Welch Appointed to House Leadership Team

Press Release

Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Wednesday was named a Chief Deputy Whip for House Democrats by Minority Whip Steny Hoyer.

"I am honored by this appointment and will use it to fight for common sense policies that create good jobs, rebuild the middle class and get our nation's fiscal house in order," Welch said. "It also ensures that Vermonters continue to have a seat at the table in the House of Representatives during important policy debates that affect their day-to-day lives."

Members of the House leadership team, chief deputy whips play a key role in assisting the House Democratic leaders in advancing the agenda of the Democratic Caucus.

Minority Whip Hoyer said, "Rep. Welch has stood out as a leader in the Democratic Caucus during his four years in office, and he will be a strong addition to our team. He brings an important perspective to the table, and I look forward to working with him as we promote Democrats' priorities of job creation and deficit reduction."

Welch was also appointed today to the Committee on Agriculture, whose jurisdiction includes farming, dairy, forestry, renewable energy, commodity exchanges, economic development, broadband access, nutrition and water conservation.

"Vermont's farms and forests are vital to our economy, identity and way of life. From our dairy farms to our working forests to our rural entrepreneurs, I will fight on this committee to revitalize Vermont's agricultural and rural economy and support the hardworking families who fuel it," Welch said.

Welch was also reappointed to a third term on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which is responsible for overseeing all operations of the executive branch of the federal government.

All seven members of the class of 2006 who previously served on the Committee on Energy and Commerce were reassigned to other panels this year as a result of the new minority status of House Democrats and the decision by Republican leaders to reduce committee rosters.

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