The Deeper Dig is a weekly podcast from the VTDigger newsroom. Listen below, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
American voters delivered a Democratic majority to the U.S. House of Representatives this week, opening the chamber to heightened oversight of the Trump administration.
Vermont’s sole member of the House says that responsibility is essential — but the incoming caucus will debate whether it’s more important than passing progressive legislation.
With a majority, “we actually can govern,” says Rep. Peter Welch. “If we’re going to get the credibility that we have an opportunity to get, it’ll be because we actually did things that made a difference.”
Welch believes legislation around prescription drug pricing, net neutrality and broadband infrastructure all have the potential to advance with some bipartisan support.
The caucus will also debate its own leadership — and Welch has so far declined to endorse current minority leader Nancy Pelosi as a potential speaker.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, who works closely with House leaders on the appropriations process, says he believes the new majority will make it easier to shut down “poison pills” — appropriations riders that have led to government shutdown threats in past cycles.
But major legislative progress, like an immigration package, will still require a bipartisan approach.
“I believe it can be done,” Leahy says. “But it is much, much harder to do today than it was when I first came here.”
On this week’s podcast, Welch and Leahy describe how the shift in power could lead to a more unified approach.
Subscribe to The Deeper Dig on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.
