Track Peter's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
The STRONG GRID Act of 2026 promotes national energy resilience by establishing regulatory standards for microgrids, creating state-administered grant programs, and providing technical assistance to accelerate the deployment of innovative grid technologies.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The STRONG GRID Act of 2026 aims to modernize the nation’s electric infrastructure by promoting the deployment of microgrids and enhancing grid resilience. The bill requires states to establish regulatory frameworks for microgrid interconnection and resilience valuation, while providing $700 million in federal funding for state-administered grants and innovative pilot projects. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Energy provide technical assistance and develop best practices to help utilities and regulators integrate these advanced energy technologies.
The Inclusive Democracy Act of 2026 protects the fundamental right of incarcerated individuals to vote in federal elections by mandating registration access, absentee ballot procedures, and comprehensive voter education within all carceral settings.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Inclusive Democracy Act of 2026 protects the fundamental right of all citizens to vote in federal elections, regardless of any criminal conviction. The bill mandates that carceral facilities provide incarcerated individuals with the necessary resources to register and cast absentee ballots. It also establishes clear enforcement mechanisms to ensure states and federal institutions uphold these voting rights.
This bill mandates increased transparency, efficiency, and clear timelines for the FAA's aircraft certification process while reinforcing U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the FAA's aircraft certification process. It mandates the FAA to publish plans, establish standard expected timelines for certification milestones, and set clear criteria for issue papers. Furthermore, the bill updates guidance on delegating certification work and affirms Congress's support for U.S. leadership in aviation innovation.
This bill establishes a framework for FERC to approve cost-allocation tariffs for major interstate and offshore transmission projects based on their anticipated regional benefits.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act streamlines the development of major interstate and offshore transmission projects by establishing a clear framework for cost allocation. It empowers the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure that costs for these significant facilities are distributed proportionally among beneficiaries based on a broad range of reliability, economic, and environmental factors.
The Agricultural Worker Justice Act of 2026 mandates fair labor standards and corporate accountability for USDA contractors while implementing comprehensive safety and workplace protections for meat and poultry processing employees.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Agricultural Worker Justice Act of 2026 aims to improve labor standards and corporate accountability within the food supply chain by tying USDA contracts to fair wages and strict labor law compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates comprehensive safety reforms for the meatpacking industry, including stricter line-speed regulations, enhanced whistleblower protections, and expanded OSHA oversight. Together, these measures seek to ensure safer working conditions, higher pay, and greater transparency for both food workers and the American public.
This resolution celebrates the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup as a symbol of continental unity and welcomes the global community to North America for the first-ever three-nation tournament.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This resolution celebrates the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It recognizes the significance of this expanded global event in fostering international unity, cooperation, and peace through the spirit of sports. The bill formally welcomes players and fans to North America while commending the host nations and cities for their collaborative efforts.
The Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2026 aims to revitalize the agricultural economy by curbing corporate consolidation, enforcing fair market competition, and increasing support for independent producers and regional food infrastructure.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2026 aims to revitalize the agricultural economy by curbing corporate consolidation through a moratorium on major mergers and a reexamination of past industry deals. The legislation strengthens protections for independent producers, increases transparency in meat and poultry pricing, and mandates country-of-origin labeling for beef, pork, and dairy. Additionally, it bolsters support for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers while investing in regional processing infrastructure to create a more competitive and resilient food system.
The BUFFER Act expands eligibility for the Conservation Reserve Program to include land subject to state, local, or tribal environmental protection requirements.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The BUFFER Act expands eligibility for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by allowing landowners to enroll environmentally sensitive land that is subject to state, local, or tribal conservation requirements. By streamlining these criteria and removing certain administrative hurdles, the bill aims to increase participation in federal land conservation efforts.
The Milk From Family Dairies Act of 2026 establishes a national dairy market stabilization program to manage milk production and pricing while providing infrastructure and training support for small-scale dairy producers.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Milk From Family Dairies Act of 2026 establishes a national Dairy Market Stabilization Program to manage milk production through supply limits, floor prices, and fees for overproduction. The bill aims to support small-scale producers by implementing stricter dairy import controls, monitoring market consolidation, and funding regional infrastructure and training initiatives. These measures are designed to align domestic supply with demand while strengthening the economic viability of independent dairy farms.
This bill amends Internal Revenue Code grant requirements to provide Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics with more flexible matching fund rules to help expand taxpayer outreach and support.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Unlocking Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic Funding Act modernizes grant requirements for Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) to improve their reach and operational flexibility. The bill allows the Treasury to adjust matching fund percentages and clarifies that qualifying contributions include direct costs like staff salaries and equipment. These changes aim to reduce administrative barriers and better support clinics in providing essential tax assistance to underserved taxpayers.
This resolution requests the Secretary of State to report on alleged Israeli human rights violations and the use of U.S. military aid in Lebanon following the 2026 war.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This resolution formally requests the Secretary of State to provide Congress with a detailed report on Israel's alleged human rights practices in Lebanon since February 28, 2026. The report must specifically address the scale of destruction to civilian infrastructure and assess potential violations of international law related to military operations. This information is required pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
This resolution celebrates the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup and welcomes the international community to the first tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This resolution celebrates the historic significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It welcomes the international community to North America for the expanded 48-team tournament. The bill expresses support for the event as a symbol of continental unity and recognizes soccer's role in global friendship.
This bill mandates the installation of baby changing tables in restrooms of newly acquired, covered Amtrak and intercity passenger rail cars.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Baby Changing on Board Act mandates the installation of baby changing tables in restrooms on newly purchased Amtrak and federally assisted passenger rail cars. This ensures that certain public restrooms on these trains are equipped with accessible changing stations for parents and caregivers. The bill specifically targets new rail cars that have at least one non-private restroom.
This resolution raises awareness of the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of the lake sturgeon and encourages continued efforts to protect and restore its populations.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This resolution raises awareness of the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of the lake sturgeon, a long-lived, prehistoric freshwater fish facing population declines. It recognizes the ongoing threats from overfishing and habitat loss while highlighting collaborative efforts to restore healthy populations across their range. The Senate encourages continued partnership, habitat protection, and increased public education regarding this vital indicator species.
The Plug Offshore Wells Act mandates that the Department of the Interior submit an annual report to Congress detailing the status, compliance, and enforcement of offshore oil and gas infrastructure decommissioning.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Plug Offshore Wells Act increases transparency regarding the decommissioning of offshore energy infrastructure. It requires the Department of the Interior to submit and publish an annual report detailing the status of well, platform, and pipeline removals, as well as enforcement actions taken against operators for failing to meet regulatory deadlines.
This joint resolution disapproves the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s withdrawal of its 2012 guidance on lending discrimination, effectively nullifying the withdrawal.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
This joint resolution exercises congressional disapproval to overturn the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s decision to withdraw "Bulletin 2012-04" regarding lending discrimination. By nullifying this withdrawal, the resolution effectively restores the original guidance and ensures it remains in full force and effect.
The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act aims to reduce the cost of higher education by eliminating interest on federal student loans, restructuring borrowing programs, and establishing a trust fund to provide supplemental financial aid.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Student Loan Interest Elimination Act aims to reduce the cost of higher education by eliminating interest on both existing and future federal student loans starting July 1, 2026. The legislation also establishes an Education Affordability Trust Fund to manage loan repayments and reinvest investment earnings into supplemental student aid and institutional grants. Additionally, the bill streamlines implementation by granting the Department of Education authority to expedite the rollout of these new policies.
The FARM Home Loans Act of 2026 expands rural housing financing by increasing eligible population limits and including accessory dwelling units under the Farm Credit Act.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The FARM Home Loans Act of 2026 expands access to rural housing financing by increasing the population threshold for eligible areas from 2,500 to 10,000 residents. Additionally, the bill updates the definition of rural housing to explicitly include accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as eligible for financing. These changes aim to increase the availability of home loans in growing rural communities.
This Act allows designated individuals or immediate family members to supplement the health records of deceased veterans with observed health information.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Health Records Enhancement Act allows designated individuals or immediate family members to supplement the health records of deceased veterans with observed health information after their passing. This process ensures that important post-mortem details can be added to the existing records maintained by the DoD and VA. Any added information will serve only as a supplement and will not alter the original medical documentation.
The Justice for Hind Rajab Act mandates a comprehensive U.S. government investigation into the January 29, 2024, killing of Hind Rajab and her rescuers, while establishing a framework for potential war crimes prosecutions and accountability.
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
Peter Welch
Senator
VT
The Justice for Hind Rajab Act mandates a comprehensive investigation into the January 29, 2024, killing of Hind Rajab, her family, and their responding paramedics in Gaza. The bill requires the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to report on the use of U.S.-provided weapons in the attack and to pursue potential war crimes prosecutions. Additionally, it establishes a formal U.S. policy to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable for war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict.