Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

From defending Medicare and Medicaid to celebrating our state’s agricultural community, there is plenty to cover this week — so, let’s get right to it.

Here are five things you should know:

Growing older, living with a disability, welcoming a child, or getting sick should never strip someone of their dignity or financial security. Sixty-one years ago this week, President Johnson turned that principle into law by signing legislation that established Medicare and Medicaid. For the last six decades, these programs have helped millions of Americans see a doctor, welcome babies safely, live independently, recover from illness, and age with dignity.

Unfortunately, over the last year, congressional Republicans have padded the pockets of America’s billionaires by stealing from these critical programs that Americans rely on. They’ve slashed nearly $1 trillion in funding for Medicaid and passed legislation that will leave millions without access to healthcare. The effects of this cruelty will be felt especially hard here in the First State, where nearly one in four people rely on Medicaid and an estimated 40,000 stand to lose health coverage.

But let’s be clear: Cuts to Medicare or Medicaid negatively impact our entire state of neighbors. When funding is pulled and coverage is cut, patients delay care, emergency rooms become more crowded, and hospitals and nursing homes are forced to do more with dramatically less. That is a failure of morality and policy.

This anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting programs that help folks in every community lead happy, healthy lives. I have voted against every Republican effort to rip healthcare from Delawareans and the American people, and I will keep working to ensure no Delawarean goes without care in the wealthiest nation on earth.

The war in Iran is once again spiraling out of control. Iran fired missiles this week at American forces in Jordan, while the United States and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Iran is also threatening retaliation against Ukraine, after a Ukrainian strike on a ship in the Caspian Sea that may have been used to move military supplies between Iran and Russia.

In short: this reckless war is leading to broader regional chaos that further entangles the United States and our allies on various fronts.

This administration’s approach is not only destabilizing communities across the globe, it is devastating families here at home who are mourning the loss of loved ones and struggling to afford basic necessities.

Instead of being honest with the American people about the human price we are paying for this pointless war, the Department of Defense appears to be muddying the waters and running cover for the President.

It’s bad enough that President Trump launched an unnecessary war without congressional authorization. It’s a fundamental betrayal of public trust for him to continue that war while denying the American people a full, honest, and transparent accounting of the tax dollars he is wasting and the American lives he is senselessly sacrificing.

I recently had the opportunity to question President Trump’s director of science and technology policy, Michael Kratsios, in a hearing held by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I used my time to elevate the concerns many of my neighbors have raised about data centers.

I asked Director Kratsios about the growing impact these facilities have on energy prices, our environment, and the health and wellness of our local communities, and questioned whether the administration has any real plan to hold technology companies accountable for the strain they place on our energy grid. Families in Delaware are already paying more for gas, groceries, housing, and utilities. They should not also be forced to subsidize the energy consumption of some of the world’s largest technology companies.

I was proud to secure money to advance the study of innovative liquid-cooling technology being developed right here in Delaware — technology that could make data centers smaller, cleaner, and far more efficient. Delaware has the talent and ingenuity to help America lead in the industries of tomorrow, and innovation should lower costs, create good jobs, and strengthen our communities — not leave working families out to dry.

I’ll keep working to hold powerful companies accountable, increase transparency, protect our shared resources, and ensure the technologies shaping our future deliver real benefits for everyone, not just those with the most resources. You can watch my full remarks here.

By now, many of you have probably heard about the growing Cyclospora outbreak. Since May, the microscopic parasite has sickened more than 6,000 people across 45 states and sent more than 400 to the hospital. I recently joined several of my congressional colleagues in urging the Trump administration to be more transparent about the spread of this parasite and take additional steps to protect public health.

At every turn, President Trump has undermined the very systems designed to catch outbreaks early and contain them quickly. His administration significantly reduced the staff at CDC and FDA, the agencies responsible for tracking Cyclospora. Public-health experts warn that these staffing cuts — coupled with weakened coordination across our public-health system — have made it harder to connect cases, identify contaminated food, and give families timely answers.

Food safety should never be a guessing game. Delawareans deserve clear facts, sound science, and confidence that their government is doing everything possible to keep them safe. As I continue working to repair the damage done by these cuts, hold this administration accountable, and restore the critical public-health tools our neighbors rely on — make sure you are informed and staying safe and protected.

Here’s just a glimpse of what I was up to this week in our State of Neighbors:

• I attended the Delaware Future Farmers of America Annual Fair Awards Breakfast, where I got to meet with hundreds of educators, students, and agricultural leaders. Delaware FFA serves more than 5,000 middle and high school students by helping them develop the skills to succeed in farming, agribusiness, biotechnology, veterinary science, environmental conservation, and so much more. It was an honor to celebrate Delaware FFA and hear about their plans for the future. Thanks, in no small part, to the leadership, curiosity, and commitment of these impressive young people, I remain excited about what comes next for Delaware.

• I had the pleasure of visiting the amazing Delaware State Fair! It was such a joy to walk the fairgrounds, see the exhibits and animals, enjoy some great food, and spend time with Delawareans from every corner of our state. The Fair celebrates agriculture, small businesses, families, and traditions that make the First State so special — and it was lovely to enjoy it with so many neighbors.

• I joined the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation and local leaders in Middletown to celebrate Delaware’s first floating-solar project. The new installation includes 5,000 solar panels floating on a wastewater-treatment pond. By bringing together public and private partners, we are finding practical ways to strengthen our energy independence, preserve our land, and build a cleaner future while placing an emphasis on reliability and affordability. Delaware is a small state, but we are consistently tackling problems with big and bold solutions.

Looking back on this week, I’m reminded that the First State is perfectly positioned to lead our nation through this moment in our history. Delaware knows how to honor where we’ve been, while building what comes next.

Thank you for reading along and allowing me to do this work.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

A few weeks ago, I told you that House Republicans wanted to send another $73 billion of your tax dollars to President Trump’s reckless war in Iran. This week, they brought that war funding bill to the House floor — and I voted no. At a time when families are already stretched thin, Washington should be making life easier for our neighbors — not funding more war, more chaos, and more hardship.

That vote was only one part of a busy week. Here are five more things you should know:

This week, I introduced the bipartisan Disabled Access Credit Modernization Act! People with disabilities have often been denied the opportunity to thrive at work, not because they lack experience or qualifications, but often because workplaces are not designed with their needs in mind. Every American deserves access to meaningful opportunities and dignified working conditions, and that is exactly what this bill sets out to accomplish.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was passed into law 36 years ago this week, businesses are required to provide “reasonable accommodations” to employees with disabilities, and those accommodations often cost small businesses money. My bill will help small businesses by alleviating costs related to recruiting and retaining people with disabilities.

This move is a step toward fairness for people with disabilities across the country who are struggling to access the support they need. But it’s also crucially important right here in Delaware, where 98% of our businesses are small businesses. Many of these companies are already navigating tight margins, workforce shortages, and rising costs. They should not have to worry about hiring a qualified worker because they can’t afford the tools that worker needs to succeed.

This bipartisan legislation removes that worry, strengthens small businesses, and helps create a future where every Delawarean is treated with dignity and respect.

Four more American servicemembers were killed in President Trump’s war with Iran last weekend, bringing the total number of American military deaths to 18. That’s 18 families grieving loved ones lost in this war, and President Trump still lacks practical objectives or a clear plan for bringing our troops home.

These deaths were completely avoidable. Instead of diplomacy, the President has repeatedly chosen to recklessly escalate this conflict, sacrificing American lives and spending billions of dollars in the process.

Those billions are not abstract — they are taxpayer dollars that could have been spent lowering healthcare costs, supporting veterans, strengthening schools, or helping families afford housing and child care.

Delawareans deserve better. This week, I supported another war powers resolution to reassert Congress’ constitutional authority and bring an end to this president’s pointless war. I also voted against a defense authorization bill that hands more than a trillion dollars to Trump and his team, allowing them to continue this war without limits, oversight, or accountability.

Supporting our troops requires more than lip service. It means refusing to send them into harm’s way when there’s no strategy, congressional authorization, or a credible path home. I’ll keep pushing to end this conflict, and pursuing policies that protect our troops, respect our neighbors, and make life more affordable for the American people.

This week, I had an important hearing in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I questioned United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz about this administration’s disastrous approach to our allies and adversaries. And I pressed him to explain why the United States has failed to stand firmly against Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine.

While Donald Trump continues to handle Putin with kid gloves, he reserves his toughest rhetoric for longstanding allies like Denmark. This dangerous approach to foreign policy, which Ambassador Waltz endorses, is endangering Americans and jeopardizing the invaluable alliances foundational to international peace.

The Ambassador wants us to believe that by abandoning the United Nations and alienating our allies, we are putting America first. Instead, all they are doing is strengthening our adversaries and leaving America out on its own. You can watch my full remarks here.

Members of Congress are elected to serve the public — not to use the information that comes with their office to enrich themselves. I firmly believe that we need to pass a ban on stock trading by members of Congress and senior federal officials. But House Republicans only seem interested in playing politics with this issue.

This week they brought a bill called the Stop Insider Trading Act up for a vote. Despite its name, the bill would allow members of Congress to keep the stocks they already own, sell them when beneficial, and, in some cases, continue buying lucrative shares in private companies. It also leaves the president and vice president entirely untouched, despite President Trump’s extraordinary record of profiting from the power and visibility of his office.

And House Republicans didn’t stop there. They attached provisions from the SAVE Act that would impose new burdens on eligible voters, severely restrict voting by mail, and create chaos for state election officials just months before an election.

Let’s call this what it was: a partisan political stunt designed to score points not solve problems. Instead of helping families afford healthcare, housing, and groceries, Congressional Republicans are playing games with our elections while preserving loopholes that allow powerful people to keep profiting from their positions.

I voted no because Delawareans deserve real reform, not a misleading headline. That’s also why I’m a cosponsor of the Restore Trust in Government Act, a comprehensive reform bill that actually puts a stop to insider trading within the federal government. The Restore Trust in Government Act doesn’t include convenient carveouts for President Trump or Vice President Vance, and it has strong support from Democrats and Republicans.

I signed a discharge petition to force a vote on this legislation on the House floor, and I will continue working to root out corruption across the federal government — because elected office should be a place to serve the public — not a platform to pad your portfolio.

This week, I met with folks from across the First State who are doing incredible things: Delawareans are building spaces of belonging, caring for families, strengthening public health, and fighting to make sure everyone has the stability and dignity they deserve.

• I met with Delaware families living with type 1 diabetes through Breakthrough T1D’s Together We Can Campaign. They shared what it means to manage diabetes every day, from diagnosis to the constant work of monitoring and treatment. Their stories reinforced the importance of sustained federal investment in diabetes research, better screening and early detection, and stronger access to the tools and training families need. I’m committed to creating a future for our state where folks with type 1 diabetes have comprehensive support, quality care, and a government that is invested in finding a cure.

• At the Blood Bank of Delmarva’s Christiana Donor Center, I saw firsthand the work that goes into maintaining a safe and reliable blood supply for hospitals across our region. I met with the team responsible for recruiting donors and keeping operations running, and we discussed the need to strengthen blood-center infrastructure, expand access to lifesaving transfusions, and support the public health systems that patients depend on. This is the kind of quiet, essential work that keeps communities healthy and saves lives every day.

• I met with Housing Alliance Delaware to discuss proposed federal changes that could put programs that help people experiencing homelessness and connect people to permanent housing at risk. Delaware relies heavily on Continuum of Care funding from the federal government, and the proposed changes to that program could cost our state millions of dollars and jeopardize housing for hundreds of people. Housing is not a reward — it is the foundation people need to regain stability, care for their families, and move forward with dignity. No one should lose the chance to rebuild their life because Washington chose ideology over practical policy.

After a week of votes, hearings, and hard conversations, I remain encouraged by Delawareans who keep showing what care, service, and community look like in practice. From families advocating for better healthcare to neighbors building more welcoming and secure communities, the work happening across our state is a reminder that progress is always possible when we look out for one another.

Thank you for reading along and allowing me to do this work.

Whatever you are up to this weekend (perhaps checking out the legendary Delaware State Fair?), I hope it’s a good one.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

This week brought more than a few reminders of why this work matters. From standing against the misuse of taxpayer dollars and demanding accountability from ICE, to honoring the legacy of John Lewis and spending time with some inspiring Delawareans, there is a lot to cover.

Here are five things you should know:

This week, House Republicans released a new budget proposal that would give President Trump $73 billion for his reckless war in Iran — that’s just one piece of his unprecedented request to hand Pete Hegseth’s Department of Defense $1.5 trillion. That’s a 44% increase in defense spending, all while Americans here at home are struggling to afford their bills.

Budgets are more than numbers on a page. They are a statement of values — and once again, congressional Republicans are making their priorities painfully clear.

This is the same congressional majority that cut healthcare and food assistance for thousands of Delawareans. They told families across the First State there was no money to feed children or make life more affordable. But now, they’ve found tens of billions of dollars to continue funding an illegal war the majority of Americans don’t support and Congress never approved.

My neighbors are already paying the price for this administration’s immoral funding decisions. They’re spending more on gas and groceries. The last thing they should be asked to do is finance another foreign war while they can barely afford to live in the communities they call home.

I will oppose this proposal and continue pushing Congress to invest in the needs of the people we serve, because Delawareans deserve a budget that lowers costs, protects care, and improves lives — not one that spikes prices and greenlights chaos on the global stage.

Within seven days, two people were shot and killed by federal immigration officers.

In Texas, ICE agents killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on his way to work. Days later in Maine, ICE agents killed Joan Sebastian Guerrero just outside his home. Both men were husbands and fathers. And neither was the intended target of ICE’s operations.

This is what happens when armed federal agents are given sweeping power, billions of dollars, limited training, and virtually no accountability: lives are senselessly stolen by our government.

Americans are not safer when untrained paramilitary forces parade down their streets. They’re not safer when their ethnicity makes them a target for intimidation or violence. And they’re certainly not safer if armed officers commit crimes with no consequences.

ICE has descended on our communities, used deadly force, and lied about their actions to cover for their incompetence. Roving patrols and unchecked profiling need to be stopped. Officers who commit crimes must be prosecuted. And Congress cannot keep handing ICE billions while its leadership obstructs oversight and evades accountability.

I’ve opposed funding for Trump’s heartless immigration regime, and will continue working alongside my Democratic colleagues to bring an end to ICE’s deadly and inhumane enforcement tactics.

I’m also calling for independent investigations into the killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastian Guerrero, because we need a full accounting of the events that led to their deaths. Delawareans deserve a government that keeps our communities safe while respecting the rule of law and defending the dignity of every person in our state of neighbors.

This week, I took to the House floor to honor a leader who showed us in practice what good and necessary trouble looks like: Congressman John Lewis.

Six years ago today, we lost Congressman Lewis — the Conscience of the Congress and a giant of the Civil Rights Movement. He risked his life to secure the right to vote, expand equality, and ensure Black Americans could fully participate in our democracy.

But the work he devoted his life to remains under attack. We are facing renewed efforts to make it harder for Americans to vote, intimidate election officials, undermine confidence in our elections, and weaken Black political representation.

That is why I went to the floor not only to remember Congressman Lewis, but to recommit myself to the fight he helped lead. His legacy demands more than admiration. It demands action.

Congressman Lewis understood that hope is not reserved for moments when progress feels inevitable. Hope matters most when the reasons for despair feel greatest. He believed in the capacity of people to change — and, therefore, in the capacity of our country to change.

Remembering Congressman Lewis means defending the right to vote he worked so hard to secure. It means refusing to surrender to cynicism when democracy is tested. And it means continuing to get into good and necessary trouble until every American can participate fully and equally in our democracy.

Earlier this summer, I warned that the Trump administration was trying to replace merit-based federal grants with a system vulnerable to political favoritism. This week, I, alongside several of my Democratic colleagues, sounded the alarm about what that power grab could mean for America’s farmers and Delaware’s agricultural community.

Agricultural research helps farmers protect livestock, improve harvests, lower costs, and strengthen our food supply. Those investments often take years to pay off, and they depend on stable partnerships between federal agencies, universities, researchers, and farmers.

But the administration’s proposed rule would give political appointees more power to suspend or terminate grants and steer funding toward partisan priorities. That kind of instability would slow innovation, raise costs, and make it harder for farmers to prepare for threats like avian flu and New World screwworm.

The price of that politicization would be especially high here in Delaware, where agriculture is more than an industry — it’s a central part of our economy, our identity, and the livelihoods of families across the First State. Delaware’s farmers and agricultural researchers are indispensable, and they should not have to wonder whether critical funding will disappear because their university, community, or state has fallen out of favor with the White House.

That is why my colleagues and I are urging OMB to withdraw this dangerous rule and protect the independent, evidence-based research partnerships that American agriculture depends on. Funding decisions should be guided by facts, need, and impact — not political loyalty.

Delaware’s farmers deserve stability — to be able to plan for the future, respond to new threats, and keep food on our tables. I’ll keep fighting to make sure politics never gets in the way of that critically important work.

Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me that the future of our state is being shaped every day by people who are willing to learn, lead, serve, and care for the communities they call home.

• I met with Delaware’s Future Farmers of America state officer team during their visit to Washington. These young leaders represent more than 4,000 FFA members across our state, and they spoke with me about the importance of agricultural education, career and technical education, and leadership development. Their passion for service and commitment to Delaware’s agricultural economy left me feeling inspired and excited about the future of farming in Delaware.

• I also joined the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays for a visit to Thompson Island, where we toured the first phase of a living shoreline project designed to protect this important natural and cultural site. By reducing erosion, improving water quality in Rehoboth Bay, and restoring habitat for horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and other wildlife, this project shows how thoughtful stewardship can strengthen both our environment and our communities.

• Later, I joined Senator Coons and Senator Blunt Rochester to cheer on our staff softball teams in a game we’ve affectionately dubbed the annual Delaware Duel. Folks from my office compete with Team Coons — so I may not have been an entirely neutral observer — but it was such a fun evening and a meaningful way to celebrate the people who work hard every day on behalf of our state.

• Today, I visited G’s DElights, a women-owned, mom-run startup in Lewes working to reduce food waste and create new opportunities for Delaware farmers. Raelynn and Michele Grogan rescue surplus crops from local farms and use freeze-drying technology to turn them into small-batch products for restaurants and other businesses. They are also developing a platform designed to connect farmers’ excess harvests with chefs, processors, and buyers who can put them to good use. Their work is a great example of how local innovation can support our farms, strengthen our food system, and ensure good food doesn’t go to waste.

This week was a reminder of the many ways Delawareans show up for one another. I’ll keep carrying that example with me in Washington — and continue pushing for policies that treat every person and every community with dignity and respect.

Thank you for reading along and allowing me to do this work.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

This week raised real questions about security, democracy, and whether families can get the care they need close to home.

Here are five things you should know:

Delaware has a long tradition of leading the way on protecting our democracy. Last week, Attorney General Kathy Jennings carried that tradition forward and announced two major court victories blocking Trump Administration executive orders that threatened to interfere with how states run their elections.

The courts affirmed what the Constitution makes plain: elections belong to the states and to the people, not to an executive trying to bend the rules for partisan political purposes.

But those victories are not the end of the story. The Trump Administration is finding new ways to try and interfere with our elections. He has sent letters to election officials across the country, raised the threat of prosecution, and is attempting to withhold federal funding to intimidate states into changing how they conduct their elections.

Intimidation does not produce election integrity. It only causes fear, confusion, and distrust. In Delaware, we know democracy only works when every eligible voter can participate without political interference.

I’m grateful for the work of leaders like Attorney General Jennings, who consistently show up for Delaware voters and election integrity, and I’ll keep working alongside elected officials in Delaware to protect our elections from federal overreach — because the right to vote is not a bargaining chip, election workers should not be threatened for doing their jobs, and power in this country should flow from the people, not from a president trying desperately to protect his congressional majority.

President Trump’s war with Iran continued to spiral further out of control this week.

After signing a ceasefire and lifting sanctions in June, Trump left a major point of leverage in Iran’s hands: the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil. On Monday and Tuesday, Iran used that leverage by striking commercial tankers near the strait. Trump responded by authorizing strikes on Iranian targets, reimposing oil sanctions, and declaring that the ceasefire is now over.

None of this is surprising. It’s the predictable result of a war started without clear objectives and with no plausible strategy. Trump launched strikes, negotiated away our leverage, got nothing durable in return, and left Iran with an economic weapon of mass destruction. And now, Iran is using that weapon — its control of the strait — to endanger American lives and derail negotiations to end its nuclear program.

Before Trump was involved, we had a nuclear deal and open access to the Strait of Hormuz. But since taking office, he has ditched diplomacy and chosen a path that’s killed innocent civilians, sacrificed our servicemembers, spiked prices, disrupted the global energy supply, and made life more difficult for folks across the First State — many of whom are already stretched thin by the cost of groceries, housing, and healthcare.

Delawareans deserve leadership that keeps us safe and lowers costs — not a president whose chaos abroad makes life more expensive here in Delaware. I’ll keep pushing for accountability, diplomacy, and a foreign policy that protects Americans at home and promotes our values abroad.

Amid escalating tensions in his war with Iran, President Trump joined some of our closest allies for the 2026 NATO Summit in Turkey.

The summit produced important commitments: reaffirming Article 5, continuing support for Ukraine, and increasing coordination across the alliance. Those are the right priorities, and I’m grateful for any moment when our allies can stand together with clarity and resolve.

The importance of a unified NATO cannot be overstated. It tells our allies that America understands its responsibilities. And it reminds the world that democracies are strongest when we keep our promises to one another.

But once again, Trump undercut NATO’s demonstration of unity with reckless and petty political threats. He revisited his obsession with U.S. ownership of Greenland. He continued to question whether NATO countries would show up for America. And he threatened to cut economic ties with allies who disagreed with him.

That’s how alliances are weakened, not strengthened. You cannot praise unity while treating our allies like adversaries. You cannot defend sovereignty in Ukraine while threatening the sovereignty of Greenland. And you cannot keep Americans safe by turning our alliances into political bargaining chips.

At its best, NATO is a series of promises: that democracies are worth defending, that borders cannot be redrawn by force, and that an attack on one ally is an attack on all. Those promises keep our servicemembers safe, strengthen our economy, and promote the stability and safety that Delaware families rely on every day.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a concerned American, I’ll keep pushing for a foreign policy rooted in dignity, democracy, and accountability — because America is safest when we lead with steadiness and respect, not chaos and threats.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that mental healthcare must be accessible, trusted, and rooted in dignity for every community.

I’m proud to cosponsor the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act, legislation to help high-need school districts recruit, hire, retain, and diversify school-based mental health professionals.

Schools should have the resources they need to support students with tailored guidance and culturally competent care — because every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen.

For too many students — especially students of color and students from underserved communities — getting mental health support can mean long waitlists, high costs, or care that does not reflect their lived experiences. That’s a problem we have a responsibility to address.

This bill would help expand counseling, social work, and other mental health services in schools across the country. As a result, fewer children would fall through the cracks and more families would get help before a challenge becomes a crisis.

In our state of neighbors, we know that the ability to get help should never depend on a neighbor’s ZIP code, their family’s income, or their racial identity. That’s why I’ll keep working to build a future where every student has the support they need to thrive, every family can access care they can trust, and every community is treated with the dignity it deserves.

That same principle — that care should be accessible, trusted, and rooted in dignity — is the reality I am working to achieve across our state, including our rural communities like those in Sussex County. It’s why I penned an op-ed this week in the Cape Gazette about the state of healthcare access for our neighbors downstate, exactly one year after the largest cut to Medicaid in American history.

Sussex County is the fastest-growing part of our state, home to more and more older Delawareans, young families, and neighbors who should be able to count on quality, affordable healthcare without driving hours or crossing county lines.

But one year after President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed their so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” communities like Sussex are being asked to do more with less. Cuts to Medicaid and federal healthcare funding are placing additional strain on a system that’s already stretched thin. The result? Longer wait times, fewer providers, higher costs, and more pressure on the hospitals and clinics folks in the First State rely on.

That means expectant parents struggling to find OB-GYN care close to home. Cancer patients traveling long distances for lifesaving appointments. And teenagers searching for mental health support and facing long waitlists and limited resources.

That’s not the future any community in Delaware deserves. Healthcare is about more than convenience. It is about security, dignity, and the promise that no matter where you live — from Wilmington to Dover, from Newark to Seaford — your life and your health matter.

As I said in the Cape Gazette, I’ll keep working to protect Medicaid, strengthen rural healthcare, expand mental health services, and lower costs for every one of my neighbors in Delaware — because no ZIP code should be a barrier to a life well lived. You can read my piece in full by clicking here.

That’s all for this week’s McBride Memo.

I know we covered a lot of ground — NATO, Iran, elections, healthcare access across Delaware. But all of these issues come back to the same basic premise: that people deserve safety, dignity, and a government that works for them.

Thank you for reading along and allowing me to do this work.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

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Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

It’s Fourth of July weekend in the First State — a time for parades, fireworks, family gatherings, and special moments to appreciate the communities we call home. This week’s memo covers a lot of ground: the costs Delaware families are still carrying, the neighbors whose futures are at stake, the practical work moving through Congress, and the people across our state who keep showing up for one another.

Here are five things you should know this week:

One year ago today, House Republicans made their priorities painfully clear.

They passed President Trump’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act to give massive tax cuts to his ultra-wealthy donors, paid for by the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history — forcing Americans to go without care and raising healthcare costs across the board.

There’s no mistaking the message they sent. Congressional Republicans chose billionaires over parents struggling to pay for groceries. They chose the well-connected over seniors trying to afford prescriptions. They chose cruelty and corruption over care and compassion. That is Trumpcare — when millions lose coverage, when Americans are forced to pay more for insurance, and when they have to drive longer and take more time off work to get care.

And one year in, my neighbors are living with the consequences.

Nearly 40,000 people in Delaware are projected to lose their healthcare. More than 18,000 Delawareans have already fallen off SNAP. And families across our state are paying nearly $2,000 more for basic needs under Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.

Their Big Ugly Bill amounts to the single largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history. The numbers don’t lie: While the highest-income families in America are expected to receive roughly $13,600 from tax cuts annually, the lowest-income families are projected to lose around $1,200 a year.

I voted against this immoral legislation a year ago, and today I remain determined to reverse its harmful effects. I’ll never stop pushing for policies that lower costs, protect care, and support families across the First State — especially in our rural communities — because Delawareans deserve a government that works for them, not just the wealthy and well-connected.

For 250 years, each generation has been asked the same question: Will we expand the meaning of freedom and equality, or restrict it? Will we widen the circle of belonging, or pull it tighter around fewer people?

Donald Trump has spent his presidency trying to narrow our idea of who belongs in America. Who counts. Who’s protected. Who gets to build a life, raise a family, and call this country home.

This week, the Supreme Court rejected one of his most dangerous attempts: his effort to end birthright citizenship. That decision was a win for our Constitution, our democracy, and the basic promise of freedom and justice for all.

Yet, at the same time, the Court greenlit the administration’s actions to strip legal protections from Haitian and Syrian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status — people who registered, were vetted, trusted the process, and built their lives here legally.

Let’s be clear: this is Trump pulling the rug out from under families who’ve done everything our government has asked of them and undermines the very reason TPS exists. Stripping TPS from Haitian and Syrian families who fled instability and violence while their home countries are still unstable is cruel. It’s destabilizing. And it’s fundamentally at odds with who we are as Americans.

Here in Delaware, we know that the stakes of this decision aren’t abstract. Haitian Delawareans are caregivers, healthcare workers, farmworkers, small business owners, parents, neighbors, and friends. They strengthen our communities and power our economy.

If history has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t demonize or ostracize our way to stability. For 250 years, the American story has been about building and including, not destroying and dividing. My goal as your representative will always be to build on that legacy, so we can continue creating a more perfect Union.

Now Congress must act to provide lasting protections for Haitian and Syrian TPS holders and build an immigration system that reflects our values — one rooted in dignity, safety, and decency.

Please know that if you or your family have been affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling, you can reach out to my office for assistance by clicking here.

We all know that artificial intelligence is an extremely consequential technology, but too many people still lack clear information about what it is and how to use AI tools safely. My bill, the READ AI Models Act, is designed to change that — and I’m excited to share that last week it passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee with unanimous support from both Democrats and Republicans.

The READ AI Models Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create a modular template — think of it like a nutrition label for AI models — that developers can use to create and share clear, consistent information about their AI tools.

That kind of clarity is extremely important. While big companies have the staff and capacity to evaluate AI models on their own, smaller organizations may not. Making clear, reliable information easier to access helps level the playing field — allowing more people to compare tools, understand risks, ask the right questions, and make AI work for their specific needs.

School districts will be better positioned to serve their students. Small businesses will be better positioned to deliver for their customers. And local governments will be better positioned to show up for their constituents.

Done right, AI has the potential to improve healthcare, support workers, strengthen commerce, and keep America competitive. But building that future will require practical, bipartisan solutions that protect innovation, build trust, and ensure this technology opens doors instead of widening divides.

I’m proud of the READ AI Models Act because it strikes exactly that balance, and I’ll continue working to make sure AI serves families, students, workers, small businesses, patients, and communities across the First State — because every Delawarean deserves a future where technology maximizes their potential, not limits their opportunities. Check out my remarks in committee here!

Earlier this summer, the Trump administration proposed a dangerous new rule that would give his political appointees power to review and approve grants across the federal government. To prevent this partisan power grab, I’m proudly cosponsoring the Protect Local Funding Act.

For decades, dedicated public servants have awarded federal grants based on need, evidence, and impact — not political loyalty. But the Trump administration’s new proposed rule would empower partisan political loyalists to overrule grant decisions made by career experts, peer reviewers, and subject matter specialists. This would effectively take a process built around merit and replace it with one that’s vulnerable to favoritism and political retaliation.

The Protect Local Funding Act would block the administration from implementing or enforcing its proposed rule and protect independent, merit-based grantmaking across the federal government.

Preserving the integrity of our federal grant process is critically important. Federal grants support lifesaving medical research, public health programs, nonprofits, local governments, public safety, workforce development, disaster preparedness, and scientific innovation. Decisions in these arenas should be guided by facts and community need — not by whether a community or institution has fallen in or out of favor with the White House.

Good government shows up for people regardless of where they live, who they are, or how they vote. That’s the least my neighbors here in Delaware deserve — a federal government that treats every community with fairness and dignity. That’s the kind of government that I hope we can preserve, and that’s the kind of leadership I will continue to deliver.

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, I’ve been thinking a lot about what holds a country together. Traveling around Delaware, you all make the answer abundantly clear: our neighbors. People who choose, day after day, to look out for one another and care for each other.

• At Limen Recovery + Wellness in Wilmington, I joined neighbors for their Life & Recovery Pride Month Celebration. Since 1969, Limen has been helping Delawareans recovering from substance use disorder, and this gathering was a beautiful reminder that healing and authenticity both become possible when people do not have to carry their burdens alone. Pride began as a demand for dignity, and recovery is so often a journey toward that same truth: that every person deserves love, support, and the chance to build a life not defined by their hardest day, but by their capacity to grow.

• I also stopped by the St. Paul’s Catholic Church Gala in Wilmington. It was wonderful to be with parish leaders, members of the Latin American Community Center, the Delaware Hispanic Commission, and so many neighbors committed to sustaining a place where faith, culture, service, and belonging come together to help families feel rooted and supported. Communities like St. Paul underscore the care and connection that truly make Delaware a state of neighbors.

• I also made a quick trip to Philadelphia — yes, Pennsylvania, our lesser neighbor state, which we love anyway — for America’s 250th celebration. Standing in the birthplace of our nation, I was reminded that patriotism is not just pride in where we have been. It’s responsibility for where we go next. Delaware understands that responsibility well. We were first to ratify the Constitution, and generations of Delawareans — from the abolitionist and suffragist Mary Ann Shadd Cary to the civil rights champion Louis Redding — have worked tirelessly to push this nation forward and expand its circle of belonging.

Have a happy and safe Fourth, Delaware! I hope our celebrations and reflections on America’s 250th birthday reaffirm our commitment to making America freer and fairer for each of our neighbors. And remember to stay cool and check in with one another.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

I’ve got exciting news I want to highlight, so let’s dive right into five things you should know this week:

I’m proud to share that our office has been awarded the 2026 Democracy Award for Best Constituent Service in Congress by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF).

Over the last sixteen months, our Constituent Advocacy team helped more than 1,500 Delawareans navigate federal agencies and returned nearly $6.5 million in backlogged benefits to folks across the First State.

Behind every one of those cases is a neighbor: a veteran waiting on benefits, a senior trying to get their Social Security check, a family stuck in passport limbo, or someone simply trying to get a clear answer from their government.

This is what public service should be. Not headlines for the sake of headlines. Not noise. Just a government that treats people with respect, cuts through red tape, and follows through on its promises.

I am incredibly proud of our team — because this is a recognition of our commitment to delivering for Delawareans. But more than anything, I’m recommitted to the work ahead — because every Delawarean deserves a government that shows up, listens, and delivers. So if you or someone you love is having trouble with a federal agency, please reach out to my office. We’re here to help.

This week, a bipartisan housing affordability bill was ready for the President’s signature after passing Congress with overwhelming support in both chambers. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is Congress’ largest housing affordability bill in three decades.

President Trump was initially prepared to sign this legislation into law. But shortly before his scheduled signing ceremony, he announced that he would not move forward until Congress passes the so-called SAVE America Act — a dangerous voter suppression bill built around Trump’s continued denial of the 2020 election results and that includes a buffet of culture war attacks.

Let’s be clear about what’s happening here: President Trump is using Americans’ urgent need for housing relief as leverage to force through a bill that would make it harder for voters to hold him accountable at the ballot box.

That’s not just corruption or incompetence, it is strategic cruelty designed to preserve his own power at the expense of working people.

My neighbors in Delaware are facing rising rents, sky-high mortgage costs, and a housing market that feels further out of reach every year. They need homes, not political ransom notes. They need lower rents, not more chaos. They need leaders focused on making life more affordable, not voting more difficult.

Regardless of what the President does, I’ll keep working to lower costs, remove barriers to affordable housing, and build a future where all of my neighbors have a fair shot at the American Dream.

This week, I went to the House floor to honor the retiring members of Delaware’s General Assembly — public servants with more than a century of combined service to our state of neighbors.

I spoke about Senator Dave Sokola’s leadership on education, paid leave, and environmental sustainability; Senator Dave Lawson’s lifetime of service to veterans and first responders; and Representative Deb Heffernan’s work for teachers, families, caregivers, and people with disabilities.

I also recognized my retiring colleagues across the aisle in the State House — Representatives Ron Gray, Rich Collins, Charles Postles, Jeff Hilovsky, and my friend, Kevin Hensley — for their work supporting small businesses, promoting financial literacy, and fighting for farmers.

Together, these leaders remind us of something important: in Delaware, public service is not defined by the side of the aisle you sit on. It’s defined by your capacity to deliver for your neighbors. In a state as small and close-knit as ours, that kind of service matters — because the work is never abstract. It’s always about people we know, communities we love, and the future we share.

To my former colleagues and mentors in Leg Hall, thank you for your years of service to the greatest state in the Union — and best wishes for a happy retirement. You can watch my remarks here.

Americans are losing an estimated $119 billion to scams every year. Behind each of those dollars are real people whose lives were turned upside down: seniors saving for retirement, parents planning for the future, and small business owners barely scraping by.

This growing crisis of scams in our country is driven, in part, by sophisticated criminal organizations operating overseas — many of which are also involved in human trafficking. In countries across the world, people are trapped in scam compounds, threatened, abused, and forced to target Americans.

Too often, our approach to these scams is reactive. A link is clicked. Money is sent. An identity is stolen. And only then does the government step in — after decades of work have already been jeopardized.

I’ve heard firsthand from my neighbors how damaging these scams can be, so I took action to stop them at their source. This week, I introduced the bipartisan Stop Scamming Americans Act. This legislation helps our government identify international scam syndicates, work with our partners abroad to disrupt them, and protect Americans before their savings are stolen.

No matter our politics, we can all agree that Americans who play by the rules and save for the future deserve a government committed to protecting what they’ve earned — especially older Americans who’ve spent decades working, building, and fighting for this country.

I’ll continue collaborating across the aisle to defend my neighbors, strengthen consumer protections, and ensure every American is able to live with dignity and security.

Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me that community is not just something we talk about. It’s something we build — in churches, classrooms, and community centers across our state.

• I joined IMAC at the New Destiny Fellowship in Wilmington for its Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, a service rooted in worship, music, history, and community. It was a beautiful reminder that Juneteenth is not only a commemoration of freedom delayed, but a call to keep building a future defined by justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.

• In Smyrna, I joined Vice Mayor Dr. Corrine Upshur at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Experience. Families, community leaders, educators, small businesses, and public servants came together to celebrate Black communities in Delaware and recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity.

• At Delaware Tech in Dover, Senator Coons, Senator Blunt Rochester, and I hosted the annual Veterans Summit with Delaware’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs Karen Berry, Wilmington VA Medical Center Executive Director Thandiwe Nelson-Brooks, and veteran-serving organizations from across the state. Veterans and their families were able to access information and resources about benefits, health care, mental health, housing, and employment. It was important to hear directly from the veterans who’ve given so much to our state and nation about how Congress can fill the critical gaps in support for veterans and their families.

• I met with members of the Delaware Music Educators Association to discuss the importance of arts education and support for teachers. Music education gives students more than notes on a page. It gives them confidence, discipline, creativity, and belonging. As a graduate of Cab Calloway, I know that students deserve schools where the arts are not treated as extra, but as essential to a full and meaningful education.

Whether we’re cutting through red tape, celebrating freedom, supporting veterans, or listening to the people who care for and educate our communities, my goal is the same: to be a representative that shows up and follows through with purpose.

That’s what Delawareans deserve — and that’s what I’ll keep working to deliver.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

Tomorrow is Juneteenth – the day we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. I hope you’ll join me in marking this critical moment, where we righted this most egregious stain on our nation’s history and committed to a future where freedom and justice for all isn’t just a slogan, but a promise kept in every corner of our country.

Here are five big things you need to know ahead of the holiday weekend:

Few places ask more of their employees than a hospital. Every day, doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff show up to care for people experiencing the most difficult moments of their lives.

So, on Tuesday afternoon when a gunman opened fire at Wilmington Hospital, killing one person and leaving another in critical condition, the Wilmington community was shaken.

My heart breaks for the victim and their family, the injured survivor, and the entire ChristianaCare community. I am also incredibly grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who rushed to the scene, as well as the caregivers who continued supporting patients in the hours after the shooting despite the trauma unfolding around them.

Delaware has always been defined by neighbors looking out for one another. We saw that spirit this week in the first responders who rushed toward danger, in the caregivers who continued caring for patients, and in a community that has rallied around those affected by this tragedy. That spirit is stronger than violence, including gun violence, and it demands that we never become numb to the senseless loss of life. We owe it to the victims, their loved ones, and every healthcare worker who walks through those hospital doors to keep working toward a safer future.

This week, President Trump announced an agreement, called a Memorandum of Understanding (or “MOU”) with Iran that would end hostilities, open the Strait of Hormuz, and begin a new round of negotiations over the country’s nuclear program.

But, this is not a final peace deal. It settles none of the nuclear questions Trump has claimed to care about and it’s merely an agreement to start negotiating an agreement. So, after months of military escalation, we’ve arrived back at the negotiating table; thirteen American servicemembers’ lives lost and our position weakened.

Trump is learning in real time that he can’t bully his way to a nuclear deal. I’m grateful for the pause in hostilities, but I’m also mindful of the price we paid to get here – from loss of life to higher gas prices to instability in the region.

Delawareans know that strength isn’t measured by size or might — it’s measured by how you show up and what you deliver. I sincerely hope this agreement succeeds. My neighbors, our servicemembers, and our allies throughout the world deserve an end to this conflict and a durable peace, and I will keep pushing for foreign policy that advances our interests without sacrificing our values.

Recently, I spoke at both a House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting and a Science, Space, and Technology hearing to highlight two important issues that impact my neighbors: scam syndicates that are stealing from Delawareans and energy policy that places profits ahead of the American people.

At a meeting of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I spoke about how scam texts, calls, and emails have become a daily reality for many families, costing Americans billions of dollars each year. These scams are often run by criminal networks in foreign countries, and I’m working on ways to stop these scams before they start. You can see my remarks here.

I also questioned U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright during a Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing. Specifically, I pressed the Secretary on the administration’s relentless attacks on renewable energy. While other countries, especially China, are investing in an all-of-the-above energy approach, the Trump Administration seems committed to picking winners and losers — lining the pockets of fossil fuel executives while refusing to invest in renewables like wind. In doing so, this administration is surrendering our competitive advantage and allowing our rivals to dominate the industries of the future. You can see our full exchange here.

Whether it’s protecting consumers from international scam syndicates or ensuring America remains a global leader in energy innovation, the underlying principle is the same: government should solve problems, protect people, and prepare for the future. I will continue advocating for policies that achieve these objectives and strengthen our state of neighbors.

This week, I spent time in Sussex County touring sites that I secured federal investments for, alongside Senators Coons and Blunt Rochester, through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to submit 15 projects for funding for critical community initiatives — from local infrastructure upgrades to investments in research & development.

First, I visited Laurel in western Sussex County, where $250,000 in federal funding will help supply a new sewer lift station for an upcoming affordable housing project. Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing Delaware families, and this investment will help remove a key infrastructure barrier that has prevented housing development at the Laurel Glen project site. Read more from 47ABC on my visit here.

I also visited the University of Delaware’s R/V Hugh R. Sharp in Lewes, where more than $1 million in federal funding will support critical upgrades to Delaware’s flagship oceanographic research vessel. As the lowest-lying state in the nation, Delaware depends on strong marine research to help us respond to challenges like sea level rise, coastal erosion, and changing ocean conditions. The R/V Hugh R. Sharp is a big part of our research toolkit and is helping train a new generation of researchers to do this vital work. They even let me blow the boat horn! Read more here!

These were really impactful visits that offer powerful insights into the power of federal investment in Delaware. Whether it’s helping strengthen local infrastructure to make affordable housing more accessible or supporting the research that protects our coastline, these projects are prime examples that federal dollars can help solve local problems.

My favorite part about this work is getting to connect with my neighbors. This week, I had the opportunity to hear from local leaders, healthcare providers, emergency preparedness experts, and community members who are working every day to make Delaware stronger.

Here are a few of my conversations with Delawareans over the last week.

• While in Laurel, I brought together mayors and municipal leaders from western Sussex County to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing their communities. We talked about everything from housing affordability and workforce recruitment to infrastructure needs and economic development. Local leaders are often the first to see both the challenges and opportunities present within their communities, which is why these conversations are so valuable. I’m grateful to the mayors, council members, and town managers who took the time to share their perspectives and help identify ways federal, state, and local partners can work together to strengthen Sussex County.

• I visited SUN Behavioral Delaware in Georgetown and met with the organization’s new leadership team, and residents of their newly opened outpatient clinic, to discuss behavioral healthcare access in Sussex County. We talked about the challenges many Delawareans face when seeking mental health and substance use disorder treatment, as well as the workforce and capacity needs that providers are navigating across our state. SUN Behavioral is working to ensure that people can access timely, high-quality care, and I appreciated the opportunity to check in with them as they strive to expand access to care for Delawareans.

• My office hosted its first ever Emergency Preparedness Resources Fair in Georgetown alongside more than 30 federal, state, and local agencies and community organizations. I had the opportunity to speak with Delawareans who are thinking seriously about how to prepare their families, businesses, and communities for emergencies ranging from hurricanes and flooding to extreme weather and power outages. I had the chance to talk to each organization that was present at the event that is working to build resilient, prepared communities. I’m grateful to all of the organizations that came together to provide practical information and resources to help Delawareans stay safe and informed.

• I also visited Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown to learn more about the airport’s role in Sussex County’s economy and its plans for future growth. While many people think of airports primarily as transportation hubs, Delaware Coastal Airport also supports workforce development, aviation education, aircraft maintenance, and emerging aerospace opportunities in southern Delaware. It was great to hear from airport leadership about ongoing infrastructure improvements and the partnerships helping position Sussex County for continued economic growth.

If you’re a regular reader of the McBride Memo, you’ll remember that my office recently hosted Smooches — a rescue dog that was housed at the D.C. branch of the Brandywine Valley SPCA — as part of their initiative, Shelter Skip Day. This week, I got the exciting news that Smooches has been adopted!

Moments like this are a bright spot in difficult weeks and a reminder that Delawareans show up for one another in ways big and small. From healthcare workers caring for patients during an unimaginable tragedy to local leaders strengthening their communities, I am reminded again and again that Delaware’s greatest strength is its people.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Talk soon, Delaware

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

This week brought a little bit of everything — major developments in Iran, an important win for workers, and the opportunity to spend time with some truly inspiring neighbors both in Delaware and in Washington. There’s plenty to catch up on, so let’s get right into five things you should know this week:

Earlier this week, President Trump was asked about rising inflation that’s impacting Americans. His response? “I love the inflation.”

For my neighbors in Delaware who are staring down higher grocery bills, rising housing costs, unaffordable childcare, and mounting healthcare expenses, that’s a hard statement to stomach. This comment isn’t just a flippant disregard for the current cost-of-living crisis, it’s a reminder of how quickly this administration abandoned both its promises and the American people.

President Trump repeatedly pledged to lower costs for Americans “on day one.” Instead, he is launching wars, cutting access to healthcare, and profiting off the presidency in unprecedented ways. The result? Prices are spiking and Americans are suffering.

I joined 535 News this week to discuss my work to make life more affordable for working people. I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act and to secure fair pay for folks working on federal holidays. I’m also working with my colleagues to guarantee paid family and medical leave for every worker in America. Because, unlike the president, I recognize that we can’t create an economy that works for all of us without investing in things people need — healthcare, childcare, paid leave, and a living wage.

There are common sense, concrete steps we can and should be taking to deliver relief for the American people. I’ll remain focused on working with my colleagues to lower costs and put Delaware families first. You can hear more about my work on this front by listening to my full interview here.

On Monday, an American Apache helicopter was downed near the Strait of Hormuz and the Trump Administration responded with a limited round of strikes. Trump then declared that negotiations are “taking too long” and renewed his bombing campaign in full force.

In the course of these strikes, Trump threatened to seize Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports. And then, just yesterday, the President claimed that a deal has been struck with the Iranian regime and called off further escalation.

The contents of Trump’s alleged deal are not yet clear, but we’ve been here before. Trump launches strikes, escalates rhetoric, declares that a deal is imminent, and then circles back to more strikes. The President’s clear lack of strategy is fueling a dangerous cycle of violence that is costing American lives, endangering innocent civilians, undermining global energy infrastructure, and further destabilizing the entire region.

And remember, all of this is taking place while the Strait of Hormuz is essentially closed. Which means Trump has literally fought his way into a weaker negotiating position than the one he started in.

Delawareans deserve better. They deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear explanation of why American servicemembers are being put in harm’s way. The President can announce as many “agreements” as he wants, but one thing remains true: he cannot bully his way into a nuclear deal with Iran. The only real off-ramp here is a disciplined commitment to strategic diplomacy, which is, of course, exactly what this President refuses to pursue.

I will continue pushing for an end to this conflict and advocating for a foreign policy rooted in diplomacy and dignity. This isn’t just the morally right path for our country; it’s the only way to secure a lasting peace that advances our interests and protects Americans.

This week, I took to the House Floor to recognize just some of what makes me proud to call Delaware home.

First, I rose to commemorate Separation Day and the 250th anniversary of the liberation of Delaware from the corrupt and tyrannical yoke of Pennsylvania and the British Crown. Every year, Delawareans gather in New Castle to celebrate that history and reflect on a lesson that remains relevant today: democracy is not guaranteed. It requires each generation to defend our freedoms, strengthen our institutions, and reject tyranny in all its forms.

I also had the opportunity to recognize the volunteers of CHEER Community Center in Sussex County, including Volunteer of the Year Maggie Smith. Through their service, these volunteers provide meals, transportation, companionship, and other critical support to older Delawareans, making an immeasurable difference in the lives of their neighbors.

Delaware is filled with people who step up; we witness it every day. Whether it is advocates who shaped our history, volunteers who serve their communities, or neighbors who simply look out for one another, our state’s greatest strength has always been its people.

I’m grateful for the countless Delawareans who continue to make our communities stronger through their service, civic engagement, and commitment to one another.

When workers vote to form a union, they should not have to wait more than a year to receive the benefits of collective bargaining. Yet, far too often, that is exactly what happens.

You may remember that I previously signed a discharge petition to force a vote in the House on the Faster Labor Contracts Act, legislation I cosponsored that would speed up the process of negotiating contracts for new labor unions.

Well, I’m excited to report that this week the House passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act, bringing us one step closer to ensuring that workers who organize can actually secure the benefits they fought for. This legislation establishes clear timelines for negotiations, mediation, and arbitration so that employers cannot simply delay or obstruct the bargaining process.

When workers exercise their right to organize, they deserve a clear path to the bargaining table and a real opportunity to improve their working conditions. That is exactly what this legislation accomplishes, and I am proud to have supported its final passage in the House.

I believe that when workers win, we all win. And this week we took an important step toward strengthening collective bargaining, protecting workers’ rights, and building an economy that treats every worker with dignity and respect. I will continue standing shoulder-to-shoulder with organized labor and working people across Delaware to ensure that every worker has a voice on the job and a fair shot at economic security.

My favorite part of this work is getting to connect with my neighbors. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Delawareans from across the state who are leading with courage and serving their communities. Here are a few of my conversations with Delawareans over the last week:

• I joined the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council’s annual Apprenticeship Dinner, where apprentices, union leaders, contractors, and families came together to celebrate the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Apprenticeship programs provide a pathway to family-sustaining careers while helping meet Delaware’s workforce needs, and it was inspiring to hear directly from workers who are building their futures through these opportunities.

• I partnered with Senator Chris Coons and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester to host our annual Service Academy Reception to celebrate a remarkable group of young people who have accepted appointments to our nation’s military academies. These students have already distinguished themselves through leadership, academic achievement, athletics, and service, but what stood out most to me was their willingness to dedicate themselves to something larger than themselves. The path these young Delawareans have chosen is defined by duty, discipline, and public service. Meeting them left me feeling hopeful about the future and deeply grateful for the families, educators, and mentors who helped them reach this moment. Their commitment is a reminder that some of our state’s brightest young leaders are preparing not only for successful careers, but for lives spent serving others.

• I met with the National Association of Social Workers, including Marla Blunt-Carter, to discuss ways to strengthen the social work profession and encourage more people to enter the field. We talked about supporting social workers, the patients and communities they serve, and the students preparing to follow in their footsteps. Social work is one of the most selfless and impactful career paths. It’s essential that we do everything we can to ensure these professionals have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to continue making a difference in people’s lives.

• Representatives from the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) joined me in Washington to discuss the urgent need to support nonprofits across our state. From health care and housing to education and the arts, nonprofits provide critical services and opportunities that strengthen our communities and help drive our economy. I’m grateful to DANA CEO Melissa Hopkins and her team for all they do to empower Delaware’s nonprofit sector and the people it serves.

• I also had the privilege of recognizing Joseph Zogheib of Concord High School, who recently earned a Congressional Award Gold Medal. To receive this honor, Joseph completed hundreds of hours of community service, personal development, and physical fitness activities, including a project renovating an outdoor space for a local nonprofit serving youth. The next generation is thoughtful, engaged, and committed to making a difference — and that gives me tremendous hope for our future.

This week had no shortage of serious news, meaningful work, and reminders of what makes Delaware so special. From fighting for accountability abroad to celebrating workers, volunteers, students, and neighbors here at home, I’m grateful every day for the chance to do this work on your behalf.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Talk soon, Delaware.

P.S. Happy early Separation Day to the first — and greatest — state in the Union.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

This week was a busy one with a lot of meaningful moments, both in Delaware and in Washington. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get right into five things you should know this week:

This week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee convened a hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss America’s role in the world. At a moment of growing global instability, I was eager to explore one fundamental question: can America’s allies still trust that we will abide by the commitments we’ve made?

I pressed Rubio on several fronts; I asked about President Trump’s repeated attacks on NATO, his claims that the United States has “never got anything” from the alliance, and his threats to seize Greenland from Denmark, one of our NATO allies.

I asked him directly for a clear affirmation of one of NATO’s central pillars: that if an ally is attacked and Article 5 is invoked, the United States will defend our partners.

He couldn’t answer.

For generations, NATO has helped keep Americans safe — not by fighting wars, but by preventing them. Adversaries are less likely to test the alliance when they believe its members will stand together. When America’s commitment to NATO becomes uncertain, deterrence weakens, instability grows, and the risk of conflict increases.

The only time in history that the promise of Article 5 has been invoked was following 9/11, when more than a thousand Europeans lost their lives defending the United States. Disregarding that sacrifice is a complete betrayal of an alliance that saved American lives.

Here in Delaware, we understand that relationships matter. When politicians undermine our alliances, my neighbors pay the price — our servicemembers are put at risk, their families face increased uncertainty, and we are left with the dangers of an increasingly divided world.

This is a reality I refuse to accept, so I will keep pushing this administration to honor our commitments and defend our alliances. You can watch my full remarks here:

As we approach 100 days of the disastrous war in Iran, consequences are becoming more dangerous by the day and are already landing here at home. Reports now show Gulf states are being pulled deeper into the conflict, while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed off and global oil inventories are being drained to dangerous lows. And as reserves and inventories diminish, energy experts warn that we could see further price spikes in the coming weeks.

That means higher gas prices, higher grocery costs, higher utility bills, and more pressure on families already stretched thin. As Delawareans are headed into a busy summer break and travel season, they shouldn’t have to foot the bill for an unauthorized conflict that lacks strategy and any clear endgame.

Meanwhile, in the House, Congressional Democrats were finally successful in passing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to reassert our constitutional authority, hold this President accountable, and end this reckless conflict. Now it’s up to the Senate to pass the resolution — because every day that this war continues, the risk grows for our troops, for the region, and further hurts wallets here at home.

This week, I took to the House Floor to speak about some of my incredible neighbors. I first recognized the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, which recently earned a prestigious four-start accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And then I highlighted Delaware’s graduates, who are taking their first steps into whatever comes next.

While these milestones may seem unrelated, they share something important: they are reminders that progress doesn’t happen on its own. It’s built by people willing to invest in their communities, expand opportunity for others, and help build a better future.

Whether it’s graduates heading off to college or organizations creating economic opportunities, I’m reminded that Delaware’s greatest strength has always been its builders. The people who see potential where others see limitations. The people who understand that the future is not something we inherit, but something we create.

At a time when so much of our politics is focused on what is broken, these stories offer a different perspective. They remind us that every generation has the power to move our communities, our state, and our country forward.

As I said on the House Floor, I remain optimistic about what comes next because I believe in the people of Delaware and our capacity to build something better, together.

As the lowest-lying state in the nation, Delaware knows that protecting our communities from flooding is a priority, especially as we enter storm season. Families across our state, especially in Sussex County, are already feeling the impact of rising seas, stronger storms, extreme high tides, and recurrent flooding. They are witnessing the toll this takes on their homes, roads, and farms.

It’s why Senator Coons, Senator Blunt Rochester, and I are demanding that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers restore the Back Bay Study — a congressionally authorized effort to help Delaware better understand and address coastal storm risks along our Inland Bays and Delaware Bay Coast.

Our neighbors are counting on government to show up with seriousness, partnership, and solutions. Walking away from this study now, when the risks are here and growing, would leave Delaware’s communities without the tools they need to strengthen coastal resilience, protect infrastructure, and plan for the future.

We cannot wait for the next storm to act. I’ll keep pushing to restore this effort—because Delawareans deserve a government that meets this moment, keeps its promises, and protects the places we call home.

My favorite part about this work is getting to connect with my neighbors, and this week was full of opportunities to hear directly from a few and to have some really powerful experiences. Here are a few of the conversations with Delawareans over the last week:

• During the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Delaware Memorial Bridge in New Castle, I joined veterans, Gold Star Families, military leaders, and neighbors to honor the Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. Standing by the bridge, I was reminded that remembrance is a connection — to our past, to one another, and to the promise we make to those who gave their last full measure of devotion. That promise cannot live on just one Monday in May. It has to show up in how we care for those who came home, how we support the families who carry the weight of loss, and how seriously we treat every decision that asks our servicemembers to sacrifice.

• I also had the joy of joining the Delaware Africa Chamber of Commerce for its Africa Day Proclamation Program at the Bear Library. Thank you to Mrs. Sonia Freeman and everyone who helped bring this celebration together. Africa Day is a celebration of unity, independence, culture, and shared progress — and Delaware’s African diaspora communities make our state stronger through small business, civic leadership, cultural life, and community-building. Delaware is at its best when every community is seen, valued, and included in our shared future.

• I sat down with the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence and members of their survivor taskforce to talk about the urgent need to protect funding for domestic violence prevention and survivor services. Their message was clear: safety requires resources, trust, and a government willing to stand with survivors. Programming funded through the Violence Against Women Act and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act are lifelines. I’ll keep working to ensure survivors in Delaware can access the support, housing, legal help, and culturally competent services they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.

• I also met with representatives from Nemours, along with a pediatric cancer survivor and her family, to talk about the importance of clinical research for children. Pediatric diseases are often rare, complex, and dangerously under-researched, which means families can face terrifying diagnoses without enough answers or treatment options. Their stories were a powerful reminder that investing in pediatric research is investing in futures, in families, and in the basic promise that every child deserves a fighting chance.

This week was full of really impactful conversations and a lot of important work — work I am endlessly proud I get to do for my neighbors in Congress.

Also, I am wishing a joyous Pride to all who are celebrating this June. Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one.

Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo — my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

This week, we’re marking three months of a war that never should have started, watching more corruption and self-enrichment from this administration, and lifting up Delawareans who keep showing us what service looks like. Here are five quick things:

Three months into President Trump’s war with Iran, one thing is clear: this conflict was reckless and illegal on day one, and it has only grown more costly, more chaotic, and more dangerous since.

We have heard the ups and downs. The supposed breakthroughs. The “almost-there” negotiations. The confident claims that a deal was right around the corner. But reporting suggests what many of us have feared: our leverage is weakening, our munitions are being drained, and the administration still has not secured the agreement the President keeps promising.

That matters to military families in Delaware wondering what comes next. It matters to workers and small businesses watching uncertainty drive up costs. It matters to every family already squeezed by the rising cost of groceries, gas, housing, and health care.

This week offered another reminder of just how unstable this situation remains, with the conflict swinging between reports of a potential resolution and renewed threats of escalation. No president should be able to drag this country into another forever war with a tweet, dismiss the consequences here at home, and then pretend that instability is strength.

Delawareans deserve a foreign policy rooted in diplomacy and accountability. I’ll continue to push for transparency and an end to this war — because my neighbors deserve honesty.

While families across Delaware are still asking when costs will come down, President Trump and his family seem singularly focused on something else: themselves.

The latest reporting about Trump appointees pushing for a $250 bill bearing the President’s face is yet another example of their complete disregard for the challenges everyday Americans are facing. We are witnessing an administration that too often resembles a vanity project rather than an exercise in public service.

Their priorities? Putting a living president on American currency. Building a massive arch in Washington. Spending taxpayer dollars on a gilded ballroom.

At a time when people are working harder and falling further behind, the President and his family continue to use public power for personal brand-building and self-enrichment that continues to balloon their personal wealth. It is a misuse of public trust. It is an embarrassment to the office. And it is a betrayal of what government is supposed to be.

In Delaware, we know public service is not about putting your face on money. It is about making sure seniors can access Social Security, veterans can receive the benefits they earned, parents can afford child care, and workers can come home safely with a decent paycheck.

That is the standard I will keep working toward: substance over spectacle, service over self-interest, and a government that remembers who it is supposed to serve.

I was proud to sign on to a legislative maneuver that would force a vote on the House floor on the Major Richard Star Act, bipartisan legislation that would fix an unfair penalty facing many combat-wounded veterans.

Right now, some medically retired veterans are forced to give up part — or even all — of their military retirement pay simply because they also receive disability compensation from the VA. That makes no sense. Retirement pay honors service. Disability compensation helps address the long-term effects of injuries sustained in service. Veterans and their families earned both.

The Major Richard Star Act would end this dollar-for-dollar offset for combat-injured medical retirees and allow them to receive the full benefits they earned.

This is exactly the kind of issue where government should be able to do the right thing. Our veterans should not have to send email after email, year after year, asking Congress to keep a promise that should have been kept from the start.

I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, and I’ll keep supporting every effort to get it to the floor. Because when someone serves our country and comes home with injuries from that service, they deserve a system that supports them — not one that makes them fight through more red tape just to receive what they have earned.

Last week, I demanded answers from the State Department on the future of U.S. nuclear nonproliferation and arms control policy. With the expiration of New START earlier this year, the world lost the last remaining treaty limiting the two largest nuclear arsenals on earth.

At a moment when this administration’s war with Iran is destabilizing the region and increasing the risk of nuclear proliferation, the United States cannot afford to walk away from diplomacy, transparency, and verifiable arms control.

I urged the State Department to re-engage in serious bilateral and multilateral diplomacy — including with Russia, China, and other partners — and pressed them to brief Congress on what progress was made at the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference. I also called for a clear accounting of what new or renewed agreements may still be possible.

Because when global rules break down, the world becomes more dangerous. And when countries begin to believe nuclear weapons are the only way to protect themselves, every family, every servicemember, and every community is less safe. Real strength is not measured by how many conflicts we start; it is measured by our ability to keep Americans safe at home and abroad and to prevent a new nuclear arms race.

You can read my letter to the State Department here.

Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me what real service looks like. Not speeches and slogans, just people showing up for one another, solving problems, and keeping our state of neighbors strong.

• I sat down with Lucretia Young from AARP Delaware to talk about the issues that matter most to older Delawareans and family caregivers: protecting Social Security, strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, supporting paid leave, and making sure seniors can age with dignity in the communities they love. Delaware has one of the oldest populations per capita in the country, so this work is personal here. No one should spend a lifetime paying into a system only to be met with delays, cuts, scams, or confusion when they need help most.

• I also met with Delaware faith leaders and advocates from the Friends Committee on National Legislation for a thoughtful conversation about humanitarian conditions in Gaza, medical access, diplomacy, and the need for congressional oversight. These are painful and urgent issues, and I am grateful to the faith leaders who approached the conversation with moral seriousness and compassion. Their message was clear: protecting innocent life, expanding humanitarian access, and pursuing peace must remain central to American leadership.

• At Laborers Local 199, I had the chance to spend time with union members and hear directly from workers about wages, benefits, health care, retirement security, and the future of good-paying construction and infrastructure jobs in Delaware. When workers can organize, bargain, train, and build safely, Delaware is stronger for it, and I’m proud to stand with unions across our state in their efforts to fight for fairer worker protections each day.

• And finally, this week we said goodbye to Mayor Mike Purzycki — a friend, mentor, and deeply dedicated public servant whose impact on Wilmington and Delaware will be felt for generations. Mike led with confidence and compassion, with honesty and humor, and always with Wilmington in his heart. From the Eastside to the Highlands to the Riverfront, his vision helped shape a stronger, more vibrant city. My prayers remain with Bette, their children, and everyone who loved him.

Weeks like this remind me that public service is measured by what we do for people, not what we build for ourselves. That was true in Mike’s life. It is true in every union hall, church basement, senior center, and neighborhood across Delaware. And it is the standard I’ll keep carrying with me.

Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo — my weekly dispatch to Delawareans. This week brought some hectic headlines, rising stakes, and a fun visit from a four-legged friend named Smooches.

Here are five big things to know:

Earlier this week, President Trump was asked whether he was considering Americans’ financial situation as he negotiates an end to his war of choice in Iran. His answer? “Not even a little bit. I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.”

Let that sink in.

At a time when families are already stretched thin by the cost of groceries, health care, housing, child care, and ever-rising gas prices, the President’s response is to say — plainly and proudly — that he is not thinking about their financial situation.

That disregard is unacceptable and it reflects the larger danger of this reckless and illegal war: a president making life-and-death decisions without constitutional authorization, without a clear strategy, and — perhaps worse of all — without regard for the daily lives of the people he is supposed to serve.

That is why Congress once again voted this week on a War Powers Resolution to rein in this administration’s unauthorized conflict in Iran. Unsurprisingly, because of Congressional Republicans, the legislation was struck down once more.

My colleagues and I have been clear from the beginning: no president should be able to drag our country into war alone. Delawareans deserve accountability, transparency, and leadership that puts their safety and financial security first — not another conflict that costs lives and raises costs here at home.

I will keep pushing to end this illegal and reckless war, because, unlike the president, I am deeply concerned about the financial situation of my neighbors and for American families.

This week, President Trump traveled to China, brought his billionaire buddies, and heaped praise on the Chinese President.

Strategic diplomacy matters, and a stable relationship with China matters for our economy, our national security, and the world. But it cannot come at the expense of the urgent work of lowering costs and delivering stability for working families here at home.

At home, Americans are overwhelmed by rising costs, a cratering economy, spiking gas prices, higher food prices, and unbearable health care costs, many of them made worse by this administration’s own choices. Families are looking for solutions, and instead they are watching a president spend his time abroad flattering foreign leaders and catering to the powerful — all while failing to govern effectively for the American people.

And as we navigate our relationship with China, we also have to be clear-eyed about the threats facing democracies in the region. During the House Foreign Affairs Committee this week, I voted to support legislation that would strengthen and reaffirm the United States’ relationship with Taiwan – sending a clear message that while the Chinese government places pressure on Taiwan, it is entitled to democratically determine its own future.

Moreover, Taiwan has the right to defend itself from incursions that would undermine that self-determination. Supporting Taiwan’s security is critical for our own national security, for defending democracies worldwide, and standing with partners who share our commitment to freedom.

Buried beneath the headlines this week is a concerning new Trump administration proposal that would allow handguns to be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service for the first time since 1927.

For nearly a century, the prohibition on mailing handguns has been a critical safeguard — one that has helped make our communities safer. Now, this administration wants to throw that safeguard out the window.

Allowing handguns to be mailed through the Postal Service is undoubtedly and resolutely terrible policy. It would undermine state background check systems, make tracking firearms even more challenging, and weaken oversight of the firearm industry.

But Trump’s proposal is more than just dangerous policy — it’s wildly out of touch with the current moment. Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and a startling rise in political violence is undermining the fabric of our democracy. Instead of searching for solutions, the Trump Administration is handing gifts to the gun lobby at your expense.

I am strongly opposed to this harmful rollback of federal safety protections, and I’ll continue supporting commonsense safety measures that protect our state of neighbors.

This week, I led a bipartisan group of my colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reverse harmful changes to the Section 502 Direct Loan Program — the only federal mortgage program specifically designed to help low-income families in rural communities buy, build, repair, or rehabilitate a home.

For rural communities across our state, including those in Sussex County, this program matters. It helps working families, seniors, and first-time homebuyers access safe, affordable housing in communities where homeownership can already feel out of reach. But these USDA changes would make that path harder and more expensive, adding new burdens to a program that should be opening doors — not closing them.

At a time when housing costs are already too high, the federal government should be expanding access to rural homeownership, not putting up more barriers. Because no one should be priced out of the community they call home.

Delawareans in rural communities deserve the same chance to build stability, raise a family, and invest in their future — and that is precisely what I am committed to defending and strengthening.

This week was full of Delawareans in my D.C. office — from the four-legged to the standard issue two-legged — and each of them brought important reminders, action items, and context-shaping conversations. Here are a few of those meetings:

• Okay, there was only one four-legged Delawarean, and really he is an honorary neighbor since our state dog is a rescue dog! Smooches, a two-year-old rescue who is currently at the Brandywine Valley SPCA in D.C., spent the day with me in the office yesterday as a part of “Shelter Skip Day”! This field trip program from the Brandywine Valley SPCA is meant to raise awareness for the organization and give adoptable pets, like Smooches, the chance to take a fun field trip out and about. Smooches joined me for meetings with Delawareans and enjoyed a few scenic views during his day with us.

• I met with doctors from the American College of Physicians to talk about Medicare, vaccines, and the need to support the next generation of medical professionals. From Bayhealth to ChristianaCare, these physicians see every day what happens when patients face barriers to care — and their message was clear: Delawareans deserve a health care system that is stable, accessible, and rooted in trust.

• I spoke with advocates from the National Down Syndrome Society, including Delaware families and leaders from the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware. We talked about special education funding, research, and the importance of programs that help people with disabilities live with dignity and independence. This isn’t just about services — it’s about making sure every person has the support they need to thrive.

• I had the chance to meet with Command Chief Master Sergeant Todd Dugar of the Delaware Air National Guard’s 166th Airlift Wing as he begins his new role. The 166th is a critical part of Delaware’s emergency response, homeland defense, and military readiness — and I’ll keep working to ensure the Guard has the modern equipment, infrastructure, and support they need to carry out their mission safely and effectively.

• I met with Melinda Tingle of Laurel and Alexander Matthews of Seaford from Edward Jones to discuss retirement security, especially for family caregivers. Caregiving can force people — most often women — to step back from paid work, and too often that means sacrificing long-term financial stability. We can do better by making sure caregivers are not punished for doing some of the most important work there is.

• I also spoke with Delaware business leaders from Royale Pigments and Brainerd Chemical about rail safety and the importance of resilient supply chains. These companies help keep goods moving across sectors, and their work in Seaford and Bear is a reminder that manufacturing and distribution are still very much part of Delaware’s economic future.

• And I met with Chief Justice Collins Seitz to discuss judicial security, access to justice, and the importance of supporting state court systems. Courts are where people go during some of the hardest moments of their lives. A justice system that is safe, accessible, and fair is not a luxury. It is a pillar of democracy.

Thank you for reading along and for staying informed about the work I am doing for you in Congress. Whether it is meeting with my neighbors or working to make government deliver for Delawareans, I am honored to continue to do this work each week. Meanwhile, I hope you have a restful weekend!

Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch to Delawareans.

This week was full of continued chaotic leadership from House Republicans and a clear example of their priorities: to ensure this president remains unchecked in all of his actions, here at home and abroad.

It was a busy week, here are five things to know:

This week, the partial government shutdown that kept the Department of Homeland Security unfunded finally concluded after the House of Representatives approved a measure that funds the entire department except ICE and CBP. This is the bipartisan solution that was passed unanimously by the Senate and then stalled by Speaker Johnson in the House. We could have ended this shutdown weeks ago—but Congressional Republicans refused to act.

At the same time, House Republicans put forward a new budget resolution that would give an additional $70 billion to ICE And CBP with no guardrails at all. No accountability, no reform, and no response to the horrors that Americans everywhere have watched unfold.

While my colleagues and I have been pushing for oversight, restraint, and due process, Congressional Republicans are choosing division, unchecked cruelty, and disorder. Bottom line: they are unwilling to put any check whatsoever on this president’s abuse of power or his mass deportation agenda.

As the House heads towards yet another partisan budget battle that infuses this administration with more taxpayer dollars and little-to-no oversight, I remain firmly opposed to advancing policies that put my neighbors at risk.

Sixty days ago today, Donald Trump began an illegal and reckless war in Iran—without an objective and without securing the proper Congressional approval.

Today, though, marks an important deadline. Under the War Powers Act of 1973, the president has the authority to use military force for up to sixty days to respond to an imminent threat or to respond to an attack on the homeland. Of course, when Trump began this war two months ago, it was not in response to an imminent attack and he received no authorization from Congress. So, one thing remains clear: this war was illegal on day one and it is illegal on day sixty.

Democrats in Congress have brought multiple measures to the floor in an attempt to bring this conflict to an end, but House Republicans have refused, every single time, to act as a check on this administration.

Meanwhile, families and Americans everywhere are paying the price.

My view, and the law, is simple: either President Trump comes to Congress to make the case for his illegal war of choice or he ends this war. Now.

Check out my thoughts here:

Recently, I was honored to speak on the House Floor about my trip to Hockessin Colored School #107c and the role that Delawareans played in helping to bend the arc of history toward justice.

The school, designated as an affiliate site of the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historical Park, tells the story of Sarah Bulah, of Louis Redding, and of the families who dared to challenge an unjust system so their children could access a fairer education.

The historic site is a one-room schoolhouse that stands as both a painful reminder of the scourge of segregation in our communities and a powerful testament to the Delwareans who shaped the fight for equality that overturned “separate but equal”.

I spoke about how, during my visit, I had the privilege of hearing directly from Mr. Sonny Knott, who attended the school in the 1930s and has helped to preserve its history for future generations. You can watch my full speech here.

When workers vote to unionize, they deserve speedy access to the benefits of collective bargaining—not endless delays.

But right now, when workers in Delaware and across the country successfully vote to form a union, there is no deadline for reaching a first contract. That allows employers to drag their feet during collective bargaining negotiations, undermining workers’ efforts to organize.

That is why I signed a discharge petition this week to force a vote in the House on the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA)—legislation I cosponsored that would speed up the process of negotiating contracts for new labor unions. Because workers who organize are exercising a fundamental right, and that right should come with tangible workplace benefits.

On this May Day—my priorities are clear: labor rights are essential to our economy.

By setting clear timelines and ensuring a path to resolution, this bill promotes fairness and protects employees. It’s a commonsense step towards building an economy where every worker is treated with dignity and respect, and I will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with working people and labor unions to ensure their ability to fairly negotiate for the workplace benefits they deserve.

It was a chaotic and busy week here in Washington, but I still had the chance to connect with a few Delawareans and hear about how I can best serve them in Congress. Here are a few of those meetings:

• I met with Natalia Gatti, the winner of Delaware’s Poetry Out Loud competition. The competition took place in Smyrna a few months ago and Natalia and her mother were here in Washington for the National Poetry Out Loud Finalists reception, a celebration of the power of spoken word and an opportunity to connect with fellow student finalists. It was wonderful to spend a moment with Natalia, congratulate her, and encourage her to stay engaged with the arts and her passions.

• I met with Gloria Ho, Director of the Delaware State Education Association, to talk about what students, educators, and families are facing right now. As both a statewide labor leader and a school social worker, Gloria brought urgency and heart to the conversation. We discussed the proposed education cuts in the President’s budget, threats to public education, and the fear created when schools are caught in the fray of policy. Her message was clear: children need stable, supportive classrooms to learn—and educators need a government that respects their work and invests in their students.

• I also sat down with Jack Riddle, President of Community Bank Delaware, and a real leader in Sussex County, to talk about the role community banks play in helping local families and small businesses thrive. Jack understands that access to capital can shape whether opportunity grows close to home or slips further out of reach. Our conversation covered how federal policy can support smaller institutions that know their communities best. In a state like Delaware, community banking is more than about money—it’s about trust, relationships, and keeping opportunity local.

Thank you for reading along, I promise I am working on keeping these short again! Meanwhile, I appreciate you staying engaged.

Have a great weekend! Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch to Delawareans about the work I am doing in Washington and the neighbors I got to see.

Let’s get right to it, here are five big things:

This week offered yet another example of what happens when deeply unqualified and unserious people are given enormous responsibility.

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified both before the House and Senate that his public health strategy is effective, downplaying the impact of measles outbreaks around the country. To be clear, the United States recorded more cases of measles in 2025 alone than across the last three decades—exceeding 2,000 cases for the first time since 1992.

Meanwhile, a scandal-ridden Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, was forced out earlier this week amid various misconduct allegations, including taxpayer-funded personal travel. The Navy Secretary John Phelan was also pushed out this week—amid an ongoing naval blockade in Iran.

These shifts, alongside the firings of Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi suggest a larger pattern that has become impossible to ignore, even for President Trump himself: these people are unqualified to lead these agencies, and their records both in these roles and beyond clearly show it.

Across all of these departments, we are seeing confusion where there was once clarity, and ideological posturing where Americans expect and deserve evidence-based leadership. Bottom line: these leaders are entrusted with supporting and protecting public health, safety, well-being, and government function. Their inexperience, poor judgement, and unseriousness have already and will continue to have repercussions far beyond Washington.

The incompetence of these officials reach kitchen tables in Delaware and shape whether families can trust the systems that are meant to serve them. Delawareans deserve public servants who respect the responsibility of government to treat people with respect and deliver results—not create chaos.

Meanwhile, in Iran, Trump’s illegal war of choice continues—with costly and unclear consequences for the region and here at home.

This week, we saw news of an extended ceasefire, but even so, the administration’s objectives continue to shift in real time, leaving Delawareans and Americans everywhere with no coherent explanation of what success is supposed to look like or how this conflict will be resolved.

Not to mention, the facts on the ground remain deeply contradictory. While the United States and Israel may have inflicted serious damage to the Iranian military and their defense infrastructure, their regime remains in power and retains the ability to apply pressure in the region and continues to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

This is the reality of the situation—because despite Trump’s claims that the strait is open and secure, the seizure of cargo ships this week makes clear that Iran still holds meaningful leverage. So, while the administration tries to project control, reality is painting a different picture. As this conflict continues, with fluid goals, fragile conditions, and no clear agreement in sight, Delaware families are left paying the price at the pump and through broader instability.

You deserve honesty and transparency about where this war stands, and as long as this conflict drags on, I will keep sharing the truth with my neighbors about the road ahead and how this administration intends to navigate out of this illegal war of choice.

This week, at the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s hearing on NASA’s budget, I pressed the NASA Administrator on a basic but essential question: how can Congress carry out its oversight responsibility if the administration fails to provide the information we are legally entitled to receive for review?

Essentially, in part because of the uniquely unqualified nature of this administration, Congress has often been left in the dark about different pieces of funding, operation, and the overall function of various departments, including NASA. When my colleagues and I are left waiting months after deadlines have passed to understand how appropriated funds are being spent, the damage is often already done. When spend plans arrive late, or not at all, it becomes more difficult to ask the right questions, hold agencies accountable, and make informed decisions about future investments.

That concern becomes even more urgent when advanced scientific priorities are being cancelled or pushed aside—and choices like this have long-term consequences for America’s leadership in research, innovation, and discovery.

I, for one, have been particularly moved by the recent Artemis II mission and even shared with the administrator that a photo from the recent mission is currently my phone lock screen. It is precisely this type of innovation and scientific excellence that Congress appropriates funding to NASA to utilize.

We should be investing in the future with seriousness and transparency—to ensure that missions like this continue to be possible in the future. Congress has a clear role in this work, and that is our duty to provide oversight, and agencies like NASA need the support and accountability to pursue ambitious scientific goals that move our country forward. You can watch my full remarks and questions here.

I was proud to help introduce the Highway Fair Share Act, because surface transportation infrastructure shapes so much of daily life in Delaware. Our roads, bridges, and highways connect us to work, to family, to health care, and to the places that anchor our communities. They create access to opportunity that shapes our lives and help tie us to our neighbors.

Right now, though, Delaware is being shortchanged by a flawed and outdated federal funding formula that has left our state among the least-funded in the country. The Highway Fair Share Act would allow Delaware to receive more of the federal investment our communities need and deserve. That adjustment would help to address a critical gap at a time when more than a third of Delaware’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, costing drivers an estimated hundreds of millions every year.

Fairer funding means safer roads, stronger connections, and greater opportunity for families across our state. This is exactly the type of work I came to Congress to do: delivering for more neighbors and ensuring that Delawareans get their fair share—and this legislation aims to move us a step closer to that goal.

Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me that the future we want is already being built—by educators, labor leaders, health care advocates, and community partners—here’s a look at a few of those conversations:

• I was honored to join Delaware’s Sikh community for a Vaisakhi celebration at the Sikh Center of Delaware in New Castle. Vaisakhi is a celebration of faith, service, equality, and resilience, and it was a privilege to be welcomed into a gathering that reflected all of those values so clearly. At a moment when too many communities still face hatred and discrimination, coming together in celebration of religious freedom, cultural pride, and shared humanity felt especially meaningful.

• I was glad to join the Megawatts & Middle-Class Jobs: Powering What’s Next policy conference hosted by the Delaware Environmental Institute at the University of Delaware and the Carper Collaborative. Senator Carper has spent his career fighting for a central mission: Delaware cannot separate climate resilience from economic opportunity. As the lowest-lying state in the nation, our state has every reason to lead with urgency—and with creativity. Bringing together leaders from business, government, labor, and academia, this event reflected the kind of practical partnership we need to strengthen our grid, support good-paying jobs, and build a more sustainable future for our neighbors.

• I met with Delaware’s Career and Technical Education team from the Delaware Department of Education to talk about how we prepare students not just for graduation, but for a lifetime of opportunity. With more than 30,000 students enrolled in Delaware Pathways across 89 middle and high schools, they are helping young people connect classroom learning to real careers and real purpose. Their work is a reminder that when we invest in career and technical education, we invest in dignity, mobility, and a future where every student can see a place for themselves.

• I also sat down with leaders from NeighborGood Partners and Housing Development Corporation MidAtlantic to discuss the urgent need for more affordable housing across Delaware. They shared what it takes to build stability—not just units, but real community—through housing counseling, lending, development, and support services that help families stay rooted. Their message was clear: housing affordability touches everything, from economic security to family well-being, and solving it will require partnership and persistence.

• I had a great conversation with representatives from the Brandywine School District, who were in Washington advocating for equity, opportunity, and stronger support for students. From STEM education to school culture to special education, these leaders are thinking deeply about how schools can help every student thrive. I left that meeting reminded that some of the most important work in public service happens every day in our classrooms—and that educators deserve the tools and support to keep shaping bright futures.

• I met with the Delaware Building Trades Council to talk about what it takes to create and sustain middle-class jobs in our state. From port expansion to major infrastructure projects to workforce development, Delaware’s union trades are making sure growth means opportunity for working people. These leaders know that strong communities are built by skilled hands, fair wages, and pathways into good union jobs—and I’m grateful for their continued partnership in that work.

• I also met with the Delaware Healthcare Association and leaders from hospitals and health systems across our state to hear directly about the pressures facing Delaware’s health care landscape. We talked about the importance of protecting access to care, supporting providers, and making sure policy decisions keep patients at the center. Their advocacy reflected a truth I hear often: health care works best when it is grounded in prevention, stability, and a shared commitment to helping people get the care they need close to home.

• This week, I had the chance to address students, faculty, and alumni connected to the University of Delaware’s Alumni Fly-In Day, and it was such a joy to spend time with young people preparing for lives in public service. They asked thoughtful questions about working in Washington and about what it means to lead with purpose. Their curiosity, seriousness, and sense of possibility left me hopeful—because the next generation of public servants is already asking the right questions and preparing to make a difference.

That is all for this week. Thank you for staying engaged, and I look forward to continuing the work that is most important: defending Delaware’s interests at every turn.

Have a great weekend! Talk soon, Delaware.

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my dispatch to Delawareans from DC.

This week was a busy one back in Washington, and the stakes are high. From another attempt to end the war in Iran to introducing my seventh bipartisan bill, the work was pressing and essential on Capitol Hill.

Here are five big things to know:

Earlier this week, many of you were filing your taxes, an already stressful undertaking that many hoped would bring relief. Unfortunately, for many Americans, this Tax Day was a reminder of more broken promises from this president and Republicans in Congress.

Last year, we watched as Congressional Republicans crammed through their infamous “Big Beautiful Bill” which they incessantly claimed would provide tax cuts to working families—when, in reality, it eviscerated the American health care system and gave tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. Nevertheless, the White House continues to claim that my neighbors would be getting historically high refunds—instead, families are seeing smaller refunds and higher costs across the board.

All while Donald Trump’s billionaire besties get a major windfall and working people pay the price.

More than the numbers on your tax return, this broken promise represents a larger pattern of lies and disinformation about this administration’s priorities. They recently terminated the Direct File Program which directly reduced costs for simply filing taxes, which I co-sponsored legislation to reverse. Because, while families are already stretched to the limit, they deserve answers from their government about when and how they will see relief.

I will keep pushing for an economy and a government that actually lowers costs and delivers for working people, not for the well-off donors.

Yesterday, House Democrats once again brought forward a War Powers Resolution to rein in this president’s reckless war of choice in Iran—and, once again, it failed because not enough Republicans joined us.

This is the second time that Republicans in Congress have refused to act as a check on the president’s war of choice in the Middle East. While the stakes remain high and the consequences are impacting my neighbors, my colleagues across the aisle still refuse to take action to address this conflict.

Let’s be clear: this conflict is raising costs here at home, from the gas pump to the cost of products like fertilizer that will continue to drive up grocery totals everywhere. Not to mention, the current ceasefire is fragile and is the only thing standing in the way of this president plunging us back into active conflict.

I am grateful that the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened on Iran’s part, and I hope we achieve a deal that can secure truly lasting peace and an end to this war, but, based on what we’re seeing, I remain skeptical that a deal is possible that makes this war necessary. And as I mentioned last week, even if the Strait of Hormuz is permanently opened and tolls are not required, the mere fact that this war has resulted in Iran demonstrating to themselves and the rest of the world that they have the clear capacity to close and hold the Strait has given them an “Economic Weapon of Mass Destruction” that they did not have before. Not for nothing, President Obama secured a robust deal on a nuclear program without a war, the loss of American lives, or raising costs for everyone.

You deserve transparency and accountability. You deserve to have the voice of your Member of Congress heard in this conflict. I voted, again, to end this war of choice, and I will keep doing everything in my power to restore accountability—because no president should be able to drag this country, unilaterally, into an ill-thought conflict.

This week, I voted to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian families here in Delaware and across the country—because, in our state, we look out for our neighbors.

For thousands of Haitian Delawareans, the last year has been full of uncertainty, disinformation, and divisive rhetoric. Moreover, for these families, TPS isn’t an abstract policy—it offers stability, safety, and the ability to work and care for their loved ones and contribute to their community. From supporting our health care system to strengthening our agricultural economy, Haitian immigrants are an essential piece of the First State.

Ending these protections—especially as abruptly as this administration has—in the face of ongoing instability in Haiti isn’t just a morally bankrupt policy; it all but ensures harmful outcomes for families in Delaware.

That is precisely why I signed a discharge petition aimed at ensuring the extension of TPS for my neighbors that forced yesterday’s vote, and I will keep advocating for an immigration system that is rooted in dignity, fairness, and common sense.

This week, I introduced the bipartisan Biotechnology for All High School Students Act, the seventh bill I’ve introduced this Congress—all of which have been bipartisan!

This bill aims to expand access to lab equipment, provide training to our educators, and increase access to biotechnology education to make sure every student can learn and thrive, and is all about ensuring that the future of innovation is nurtured in every classroom.

Biotechnology is helping shape the future of health care, agriculture, and our economy—but we must do more to prepare the next generation to lead in this critical field. This bill aims to help close the access gap by ensuring students have hands-on biotech education and the resources they need to continue driving scientific innovation in their schools and across our state.

Whether it’s developing life-saving treatments or building the next generation of scientific breakthroughs, we should be investing early in the talent right here at home—because investment in our students is an investment in Delaware’s future, and in the next generation. You can read more about the bill here.

Per usual, my neighbors filled my cup and reminded me why this work matters—because our shared communities are all part of the same story.

• At the Hockessin Colored School #107C, I stood in a one-room schoolhouse that tells a powerful truth about our past and our progress. This site, now part of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, holds the story of families like Sarah Bulah’s, who fought to end segregation in our schools. Walking through it alongside Mr. James “Sonny” Knott, who attended the school decades ago, was a reminder that progress is possible—but only because people are willing to fight for it.

• At the Sanford School, I had the chance to sit down with young leaders who are already shaping their communities with courage and compassion. We talked about identity, leadership, and what it means to show up for one another. Their voices were thoughtful, determined, and clear: the next generation is ready to lead.

• I also met with leaders at the Delaware Criminal Justice Council to discuss how we can make our justice system more effective, more equitable, and more focused on prevention and rehabilitation. From violence intervention to reentry support, their work reflects a simple idea: public safety and second chances go hand in hand.

• At this year’s Congressional Art Competition at The Delaware Contemporary, I joined students and families for a celebration of creativity, expression, and the power of young people to tell their stories through art. With more than 60 submissions from across the state, these students offered an impressive glimpse into the creative vision of our neighbors. The winner, Daniel Qi from Archemere Academy, will have his piece, The Soloist, in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. Congratulations, Daniel!

• I sat down with AARP Delaware to talk about the issues that matter most to seniors and older adults in our state—from protecting Social Security to supporting family caregivers and cracking down on scams. With more than 190,000 members across Delaware, their advocacy reflects the needs and dignity of a generation that deserves security and respect.

• I met with Wilmington Water leaders to discuss the city’s work to replace lead pipes and ensure safe, affordable drinking water for every family. Clean water isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic right, and I’m proud to support investments that protect public health and hold polluters accountable.

• And finally, I met with members of the various community development corporations, including Cornerstone West, Be Ready, and Southbridge—community leaders working to expand affordable housing, support small businesses, and increase access to credit in underserved communities. Their work is about more than development—it’s about building opportunity, block by block, for families across Delaware.

That’s all for this week. I will keep working to make sure government is working for all Delawareans—and I appreciate you staying informed.

Talk soon, Delaware!

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch to Delawareans about goings on in Washington and in the First State.

This week’s McBride Memo looks a little different. Given all that has happened this week, I want to take a step back and share where things stand in the war in Iran—and what it means right now.

If you’ve written into or called my office this week to share your concerns about what we’re seeing overseas, thank you. Hearing directly from you helps me better represent you down in Washington–and push for answers and accountability.

First, I’m relieved that the president did not follow through on his threats against the people of Iran. But that relief shouldn’t diminish how serious and disturbing it is that those threats were made in the first place.

We’ve heard some Congressional Republicans argue that it was “bluster” or a “negotiating tactic.” But let’s be crystal clear: negotiations that involve the threat of genocide are unacceptable. A president should never make that kind of threat—because what you explicitly threaten, you implicitly condone.

Presently, there appears to be a tenuous ceasefire which is long overdue, because any stop to violence is a good thing. However, it’s not entirely clear that all parties share the same understanding of that agreement, further casting doubt on the stability and the longevity of this arrangement. Important talks are scheduled to take place this weekend, and while I am not particularly optimistic about the outcomes, I’m positive of one thing: this administration needs to stop this war of choice.

The administration is pointing to military accomplishments, and there’s no question that our military executed orders with skill and precision. But tactical accomplishments are not the same as strategic victories.

Take the Strait of Hormuz. Two months ago, it was open. Iran wasn’t controlling traffic or profiting from tolls. Now, while more ships are sailing through than last week, Iran appears to be maintaining operational control—and may even be charging tolls to navigate through. That has real consequences—and implicates the money coming directly out of Americans’ pockets. That means that every time you go to the pump, a portion of what you pay can be used by the Iranian regime to rebuild the very capabilities the administration is currently celebrating having diminished.

Beyond that, and perhaps most importantly, Iran has now demonstrated that it has the ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz entirely—essentially an economic weapon of mass destruction that has the power to tank the global economy and raise prices here at home. Unfortunately, it appears Iran’s leverage, their influence, and their geopolitical power has not weakened – and, in some ways, has increased.

What this means is that this administration has spent billions of your tax dollars and lost 13 brave American servicemembers in yet another war of choice in the Middle East that has left us poorer and less secure.

The ripple effects of this war don’t stop in the region—eased sanctions on Russia and higher oil prices are boosting Russia’s oil revenues, helping fund its war in Ukraine. China is gaining vital insight into U.S. military capabilities, providing them critical intelligence if they choose to invade Taiwan. Meanwhile, we’ve alienated our allies in NATO—undermining their trust and further isolating ourselves on the world stage and increasing global instability.

All of this adds up to a more uncertain and unstable global economy. And over time, that will drive up costs—not just at the pump, but everywhere.

So while there have been tactical successes, it’s difficult to see this as anything other than a familiar pattern: a war of choice, with unclear objectives, and consequences that are already ripping across continents.

This is a serious and deeply consequential moment. It’s not one to celebrate or minimize. It’s one that demands clarity, accountability, and a clear path forward.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’m focused on making sure we are not treating this moment as business as usual—a point I have made in every committee hearing since this war of choice began: it’s unfathomable that Republicans refuse to address the conflict head on by holding a hearing dedicated to the war.

Democrats in Congress must continue to press for clarity about where this conflict stands and where it’s headed—because right now, there are still too many unanswered questions.

We need to be clear about what this moment requires: accountability, a real understanding of the consequences, and a strategy that goes beyond short-term tactical accomplishments.

The American people deserve answers. I’m headed back to Washington to ensure Delawareans are getting the accountability they deserve from their government.

I’ll keep speaking out about the risks we’re facing, the costs my neighbors are already feeling, and the broader consequences of this war globally. My colleagues already brought a War Powers resolution to the House Floor that was rejected by House Republicans, but as soon as Congress is back in session, House Democrats intend to use every tool at our disposal to stop this ongoing conflict as soon as humanly possible. We only need a handful of Republicans to join us to stop this unnecessary and counterproductive war.

I have been clear about where I stand this week in the face of this president’s careless, illegal, unauthorized war of choice. You can follow reporting from WHYY, 6ABC, and CoastTV. Also, you can see a full video statement from me here.

I will keep you updated as the situation continues to develop.

Talk soon, Delaware!

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my dispatch to Delawareans from DC.

This week was a district work period so I got to travel all across the greatest state in The Union—getting to talk with my neighbors and hear about how this present moment is hitting home.

Here are five big things from this week:

This week, the president addressed the nation about his ongoing war of choice in Iran—but instead of answers, the American people got more confusion.

When the Commander in Chief sends servicemembers into a war zone, putting our neighbors into harm’s way, the American people deserve a clear objective, a lawful authorization, and a plan to bring them home safely. That is how we ensure a system built on accountability, not ego.

Instead of this, what we heard this week from the president was a series of contradictions. He claimed success while offering no clear definition of victory. He asked the American people to brace for weeks more of this unauthorized conflict—without explaining what comes next. And, he deflected for rising gas prices with claims that simply do not align with reality.

Meanwhile, my neighbors are feeling the impact—prices at the pump are skyrocketing, supply chains are strained and uncertain, and our servicemembers and their families are left waiting for clarity about what comes next.

Bottom line: after the president’s address, the American people did not go to sleep with more answers but with more questions. I will keep pursuing transparency and congressional oversight—as our system clearly requires—because Delawareans deserve nothing less.

Earlier this week, House Republican leadership made clear that they intend to pass the very same bipartisan funding bill they refused to bring to the floor for a vote just a week ago—one that funds every part of the Department of Homeland Security except ICE and CBP.

Let’s call this what it is: a walk-back. And a costly one.

While Congressional Republicans played politics and delayed action, TSA agents, Coast Guard members, and FEMA personnel have gone without pay—real people, public servants—caught in the middle of a manufactured crisis. All to protect and prioritize a system that needs crucial reforms and accountability.

Here’s the frustrating part: they could have reopened the government one week ago, by passing this exact same measure.

I am ready to vote to fund DHS—minus ICE and CBP—because we can keep our communities and homeland safe while also demanding accountability and reform where it is sorely needed.

Last week, I had the honor of a friend and my pastor whose work reminds us what service truly looks like.

I was proud to honor and celebrate Reverend Dr. Gregory Knox Jones on the occasion of his retirement after more than two decades leading Westminster Presbyterian Church. Rev. Jones has led with compassion, built bridges across communities and continents, and centered peace and justice in every corner of his ministry. Rev. Jones has consistently shown our congregation and his community what it means to walk alongside people with care, grace, and unwavering faith.

His commitment to serving our neighbors is a exemplary example of all Delaware stands to offer to our community.

That is the type of story that makes Delaware special—neighbors who show up, lead with heart, and leave their communities stronger than they found them. You can watch my speech honoring Rev. Dr. Jones here.

I was proud to cosponsor the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act; a bill that would flip our tax system toward fairness. The idea is simple: if you earn less than what it actually costs to live in this country, you pay less in taxes.

Under this bill, working and middle-class Americans earning up to the national median cost of living would be exempt from federal income tax, with the benefit phasing out gradually for those earning more—not falling off a cliff. For someone making between roughly $46,000 and $80,500 a year, that means a lower tax bill than under the current system. The bill also includes larger exemptions for heads of household and married couples filing jointly—because family budgets feel the squeeze first.

And importantly, this tax cut is paid for the right way: by asking the wealthiest to pay their fair share. Not working families. Not seniors. Not people already stretched thin.

The cost-of-living exemption and the millionaires’ surtax would both adjust with inflation, so the relief keeps pace with reality. No one working full-time should feel punished during tax season just for trying to make ends meet. This bill aims to expand dignity, fairness, and create a tax code that finally reflects the real cost of living—for Delawareans and for families across the country.

Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me why I do this work—because across our state, people are stepping up, solving problems, and building stronger communities for all of us. Here are a few of those conversations:

• I met with Secretary Berry and Director Bourdeau from the Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss how we can better serve Delaware’s veterans—from health care access to benefits delivery. Our veterans kept their promise to this country—we have to keep ours to them.

• At the Indian River Inlet, I was proud to celebrate $600,000 in federal funding I secured through the House’s Community Project Funding process to strengthen coastal resilience—specifically, to continue the Indian River Inlet Sand Bypass System operations that protects our beaches, our infrastructure, and our local economy from the growing threats of erosion and storms. You can learn more about this vital project here.

• I joined DANA for a “Care for Good” conversation focused on strengthening our care economy—by supporting nonprofits in Delaware in ensuring their employees have access to reliable health insurance and quality health services. This program is an investment that I was proud to support in the State Senate and simply affirms that your ability to access care should not be based on chance, but an assurance.

• At Junior Achievement of Delaware, I met with young people gaining hands-on experience in financial literacy and workforce readiness. Their ambition and curiosity were inspiring—and a reminder that when we invest in our kids, we invest in our future.

• During Service Academy Night with the delegation, I had the chance to meet incredible students and families exploring a path of service to our country. Their commitment to something bigger than themselves was unmistakable—and deeply moving.

• I also sat down with the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, where we talked about advancing equity and expanding opportunity in communities that have too often been left out. Their work is grounded in dignity, fairness, and real change.

• And at Zimmer Biomet Diagnostics, I saw firsthand how innovation in Delaware is driving advances in health care and creating good-paying jobs right here at home.

This week was a busy one, taking me up and down our state of neighbors and giving me the opportunity to ground myself in what matters—your voices. I appreciate you partnering with me in this work and staying engaged and informed.

For those celebrating, I wish you a joyful Easter and a happy Passover.

Talk soon, Delaware!

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my dispatch to Delawareans from DC.

Amidst the ongoing government shutdown that is causing major travel delays across the country and withholding pay from critical workers across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Republicans in Congress are choosing to extend the chaos. Early Friday morning, the Senate unanimously passed a funding bill that would pay TSA agents, pay FEMA employees, and pay our Coast Guard—funding every piece of DHS except ICE and CBP.

But, Republicans in Congress are so extreme and committed to the unchecked cruelty of these agents that they are willing to deprive people of the pay they need to live and have proposed to bring forward funding for all of DHS, instead. The fact is, Democrats and Republicans alike would have voted to pass funding for DHS without ICE and CBP—but Congressional Republicans would rather continue giving a blank check for cruelty by ICE agents across the country instead of passing bipartisan funding that would ensure funding for TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard.

This bill will likely be brought to the House for a vote either later today or this weekend, so I will keep you updated as the situation unfolds.

Meanwhile, here are five big things:

This week in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, I pressed the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security about one of the many dangerous consequences of the ongoing war in Iran: the rising threat of nuclear proliferation around the world.

When the Administration degrades the international norms and rules that have governed the longest period of peace between great powers in modern history– when our President decides to thrust the world into a might-makes-right global order– I fear it is the perfect recipe for nuclear proliferation.

French President Emmanuel Macron said it plainly earlier this month, “The next half century will be an age of nuclear weapons.” I don’t want him to be right, but we need to be clear-eyed about the reality. Because when global order is disregarded and alliances are weakened, countries don’t feel safe—and that insecurity drives nations to begin seeking nuclear weapons as an insurance policy.

That is the dangerous path we seem to be heading down; a world with more nuclear weapons, less transparency, and fewer guardrails. We should be working to actively reduce the risk of nuclear conflict, not accelerating its rise by sowing uncertainty and chaos around the world.

I will keep pushing for a foreign policy rooted in stability and accountability, because that is the kind of leadership that makes the world safer. We still have the opportunity to address the conditions that give rise to nuclear proliferation and restore the rules-based global order. You can see my full exchange with the Under Secretary here.

This week, we saw reporting that makes something crystal clear: my neighbors, and Americans everywhere, are paying attention—and they do not like what they are seeing from this president.

President Trump’s approval rating has reached an all-time low across both of his terms in office. These numbers matter, they send a clear message that families are frustrated and disapprove of the job this administration is doing.

These numbers are driven, in large part, by the gap between what the president promised and what is actually being delivered; where he assured my neighbors he would lower costs on day one. They are now seeing gas prices nearing $4 per gallon and health care costs that are pushing Americans to the brink. That economic uncertainty is leaving Americans everywhere feeling the squeeze as they watch this president prioritizing policies of chaos instead of making life more affordable.

There is no single greater disconnect than in the way Americans view the conflict in Iran—this unauthorized and escalating conflict with no clear strategy or accountability is not the America my neighbors wanted or deserve, and it’s causing gas prices to soar.

With all of this in mind, it is no surprise that people are losing confidence everywhere—Delawareans want leadership that lowers costs, keeps us safe, and tells the truth about the challenges we face. Right now, they’re getting the opposite.

This week marked sixteen years since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became law; an ambitious and powerful piece of legislation that aimed to ensure families across this country have access to quality and affordable health care.

The ACA helped tens of millions of Americans get coverage and made health care more accessible for families across Delaware and the country, sending a simple message: your health care access should not depend on your circumstance; it is a fundamental right. As we mark over a decade and a half of this landmark legislation, we are seeing unprecedented attacks on not just the promise of the ACA, but on the entirety of the American health care system.

Over the last year alone, we have seen how Congressional Republicans have summarily dismantled the health care of the American people to fund this president’s mass deportation machine and to give massive tax breaks to his wealthiest donors.

Our neighbors are being forced to pay more out of pocket for basic health care. In my view, when you force working families to pay more for basic care, that is a tax—a tax on getting sick and a tax on staying healthy. And that is exactly what we are seeing as coverage is ripped away and premiums are spiking.

I took to the House Floor to continue to sound the alarm; government should be making life easier for the people we serve, not harder and more expensive. You can see my full remarks here.

My neighbors know the importance of staying connected—with one another, with our communities, with our jobs, and everywhere in between, and our Amtrak systems are critical to how we do exactly that.

Today, I am proud to be co-leading a bipartisan effort to secure critical funding for Amtrak and passenger rail infrastructure in the next federal budget. This funding would support the Northeast Corridor—the busiest rail line in the country—which runs right through Wilmington and helps connect Delawareans with family, work, travel, and economic opportunity.

Investing in rail is about more than just transportation. By securing more federal investment, we can increase the affordability, reliability, and safety of passenger rail—ensuring shorter commutes, stronger local economies, and an infrastructure that is built to last and meet the needs of our communities.

I will keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Delaware continues to benefit from investments like these—because connection and opportunity have the power to transform families across our state. You can read our letter here.

Over the last week, I had the pleasure of connecting with my neighbors both at home and in D.C., to hear how their work is shaping our communities. Here are just a few of those conversations:

• I met with Dr. Mary Swenson, the new President of the Delaware World Trade Center, to talk about strengthening Delaware’s role in the global economy. From supporting small businesses entering international markets to attracting investment here at home, our conversation centered on one goal: making sure Delaware workers and companies can compete—and thrive—on a global stage.

• In Smyrna, I joined community leaders for Delaware’s Women’s History Celebration, centered on a powerful theme: “Her Voice. Her Legacy. Her Vote.” It was a reminder that progress is driven by participation—and that protecting the right to vote and uplifting women’s leadership remains essential to a healthy democracy.

• On the topic of democracy, at the University of Delaware, I joined students from across New Castle County at the Mikva Challenge Youth Voice Showcase, where young people are engaging directly with democracy and showing what it looks like to take action. From middle school Project Soapbox speeches to high school advocacy projects, their message was clear: civic engagement doesn’t start when you register to vote, it starts as soon as you start speaking up for your neighbors and what you believe in.

• I met with leaders from the Brandywine Valley SPCA to discuss their work protecting animals and strengthening welfare systems across Delaware—and they just expanded their operations to the DC region! From providing quality pet care to advancing humane legislation, their mission reflects a simple truth: how we treat animals says a lot about who we are—and we have a responsibility to get it right.

After a week of pressing the administration on the dangers of the conflict in Iran, sounding the alarm of the cost of attacks on our health care system, and standing firm for funding for our TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard—this week was a busy one of bringing Delaware’s voice to Congress.

Thank you for reading along and staying engaged—and I hope you find time to enjoy your weekend.

Talk soon, Delaware!

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my dispatch to Delawareans from DC.

This week, my work centered around two big questions: how much longer will the conflict in Iran go on without proper Congressional oversight? And, here at home, how can we ensure we are holding the Administration to account for their unchecked cruelty while also ensuring Americans are safe? Here are five quick things:

Early this week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee convened a hearing to address reforming America’s defense sales globally. While a worthy topic of discussion, I found it unconscionable that Congressional Republicans continue to refuse to hold a hearing on the one topic that is dominating our foreign affairs, and hurting my neighbors at home: the war in Iran.

The United States is in the third week of a war of choice in Iran—a conflict launched without Congressional authorization, without clear objectives, and without the basic oversight that the American people deserve and demand. A war where, thus far, the main beneficiaries have been Russian oil revenue and China’s understanding of our operational capabilities.

The consequences of this war are also real. Thirteen American servicemembers have already paid the ultimate price, unnecessary loss of life for an avoidable conflict. As their families grieve, Congress has refused to demand answers and is, instead, attempting to carry on business as usual. That is not the job my neighbors sent me to Congress to do.

In Delaware, we know accountability matters—because when lives are on the line, and our neighbors are being asked to put on the uniform and risk everything, we need clarity, purpose, and oversight.

This is, by the President’s own admission, a war of choice. And when a President can start, and continue, a war without answering to Congress or the American people, that is a failure of responsibility, a dereliction of duty.

Our servicemembers, their families, and my neighbors deserve answers—and I’ll keep pushing for them. You can watch my full remarks here.

Meanwhile, here at home, the consequences of dysfunction by Republicans in Congress are impacting Americans everywhere.

Right now, we remain in an ongoing partial government shutdown and thousands of public servants are paying the price. TSA agents and members of the Coast Guard, FEMA workers and others are working without pay—all because Congressional Republicans refuse to make reforms to ICE.

The worst part? Their refusal to negotiate lies squarely on their belief that ICE agents should be allowed to act with unchecked impunity and terrorize our communities. We have all seen the consequences of inaction. ICE agents are acting in cruel, illegal, and deadly ways, all with an unbelievable disregard for the rule of law and with the support of Republicans and Trump.

That is chaos masquerading as public safety.

That’s why I joined my colleagues this week in signing a discharge petition to force a vote on a bill that would fully fund TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard—while withholding funding from ICE until proper accountability is taken and reforms have been made. That would mean ensuring the safety of our nation while also holding everyone to the rule of law—because security and accountability are not mutually exclusive.

If my colleagues across the aisle are actually serious about protecting the homeland and paying public servants to do this work, they should join us in ending this chaos, not enabling it to thrive.

This week, I had the privilege of heading to the House Floor to recognize two Delawareans whose commitment to service is an inspiration to us all.

First, I was honored to uplift my own New Castle County Councilman, Penrose Hollins, whose over three decades of leadership and commitment to his community embody what public service is all about—fighting for your neighbors, standing up for equity and justice, and building opportunities for others. You can watch my full message to Councilman Hollins here.

I also paid tribute to Albert Firth, of Millsboro, whose life and legacy serve as a reminder for us all that service can take many forms, even in one lifetime. Mr. Firth served in the Air Force for two decades before retiring and coming to Washington, D.C. to serve in the United States Capitol Police force—eventually serving on the personal detail for then-Speaker Newt Gingrich. From protecting the United States abroad to safeguarding our nation’s Capitol, Mr. Firth’s commitment is deeply moving and leaves a legacy I was proud to recognize. You can see my speech honoring him here.

Behind both of these stories lies the foundation of a deeper truth: that our state of neighbors is committed to serving the greater good for the sake of each other.

This week, the Energy Bills Relief Act was introduced; an effort I was proud to support as an original cosponsor. In Delaware, my neighbors have made it clear that affordability isn’t optional, especially when it means keeping the lights on.

Bottom line: too many families are feeling the squeeze of rising energy costs—while our grid struggles to keep up with modern demands, and this bill aims to tackle both.

It restores clean energy tax credits that lower costs for families and boost energy generation, expands programs like LIHEAP to help people afford their utility bills, and invests in weatherization so homes are more energy efficient.

At the same time, it modernizes our energy grid—strengthening transmission, speeding up connections for new energy sources, and investing in the infrastructure we need to ensure reliability and security.

This bill is about ensuring families can afford their monthly bills, our grid can meet future demand, and that we build a system that works for everyone. No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and making ends meet. This bill moves us closer to a future where they don’t have to.

Per usual, the most welcome part of my days in Washington are the moments I get to spend talking with Delawareans who come to advocate and share their voices with me. Here are a few of those conversations:

• I sat down with members of LiUNA, including public sector employees from Delaware, to hear about the challenges they’re facing—from attacks on collective bargaining to instability in the federal workforce. Their message was simple: workers deserve dignity, stability, and a voice on the job.

• I met with engineers and members from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to talk about innovation, immigration, and investing in science. Their perspective made one thing clear: if we want to lead in the future, we have to invest in the people building it.

• I joined Delaware’s League of Local Governments during their Hill visit, where mayors and local leaders from across our state shared what they’re seeing on the ground, including rising energy costs. Their message was clear: strong communities start with strong local partnerships—and the federal government needs to be a reliable one.

• I met with Rabbi Beals and leaders from the American Jewish World Service to discuss the importance of U.S. foreign assistance and advancing human rights around the globe—from supporting women and girls in Haiti to strengthening access to care worldwide. Their message was clear: our values don’t stop at our borders—they guide how we show up for others.

• I had the opportunity to meet with emerging leaders from the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s Gilliam Fellows program, where we discussed everything from voting rights to housing and economic opportunity. Their leadership is a reminder that the next generation is already shaping a more just and equitable Delaware.

• I talked with leaders from GE Aerospace’s Newark facility to discuss the cutting-edge manufacturing happening right here in Delaware—from advanced materials to next-generation aviation technology. It’s a powerful reminder that Delaware is continuing to be a leader in innovation and creating good-paying jobs.

• I met with advocates from the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and Choose Clean Water Coalition to discuss protecting one of our region’s most vital natural resources. Their work underscores a simple truth: clean water is key to protecting public health, strengthening our economy, and investing in our shared future.

P.S. If you are interested in learning more about our nation’s service academies, my office and Sens. Coons and Blunt Rochester will be hosting the annual Congressional Delegation’s Annual Service Academy Information Night in the DelOne Conference Center at Delaware Tech in Dover on Thrusday, April 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM! RSVP and learn more here.

From a war without answers abroad, to very real consequences here at home, to conversations with dozens of Delawareans right here in DC; this week underscored the importance of government oversight and ensuring public servants and government work for the people with transparency, accountability, and care.

Thank you for reading along and staying engaged.

Have a good weekend, Delaware, talk soon!

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

This week we watched the conflict in Iran continue to escalate and the consequences of this war of choice hitting Delawareans here at home.

While the House was out of session this week, I got to travel across our state, meeting with neighbors, students, educators, innovators, and community leaders who remind me every day what public service is really about. Here are five quick things:

1. One big thing: Like many of you, I have watched the horrifying scenes unfolding in the Middle East with deep concern and heartbreak. This war has already taken the lives of thirteen American servicemembers and hundreds of civilians who were caught in the crossfire.

In one devastating incident, we received confirmed reports that an elementary school was struck, killing children and teachers whose only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rather than acknowledging the tragedy, the president and many in the administration continue to bombard civilian infrastructure, fueling instability in the Gulf. I joined several of my colleagues in demanding that this administration detail their efforts to mitigate civilian casualties, and investigate what caused the heartbreaking tragedy at the Iranian school, resulting in the deaths of 165 civilians.

This is the human cost of war. Families shattered. Communities grieving. Futures stolen before they even had the chance to begin. War should always be the absolute last resort—but this conflict was launched without clear objectives, without a path forward, and without the authorization that our Constitution requires.

We have seen this story before in the Middle East—wars of choice that promise quick victories but deliver years of instability and loss. I will continue to speak out against this reckless escalation and push for an end to this conflict—because American lives and innocent civilians should never be collateral damage in a war that never should have started.

2. Driving the news: As this war drags on, the consequences are already rippling far beyond the region—and my neighbors here in Delaware are beginning to feel it. Reports indicate that the Trump administration is now spending roughly $1 billion every single day on this conflict while families at home are already facing the consequences.

Gas prices are climbing. In Delaware, neighbors are already paying thirty cents more at the pump, at a moment when they are already struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, groceries, and housing. The longer this conflict continues, the greater the risk it poses to global economic stability, and that instability doesn’t stay overseas—it lands squarely on the kitchen tables of working families here at home.

This is a war of choice. A reckless decision made by this administration that is now threatening human lives and economic stability. And while the President pursues a costly and unnecessary conflict abroad, my neighbors are left wondering how they’ll stretch their already strained bottom lines.

Delawareans deserve leadership that prioritizes diplomacy, stability, and the well-being of the American people—not another endless war.

3. ICYMI: After the killing of two Americans in Minneapolis, I joined a handful of colleagues to demand that Kristi Noem be dismissed from her post. Last week, the Secretary of Homeland Security was finally fired—but the circumstances surrounding her removal speak volumes about this administration’s warped priorities.

Let’s be clear: it wasn’t the deaths of American citizens at the hands of ICE agents that led to her dismissal. It wasn’t the alarming reports of an increasingly unruly and unchecked immigration enforcement apparatus. And it certainly wasn’t the administration’s ongoing refusal to provide transparency about what is happening inside that agency.

No; the final straw was a multibillion-dollar advertising campaign produced on the taxpayer’s dime starring Secretary Noem herself…which failed to sufficiently uplift and praise Donald Trump.

The message this administration is sending is crystal clear: human lives lost did not trigger accountability. A lack of transparency did not trigger accountability. But a self-promotional ad that forgot to center the president did.

How much clearer could this administration’s disregard for human life, the Constitution, and democratic accountability be?

My colleagues and I are continuing our push for transparency and demanding that ICE agents are held to the same standards as other law enforcement officers. Until this administration, and Congressional Republicans, get serious about this reckless cruelty, we will keep sounding the alarm.

4. Legislative priority: Care work is some of the most essential work in our country—and yet far too often, those who care for our loved ones are paid unsustainable wages and denied even the most basic labor protections. That’s why I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act, introduced by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Patty Murray this week.

This bicameral legislation would guarantee minimum wage and overtime protections for more than three million home care workers—the caregivers who make it possible for seniors and people with disabilities to live in their homes with dignity.

For decades, federal labor law contained a loophole that excluded many of these workers from the same protections that apply to nearly every other profession. And now, the Trump administration is trying to roll back the progress made to address that gap by stripping these workers of the wage protections they fought to earn and deserve.

That’s unacceptable.

In Delaware and across the country, families rely on home care workers every single day. The people who help our parents, grandparents, and neighbors age with dignity deserve dignity in their own work as well. This bill ensures they receive a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work—and helps strengthen the caregiving workforce that millions of families depend on.

I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure that working people across our state and nation have the support they not only need but deserve.

5. Our state of neighbors: I spent this week here in Delaware, a welcome reprieve from the D.C. scene, and got to spend time with neighbors up and down the state. Weeks like this are exactly how I stay grounded in the voices of Delawareans—here is a bit of what I did this week:

• I sat down with Newark Mayor Travis McDermott and city leadership at Newark City Hall to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing one of Delaware’s most dynamic communities. From infrastructure and housing demand to transportation and economic development, Newark’s growth reflects the energy of a city anchored by the University of Delaware and its thriving research ecosystem. Our conversation focused on how federal investments—from transportation funding to community development programs—can help Newark continue to grow while preserving the character that makes it such a special place to live and work.

• I toured several cutting-edge research programs at the University of Delaware, including the Center for Composite Materials, the Newark Robotics Lab, and the Center for Clean Hydrogen. These labs are helping drive innovation in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and clean energy—fields that are critical to our nation’s economic competitiveness and to building the high-skilled workforce of the future. Seeing this work up close was a powerful reminder that Delaware isn’t just participating in the innovation economy—we’re helping lead it.

• I joined the Delaware Tech Forum for a conversation with leaders from our state’s tech and innovation community. We talked about federal policy shaping the future of artificial intelligence, online safety, and emerging technologies—and how Delaware can continue to grow its tech ecosystem. The message from the room was clear: when innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers work together, we can build an economy that keeps Delaware competitive in a rapidly changing world.

• I joined leaders from across the country for a paid leave webinar focused on the impact of paid family and medical leave policies. We discussed how states like Delaware have shown that it’s possible to build a system that works for both workers and small businesses—strengthening families while supporting local economies. Delaware’s experience is helping shape national conversations about what a stronger care economy can look like.

• At the Empowering Community Wellness Symposium at Delaware State University, I joined advocates, students, and community leaders focused on strengthening health and wellbeing across our state. This year’s theme—“Finding Your Voice”—was a powerful reminder that healthier communities are built when people feel empowered to speak up for themselves and their neighbors. From mental health services to economic opportunity, the work being done by organizations such as the Mental Health Association in Delaware shows what it means to care for the whole community.

• I met with Dr. Jennifer Nauman, Superintendent of the Cape Henlopen School District, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing one of Delaware’s fastest-growing school systems. As Sussex County continues to grow, the district is navigating increased enrollment and infrastructure demands while continuing to deliver strong outcomes for students. Our conversation focused on how federal partnerships can support schools, educators, and families as they work to ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed.

• I hosted a working lunch with several of Sussex County’s coastal mayors to hear directly about the priorities facing Delaware’s beach communities. From coastal resilience and environmental protection to tourism management and infrastructure investments, these towns play a vital role in our state’s economy and natural heritage. Their insights help guide my work in Washington to ensure our coastal communities have the resources they need to thrive for generations to come.

• In Georgetown, I visited The Way Home and met with Executive Director Paulette Rappa and members of her team to learn more about their work supporting individuals returning home after incarceration. Through housing assistance, job placement, mentorship, and connections to treatment and counseling, the organization is helping people rebuild stability and opportunity in Sussex County. Their work is a powerful reminder that when communities invest in second chances, everyone benefits.

• I had the pleasure of serving as a scoring judge at the Delaware High School Mock Trial Championship in Wilmington, where talented students from across the state stepped into the roles of attorneys and witnesses for a day in court. Watching these young leaders present arguments, question witnesses, and think on their feet was incredibly impressive. Events like this remind me that Delaware’s next generation of advocates, lawyers, and public servants is already rising to the occasion.

• I was honored to deliver the virtual keynote at the Delaware Association for Adult and Continuing Education’s Adult Literacy Summit. Adult education programs help neighbors earn their GEDs, learn English, build new skills, and create new opportunities for their families. As I shared with the educators and learners gathered there, investing in adult education doesn’t just change one life—it strengthens families, communities, and our entire workforce.

• I joined community leaders and advocates at the annual Easterseals Volleyball Challenge at the University of Delaware, an event that raises awareness and support for services benefiting Delawareans with disabilities and seniors. The day highlighted the importance of home and community-based services and the dedicated direct support professionals who help people live with dignity and independence. It was inspiring to see neighbors come together in support of a mission that strengthens inclusion and opportunity across our state.

P.S. If you are interested in learning more about our nation’s service academies, my office and Sens. Coons and Blunt Rochester will be hosting the annual Congressional Delegation’s Annual Service Academy Information Night in the DelOne Conference Center at Delaware Tech in Dover on Thrusday, April 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM! RSVP and learn more here.

Even during weeks when the headlines out of Washington feel overwhelming, spending time with Delawareans reminds me why this work matters. That’s what it means to be a state of neighbors.

Talk soon!

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman

Dear Friend,

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my dispatch to Delawareans from DC.

Since I wrote to you last week, a lot has changed in our global politics. There is a lot to get into this week, both at home and abroad, but I tried to distill the most important information in this week’s five big things:

1. One big thing: Over the last week, I, like many of you, have watched in heartbreak as six brave United States service members gave the ultimate sacrifice, lost far too soon in Donald Trump’s war of choice with Iran.

Since the United States launched its initial strikes, the administration has misrepresented intelligence and offered inconsistent objectives for their actions, leading to reckless operations that lead to one place in the end: death, destruction, and destabilization.

Delawareans, and Americans everywhere, do not want their sons and daughters shipped to another war in the Middle East with consequences that will be felt both in the region and here at home. Gas prices are already beginning to soar across the globe, and the impacts are only beginning to be seen.

This president routinely shreds both the progress and potential of diplomacy, just as he did when he destroyed the previous Iran nuclear deal, and once again he has been far too willing to put the lives of American service members at risk. Instead of engaging in diplomatic and multilateral solutions, Americans and our allies are paying with their lives for an illegal war that destabilizes the region and sidesteps Congress’s authority.

Yesterday, my colleagues and I took to the House floor to send a clear message to this administration: the authority to declare war lies with Congress, not the president. While nearly all Congressional Republicans are willing to give the president a blank check for his careless operations, I voted to remind this administration that if we are going to enter a war, with any nation, the authority for such action rests not with the executive, but with Congress. Here is my take on the vote.

2. Driving the news: Over the last few weeks, I have heard from many Delawareans about the SAVE Act, which House Republicans recently passed and President Trump is pressuring the Senate to pass. Despite how it’s being marketed, this bill doesn’t protect elections—it makes it harder for Americans to vote.

By requiring documents that millions of Americans don’t have—like updated passports or birth certificates— and creating unnecessary hurdles that would disenfranchise seniors, military families, working people, and many women whose names changed after marriage.

Let’s be clear: non-citizen voting is already illegal, punishable by law, and extremely rare. This bill isn’t about protecting elections, it’s about creating new barriers between American citizens and the ballot box. Voting is one of our most fundamental freedoms, and we should be making it easier for Americans to participate in our democracy—not harder.

To break down the misconceptions and understand the specifics of the SAVE Act, check out this video where I break it all down:

3. On the floor: This week, I went to the House Floor to speak about this moment in our country and the direction of our democracy. Throughout our country’s two and a half centuries, every 80 years or so, our country faces an inflection point as the last living memory of the previous one disappears. From the Revolution to the Civil War to World War II to today, we have faced a choice: do we destroy or do we build.

This is a moment of choosing. If we choose to learn from history and do the hard work of changemaking, I still believe we can build a more perfect union.

We find ourselves today at a critical inflection point for our nation and the world. In the face of chaos, cruelty, and unprecedented attempts to destroy our 250 year-old democracy, we must maintain the capacity to hope and to build something better.

As I said on the Floor, and as I am often reminded by this work and my neighbors, there is hope for the future of our country. At this critical moment, there is one enduring truth in our country: we can rely on people’s better angels, but only if we choose to see them.

I stand prepared to work with my colleagues, in times of strife and struggle, to defend the promise of this country and the people we serve. You can see my full speech here.

4. Legislative priority: Right now, as families feel squeezed by high prices at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and in their utility bills, the last thing they need is to pay extra just to file their taxes. But, there are actions we can take to help—because that is what government is supposed to do.

That’s why I’m proud to support the bipartisan, bicameral Direct File Act—legislation that would restore and permanently authorize the IRS Direct File program.

The pilot program launched in 2024 allowed eligible taxpayers to file their taxes online directly with the IRS for free—saving families time and up to $160 a year by cutting out the middleman. But the Trump administration eliminated it.

Let’s be clear: filing your taxes shouldn’t require paying a private company when there is a free public option available, especially if the only compelling reason for eliminating the free option is to appease the president’s billionaire donors.

This bill is bicameral—with support across the House and Senate—and reflects a simple principle: when families are being pinched from every direction, government should make life and process easier—not more expensive.

Solutions that work should never be discarded for big profit, especially where taxes are concerned. For my neighbors, every dollar saved on tax prep is a dollar that can go toward rent, child care, or groceries. And in this economy, that matters.

5. Our state of neighbors: This week, my D.C. office was abuzz with Delawareans who were doing the simple work of advocating for themselves and their neighbors—and I was honored to get to hear from them. Because I had so many outstanding conversations with Delawareans, I wanted to share about each of them—so the descriptions may be short, but the conversations were robust. Here are a few of those meetings:

• I met with Secretary Karen Berry and Executive Director Tony Bourdeau of the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss how we can better support Delaware veterans and their families.

• I met with advocates from the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, including a Delaware family, to discuss protecting access to affordable health coverage and lifesaving treatments for people living with bleeding disorders.

• I met with the Delaware River and Bay Authority to discuss investments in transportation infrastructure that support regional mobility, aviation, and economic development in Delaware.

• I met with advocates from Delaware Libraries to discuss protecting access to books, information, and the critical community services our libraries provide.

• I met with Delaware Farm Bureau Vice President Steve Breeding to discuss the challenges facing Delaware farmers and the importance of strengthening local agriculture and rural communities.

• I met with Delaware credit unions to discuss the role credit unions play in helping Delaware families access affordable financial services and build economic security.

• I met with leaders and youth advocates from the YMCA of Delaware to discuss strengthening youth development programs, expanding access to child care, and supporting the health of Delaware communities.

• I met with members of the National Treasury Employees Union from Delaware to discuss protecting the rights, pay, and job security of federal workers at the IRS

• I met with the Food Bank of Delaware to discuss the ongoing fight against hunger in our state and the importance of protecting funding for programs that help families put food on the table.

• I met with the Delaware Bankers Association to discuss the role Delaware’s financial institutions play in supporting local businesses, expanding access to credit, and strengthening our state’s economy.

• I met with advocates from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Delaware to discuss improving health care access and benefits for the men and women who served our country.

• I met with leaders from Genentech to discuss innovation in biotechnology and policies that support medical research and help bring down the cost of life-saving medicine for Delawareans.

• I met with historic preservation advocates to discuss protecting Delaware’s historic sites and strengthening the federal programs that help preserve them.

• I met with representatives from SEMI, including stakeholders from the semiconductor industry, including Delaware’s Chemours and Qnity, to discuss strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain and supporting advanced manufacturing.

• I also met with David Singleton from the Friends Committee on National Legislation to discuss nuclear disarmament and the importance of renewed diplomacy to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict and build a safer, more stable world.

• I met with advocates from the Delaware PTA to discuss strengthening public education and ensuring schools have the resources students and educators need to succeed.

• I toured Westside Family Healthcare to discuss the critical role community health centers play in expanding access to affordable primary and behavioral health care in Delaware.

• I visited the Wilmington Recovery Café to learn more about the peer-led recovery services helping Delawareans build stability and community while navigating substance use and mental health challenges.

• I visited Project New Start to discuss the importance of reentry programs that support people returning home from incarceration and help reduce recidivism in Delaware.

• I joined the University of Delaware Chinese Students and Scholars Association to celebrate the Lunar New Year and recognize the contributions of Asian American students and scholars to our state.

• I joined an Interfaith Iftar hosted by the Delaware Sikh Coalition to celebrate Ramadan and reaffirm Delaware’s commitment to religious freedom and interfaith understanding.

That’s all for this week. I always enjoy the chance to talk directly to you, and I hope that you are able to step away from the news and find time to unwind and enjoy your weekend. Until next week, Delaware.

Talk soon!

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Sarah McBride

Delaware’s Congresswoman