Vermont’s congressional delegation, consisting of U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, and U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, sailed to victory on Election Day. However, their return to Congress will be marked by a shift in power as Republicans take control of the White House and the Senate. While Balint and Welch expressed a willingness to work across the aisle, Sanders criticized the Democratic Party’s approach to the presidential campaign and emphasized the need for change.
With Republicans gaining the upper hand in the Senate, Sanders will lose his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, impacting his efforts to reform the healthcare system. Despite being in the minority, Balint and Welch see potential in collaborating with GOP colleagues to address issues affecting Vermonters. Balint stressed the importance of building a broad coalition of working people, while Welch focused on pushing back against Trump’s divisive rhetoric and addressing economic inequality.
Looking ahead, both Balint and Welch are determined to advocate for the rights of Vermonters, even as they navigate the challenges of being in the minority caucus. They are committed to working together with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to serve the interests of their constituents and address the pressing issues facing the nation. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Vermont’s federal delegation remains focused on representing the diverse needs of their state.
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