WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement in advance of President Trump’s State of the Union address this evening:
“President Trump has a real opportunity in his State of the Union address to focus on the affordability crisis and put forward concrete plans to lower costs—for housing, food, energy, and so much more. I want to hear the plan to help our small businesses succeed. I want to hear how he’s planning to undo the damage he’s done to our health care system, and how we can work together to improve it. I’d like to hear how this administration will work with Congress to support America’s veterans. But I’m not counting on it.
“The president will lie tonight—he cannot help himself. President Trump will refuse to take ownership of the mess he’s made: a failing and fragile economy; reckless and unconstitutional tariffs and recissions; a cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign. He won’t acknowledge the long-lasting and far-reaching damage of Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts. He won’t address the harm he’s caused to our diplomatic efforts abroad. And he won’t admit he has turned against working families to give handouts to his billionaire friends. But hardworking Vermonters know the truth.
“I am thankful to be joined tonight by Vermont Representative Alyssa Black who, like thousands of Vermonters, has been personally impacted by President Trump’s health care policies. President Trump let the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits expire, and so far he’s been unwilling to work with Democrats to restore them. As a result, millions are paying double, even triple, on their premiums, or foregoing coverage altogether. Alyssa is working nonstop in the State Legislature to lower costs and protect access to care for all Vermonters—she’s a great partner to her federal representatives in that fight.
“Despite the president’s wishes, the United States Congress is an independent branch of government. I won’t back down from our constitutional obligation to check the president’s executive overreach, I hope my colleagues across the aisle do the same.”
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