Press Release

MIDDLEBURY, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today hosted a ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ listening session in Middlebury. The Senator joined community members and local leaders to discuss how Washington can work better for Addison County families, farmers, and businesses. “The repercussions of President Trump’s war of choice in Iran aren’t just being felt halfway across the globe—they’re being felt right here , in Addison County, in the form of higher prices for farmers and consumers. Now, when I get back to Washington, the Trump Administration is going to ask us to increase defense spending from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion. That’s the exact opposite of what we should be focusing on,” said Senator Welch . “Massive accumulation of wealth needs to be challenged. Farmers create wealth but get no benefit. In foreign policy, we need a values-based approach. I won’t stop fighting for democratic values and policies that allow Vermonters who work hard and make it into the middle class.” View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website : While in Middlebury, Senator Welch discussed the importance of boosting rural infrastructure, including his work to secure $5,250,000 for Ascend Housing Allies Incorporated to help construct a 21-unit, fully affordable, rental apartment building in Middlebury. Additionally, Senator Welch and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) secured $1,200,000 for Addison County Community Trust to address the aging and failing water systems infrastructure in Hillside Manor, a 29-unit affordable housing community in Starksboro. Senator Welch has hosted Common Grounds events in Caledonia , Orleans , Orange , Lamoille , Grand Isle , and Windsor counties, and will host listening sessions in every county of Vermont in 2026. Sign up for the Senator’s newsletter here to learn more about his upcoming events in Vermont. ###