Hi Friend,

I recently sat down with POLITICO to talk about the beginning of my time as Senator and how I plan to govern. You can read the article HERE.

We talked about something that isn’t as common on Capitol Hill as it used to be: the importance of forging strong relationships, built on mutual respect, with colleagues across the aisle. I’ve been lucky over the years to form those relationships in the House, and am doing the same now that I’m in the Senate.

For example, I’ve become good friends with Senators John Fetterman, a Democrat, and Katie Britt, a Republican. We’re all new to the Senate this year, and learning the ropes together. I even had the two of them over to my apartment and cooked them Margaret’s salmon recipe (it was a hit).

These friendships aren’t just nice to have, they’re crucial to getting the work done–to finding common ground on issues that will improve the lives of Vermonters.

As Emerson Lynn recently wrote in an op-ed to the St. Albans Messenger, “good relationships are fundamental to success in the Senate. Success defined as getting legislation passed that helps his constituents, not success defined as raising one’s political profile.” He concluded: “[I]t is to Vermont’s advantage to have Mr. Welch focused on building bipartisan relationships that help him help Vermonters. All the rest is useless noise.” I agree.

Just like in Washington, Vermonters don’t always agree with each other. But in Vermont, we always strive to treat each other with the respect and dignity everyone deserves. And we’re always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need.

Those are the values that I carry with me to the Capitol every day, and I’ll keep doing it on behalf of you.

Thanks,

Peter