What I'm Fighting for in Washington D.C.

A Livable Wage

The American people need a raise NOW. Which is why last month I once again introduced legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. This is not a radical idea. 60 percent of the American people support raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

I fought very hard to get this much needed raise for millions of Americans workers — including around 66,000 right here in Vermont — into the budget reconciliation process. Unfortunately, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled on Thursday night that raising the minimum wage does not have a substantial impact on the federal budget, thus it does not comply with the Byrd Rule and cannot be passed through the reconciliation process. I strongly disagree with this decision, but the fight continues.

I will be working with my colleagues in the Senate to move forward with an amendment to take deductions away from large, profitable corporations that don’t pay workers at least $15 an hour and to provide small businesses with the incentives they need to raise wages. Taxpayers should not be subsidizing the starvation wages of profitable corporations. On Thursday I held a Budget Committee hearing on this very issue — you can watch the hearing here.

Hear Vermonters speak of their support for a $15 minimum wage by clicking the video above — you can also find it here.

The time for talk is over. We must raise the minimum wage to a livable wage and ensure our working class can live with dignity.

$2,000 Federal Stimulus Checks

It's very simple: we must keep our promise to the American people and provide $2,000 direct payments in the next federal relief package.

Throughout this health and economic crisis, I’ve heard from thousands of Vermonters who have been unable to pay their rent, mortgage, electric bill or put food on the table. While the federal payments have not been nearly enough, they have provided real help to families in need, which is why I strongly oppose lowering the income eligibility for the next round of direct payments. It would be absurd to deny this relief to millions of Americans who relied on the first two checks to make ends meet. Know that as the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I am working hard to provide the bold emergency relief that working families in Vermont and all across our country need right now. And that means: $2,000 stimulus payments — no decrease to the income eligibility levels.

Watch the video above on my opposition to the income cap proposal — you can also find it here. Read an article on the proposal here.

Reducing Prescription Drug Prices

The American people pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for the prescription medications they need. A Congressional Budget Office report released last week found that the Medicare Part D program pays far more than any other federal health program for prescription drugs.

On average Medicare pays nearly three times more than Medicaid and about twice as much as the VA for the exact same brand-name drugs. That is outrageous and unacceptable. It’s long past time that Congress take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry. Congress must require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies. In doing so, the 40 million Americans who get their prescription drug coverage from Medicare Part D would see substantially reduced drug prices.

Read my full response on the report’s release here and find the CBO report here. Learn about my legislation to lower drug prices here.

Reliable Mail Delivery

I joined 33 of my Senate colleagues in demanding answers from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

In the past few months I’ve heard from over 4,000 Vermonters about the harm caused by delayed mail. Many, especially our neighbors in rural areas, depend on the timely delivery of the mail for prescription medications, bill payments, packages, and other essential needs. I know our US Postal employees in Vermont are doing their very best, but need support from USPS leadership. At a time when people are more isolated than ever, we must ensure the U.S. Postal Service is taking every step it can to fulfill its mission of reliable mail delivery. Read the full letter we sent to Postmaster General DeJoy here.

DeJoy testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Wednesday on mail delays, operations and plans for the USPS — you can watch the hearing here.

The Vermont Lake Monsters

I fought for Vermont to have its own professional baseball team over 30 years ago. As mayor of Burlington I created a task force to attract a double A team, and worked to develop an agreement with the University of Vermont to use Centennial field for baseball games. Since 1983, minor league teams based in Burlington have contributed significantly to our economy.

The decision to eliminate 39 Minor League teams, including the Vermont Lake Monsters will hurt the players, fans, workers, and communities throughout our country. I will do everything I can to encourage Major League Baseball to reverse this disastrous decision.

Find my full statement here, as well as articles on the MLB decision here and here.

To my fellow Vermonters: I hear you and I am fighting for you. Right now, as we go through the federal budget process and negotiate the next major COVID relief package, we have a real opportunity to pass legislation that will help working families in Vermont and all across our country. Know I am urging my colleagues to do their jobs and to listen to the needs of the American people. I will continue to fight for a strong federal response that matches the scale of this unprecedented health and economic crisis.

Do not hesitate to contact my office should you need assistance by phone at 802-862-0697 or 1-800-339-9834, or on our website.

How Can We Help?

My Burlington office has a team of experienced caseworkers who help Vermonters navigate federal agencies every day. If you think my office can help you, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-339-9834 or (802) 862-0697, or click here.

If you would like to share your thoughts on pending legislation, or if you have an idea that we could address through new legislation, click here.