Mr. President, we are faced today with two urgent and compelling foreign policy priorities: ending the war in Iran and winning the war in Ukraine. The war in Iran is increasing the world price of oil, enriching Putin's Russian wanton war machine. On February 27, just before the start of the U.S.-Iran war, oil was at $70 a barrel. Last week, it was up to $100 a barrel. And if the Strait of Hormuz is closed again, experts warn prices could surge up to $125 a barrel, driving up fuel, fertilizer, and food costs.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+100$120K raised
Peter Welch
Senator · Vermont · Democrat
Peter Welch
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Vermont Country Store opening its doors in Weston, VT. Eight decades after its founding, the Vermont Country Store remains a staple of Vermont's business community and is known to folks across the country for its selection of high-quality products and old-fashioned charm. Throughout the store's history, its owners, the Orton family-- who pride themselves as the ``Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-to- Find''--have maintained the store's traditions while continuously adapting the store to the changing economy.
Mr. President, in December 2022, I traveled to Guatemala as part of a congressional delegation led by Senator Tim Kaine. Four months earlier, to the shock and dismay of powerful rightwing forces in Guatemala's Congress and business community, Bernardo Arevalo, an anti- corruption activist, had been overwhelmingly elected President in an election widely recognized as free and fair.
Biography
Peter Welch began his public service career as a civil rights lawyer, advocating for equal justice in Vermont. Elected as U.S. Senator for Vermont in 2022, he focuses on climate action, affordable healthcare, and strengthening rural communities. Welch has played a key role in advancing clean energy legislation and serves on the Senate Judiciary and Agriculture Committees. His pragmatic approach emphasizes coalition-building and responsive representation for Vermonters.
Education
- J.D., University of California, Berkeley, CA1973
- A.B., Magna cum laude, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
- 1969,
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2023–PresentSenator from Vermont. 1 term.
U.S. Representative
2007–2023Represented Vermont (at-large district) for 8 terms.
President Pro Tempore, Vermont Senate
2003–2007Served as president pro tempore of the Vermont Senate after his 2002 reelection, leading the chamber until his election to the U.S. House.
State Senator, Vermont Senate (Windsor District)
2001–2007Appointed in 2001 to fill a vacancy in the Vermont Senate, then reelected in 2002 and 2004 representing the Windsor district.
President Pro Tempore, Vermont Senate
1985–1989Served as president pro tempore of the Vermont Senate, becoming the first Democrat to hold the position.
Minority Leader, Vermont Senate
1983–1985Led the Democratic caucus in the Vermont Senate as minority leader.
State Senator, Vermont Senate (Windsor District)
1981–1989Represented the Windsor district in the Vermont Senate while also practicing law as a public defender and later as a personal injury lawyer in a firm he founded.
Policy Focus
Agriculture and Food11%
Health5%
Energy5%
International Affairs3%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Peter Welch's record in Congress.
Lower Prescription Drug Costs
Co-authored legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors.
Rural Broadband Expansion
Secured federal funding to expand high-speed internet access in rural Vermont communities.
Energy Efficiency Advocacy
Championed the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act to promote residential energy efficiency upgrades.
Veterans' Health Care Access
Helped pass measures improving access to health care services for Vermont veterans.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
- Senate Committee on the Judiciary
- Senate Committee on Finance
Sen. Peter Welch FAQ
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