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Spotlight on Foreign Policy
As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Rep. Welch has sought to visit the regions in which the United States is actively engaged – both diplomatically and militarily. In 2009, Welch participated in three Congressional delegation missions: in February to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait and Qatar; in June to Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip; and in November to Pakistan. In his first term in office, he also visited Iraq and Afghanistan.
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"At a time when America finds itself embroiled in two wars, one thing is clear: it is time for the United States to return to a responsible foreign policy and end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. By reengaging with countries around the world – both allies and adversaries – the United States can promote its interests first through diplomacy and tackle tough international issues like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, climate change and poverty. America must remain strong and protect its national security, but we have always been strongest when we have worked constructively with the international community."
Rep. Welch's Recent Work on Foreign Policy
Wall Street Journal: "US House Passes Bill Cracking Down On Contractor Corruption"
September 16, 2010
The U.S. House passed legislation Wednesday that would crack down on government contractors committing corruption overseas.
Under the bill, which passed 409-0, with 23 not voting, companies convicted of bribing foreign officials under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act would be barred from receiving government contracts. The bill, authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D., Vt.), was inspired by a November 2009 report in the New York Ti...
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House passes Welch bill cracking down on contractor corruption
September 15, 2010
Nearly three years to the day after Blackwater Worldwide contractors prompted a deadly shooting in Baghdad that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead, the U.S. House on Wednesday passed legislation cracking down on illegal activities committed by government contractors.
Authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), the Overseas Contractor Reform Act (H.R. 5366) would ban companies and individuals convicted of bribing foreign officials from co...
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VPR News: "Welch Sees Need For New Policy In Afghanistan"
September 8, 2010
Welch was part of a bi-partisan Congressional delegation that traveled to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Lebanon.
While in Afghanistan, Welch met with some of the 1500 Vermont Guard troops who are serving a year long deployment in that country.
Welch says the trip highlighted several of his concerns about the war.
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Bennington Banner: "Welch still has doubts about Afghan military aims"
September 7, 2010
Vermont Rep. Peter Welch says he remains skeptical of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan after spending several days in the region and meeting with American officials and troops.
Welch, a Democrat taking part in the five-person congressional trip, spent about two days in Afghanistan and a day-and-a-half in Pakistan reviewing the military and political progress in the ongoing conflict. Speaking with reporters by telephone Monday fro...
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Times Argus: "Welch: Vt. forces in Afghanistan serving well, but face daunting task"
September 7, 2010
Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said Monday that Vermonters serving in Afghanistan are doing their state proud, but he worries that the task before them may not be realistic.
Welch, who is on his way back from Afghanistan along with five other members of Congress, spoke to reporters on a conference call from Tbilisi, Georgia, early Monday afternoon. He said he was scheduled to return to the United States today.
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