Peter Welch

Bernie Sanders and other Democrats, including Peter Welch and Becca Balint, urged Graham Platner, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, to drop out amid allegations of misconduct, including rape. The Maine Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also called for Platner to step down, citing multiple credible allegations.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation received $19.7 million in federal BUILD grant funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to reconstruct a 12-mile stretch of Route 7 from Pittsford to Brandon. The project, awarded to Engineer’s Construction, Inc., aims to improve safety and capacity through roadway widening, truck climbing lanes, and other infrastructure upgrades, with construction set to begin in fall 2023 and finish by fall 2028.

Congress faces a shrinking window to finalize a bipartisan cryptocurrency oversight deal before midterms, with unresolved issues including restrictions on Trump's digital asset profits and staffing for the SEC and CFTC. Lawmakers aim to address ethics provisions but face challenges in securing Trump's approval and House support.

Democrat senators agreed to renew the government's anti-terror spying authority under Section 702 of FISA amid a standoff over President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. FISA 702 expired in June 2024 but was extended through March 2027 by a court, while critics argue Pulte lacks intelligence experience. Trump has conditioned FISA renewal on passing the SAVE Act, which imposes voter ID requirements.

Democratic senators agreed to renew Congress's anti-terror spying powers under Section 702 of FISA amid concerns about national security, despite the provision's expiration in June 2024. The renewal is tied to ongoing disputes over President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, with critics citing his lack of intelligence experience. Trump has also conditioned FISA 702 renewal on passing the SAVE Act, which imposes voter ID requirements.

The author resides in Saint Marie, Montana, a declining town once linked to a decommissioned military base, and highlights a new bipartisan bill to expand farm credit institution lending in rural areas. The article critiques the rural housing crisis, noting that post-pandemic remote work has driven up home prices, displacing longtime residents.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved $31.7 million in disaster aid for Vermont farmers affected by floods in 2023 and 2024. The funding will support infrastructure repairs, flood-related losses, and market losses for farmers unable to access FEMA funds. Vermont officials confirmed the approval and noted the next step is state legislative authorization to accept the funds.

Republicans are shifting focus to combating government fraud as economic concerns and rising gas prices overshadow their previous emphasis on border security ahead of midterms. The GOP plans to debate three anti-fraud bills targeting childcare grants, emergency aid, and student aid programs, while Democrats criticize the focus as misplaced. President Donald Trump's legislative agenda, The One Big Beautiful Bill, has not gained traction as an economic solution.

Republicans are shifting focus to fraud as a key issue for midterms amid economic concerns, including rising gas prices and a shaky economic outlook. They introduced anti-fraud bills targeting childcare grants, emergency aid, and student aid programs, while Democrats criticize the focus as a distraction from affordability issues.

Democratic senators met with Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner amid controversies over his campaign, including allegations of sexting and resurfaced online posts. Senators like Kirsten Gillibrand and Bernie Sanders expressed confidence in Platner's chances, while others deflected questions about the scandals.

Democratic senators met with Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner amid controversies over his campaign, including allegations of sexting and resurfaced online posts. Senators like Kirsten Gillibrand and Bernie Sanders expressed confidence in his chances, while others deflected questions about the scandals.

Democrats face anxiety over supporting Graham Platner in the Maine Senate primary after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backed Gov. Janet Mills over Platner. Platner, an untested candidate, faces media scrutiny over personal relationships, with the primary in eight days and limited political feasibility to replace him. Some allies of Mills suggest she could re-enter the race, though she has not committed.

Democrats continue supporting Graham Platner for the Maine Senate despite scandals involving sexual messages and past controversies, while anticipating further damaging revelations. Platner's campaign acknowledges the reports but frames them as resolved, and Democrats emphasize focusing on national issues over personal scandals.

U.S. Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to provide an official cost estimate for the Iran war, citing discrepancies between administration projections and independent analyses. The senators emphasized the need for transparency and accurate information to inform legislative oversight.

Senate Democrats requested the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the 'true costs' of the Iran war, citing discrepancies between administration figures and independent projections. They emphasized the need for transparency and comprehensive legislative oversight.

Democratic senators have largely avoided commenting on Graham Platner, the controversial Maine Democratic Senate candidate seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins, citing lack of focus on the race. Platner faces scrutiny over resurfaced comments he made on social media regarding sexual assault, race, and other sensitive topics. Democrats are divided on whether to address the candidate's problematic past publicly.

Democratic senators are largely avoiding questions about Graham Platner, the controversial Democratic candidate challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, citing lack of focus on the race. Platner has faced scrutiny over resurfaced comments about sexual assault, race, and other sensitive topics that could impact his viability as a candidate.

Eric Schmitt, a Missouri Republican, urged the Department of Justice to challenge majority-minority congressional districts in Democratic states following a Supreme Court decision limiting race-based district mapping. The ruling in Louisiana v. Callais allows states to eliminate such districts for partisan gain, prompting GOP-controlled states like Alabama and Florida to redraw maps to potentially secure additional House seats.

Senator Peter Welch expressed support for President Trump's 'most-favored nation' drug policy plan, which aims to lower US drug prices to match those of other developed nations. Welch stated he would not only vote for the plan but also work to make it happen. The plan has sparked bipartisan interest, with Welch and Senator Josh Hawley collaborating on a related bill.

Democrats launch probe into Trump pardons, asking 17 recipients if they were granted leniency under 'pay-to-play' circumstances. The lawmakers sent letters to recipients of President Trump's clemency, citing suspicious circumstances. The investigation aims to determine if pardons were granted in exchange for favors or payments.

Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, prompting praise from Democrats and some Republicans. His resignation avoided an expulsion vote and allowed focus on an ongoing criminal investigation.

Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations, with bipartisan praise for his decision. Democrats avoided an expulsion vote, while Republicans questioned prior knowledge of the allegations.