Vermont U.S. Senator (Class 3) — Peter Welch
Peter Francis Welch (born May 2, 1947) is the junior U.S. Senator from Vermont serving since January 3, 2023. A Democrat and only the second to represent Vermont in the Senate, Welch spent 16 years (2007-2023) as Vermont's Representative to Congress. He previously served in the Vermont Senate and has been a major figure in state politics for over four decades, known for bipartisanship and advocacy on energy efficiency, healthcare costs, and climate change.
Lower costs for working families and create job opportunities by prioritizing Main Street over Wall Street
Status: ongoing
Welch has sponsored and cosponsored multiple bills addressing affordability. Introduced S.4169 (Student Loan Interest Elimination Act) in March 2026 to eliminate interest on student loans. Cosponsored the Debt Free College Act and College for All Act to expand affordable education access. In his Finance Committee role (joined 119th Congress), pledged to focus on lowering costs and expanding economic opportunities for working families. Supports extending enhanced ACA premium credits.
Confront climate change and create jobs through energy efficiency and clean energy projects (Green New Deal cosponsor)
Status: ongoing
Welch is a cosponsor of the Green New Deal and was a leading advocate for energy efficiency in the House. Championed the HOPE for HOMES Act, which resulted in federal rebate program for energy efficiency in the Inflation Reduction Act. In 2026, introduced S.4239 (bill requiring Interior Secretary reports on decommissioning offshore oil and gas wells) and S.3127 (Farm to School Act) addressing agricultural and environmental sustainability. GovTrack notes agriculture and energy as top legislative focus areas.
Increase access to affordable housing
Status: in-progress
Welch supported the American Rescue Plan which ensured Vermont received $11 billion toward affordable housing construction. Voted to pass the Build Better Act, which included $150 billion investment in affordable housing. Cosponsored the Moving Forward Act to increase annual housing tax credits and provide $100 billion for affordable housing programs. Continues advocating through Finance and Agriculture committees.
Make college education affordable and address student loan debt
Status: in-progress
Cosponsored Debt Free College Act to incentivize states to achieve debt-free college. Cosponsored College for All Act to waive tuition for community college and qualifying public university students. In March 2026, introduced S.4169 (Student Loan Interest Elimination Act) to eliminate interest on student loans and increase loan limits. Campaign platform emphasized expanding access to higher education and reducing student debt burden.
Protect reproductive rights and women's healthcare access
Status: ongoing
Cosponsored Women's Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade. Supports full funding of Planned Parenthood and Title X family planning services. Cosponsored Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act requiring VA to provide contraceptives without copay. Campaign platform stated commitment to fight for reproductive freedom. No major restrictive votes; alignment with Democratic caucus on reproductive rights issues.
Strengthen democracy and protect voting rights
Status: ongoing
Serves on Senate Rules and Administration Committee. In February 2026, joined forum with Senate Rules Committee Democrats highlighting Trump administration threats to voting rights and election administration. Campaign stated commitment to 'stronger democracy where we can all participate.' Voted for both articles of impeachment against Trump in House. Advocates for voting access protection.
Support gun safety reforms while respecting Second Amendment
Status: ongoing
Supports universal background checks and cosponsored Bipartisan Background Checks Act. Cosponsored Assault Weapons Ban Act. Supports removal of prohibition on gun violence CDC research. Advocates for red flag laws (Extreme Risk Protection Order Act). Participated in 2016 House sit-in supporting gun control. Campaign platform emphasized 'common sense gun safety reforms.'
Bring down prescription drug costs and expand healthcare access
Status: ongoing
Led on legislation to cut price of prescription drugs in House. Finance Committee role pledged to fight for 'more accountability and transparency in the prescription drug market.' Advocates for fair payments to providers to prevent rural patients losing healthcare access. Supports protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA from cuts.
