Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo. This week, the House of Representatives was out of session so this week’s newsletter looks a bit different, but it means I’m writing from the greatest state in the nation. Grab your coffee—the best part of any morning—and check out what I have been up to!

1. One big thing: I joined veterans, families, and fellow Delawareans at the Veterans Memorial Park in New Castle to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. As we stood in silence and listened to taps echo across the memorial, I was reminded: the greatest way to honor service is through action. 

That means protecting lifelines like the VA, defending health care, and keeping the promises we’ve made to those who wore the uniform. 

This week, and every week, we honor the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We remember their lives, commemorate their service and that of their families, and recommit to upholding the values they died defending. Their courage will never be forgotten. 

2. Driving the news: Elon Musk is out—he is stepping back from his role in the Trump administration after months of chaos, cruelty, and backlash. His so-called “efficiency” left working families without services, hollowed out community institutions, and put federal workers in his crosshairs. And while some in power bent the knee, Delaware didn’t flinch.

I won’t stand by while billionaires use government as a playground. From laying off thousands of civil servants to targeting programs like SNAP and Social Security, Musk’s DOGE project was never about public service—it was about power. This is a turning point and a reminder that when we speak truth to power and stand up for one another is when we are strongest. I will keep fighting to rebuild what they tried to dismantle and to prove that integrity, fairness, and hope still have a role in American government. 

3. ICYMI: This week, I had the honor of joining two incredible organizations in Western Sussex to share some exciting news: we have officially submitted Community Project Funding (CPF) requests for La Red Health Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown!

At La Red, I sat down with advocates, council members, and community partners to discuss their rural re-entry program—a proven model that connects formerly incarcerated people with health care, addiction treatment, and, most of all, hope. With $1 million in funding, they would be able to expand their impact and help hundreds of Delawareans rebuild their lives and prevent recidivism. Read more about their incredible work here. 

Just up the road, at the Boys & Girls Club, I visited with Renee Hickman and her team. They are dreaming big: a brand-new facility that will serve over 150 kids every day with early education, workforce readiness, and after-school programming. We have submitted a $6 million request to help make that dream a reality—because every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow. That’s the kind of investment that pays lifelong dividends. You can follow CoastTV’s reporting here or listen to Delaware Public Media’s story here.

4. Legislative priority: No worker should have to choose between standing up for their rights and protecting their health. That’s why I reintroduced the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act with Rep. Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvania. Our bill would make it illegal for employers to cut off health care during a lawful strike or lockout—a cruel, coercive tactic we have seen employers use far too often. 

This legislation would close a dangerous loophole in current labor law and hold corporate executives accountable for weaponizing health benefits. Backed by a broad coalition of unions—including the Communication Workers of America, SEIU, UFCW, and the Iron Workers—this bill is about restoring dignity at the bargaining table and ensuring that no worker’s health care is ever held hostage. Here is more information on the bill.

5. Our state of neighbors:When the House is out of session, I get to spend much more time in the greatest state in the Union! Here are just a few highlights from my week up and down our state:

• In Wilmington, I joined a roundtable with the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce and its founder, Ayanna Khan. We talked about expanding access to capital, strengthening supplier diversity, and fighting for policies that support Black entrepreneurs across the First State. That’s why I was proud to introduce the Equal Opportunity for Investors Act (read more about that here). When we invest in Black-owned businesses, we’re investing in stronger communities, local jobs, and economic justice. The DBCC is leading the charge—and I’m proud to work with them.
• I talked with Delaware leaders from The Nature Conservancy about resilience, climate, and equity. As the lowest-lying state in the nation, Delaware knows the stakes of sea level rise. From estuary restoration to smarter Farm Bill investments, we explored how policy can protect both people and planet, and discussed our shared environmental priorities—including protecting federal funding to strengthen climate resiliency efforts across the First State.
• In Georgetown, I visited First State Community Action Agency—Delaware’s first and only community action organization, founded in 1965. From reentry programs to youth enrichment to housing and food access, their team meets people where they are and helps them move forward. Director Bernice Edwards has been leading this work for decades, and her impact is written in the stories of thousands of Delawareans. I’m honored to help carry that work forward in Congress.
• Milford is more than a historic town—it’s a creative hub. I joined local artists, small business leaders, and city officials for a walking tour of downtown, where arts and placemaking are driving economic renewal. From banners honoring veterans to supporting businesses on Main Street, they’re turning creativity into community pride—and making the case for why small towns deserve big investments.
• While in Milford, I sat down with leaders from Milford Advocacy for the Homeless—a grassroots nonprofit walking with neighbors through their hardest moments. Their work is rooted in dignity: providing housing, care, and connection to folks experiencing homelessness. From nurses to volunteers, their team reminded me that solving the housing crisis isn’t just about buildings—it’s about belonging.
• At the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, I met with small business owners, farmers, and civic leaders shaping Sussex County’s future. From infrastructure to workforce development, we talked about what’s working—and where federal partnership can help. Our rural communities deserve the same investments and attention as any major city. And in Georgetown, the energy for that future is already here.
• I met with advocates from RESULTS Delaware—a grassroots group with a bold mission: end poverty, here and around the world. We talked about expanding the tax credits for families, investing in housing stability, and supporting global health programs. Their message was clear and urgent: policy can either trap people in cycles of hardship or help lift them out. I’m proud to stand with them in pushing for choices that lift.

Rep. McBride with members of The Nature Conservancy in Delaware.

Rep. McBride at First State Community Action Agency in Georgetown.

Rep. McBride at dolcé in Milford.

Until next time! Nothing beats a recess week spent on Delaware soil. My cup is filled and I am more energized than ever to keep showing up for our state of neighbors.

Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. Sarah McBride Delaware's Congresswoman

• Service Academy Nominations: Our office is now accepting applications from Delaware students seeking nominations to our nation’s prestigious service academies! As a member of Congress, it is my honor to support these students in their efforts to serve our nation in uniform. The application deadline is October 15th and you can find more information on eligibility and application requirements here.
• Help navigating a federal agency: If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, our office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. If you need help navigating a federal agency, please visit: mcbride.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency

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