Vermont

State Senators:

Bernie Sanders (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2007

Full Name: Bernard Sanders
Date of Birth: September 8, 1941
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Bernie Sanders was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrant parents. He attended James Madison High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Chicago in 1964. During his time at the University of Chicago, Sanders became involved in civil rights activism, participating in the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Personal Life: Bernie Sanders is married to Jane O’Meara Sanders, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. The family resides in Burlington, Vermont. Known for his unwavering commitment to progressive values and his grassroots approach to politics, Sanders continues to work towards policies that promote social and economic justice for all Americans.

Early Career: After graduating from college, Sanders moved to Vermont, where he worked in various jobs, including as a carpenter, documentary filmmaker, and writer. He became active in the Liberty Union Party, a Vermont-based political party that focused on anti-war and social justice issues.

Political Career:

Mayor of Burlington: In 1981, Sanders was elected Mayor of Burlington, Vermont, as an independent. He served four terms from 1981 to 1989. As mayor, Sanders focused on progressive policies, including affordable housing, environmental protection, and economic development. His administration is credited with revitalizing the city’s downtown area and implementing innovative social programs.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 1990, Sanders was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Vermont’s at-large congressional district. He served eight terms from 1991 to 2007. As a congressman, Sanders was known for his advocacy of progressive causes, including healthcare reform, workers’ rights, and opposition to corporate influence in politics. He was a founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
U.S. Senate: In 2006, Sanders was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Jim Jeffords. He has been re-elected multiple times and is known for his work on issues such as income inequality, healthcare, and climate change. Sanders identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a prominent voice for progressive policies in the Senate. Sanders is known for his progressive stance on economic and social issues and is the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history.
Presidential Campaigns: Sanders ran for the Democratic nomination for President in 2016 and 2020. Although he did not secure the nomination in either campaign, his grassroots support and progressive platform had a significant impact on the Democratic Party, shifting the conversation on issues like Medicare for All, free college tuition, and climate change.

Committees Assignments:

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (Chairman)
Committee on the Budget
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare: Sanders is a strong advocate for single-payer healthcare, also known as “Medicare for All.” He has introduced legislation to establish a national health insurance program that would cover all Americans.
Economic Inequality: Sanders focuses on reducing economic inequality. He has championed efforts to raise the federal minimum wage, expand Social Security benefits, and implement progressive tax policies that increase taxes on the wealthy and large corporations.
Climate Change: Sanders is an advocate for aggressive action on climate change. He supports the Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan to transition the U.S. to renewable energy and create millions of jobs in the green energy sector.
Education: Sanders supports free public college and university education and has introduced legislation to cancel student loan debt. He advocates for policies that increase funding for public schools and make higher education accessible to all.
Veterans’ Affairs: As a former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sanders has worked to improve healthcare and benefits for veterans. He has supported legislation to expand veterans’ access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Senator Sanders is known for his dedication to progressive policies, including healthcare reform, economic equality, climate action, education, and veterans’ affairs. His background as a mayor, congressman, and senator, along with his extensive experience in grassroots activism, shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that aim to create a more equitable and just society.

Committees

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.

Voting patterns

Senator Sanders, an Independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats, has a voting record that reflects his commitment to progressive principles, economic equality, healthcare reform, climate action, education, and veterans’ affairs.

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare:

Medicare for All: Sanders is a leading advocate for single-payer healthcare. He has consistently introduced and supported legislation to establish a national health insurance program that covers all Americans, aiming to make healthcare a human right.
Affordable Care Act: Sanders has supported measures to expand and protect the Affordable Care Act (ACA) but views it as a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive single-payer system.

Economic Equality:

Minimum Wage: Sanders has been a strong advocate for raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. He has introduced and supported legislation aimed at increasing wages for low-income workers.
Tax Policy: Sanders supports progressive tax policies that increase taxes on the wealthy and large corporations. He has introduced legislation to close tax loopholes and ensure that the richest Americans pay their fair share.
Social Security: Sanders advocates for expanding Social Security benefits and opposes any cuts to the program. He supports increasing taxes on high earners to ensure the program’s solvency.

Climate Change:

Green New Deal: Sanders is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan to transition the U.S. to renewable energy and create millions of jobs in the green energy sector. He supports aggressive action to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
Environmental Protection: Sanders has consistently voted for measures that protect the environment and promote sustainable practices. He opposes policies that favor fossil fuel industries over renewable energy.

Education:

Free Public College: Sanders supports making public colleges and universities tuition-free. He has introduced legislation to cancel student loan debt and increase funding for public education.
K-12 Education: Sanders advocates for increased funding for public schools, higher teacher salaries, and greater support for disadvantaged students.

Veterans’ Affairs:

Veterans’ Benefits: Sanders has a strong record of supporting veterans’ benefits. He has worked on legislation to improve healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for veterans. As a former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, he has been a leading advocate for veterans’ rights.

Social Issues:

Civil Rights: Sanders is a staunch advocate for civil rights and has consistently supported legislation that promotes equality and combats discrimination. This includes support for LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and measures to address systemic racism.
Criminal Justice Reform: Sanders supports comprehensive criminal justice reform, including ending private prisons, reducing mass incarceration, and promoting rehabilitation over punishment.

Foreign Policy:

War and Military Intervention: Sanders is generally skeptical of military interventions and supports a foreign policy focused on diplomacy and international cooperation. He has voted against authorizing military force in various conflicts and advocates for reducing military spending in favor of domestic priorities.
Human Rights: Sanders is a strong advocate for human rights and supports measures that promote global justice and humanitarian efforts.

Senator Sanders’s voting record reflects his commitment to progressive principles, emphasizing economic equality, comprehensive healthcare access, environmental protection, and social justice. He advocates for policies that aim to reduce income inequality, promote universal healthcare, address climate change, and protect the rights of all individuals.

Full Name: Peter Francis Welch
Date of Birth: May 2, 1947
Birthplace: Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Peter Welch was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in a working-class family. He attended Cathedral High School in Springfield. Welch earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the College of the Holy Cross in 1969. After completing his undergraduate studies, he pursued a Juris Doctor at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, graduating in 1973.

Personal Life: Peter Welch is married to Margaret Cheney, a member of the Vermont Public Utility Commission. They reside in Norwich, Vermont. Known for his dedication to public service and his pragmatic approach to governance, Welch continues to work towards policies that promote sustainability, justice, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: After law school, Welch moved to Vermont and began his legal career as a public defender. He later co-founded a law practice in White River Junction, Vermont. Welch became actively involved in community service and local politics, gaining a reputation for his dedication to public service and social justice.

Peter Welch

Term Start: January 3, 2023

Political Career:

Vermont Senate: Welch began his political career in the Vermont State Senate, where he served from 1981 to 1989 and then from 2001 to 2007. During his time in the State Senate, Welch served as Senate President Pro Tempore, focusing on healthcare reform, environmental protection, and economic development. He was known for his bipartisan approach and ability to work across party lines.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 2006, Welch was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Vermont’s at-large congressional district. He served from 2007 to 2023. In the House, Welch was a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Oversight and Reform Committee. He focused on issues such as energy policy, healthcare, and consumer protection. Welch was a prominent advocate for renewable energy and climate change legislation.
U.S. Senate: In 2022, Welch was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Patrick Leahy. He took office on January 3, 2023. As a senator, Welch continues to prioritize progressive policies, including environmental protection, healthcare reform, and economic equality. He is known for his pragmatic approach and commitment to representing the interests of Vermonters.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee on Rules and Administration
Committee on the Judiciary
Joint Economic Committee

Legislative Achievements:

Energy and Environment: Welch is a strong advocate for renewable energy and climate action. He has introduced and supported legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Healthcare: Welch supports expanding access to healthcare and reducing costs. He has advocated for policies that strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and supports exploring options for universal healthcare coverage.
Consumer Protection: Welch has worked on legislation to protect consumers from predatory practices and ensure fair competition in the marketplace. He has focused on issues such as net neutrality, drug pricing, and financial regulation.
Agriculture: Representing a largely rural state, Welch advocates for policies that support farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. He has supported farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for the agricultural sector.

Senator Welch is known for his dedication to renewable energy, healthcare access, consumer protection, and agricultural support. His background in law and public service, along with his extensive experience in the Vermont Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that benefit Vermonters and the nation.

Committees

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Rules and Administration: Committee ensures that the Senate functions smoothly and efficiently by overseeing its rules, administration, elections, and public access.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

Joint Economic Committee: Bipartisan committee composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This committees’ role is to inform Congress about the state of the economy and provide policy recommendations to address economic challenges and opportunities. Its work helps shape economic policy and legislation in the United States.

Voting patterns

Senator Welch has a voting record that reflects his commitment to progressive principles, renewable energy, healthcare access, consumer protection, and agricultural support.

Key Voting Patterns:

Energy and Environment:

Renewable Energy: Welch is a strong advocate for transitioning to renewable energy sources. He supports legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and investing in clean energy technologies.
Climate Action: Welch has consistently voted for measures that address climate change and environmental protection. He supports rejoining international agreements like the Paris Agreement and implementing policies to combat global warming.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act: Welch is a proponent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has voted to protect and expand it. He supports measures to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid, and improve access to healthcare services.
Universal Healthcare: Welch advocates for exploring options for universal healthcare coverage. He supports policies that aim to make healthcare a right for all Americans.

Consumer Protection:

Net Neutrality: Welch supports net neutrality and has voted for legislation that ensures fair and open access to the internet. He opposes efforts to roll back net neutrality regulations.
Drug Pricing: Welch has worked on legislation to lower prescription drug prices. He supports measures that allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and increase transparency in pharmaceutical pricing.
Financial Regulation: Welch supports strong consumer protection laws and financial regulations to prevent predatory practices. He has voted for measures that enhance oversight of financial institutions and protect consumers from exploitation.

Economic Policies:

Minimum Wage: Welch supports raising the federal minimum wage to ensure a living wage for all workers. He has voted for legislation aimed at increasing the minimum wage and improving labor standards.
Tax Policy: Welch advocates for a progressive tax system that ensures the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share. He supports closing tax loopholes and increasing taxes on the highest earners to fund public services and reduce income inequality.

Agriculture:

Farm Bills: Representing a largely rural state, Welch has consistently supported farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for the agricultural sector. He advocates for policies that support sustainable farming practices and protect the interests of small farmers.
Rural Development: Welch supports initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in rural areas. He has voted for measures that promote economic development and enhance the quality of life in rural communities.

Social Issues:

Civil Rights: Welch is a staunch advocate for civil rights and has consistently supported legislation that promotes equality and combats discrimination. This includes support for LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and measures to address systemic racism.
Education: Welch supports increased funding for public education and measures to make higher education more affordable. He advocates for policies that reduce student loan debt and expand access to quality education for all.

Senator Welch’s voting record reflects his commitment to progressive principles, emphasizing economic fairness, comprehensive healthcare access, environmental protection, and social justice. He advocates for policies that aim to reduce income inequality, promote renewable energy, and protect the rights of all individuals.