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Welch leads House newbies in legislation
Burlington Free Press - September 30, 2007
Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., has introduced more legislation than any other House freshman this year. In less than nine months in office, Welch introduced 29 bills, resolutions and amendments, far outpacing the 53 other House members elected for the first time in November, according to a search of the Library of Congress' Thomas online legislative Web site. Freshmen averaged about nine bill introductions per lawmaker, making Welch's total more than three times the norm. More important, the 60-year-old Vermonter already has won House approval for 15 bills -- slightly more than half of his legislation. Among bills that passed were a measure to provide mental health services to veterans in rural areas through the use of mobile medical centers and an amendment to encourage schools to serve food from local farmers.
National Journal - May 5, 2008
At a time when many freshman House Democrats are worrying about a tough re-election campaign this fall--or are still trying to find their way around the Capitol--Welch acts like a veteran. At 61, he has drawn on his background as a lawyer who served two lengthy stretches in the Vermont Senate, including eight years as president pro tem, to comfortably maneuver through Washington's legislative channels. He has already taken on substantial energy and environmental issues and procurement reforms that Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and committee chairmen have highlighted in their agenda.
Welch in Washington: Vermont’s congressman cracks down on war contractor fraud
At about 9:30 a.m., in Room 1404 of the Longworth House Office Building, Vermont Rep. Peter Welch and his staff are preparing for a seminal day. In a half-hour, Welch plans to join fellow House Democrats at a Tax Day press conference to detail the true cost of America’s mission in the Middle East. Then, at 2 p.m., he’s scheduled to be at a subcommittee hearing on an issue that has garnered international media attention: a legal loophole that makes it easier for some overseas private contractors to defraud the federal government.
Washington's New College-Cost Crusader
Chronicle of Higher Education - September 29, 2008
Rep. Peter F. Welch, a Vermont Democrat, has emerged as an outspoken critic of the rising college costs. The first-term congressman has discussed legislation that would require wealthy colleges to spend 5 percent of their endowments, and this month joined Sen. Charles E. Grassley, the powerful Iowa Republican, in playing host to a roundtable of college leaders.
Vermont View: Our mission for a new energy future
Rutland Herald - July 27, 2008
If there is a silver lining in the crisis, it's the long overdue recognition that we urgently need a new energy policy. America is home to less than 2 percent of the world's proven fossil fuel and 4 percent of the world's population, and yet we consume 25 percent of the world's energy. This is neither sustainable nor affordable. As a nation, it's time to declare our independence from the policies of the past and end our costly reliance on fossil fuels.
America needs a new Apollo project. With new energy policies - higher mileage standards for our vehicles, higher energy efficiency standards, tax incentives for clean energy alternatives, better construction designs, renewable portfolio standards, restoration of mass transit and rail - we can create jobs, improve our environment, develop affordable energy and strengthen our national security.
Burlington Free Press - May 21, 2008
Despite his initial opposition, President Bush has signed legislation by Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont to stop stockpiling oil in the nation's emergency reserve and use it to help lower the price of gasoline at the pump.
Contract Fraud Loophole Eliminated
Associated Press - April 14, 2008
A multibillion-dollar loophole that would have helped conceal abuse of overseas contracts has been eliminated from a Bush administration proposal to protect taxpayer dollars, according to documents obtained Monday by The Associated Press. The Democratic congressman who called for the House inquiry, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., vowed Monday to "close this multibillion-dollar loophole" for good.
"This investigation proves why oversight works," said Welch, who is sponsoring legislation to eliminate the overseas exemption whether or not the Bush administration does so on its own. "The question is why it required a congressional investigation to prevent the Bush administration from giving overseas contractors a free pass to defraud taxpayers."
MY TURN: Working toward economic relief
Burlington Free - Press January 28, 2008
As a nation, we have always been at our best when we've focused on building a strong and prosperous middle class. As Vermont's representative in Congress, my goal is to help Vermonters improve their economic security and gain opportunities to get ahead. Taking on this challenge means working together to fundamentally change America's priorities.
Credit card companies' abusive practices must be stopped
Rutland Herald Op-Ed - April 13, 2008
Credit cards provide a convenient service. However, the need to take a hard look at abusive credit card industry practices and how they are affecting the increasing costs for the goods we purchase is long overdue.
At a time when Vermonters are already feeling a financial pinch, it's time to end abusive credit card practices, eliminate excessive fees and give consumers and local businesses a fair deal.
Opposition to Calif. tailpipe limits comes from surprising corner
Los Angeles Times - March 9, 2008
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants California to implement its own vehicle emission standards to fight global warming. At first glance, Congress might seem a likely ally in his efforts to overturn the Bush administration's refusal to let the state do so. After all, global warming is at the top of the agenda in Washington. The three remaining major presidential candidates back California's efforts. And the state's congressional delegation is the largest. But legislation to clear the way may fail for a reason that is close to home for Schwarzenegger -- his fellow California Republicans. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), who with Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) is a chief sponsor of the House bill, said that support from the state's GOP lawmakers would improve its chances. "If we had a majority of California Republicans behind this bill, it would put real pressure on the White House not to veto it. And it would give us a real push in the Senate," he said.
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