ramp up delivery of desperately needed food aid WASHINGTON, D.C. – In remarks from the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) expressed great relief at the ceasefire in Gaza and called on President Trump to use the immense leverage of the United States to cement the path to lasting peace in the Middle East. Senator Welch urged President Trump to stand up firmly for American interests over the political ambitions of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to end the brutal bombing campaign and provide desperately needed food aid to starving children in Gaza. “After two years of relentless bombing, after two years of horror for the hostages and their families, the bombing has largely stopped, and the hostages are home. This is extraordinary. And I salute everyone involved in getting us to this day, including President Trump. But let’s be clear: there is more work to be done. The only way this ceasefire will succeed is if it is the beginning of a relentless, tireless process that aims to get us to the two-state solution: Two states for two peoples—a safe and democratic Jewish state of Israel alongside a sovereign state for the Palestinians that are indigenous to the land where they now live—as envisioned in the President’s 20-point plan, and has been U.S. policy for over 50 years,” said Senator Welch. “So the question before us is: will all who are involved—particularly the United States government, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the Palestinian authority, U.S. partners in the Gulf, and our European allies—will everyone do every single thing possible to make that success of a lasting peace through a two-state solution a likelihood?” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: Read a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks: “The ceasefire acknowledges that there must be a force that has sufficient authority to quell Hamas’ violence. This is the peacekeeping force that was in the 20-point presidential plan. If we’re going to be successful, we have to redouble our efforts to stand that force up and make certain that all the signatories to that peace plan do their part to make certain that that can happen. President Trump’s leadership to help achieve a ceasefire—that leadership must be redoubled to achieve a durable peace and a lasting peace for the Israelis and the Palestinians. “To have this stop on the day the agreement was signed, without then redoubling efforts to face the difficult challenges that await resolution after the ceasefire, will result in failure. So, I call on the President, I urge all of us to do every single thing we can to stay focused on the implementation of the peace plan and not turn away as though this is yesterday’s problem. Because if we don’t do that, it will be tomorrow’s problem once again.” ••• Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-booker-klobuchar-lujan-42-colleagues-urge-trump-usda-to-immediately-release-november-snap-benefits/,"Welch Joins Booker, Klobuchar, Luján, Colleagues in Urging USDA to Immediately Release November SNAP Benefits",2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and 42 colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. The Democrats raised the alarm about the USDA’s failure to use available funding to continue SNAP, writing: “We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks.’ In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.” “First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,” the Senators continued. The Senators concluded, “In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA’s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.” This letter is co-signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). To view the full letter, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-cosponsors-bills-to-pay-all-federal-employees-servicemembers-and-contractors-during-shutdown/,"Welch Cosponsors Bills to Pay All Federal Employees, Servicemembers, and Contractors During Shutdown",2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Republicans block legislation to ensure all federal workers are paid WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) cosponsored bills led by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to pay all federal employees during the Republican-led shutdown. Senator Peters’ Military and Federal Employee Protection Act would reopen the government for one day to ensure all furloughed and excepted employees are paid within one week of enactment. In addition to paying federal employees during the shutdown, Senator Van Hollen’s True Shutdown Fairness Act would block the Trump Administration’s attempts at mass firings (Reductions in Force, or RIFs) during the shutdown. Senate Republicans blocked the passage of both bills this afternoon. “It defies common sense and anyone’s definition of fairness to say that only certain federal employees should get paid during a shutdown, or that federal employees should be laid off during a shutdown. While the President may insist that he had ‘no choice’ but to lay off federal workers during the shutdown, let’s be clear: he’s been doing this since day one. We need to do everything we can to end this shutdown and get these folks paid and back to work,” said Senator Welch. “These bills push back against the President’s lawless rampage and will ensure all of our federal workers are paid for doing their jobs.” The Military and Federal Employee Protection Act would provide a one-time appropriation to pay servicemembers, federal employees, and contractors who have missed any compensation from October 1 to the date the bill is enacted, as a result of the government shutdown. The bill ensures that both furloughed employees, as well as employees who have been excepted from furlough status and are continuing to work, are guaranteed to receive their standard pay. The bill would also require that all employees receive any delayed compensation within one week of enactment, to ensure they are paid in a timely fashion. The True Shutdown Fairness Act would immediately restart pay for all excepted and furloughed federal workers, servicemembers, and federal contractors during the current shutdown. The legislation also includes a prohibition on RIFs while the federal government is shut down. Federal employees are ensured retroactive pay after a shutdown ends due to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019—legislation that Senator Welch supported as a Member of the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Trump. Read and download the full text of the True Shutdown Fairness Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-wyden-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-transparency-accountability-for-massive-rise-in-national-security-tariffs/,"Welch, Wyden Lead Colleagues in Demanding Transparency, Accountability for Massive Rise in National Security Tariffs",2025-10-23,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Senators’ letter questions Commerce Secretary Lutnick over unprecedented use of national security tariffs WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in leading eight Senate colleagues to call out the Trump Administration’s unprecedented use of national security tariffs to pursue taxes on cars, appliances, and hundreds of other products. The Senators’ letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick raised concerns that Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act—which had been rarely used in the 20 years before Donald Trump became President—this year alone has been used to open 12 new investigations and expand others, spanning hundreds of products used by Americans every day. The massive scope of these investigations and the lack of transparency in the Commerce Department’s process undermine the integrity of a law that is intended to address true national security threats to the United States. “Trump’s tariffs are putting U.S. jobs, economic competitiveness, and credibility at risk by driving up costs for American businesses and consumers, creating significant uncertainty and confusion for importers, and alienating our allies,” the Senators wrote. “The reliance on Section 232 to pursue tariffs on everything from cars to household appliances and kitchen cabinets stretches the limited authority delegated by Congress.” The Senators called out the lack of public consultation, as well as the failure to publish the required reports to justify the tariffs: “Further, the Commerce Department has run an opaque, unaccountable process, making decisions behind closed doors, with no justification and with limited opportunity for the American public to weigh in on the tariffs they will have to pay.” In addition to Senators Welch and Wyden, the letter was signed by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). Read the full text of the Senators’ letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z https://www.welch.senate.gov/in-response-to-president-trumps-overreach-welch-supports-blumenthals-push-to-reform-the-insurrection-act/,"In Response to President Trump’s Overreach, Welch Supports Blumenthal’s Push to Reform the Insurrection Act",2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Democrat,Senate,VT,Peter Welch,W000800,www.welch.senate.gov,welch,https://www.welch.senate.gov/category/press-release/page/,scraper,"Senate Republicans block resolution to prohibit Trump Administration from weaponizing U.S. military against American citizens WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spoke in support of legislation led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to reform and right-size the Insurrection Act, an emergency, near-wartime authority measure President Trump has expressed interest in invoking in order to use the U.S. military to harass American citizens attending peaceful protests. In his remarks, Senator Welch demanded reforms to limit current and future administrations from abusing the Insurrection Act and deploying U.S. troops to police Americans exercising their right to free speech. The resolution was blocked by Senate Republicans. The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would reform centuries-old legislation that gives the President broad and vague authority to deploy troops—either with or without the request of a state—to suppress “any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy.” No President has invoked the Insurrection Act to activate troops without the invitation of a governor in over 50 years, given the potential for the military to escalate tensions, rather than restore order, during a domestic crisis. “Essentially, this President—from day one—has been overreaching the use of executive authority and declarations of emergencies. And it’s everything from tariffs—where Article I gives Congress the authority to pass those or invoke those, not the President—and now to the use of the National Guard as a private police force that basically serves the will of the President and for political purposes. It is extraordinary, in our country, to have the National Guard deployed. It is even more extraordinary to have the military deployed. There are circumstances where that can be done, but not at the whim of an Executive who does it for political reasons,” said Senator Welch. “The importance of the Senator’s bill is that this Congress act to set definitions on what so-called ‘emergencies’ are and not leave it up to an Executive who has demonstrated, repeatedly, that he will overreach—he has, and he will.” Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: Read a key excerpt from Senator Welch’s remarks: “What you’re seeing is an act of political will for a political purpose—not for a public safety purpose…And make no mistake, there’s no limits to what this President will do. He starts in L.A., goes to Portland, he wants to go to Baltimore. And then, for the purpose of putting down what he claims is ‘lawless behavior’—but upon review by local judges who have the evidence, find that it’s nothing out of the ordinary that the local jurisdiction and law enforcement forces can’t handle—what’s next? Will we see military deployed to cities where the President does not like the outcome of the vote in the next election? That’s a fair question.” ••• The new Insurrection Act of 2025 would: Narrow and clarify the criteria for the domestic deployment of military troops for law enforcement purposes. Specify that the use of the military is a last resort and is authorized only if the use of civilian law enforcement authorities would be insufficient. Clarify that the law cannot be used to suspend habeas corpus, impose martial law, or deputize private militias to act as soldiers. Require the President to consult with Congress prior to invoking the Insurrection Act and receive Congressional approval if the President seeks to exercise authority under the Act for longer than 7 days. Require a report to Congress providing an explicit justification for the use of the Insurrection Act’s authority, as enumerated in this legislation, and a full description of the scope and duration of its use. Provide for judicial review to ensure that individuals, or a state or local government, may bring a civil action if the President’s authority under the Insurrection Act is misused or abused. In addition to Sens. Welch and Blumenthal, the Insurrection Act of 2025 is cosponsored by Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). Learn more about his work by visiting his website or by following him on social media. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z