The following is a statement from Rep.

Welch announcing his decision to seek reelection to Congress

next year.

"Just over two weeks ago, Governor Shumlin announced that he would not run for reelection. At the
time, I indicated that, while it was likely I would seek reelection to Congress, I would consult with my
family and consider where I could best serve Vermonters.
"After careful consideration, I have decided to seek reelection to Congress.
"Since 2007, I have had the privilege of representing Vermonters in Congress while serving both in
the majority and in the minority. There is no question that being in the majority is far superior. Yet, I
have found that bringing Vermont's values, our civility, and our practical way of doing business to this
job every day yields results for Vermonters regardless of who controls Congress.
"When I served in the majority, I was part of a productive Congress that restored America's economic
footing following the Great Recession, reined in the excesses of Wall Street, passed the Affordable
Care Act, and brought our troops home from Iraq.
"Serving in a Congress controlled by the Tea Party has been a challenge. Yet even in this difficult
environment, while working closely with Vermonters, I am proud to have found ways to make
progress, including securing funding to rebuild Vermont's highways and bridges destroyed by Tropical
Storm Irene, enacting energy efficiency legislation, protecting our dairy and vegetable farmers,
increasing funding for pediatric cancer research at NIH, and preserving assistance for Vermont's rural
hospitals.
"But making progress for Vermonters, regardless of who controls Congress, cannot mask the reality
that this important institution is broken. Too often, Congress has been on the sidelines while the
many challenges facing our country continue to mount. The middle class is struggling to make ends
meet, an affordable college education is increasingly out of reach, and America's infrastructure is
crumbling.
"Making Congress function for the American people is no easy challenge, but it's a challenge I have
embraced with optimism, enthusiasm, and determination since 2007. In order to succeed, legislators
must find common ground and put practical progress over political posturing, just as Vermonters do.
"I deeply appreciate the outpouring of support I received from those who urged me to return home to
run for governor as well as those who urged me to keep at it in Congress. While being governor
would be a distinct honor, I believe I can best serve Vermonters by continuing the hard work of
getting Congress back to work for Vermont and the nation.
"And with the consent of Vermonters who have strongly supported my efforts to reach across the
aisle in Washington, I look forward to continuing my work as Vermont's representative in Congress."