Despite deep divisions in Congress, Welch says progress is possible on infrastructure, energy, debt
“When we don’t pass a budget it’s an indication that Congress is not functioning,” Welch told Rotarians.
Senate passes emergency highway aid provisions
The bill includes $1.9 billion in additional emergency highway money and a waiver that would lift the $100 million cap on funding that is crucial for rebuilding roads that were heavily damaged in Vermont by Tropical Storm Irene.
Universal health care plan could save $1.834 billion
Steve Klein, of the Joint Fiscal Office, said one of the primary goals of the report was to “put a stake in the ground for baseline growth.” Without reform, medical spending will go up 7 percent a year.
Welch seeks USDA funding for farms damaged by Irene
Tropical Storm Irene dumped 7 to 11 inches of rain on central and southern Vermont and left many farmers with mud-covered fields, dead livestock and drowned crops.
On video: Welch tries to find consensus as partisans continue to wage bitter fights in Congress
In a letter to the Super Committee, which is charged with finding $1.5 billion in savings by Nov. 23, Rep. Peter Welch said the move would save $122 billion over the next 10 years.
Irene costs mounting, but will feds pay?
First, the good news. Vermont has the skilled workers, the capable contractors, the competent government it needs to restore the roads, bridges and culverts demolished by Tropical Storm Irene.
On video: Leahy, Sanders, Welch decry FEMA “offsets,” vote for Senate spending bill
Vermont’s congressional delegation has adamantly opposed the use of emergency aid as a bargaining chip in the battle over the nation’s spending priorities as the Great Recession drags on into a fourth year.
Sanders to pitch payroll tax expansion to shore up Social Security
Sanders is pushing for an expansion of the 6.2 percent payroll tax to include earned income that exceeds $250,000 per year. Sanders also wants Congress to hold the fund harmless as it develops deficit reduction proposals.
Welch votes against debt ceiling plan; bill authorizes “Ryan team” to make cuts
Vermont’s congressional delegation is split on the so-called Reid-McConnell deal. Sen. Patrick Leahy reluctantly supports the bill. Sanders opposes it, and Welch voted against the debt-ceiling plan.
On video: Sanders says he’ll vote no on deficit-reduction package
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., told members of the Senate on Monday afternoon that the deficit-reduction package is “grotesquely unfair and bad economic policy.”
