In the fall of 2019, Welch was selected to chair the Democratic-led Special Investigative Committee into Madigan and his connections to the ongoing ComEd bribery scheme investigation. Criminal complaints in the case, which have led to charges against at least four former lobbyists and executives with the utility company, linked Madigan to the investigation, prompting criticism from Republicans in Springfield.
Republicans have raised criticisms that Welch, in his capacity as chairman of the committee, shielded Madigan from testifying.
Even amid those criticisms, Welch and Republicans have both made public statements that they hope to work together in the new session of the legislature, and the new speaker has made it clear that he would like to make some changes to the way the speaker’s office operates. Unlike his predecessor, Welch is adept at social media and has Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, You Tube and even Tik Tock accounts.