Welch, who is one of the most vocal advocates for bipartisanship in Congress and always is seeking ways to build coalitions, is one of the most relatable, constituent-minded candidates Vermont has had in many years. He has become an effective leader in Washington, D.C., and consistently is putting Vermont first in every conversation.

It says something for U.S. Rep. Peter Welch that we see him on a relatively frequent basis in Southern Vermont. Welch has managed to remain an effective lawmaker despite the partisan circus that is the United States Congress. He has been a voice for common sense and reaching across the aisle to get things done.

Vermont will soon be able to apply for up to $40 million in federal funding for projects to repair three aging flood control dams, after the Senate passed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 overwhelmingly on Wednesday.

Rep. Peter Welch said he's optimistic that his bipartisan bill that expands the authority of state Medicaid Fraud Units will soon be passed by Congress — and Vermont officials say the bill will give them greater ability to investigate a wide range of fraud cases.