Welch, Peter [D-VT]
Democrat · VT · 47 bills sponsored
A bill to promote competition in the area of digital energy management tools, enhance consumer access to electric energy and natural gas information, allow for the development and adoption of innovative products and services to help consumers, organizations, and governments manage their energy usage and improve electric grid reliability, and for other purposes.
# S 3926 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** S 3926 aims to make it easier for consumers and businesses to access their electricity and natural gas usage information and use digital tools to manage their energy consumption. The bill promotes competition among companies developing energy management software and services—tools that help people track usage, reduce costs, and make more informed energy decisions. It also seeks to improve overall electric grid reliability by encouraging innovation in how energy data is shared and used. **Who It Affects** This bill would impact residential and commercial energy consumers, utility companies, and technology companies developing energy management applications. Utility customers would benefit from better access to their energy data and more choices in management tools, while the broader public could gain from a more efficient and reliable power grid. **Current Status** As of now, S 3926 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT).
A bill to provide for updates to the Federal Aviation Administration type certification process to support development of new and novel technologies, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 3866 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill proposes to update how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves new aircraft and aviation technologies. The FAA's "type certification" process is the official system for determining whether new planes, drones, engines, and similar aviation equipment are safe to use. The bill aims to modernize this approval process to help companies develop and bring innovative aviation technologies to market more efficiently. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact aviation manufacturers and companies developing new technologies (like electric aircraft, drones, and advanced propulsion systems), the FAA, and ultimately consumers and the aviation industry. By streamlining the certification process, the bill could help American companies compete globally in aerospace innovation. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The specific details and provisions of the bill are not publicly available in the information provided, so the exact changes being proposed remain unclear at this stage.
Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act
# Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act (S 3885) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to strengthen the U.S. aviation industry's competitiveness globally and promote innovation in aircraft technology and operations. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on supporting American aircraft manufacturers, improving aviation infrastructure, updating regulations to enable new technologies, and ensuring the U.S. remains competitive with other countries' aviation sectors. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect aircraft manufacturers, aviation companies, airports, and related workers. It could also impact consumers through changes to air travel services or costs, and broader economic interests in maintaining U.S. technological leadership in the aerospace industry. **Current Status** The bill (S 3885) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For more specific details about the bill's exact provisions, you can search for the full text on Congress.gov or the Senate website.
Baby Changing on Board Act
# Baby Changing on Board Act (S 71) - Summary **What it would do:** This bill would require Amtrak passenger trains to install baby changing tables in at least one restroom per train car. The requirement would apply to new trains purchased by Amtrak after the law passes. At least one of these changing tables must be located in a restroom that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards, ensuring parents and caregivers with disabilities can also use these facilities. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects Amtrak passengers traveling with infants and young children, as well as parents and caregivers with disabilities. It also impacts Amtrak's operations and train manufacturers who would need to include these facilities in newly purchased rolling stock. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in the 119th Congress and is currently under review in committee. It has not yet been voted on or passed.
Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Reauthorization Act of 2026
# Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Reauthorization Act of 2026 Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would reauthorize the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program, which supports economic development and business growth in rural areas across the United States. By reauthorizing the program, Congress would continue funding and renew the legal authority for these rural economic initiatives that would otherwise expire. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts rural communities and small businesses in non-urban areas. It would also affect federal agencies administering rural development programs and potentially state and local governments that partner with these initiatives to support their economies. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The specific provisions and funding levels proposed are not detailed in the available information. Further action would require committee approval before it could move to a floor vote.
LCBP Enhancements Act of 2026
# LCBP Enhancements Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, officially titled the LCBP Enhancements Act of 2026, is designed to improve and expand the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP). However, the specific details of what enhancements are proposed are not available in the summary information provided. Generally, such bills typically focus on environmental protection, water quality improvements, or funding increases for regional management programs. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact communities and stakeholders in the Lake Champlain region, which spans Vermont and New York. This includes residents, businesses, environmental organizations, and local governments in the Lake Champlain Basin area. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S. 3833) is in committee and has not yet advanced further in the legislative process. It was sponsored by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) in the 119th Congress. To learn the specific provisions and proposed enhancements, you would need to consult the full bill text through Congress.gov or similar legislative databases.
Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene Care and Support Act
# Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene Care and Support Act (S 3730) **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to improve how emergency medical services (EMS) providers—including paramedics and EMTs—are paid for the care they provide at emergency scenes. Currently, EMS providers often struggle with reimbursement from insurance companies and Medicare for on-scene treatment and support. The bill would likely establish or clarify payment rules to ensure these providers receive appropriate compensation for their work before patients are transported to hospitals. **Who It Affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be EMS agencies and the paramedics and EMTs who work for them, many of whom operate in rural or underserved areas where funding is limited. The bill could also benefit patients by supporting more robust emergency response services. Insurance companies and government healthcare programs like Medicare would be affected by changes to reimbursement requirements. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. This means it's still in the early legislative stages and may be reviewed, debated, and potentially modified before any action is taken.
Opportunities in Organic Act
# Opportunities in Organic Act (S 3717) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Opportunities in Organic Act is a Senate bill currently under consideration that aims to expand opportunities related to organic agriculture and food production. However, specific details about the bill's provisions are not available in the information provided. To understand exactly what changes the bill would make—such as whether it addresses organic certification, funding, labeling standards, or market access—you would need to review the full legislative text. **Who It Affects & Current Status** If passed, the bill would likely impact organic farmers, food producers, agricultural businesses, and potentially consumers who purchase organic products. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full Senate vote yet. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) introduced the bill. At this stage, it's still in the early legislative process and would need committee approval and broader Senate support to move forward. **Next Steps** For more detailed information about specific provisions, interested parties should consult the bill's full text on Congress.gov or contact the sponsoring senator's office.
COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026
# COLAs Don't Count Act of 2026 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, introduced by Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, would change how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are counted when determining eligibility for certain federal assistance programs. COLAs are automatic annual increases to Social Security and other benefits designed to keep up with inflation. Currently, when someone receives a COLA increase, it can push their total income above the limit for means-tested programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or food assistance, making them ineligible. This bill would prevent COLA increases from being counted as income for these purposes, allowing people to keep their benefits even as their Social Security goes up. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily benefit seniors and people with disabilities who receive both Social Security and need-based assistance programs. It would affect beneficiaries of programs like SSI, Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and housing assistance who might otherwise lose eligibility when their Social Security increases annually. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee review, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since its introduction.
Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025
# Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025 would establish new federal guidelines and requirements for safely shutting down and dismantling nuclear power plants that are no longer in operation. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, decommissioning bills typically address how nuclear facilities are cleaned up, how radioactive materials are managed and stored, and how the process is funded and overseen. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact nuclear power plant operators and owners who manage aging or closed facilities, as well as communities near nuclear plants. The bill would also affect the nuclear industry broadly and federal agencies responsible for nuclear regulation and safety (like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission). **Current Status** The bill (S 3441) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Peter Welch of Vermont and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. At this stage, it remains in the early phases of the legislative process.
Ranked Choice Voting Act
# Ranked Choice Voting Act Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would change how Americans vote in federal elections by implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) for House, Senate, and presidential races. Instead of selecting one candidate, voters would rank candidates by preference (1st choice, 2nd choice, etc.). If no candidate wins a majority on the first count, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and those votes are redistributed based on voters' next preferences—a process that repeats until someone has a majority. **Who It Affects** This legislation would impact all federal elections nationwide, affecting voters, political parties, and election administrators. It would particularly change how elections work in competitive districts where multiple candidates from the same party might run. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not advanced to a full vote in the Senate. As with many proposed voting reforms, it would likely face debate over whether RCV improves representation and voter choice or creates complexity in the voting process. The bill remains early in the legislative process with no clear timeline for further action.
Health Records Enhancement Act
# Health Records Enhancement Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Health Records Enhancement Act (S 2333) would improve how health information is managed and shared, particularly for veterans' medical records. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic information available, bills with this title typically aim to modernize medical record systems, improve access to health information for patients and providers, and ensure better coordination of care. The bill specifically addresses veterans' medical care alongside broader health information systems. **Who It Affects** The bill directly impacts veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as healthcare providers who need to access and share patient medical records. More broadly, any changes to health information systems could affect all Americans who receive medical care, as these records are fundamental to healthcare delivery. **Current Status** As of now, S 2333 remains in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the Senate. For the most current details on specific provisions and any recent developments, you would need to check Congress.gov or the Senate's official website.
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a credit for adult child caregivers.
# Summary of S 3295: Adult Child Caregiver Tax Credit **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a new tax credit for adult children who provide care for aging or disabled parents. Essentially, it would allow adult children to claim a tax deduction or credit on their federal income taxes if they spend significant time and resources caring for their parents at home. This is intended to financially support family members who take on caregiving responsibilities, which can be expensive and time-consuming. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects adult children (typically working-age adults) who serve as unpaid caregivers for aging or disabled parents or relatives. It could also indirectly benefit seniors and disabled individuals by making it more affordable for family members to provide home-based care. Working families and middle-class households would likely be the main beneficiaries of any tax relief provided. **Current Status** S 3295 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No specific provisions or credit amounts are detailed in the available information, so the exact financial benefit and eligibility requirements remain to be determined if the bill advances.
Fair Credit for Farmers Act of 2025
# Fair Credit for Farmers Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** The Fair Credit for Farmers Act of 2025 is a proposed law designed to improve access to credit and fair lending practices for farmers. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to address challenges farmers face when borrowing money from banks and lenders, potentially by reforming lending requirements, reducing barriers to loans, or protecting farmers from unfair credit practices. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily impact American farmers and agricultural businesses seeking loans for operations, equipment, land, and other farm-related expenses. It may also affect agricultural lenders and financial institutions that provide farm credit. Currently, the bill is in committee review, meaning it has been introduced in the Senate but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) introduced the legislation. **Note:** Without access to the bill's full text, this summary is based on the title and typical legislative approaches to farm credit issues. For detailed information about specific provisions, you can review the complete bill text on Congress.gov.
Farm to School Act of 2025
# Farm to School Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** The Farm to School Act of 2025 would establish or expand programs that connect local farms directly to school cafeterias. The bill aims to increase the amount of locally-sourced food served in schools while supporting nearby farmers. This creates a market for agricultural products grown in students' home regions and could reduce the distance food travels from farm to plate. **Who It Affects** The legislation would impact several groups: school districts and their food service operations, local farmers and agricultural producers, students who eat school meals, and communities interested in supporting regional agriculture. Schools would need to work with local suppliers, potentially requiring changes to their food procurement processes. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 3127) is in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) in the 119th Congress. The bill remains in its early legislative stage and would need committee approval and Senate passage to become law.
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the temporary enhanced premium credits, and for other purposes.
# S 3102 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would extend temporary improvements to health insurance premium subsidies under the Internal Revenue Code. These "enhanced premium credits" are federal subsidies that help people afford monthly health insurance payments through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The bill aims to keep these improved subsidies in place beyond their current expiration date. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Americans who buy health insurance through the ACA marketplace and receive federal subsidies to help pay their premiums. These are typically individuals and families with moderate incomes who don't have employer-sponsored insurance. Extended subsidies would mean lower out-of-pocket costs for these consumers. **Current Status & Key Details** As of now, S 3102 is in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. The bill was introduced by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) in the 119th Congress. The specific details about additional provisions ("and for other purposes") are not provided in the available information. For more details on implementation or any other provisions, you would need to review the full bill text.
FARM Act
# FARM Act Summary I don't have access to the specific details of S. 3068 (the FARM Act) from the 119th Congress to provide you with an accurate summary of what it would do, who it affects, or its key provisions. To get this information, I'd recommend: - Visiting **Congress.gov** and searching for "S 3068" for the full bill text and details - Checking Senator Welch's official website for a bill summary - Looking at relevant congressional committees' websites, since the bill is currently in committee review If you can share the bill's summary or key provisions, I'd be happy to help explain them in plain language for a general audience.
No Big Blockbuster Bailouts Act
# No Big Blockbuster Bailouts Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The No Big Blockbuster Bailouts Act would restrict the federal government's ability to provide large financial rescue packages to major corporations during economic crises. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the title and sponsorship suggest it aims to limit or regulate government bailouts of large financial institutions and corporations—similar to the bank and auto industry bailouts that occurred during the 2008 financial crisis. **Who It Affects and Current Status:** This bill would primarily affect large corporations and financial institutions that might otherwise receive federal funding during emergencies. It could also impact taxpayers by potentially preventing them from funding such rescues. The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Until more details on specific provisions become available, it's unclear exactly how it would work or what alternative measures it might allow.
Energizing Our Communities Act
# Energizing Our Communities Act (S 2835) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Energizing Our Communities Act is a proposed law currently being reviewed in the Senate. While specific details about its provisions aren't available in the information provided, the bill's title suggests it aims to support community energy initiatives or renewable energy development at the local level. To understand the exact provisions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in the current congressional session. Bills at this stage may be revised, combined with other proposals, or simply not advance further. **Who It Affects:** Without access to the specific language, potential stakeholders could include: local communities, energy companies, utility providers, and residents—though the exact scope depends on the bill's detailed provisions. **To Learn More:** For complete information about this bill's specific provisions, amendments, and any recent updates, visit Congress.gov and search for "S 2835."
Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025
# Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to help new farmers and ranchers get started by improving their access to capital and funding. The specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, but the bill's title suggests it would create or expand financial programs to help beginning agricultural producers acquire land, equipment, and other resources needed to establish farming or ranching operations. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily targets beginning farmers and ranchers—those early in their agricultural careers who often struggle to secure financing through traditional lenders. This could benefit rural communities and support agricultural development, as it addresses barriers that prevent new people from entering farming. **Current Status:** The bill (S 2797) was introduced in the Senate during the 119th Congress by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and is currently in committee. This means it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No additional action has been taken at this time. *Note: Detailed provisions of this bill are not currently available in the provided information. For complete details on specific programs or funding mechanisms, you would need to review the full bill text.*
Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act of 2025
# Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act of 2025 would require the federal government to develop better methods for tracking and calculating the total costs of natural disasters and other major disasters in the United States. Currently, different agencies use different approaches to measure disaster costs, making it difficult to get a complete picture of the economic impact. This bill would establish more consistent and comprehensive ways to measure these costs across the government. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect federal agencies responsible for disaster response and recovery (such as FEMA and others), as well as policymakers, researchers, and the public who rely on disaster cost data. By standardizing how costs are measured and reported, the bill aims to provide clearer information about the true financial burden of disasters—including direct damages, recovery expenses, and broader economic impacts. This could help Congress and state/local officials better plan for future disasters and allocate resources more effectively. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate congressional committee for review and has not yet been voted on by either the Senate or House. Sponsor Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the legislation in the 119th Congress.
Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025
# Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025 would allow borrowers to deduct student loan interest payments from their taxable income. Currently, federal law limits this deduction to $2,500 per year. This bill appears designed to expand or modify that deduction, though specific details about the proposed changes are not available in the information provided. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily benefit current and former college students who carry federal or private student loan debt. Working professionals, recent graduates, and anyone making student loan payments would potentially see tax relief through a larger deduction, reducing the amount of income subject to federal taxes. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 2717) is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in the 119th Congress. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass committee review, pass both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President.
TRAIN Act
# TRAIN Act Summary I don't have access to the specific details of S. 2455 (TRAIN Act) from the 119th Congress in my current information. To provide you with an accurate summary of what the bill would do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I would need to review the bill's text and official legislative documents. **To get this information, I'd recommend:** - Visiting **Congress.gov** and searching for "S. 2455" - Checking Senator Peter Welch's official website - Reviewing the bill summary and text on Congress.gov, which will show the sponsors, committees, and detailed provisions If you can share the bill's text or a link to it, I'd be happy to provide a clear, non-partisan summary for a general audience.
Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act
# Summary of S. 2447: Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act **What the Bill Would Do** This bill seeks to repeal legislation that was enacted during the Trump administration. Based on the title referencing a "Sick Tax," the bill likely targets a previous law that affected health-related benefits or taxation. However, the specific details of what tax or policy would be reversed are not fully detailed in the available information provided. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact individuals and potentially employers who are subject to whatever tax or benefit rules the original legislation established. Without more specific information about the underlying law being repealed, it's difficult to identify the exact groups affected. **Current Status** The bill (S. 2447) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full floor vote in either chamber. The bill has not been enacted. **Note:** For a complete understanding of this bill's provisions and impact, you may want to visit Congress.gov or contact Senator Welch's office for more detailed legislative summaries, as the information available here is limited.