Peter Welch

U.S. Senator · VT

Democrat

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Where Peter stands

Positions inferred from the public record. Each one shows our confidence level — and when the evidence isn't there, we say so.

What should the federal government's overall approach to taxes and spending be?
Clear record
Raise taxes on corporations and high earners to fund major new programs
Lower taxes, smaller governmentHigher taxes, expanded programs
Cosponsored Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act and Billionaires Income Tax Act; sponsored enhanced premium credits and adult-child caregiver credits funding expanded programs.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 12 votes · 52 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Apr 2026 — A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
Voted No · Mar 2026 — Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.
Voted Yes · Mar 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Beginning of Construction Requirements for Purposes of the Termination of Clean Electricity Production Credits and Clean Electricity Investment Credits for Applicable Wind and Solar Facilities".
Voted No · Feb 2026 — Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the D.C. Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025.
Voted Yes · Feb 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Interim Guidance Simplifying Application of the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax to Partnerships".
+7 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a credit for adult child caregivers.
Sponsored — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the temporary enhanced premium credits, and for other purposes.
Sponsored — Student Loan Deduction Act of 2025
Sponsored — Electric CARS Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025
+47 more
How should Social Security and Medicare be changed, if at all?
Clear record
Expand benefits and broaden eligibility
Reduce or restructure benefitsExpand benefits
Cosponsored Social Security Expansion Act and Medicare for All Act; voted yes on Social Security Fairness Act repealing benefit offsets.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 3 votes · 31 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Nov 2025 — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Voted No · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Voted Yes · Dec 2024 — Social Security Fairness Act of 2023
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026
Sponsored — Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act
Cosponsored — Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act
Cosponsored — Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust
Cosponsored — Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2022
+26 more
What should the federal government's role be in setting wages and protecting workers?
Clear record
Significantly raise the minimum wage and strengthen union organizing rights
Less federal labor regulationStronger federal worker protections
Cosponsored Raise the Wage Act and Richard Trumka PRO Act; voted yes on Protecting the Right to Organize Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 18 votes · 49 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Apr 2024 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to "Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status".
Voted No · Jul 2023 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
Voted Yes · Dec 2022 — VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021
Voted Yes · Nov 2022 — Providing for a correction in the enrollment of H.J. Res. 100.
Voted Yes · Nov 2022 — To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees.
+13 more
Cosponsorships
Cosponsored — Warehouse Worker Protection Act
Cosponsored — Recognizing that the United States needs a Marshall Plan for Moms in order to revitalize and restore mothers in the workforce.
Cosponsored — Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025
Cosponsored — Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act
Cosponsored — Child Care for Working Families Act
+44 more
How should the federal government structure healthcare coverage and costs?
Some evidence
Transition to a single-payer (Medicare for All) system
Market-based, private insuranceSingle-payer government insurance
Cosponsored Medicare for All Act in both the 118th and 119th Congresses establishing a national single-payer health insurance program.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 6 votes · 50 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability".
Voted No · Dec 2025 — Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025
Voted Yes · Dec 2025 — Lower Health Care Costs Act
Voted No · Nov 2025 — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Voted Yes · Oct 2025 — Continuing Appropriations and Extensions and Other Matters Act, 2026
+1 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the temporary enhanced premium credits, and for other purposes.
Sponsored — 340B PATIENTS Act of 2025
Sponsored — Expanded Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act
Sponsored — Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act
Sponsored — 340B PATIENTS Act of 2024
+45 more
How should the federal government address climate change and energy policy?
Clear record
Rapid federal action to transition off fossil fuels
Prioritize energy production and affordabilityRapid transition off fossil fuels
Cosponsored Green New Deal resolution and Stop Arctic Ocean Drilling Act; sponsored American Renewable Energy Act; voted against opening federal lands to oil leasing.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 16 votes · 52 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal".
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Air Plan Disapproval; Colorado; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".
Voted No · Apr 2026 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.
Voted Yes · Mar 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Beginning of Construction Requirements for Purposes of the Termination of Clean Electricity Production Credits and Clean Electricity Investment Credits for Applicable Wind and Solar Facilities".
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
+11 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Plug Offshore Wells Act
Sponsored — Global Climate Resilience Act of 2025
Sponsored — Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2025
Sponsored — Advancing GETs Act of 2025
Sponsored — Global Climate Resilience Act of 2024
+47 more
What should federal abortion policy be?
Clear record
Federal protection for abortion access throughout pregnancy
Federal restrictions on abortionFederal protection for abortion access
Cosponsored Women's Health Protection Act of 2025 and EACH Act; voted to pass the Women's Health Protection Act prohibiting governmental restrictions on abortion access.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 11 votes · 44 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Mar 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".
Voted No · Jan 2026 — Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
Voted No · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Voted No · Jan 2025 — Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
Voted Yes · Sep 2024 — Right to IVF Act
+6 more
Cosponsorships
Cosponsored — Access to Family Building Act
Cosponsored — Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2023
Cosponsored — Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act
Cosponsored — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".
Cosponsored — Protect IVF Act
+39 more
What should federal firearms policy be?
Clear record
Restrict semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines; broader background checks
Expand firearm rightsExpand firearm restrictions
Voted yes on Assault Weapons Ban of 2022; cosponsored Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 and Background Check Expansion Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 7 votes · 33 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Voted No · Jun 2023 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".
Voted No · Jul 2022 — Assault Weapons Ban of 2022
Voted Yes · Jun 2022 — Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Voted Yes · Jun 2022 — Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2022
+2 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — SHARE Act of 2025
Cosponsored — Firearm Safety Act of 2026
Cosponsored — Keep Americans Safe Act
Cosponsored — Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act
+28 more
What should US immigration policy be?
Clear record
Expand legal immigration; humane asylum and refugee policies
Reduced immigration, stricter enforcementExpanded immigration, humane policy
Cosponsored U.S. Citizenship Act, GRACE Act, and NO BAN Act; voted against Laken Riley Act and Secure America Act passage.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 8 votes · 48 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — Secure America Act
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services relating to "Removal of the Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents".
Voted No · Apr 2026 — A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
Voted No · Mar 2026 — Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025
Voted No · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
+3 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — A bill to include Czechia in the list of foreign states whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E-1 nonimmigrants if United States nationals are treated similarly by the Government of Czechia.
Cosponsored — GRACE Act
Cosponsored — ALLIES Act of 2021
Cosponsored — U.S. Citizenship Act
Cosponsored — Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2023
+43 more
How should the federal government approach criminal justice and policing?
Clear record
Major sentencing reductions, end qualified immunity, redirect funding to community programs
Stronger enforcement, expanded authorityDecarceration and federal reform
Cosponsored George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act, and End Solitary Confinement Act; voted to pass the MORE Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 26 votes · 51 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act
Voted No · Mar 2025 — HALT Fentanyl Act
Voted Yes · Apr 2024 — Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
Voted No · May 2023 — Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
Voted No · Mar 2023 — Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022.
+21 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Federal Public Defense Commission Act of 2024
Sponsored — Hold Corporate Criminals Accountable Act of 2024
Cosponsored — OPIOIDS Act
Cosponsored — Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Emmett Till Antilynching Act
+46 more
What should drive US foreign policy?
Clear record
Cooperative internationalism through institutions; minimize military action
Repeatedly voted to remove forces from Iran and Venezuela hostilities; cosponsored AUMF repeals and Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act; supported USAID.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 12 votes · 49 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — A resolution requesting information on Honduras's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act
Voted No · Apr 2026 — A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Republic of Cuba that have not been authorized by Congress.
+7 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Justice for Hind Rajab Act
Sponsored — A resolution condemning the pardon of ex-Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez.
Sponsored — SANCTIONS in the West Bank Act
Sponsored — A resolution calling for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.
Sponsored — UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025
+44 more
How should the federal government approach democratic institutions and elections?
Clear record
Pass federal voting access protections and ban partisan gerrymandering
Cosponsored Freedom to Vote Act and For the People Act; voted for the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act expanding voting access.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 21 votes · 45 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Mar 2026 — Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025
Voted Yes · Dec 2022 — Presidential Tax Filings and Audit Transparency Act of 2022
Voted No · Dec 2022 — Puerto Rico Status Act
Voted Yes · Sep 2022 — Presidential Election Reform Act
Voted No · Sep 2022 — Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Census Act
+16 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Ranked Choice Voting Act
Sponsored — Digital Integrity in Democracy Act
Sponsored — A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to normalize vacancies and appointments for justices of the Supreme Court of the United States and for other purposes.
Sponsored — Inclusive Democracy Act of 2023
Cosponsored — Sustaining Our Democracy Act
+40 more

Where Peter stands

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