Welch Urges Republicans to Work with Democrats to Protect Health Care Access

Oct 9, 2025
Vermont Congressional Delegation hosted a virtual conversation about the shutdown with Vermonters
WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.)joinedU.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)andSens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.),Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.),Chris Murphy (D-Conn.),Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.),Tina Smith (D-Minn.), andEd Markey (D-Mass.)for a discussion about the Republican shutdown and challenges facing working-class families. Senator Welch urged Republicans to end the government shutdown and join Senate Democrats in protecting the rule of law and Americans’ right to affordable, accessible health care.
“There has been an abdication of accepting a responsibility here—Senate Republican colleagues have to act like an independent branch of government. You know, these cuts, they’re going to hurt folks who voted for Trump. They’re going to hurt folks who didn’t vote for him. This is all about suffering that’s going to be inflicted on families, regardless of what their political orientation is,”said Senator Welch. “And I talk to my Republican colleagues…They get it. All these premiums that you’re talking about—they’re going to inflict the families they represent.”
“But they need a permission slip from the President. And that’s the lament I have, because we’re talking about trying to protect families, not trying to get some political edge. It’s really astonishing.”
Watch Senator Sanders’ livestreambelow:
Senator Welch also joined fellow Vermont Congressional Delegation members Sen. Sanders and Rep. Becca Balint (VT-At Large) in hosting astatewide virtual conversationto discuss the challenges facing Vermonters and the government shutdown.
“This is about us trying to recognize that everyday families need health care, and they’re going to lose it. There’s an urgency to doing it now, because…if we don’t act—and we’re the only ones who can right now—then Vermonters are going to lose health care. And again, whether they voted for Trump or they voted for Harris, their family is entitled to have affordable access to health care,”said Senator Welch. “We want to fight for health care for everybody, and that’s what’s in jeopardy here.”
Watch a livestreamof the Delegation’s virtual event.
Senator Welch’s office will remain open throughout the shutdown to help Vermonters. Resources can be found on theSenator’s websiteor by calling 802-863-2525.
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