ST. JOHNSBURY, VT – This week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) hosted the first ‘Common Grounds with Senator Welch’ event of 2026 at the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center. Senator Welch joined Vermonters to discuss how Washington can work better for Vermont.  

Senator Welch also celebrated the recent federal approval of Vermont’s ‘Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) plan, which will support the deployment of rural broadband to communities in the NEK and across Vermont. Senator Welch championed the BEAD program as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and worked with the state to secure the funding.  

“It’s an honor to start my ‘Common Grounds’ tour here in St. Johnsbury and speak with Vermonters about the issues that matter most to them—including the importance of investing in rural America,” said Senator Welch. “Broadband was top of mind today; access to affordable, high-speed internet is a necessity in Vermont and just last week we celebrated the final step in securing millions for our state to build out broadband for Vermont families, workers, and communities. I’ll continue to work alongside state and federal leaders to help connect Vermonters to the broadband they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.” 

View photos from the event below and on the Senator’s website:    

Senator Welch will host ‘Common Grounds’ 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. 

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