WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate’s only former Public Defender, was honored with the 2026 American Bar Association (ABA) Justice Award for his fight to fully fund federal defender programs.  

“The rule of law is under assault in this country like never before, and serious questions are being raised about whether the government will, and is, complying with federal courts. As a former public defender, I know how important it is for people to be represented. Each and every one of us should do everything we can to stand up for the constitutional rights of all Americans,” said Senator Welch. “The ABA has a special place in society and plays a vital role in defending the rule of law to help ensure that our democracy endures. I’m grateful to accept this award and will always fight for federal public defenders who ensure Americans’ constitutional right to counsel is protected.” 

Senator Welch has been a leader in urging full funding for the federal public defender program to maintain baseline constitutional requirements for federal public defense. In December, Senator Welch led a group of 47 bicameral lawmakers in calling on the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to provide additional funding to the Federal Defender Services program in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, beyond Republicans’ original budget proposal. The funding was passed and signed into law. 

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