Issues

Working to Create Jobs and Promote Vermont Businesses
With the recent severe economic downturn, Senator Leahy’s work to help preserve jobs and increase job creation in the state is more important today than ever. In the last six years, Senator Leahy has secured more than a billion dollars in funding for Vermont that has brought jobs and economic development to the state. The funding has supported numerous construction projects, investments in education and job training for Vermont’s workforce, and has helped make Vermont a more attractive place for business investment. Senator Leahy’s wide-ranging impact has played an important role in supporting Vermont’s economy and job base. »
Working to Keep Vermont Safe – Vermonters in Uniform
As a former prosecutor, Senator Leahy understands the dedication and sacrifices our men and women in uniform make daily to keep us safe. He has been committed to giving them the support and resources they need to do their job safely and effectively. National Guard, law enforcement and first responders all have had the helping hand of Senator Leahy. »
Working for Vermonters' Healthcare
Improving our nation’s health insurance system and making sure Vermonters have access to quality health care has been a consistent part of Senator Leahy’s legislative agenda. He has first-hand knowledge of the difficulties faced by our nation’s health care system; his wife, Marcelle, is a registered nurse. Senator Leahy has worked to make sure all of our children are covered, to make prescription drugs affordable and available to all, to improve the quality of health care delivery, and to reduce the burden placed on our nation’s health by tobacco products. »
Working to Protect Vermont’s Agricultural Traditions
Vermont farmers have a friend and advocate in Senator Leahy. He has fought hard to help struggling dairy farmers while encouraging the expansion of organic farming in Vermont and across the nation. »
Working to Protect Vermont’s Natural Treasures
From rolling hills and pastoral lands to rivers and a great lake, Vermont’s identity, culture and economy are inextricably linked to our diverse and vibrant landscape. Preserving and managing this resource is critical to ensuring that we maintain a healthy, productive and beautiful landscape for generations to come. Senator Leahy is dedicated to the conservation of Vermont’s natural resources. He recognizes the need to balance the interests of conservationists, loggers, farmers and landowners, along with a variety of recreational users, in order to ensure that the landscape we all value will thrive for generations to come. »
Working for Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property is a driving force in our state and national economies. Companies across Vermont rely on the protections afforded to intellectual property to be creative, productive, and profitable. The theft of intellectual property and the presence of counterfeit products threaten not only economic interests, but also public health and safety. Senator Leahy has been a leader in ensuring that enforcement mechanisms are in place to protect American intellectual property. »
Working for Internet Security
The co-founder of the Congressional Internet Caucus and the second Senator to start a website, Senator Leahy is sometimes called the “Cyber Senator.” He has been a leader on many Internet issues, such as expanding broadband access to much of Vermont, and has worked to protect Americans as access to information becomes more readily available—not only to legitimate internet users, but also to cybercriminals worldwide. »
Working for the Rights of Every American
Senator Leahy understands how important it is to preserve the rights all Americans share. In the Senate he has voted to protect a wide range of civil liberties, from second amendment rights to equal pay. »
Working to Extend America's Leadership Around the Globe
Senator Leahy is longtime supporter America’s role in shaping foreign policy through humanitarian efforts. He has used his position as Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations to assist victims of war and poverty, to address global health concerns, and to further environmental protection and human rights. »
Working to Protect the Constitution and the Rule of Law
As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy has been a staunch protector of our Constitution and the liberties it guarantees. He believes that a consistent and predictable rule of law is a cornerstone of our democracy. Senator Leahy has promoted the independence of the federal judiciary as the best way to ensure that the rule of law is upheld. »
Working to Support Vermont’s Next Generation
Senator Leahy knows the importance of getting our children off to a strong start in life. This is why he has been a longtime champion for childhood hunger and nutrition issues and an advocate for quality education. Ensuring our children get sound nutrition enables them to lead healthy lives, helps combat childhood obesity, and gives them the fuel they need to succeed. A quality education gives our young people the tools they need to find challenging, good paying jobs and creates a strong workforce for our state. »