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.
"In a global economy, all Vermonters and all Vermont businesses must have access to high speed internet and emerging technologies to be connected and competitive. An explosion in technological advancements is benefitting all sectors of our economy. Our farmers are using technology to produce higher yields; our doctors and nurses are using new machines to save lives and improve the health of their patients; and homeowners and businesses are using real time energy use data to cut their energy bills. I strongly support efforts to ensure that every Vermonter, including rural Vermonters have access to the many advantages of this new technological era."
As the founder and co-chair of the House Rural Telecommunications Working Group, Rep. Welch has put rural telecommunications challenges at the top of his committee’s agenda, the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee. He has introduced legislation to reduce dropped calls in rural areas and hold telecom companies accountable for poor service. Working with Senators Leahy and Sanders, he secured funding to extend internet service to unserved towns and schools. And he leads a bipartisan effort in the House to stop data breaches and protect the privacy of consumers and businesses.