Rep. Peter Welch is taking two approaches to the new session of Congress: He says he’s willing to work with President-elect Donald Trump and Republican leaders on policies of common interest, but will oppose any effort he sees as an attack on civil rights.
Welch describes the 2017 Congressional session as the “great unknown” because the full agenda of the Trump administration has yet to be unveiled.
A number of Congressional Democrats have vowed to fight all of the initiatives of the new president. Welch is not taking that position across the board but he’s said he’ll work to protect the rights of individuals or groups if he feels they’re being threatened by the new administration.
“Job one is to defend the constitutional rights of all Americans,” Welch said, “and I will be outspoken and vigilant in the Vermont way to make certain that not a single person’s civil rights are compromised by a single action.”