Peter Welch has been a champion for working Vermonters throughout his career. Since his election to Congress in 2006, he has been widely recognized as a thoughtful and effective legislator who chooses governing over gridlock.
Peter’s record reflects his strong commitment to bringing people together to find common sense solutions to the difficult challenges facing our state and nation. In an era of partisanship, he has worked across the aisle to create jobs, increase access to affordable education and health care, invest in energy efficiency, protect our environment, and care for our veterans.
"As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I have helped the main investigative arm of Congress review the effectiveness of federal laws and government programs. From oversight of Wall Street to holding federal regulators accountable, I will continue to work to ensure Vermonters’ tax dollars are being spent effectively and that federal agencies have proper oversight and transparency."
A member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Rep. Welch distinguished himself during his first term by writing legislation that closed a multi-billion dollar contractor fraud loophole. In recognition of these efforts, President Obama invited Rep. Welch to take part in the announcement of a major overhaul in government contracting procedures in March 2009. In 2014, Rep. Welch led a successful effort against excessive government regulations that would have harmed Vermont’s thriving artisan cheese industry. He has also led efforts to hold Volkswagen accountable for the environmental and financial damage that resulted from its vehicle emissions cheating scandal.