WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Peter Welch supported and the House passed Wednesday the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a major effort to rebuild the economy by providing tax relief, creating green jobs and investing in the future. The vote was 244-188.

The bill would bring roughly $1.2 billion in relief to Vermonters over two years in tax relief, support for the state budget and other federal spending.

WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Peter Welch announced Tuesday the formation of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), an action-based caucus in the U.S. House devoted to building the economy by focusing on progressive energy and environmental policies. Welch will serve as the 2009 Vice Chairman for Outreach.

The group's founding mission is to "advance policies that promote clean energy technology innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, create green collar jobs throughout the product supply-chain, help arrest global warming and protect our nation's clean air, water and natural environment." 

WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Peter Welch hailed President Obama's decision Monday to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a waiver requested by California, Vermont and 12 other states that would allow them to set strict, new vehicle emissions standards.

Obama today reversed a December 2007 ruling by the Bush administration which denied states the right to demand tougher fuel efficiency standards than those set by the federal government. The president was also expected to direct the Department of Transportation to require a nationwide average fuel efficiency increase to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

WASHINGTON, DC - After touring the Vermont Department of Labor's Burlington Resource Center Friday, Rep. Peter Welch pledged to support unemployed Vermonters and ensure they receive the assistance they need.

The current economic downturn has forced businesses throughout Vermont to lay-off workers and has overburdened state and federal safety nets. The sharp increase in unemployment claims has strained the Vermont Department of Labor and is depleting the state's unemployment insurance trust fund.