Washington, DC - Two government contracting bills sponsored by Rep. Peter Welch became law today when President Bush signed the 2008 supplemental appropriations bill, which incorporates the provisions of both Welch initiatives.

Washington, D.C. - In an ongoing effort to address skyrocketing energy prices, the House of Representatives approved two measures today that aim to lower energy prices for consumers.

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL) today supported a House-passed bill to crack down on gas price gouging.

Welch spoke this morning at a Capitol press conference supporting the passage of H.R. 6346, The Energy Price Gouging Prevention Act, which gives the Federal Trade Commission the authority to investigate and punish companies that artificially inflate the price of energy. The bill sets criminal penalties for price gouging, and permits states to bring lawsuits against wholesalers or retailers who engage in gouging.

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL) issued the following statement on his opposition to H.R. 6304, the FISA Amendments Act:

"I simply do not believe any president, especially this president, should have unilateral or unchecked authority to conduct surveillance without judicial oversight. Congress has an obligation to protect our national security without sacrificing basic rights provided in our Constitution.