Bernie Buzz

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of discussion over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron. The new strain was labeled a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization, and more information is coming out all the time. As we wait for scientists to give us more information, I want to make sure all Vermonters are aware of the vaccine and testing resources in our state.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act. Now it comes to the Senate where I hope to see it strengthened in a number of ways. The Senate has an opportunity to make this a truly historic piece of legislation by listening to the demands of the American people.

I participated in a wonderful Veterans Day event today in St. Albans. I had the honor of sitting next to Bob Coon, an American hero who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. As I said to the Vermonters gathered today in St. Albans, we owe our veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude, one which we will never truly be able to repay.

On Friday night, the House of Representatives passed one of the most significant infrastructure bills since the creation of the interstate highway system in the 1950s. This $1.2 trillion dollar legislation was passed in the Senate almost three months ago and will soon be signed into law by President Biden. As you know, there has been endless discussion for decades about the need to rebuild our nation’s crumbling roads, bridges and water systems. Well, I’m happy to tell you that it finally happened.

This past year has likely been the most challenging of our lifetimes — one of enormous loss, isolation, and struggle — for our families, our communities, our state and our country. In an unprecedented moment in our history it prompted the federal government to act in an unprecedented way.

I believe that when you have a people’s budget, the people should know what’s in it. That is why I am so grateful to the over 2,000 Vermonters who joined me in Springfield, Newport, St. Johnsbury, Brattleboro, and Middlebury to discuss the budget reconciliation bill and share their thoughts about the important issues facing our country. This truly is what democracy is all about. I hope everyone who attended enjoyed the great music, food, and discussion.