Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—a weekly peek into what I’m working on for Delaware. This week brought a reminder of what’s at stake globally, and the work we must continue to do here at home. So here are five quick things to catch you up. 

1. One Big Thing: This week, President Trump was asked about the war in Ukraine. His answer? He wondered aloud whether Russia and Ukraine should just “fight it out,” like a hockey match.

Let’s be crystal clear: this is not a game. Ukraine is a sovereign nation defending itself against an illegal invasion by a brutal authoritarian. Thousands of civilians have died. Millions more have fled their homes. And instead of offering leadership, Trump shrugged at the suffering—signaling to Putin that cruelty might just win if you wait it out long enough.

Our values—democracy, sovereignty, human dignity—are not up for negotiation. I’ll continue to fight for foreign policy that doesn’t flinch in the face of tyranny against our allies and puts our principles ahead of political convenience.

2. Driving the News: President Trump’s latest travel ban is a revival of his first-term’s unconstitutional and discriminatory Muslim ban. Once again, his administration is targeting individuals from predominantly Muslim and African nations under the false pretense of national security.

This isn’t about keeping Americans safe—it’s about stoking fear. And it undermines our nation’s core values of equality, fairness, and religious freedom.

We can protect national security while upholding our basic constitutional and judicial principles. Congress must reassert its role and take bipartisan action to ensure our immigration policies reflect both our safety and our values.

3. Committee Business: This week, I spoke at two critical hearings—one on the future of biotechnology, and one on the future of democracy abroad.

At the Space, Science & Technology Committee’s joint hearing on biotech and biomanufacturing, I was proud to highlight the leadership of Delaware’s own Dr. Kelvin Lee, Director of NIIMBL at the University of Delaware. Dr. Lee joined us as a witness to share how public-private partnerships are driving innovation and workforce development in our state—and why we need full federal support to keep America competitive.

Delaware isn’t just participating in biotechnology—we’re leading it. And NIIMBL is proof that when you invest in research and education, you unlock a better, safer, and more equitable future. You can watch my remarks here.

In a Foreign Affairs hearing on NATO, I sounded the alarm about rising authoritarianism—and the ways this administration’s attacks on allies and civil liberties at home are weakening our global standing. If we want to lead on the world stage, we need to defend democracy here and abroad—with integrity, investment, and urgency. Here are my remarks.

4. Legislative Priority: This week, I joined colleagues in urging Trump’s Department of Labor to halt its planned pause on contract-run Job Corps Centers. Although the courts have halted this action, for now, these programs are not out of the woods yet. For decades, Job Corps has helped young people—especially those who are out of school and out of work—get the skills they need to enter the workforce in careers such as welding, nursing, carpentry, and advanced manufacturing.

At places like the Wilmington Job Corps Center in Delaware, these programs are a lifeline. They connect young people with more than just jobs, but with opportunity. They meet students where they are—and help get them where they want to go.

As we invest in infrastructure, clean energy, and supply chains, we need more—not fewer—on-ramps into the workforce. I’ll keep fighting to protect and expand Job Corps so that every young person has a shot at success, and every industry has the talent it needs to thrive.

5. Our State of Neighbors: Nothing fills my cup like spending time with Delawareans—and this week, I had the chance to meet with neighbors who are fighting for justice, dignity, and opportunity at every turn.

• In Washington, I sat down with the Women in the Service Coalition—veterans, advocates, and changemakers fighting to protect opportunities for women in the military. Among them was Suzanne Tiedeman, a U.S. Navy veteran from Lewes. These leaders sounded the alarm about harmful rollbacks—from threats to reproductive care to the erasure of women’s military service from history. Their message was urgent and clear: protecting servicewomen is about readiness, justice, and respect.
• I got to meet with some local leaders in Delaware’s grain and poultry sectors. These are central to our economy, and their insights on feed manufacturing, infrastructure, and innovation were invaluable. We also discussed bipartisan efforts to improve food safety and streamline agricultural regulations, including the Innovative FEED Act—a win for producers and consumers alike.
• I met with local Delaware realtors from across our state; we talked about how the housing crisis is hitting families, workers, and retirees. They are working to expand affordable housing, modernize permitting, and uplift first-time homebuyers is critical to keeping our communities strong, diverse, and vibrant.
• And also: This week, ten Delaware small businesses received a combined $750,000 in EDGE grants — from cultivated meat in Wilmington to agri-tourism in Townsend and AI-powered real estate in Georgetown. These entrepreneurs aren’t just building companies; they’re fueling innovation, job growth, and community impact from Wilmington to Georgetown. These aren’t just business plans — they’re bold ideas rooted in care, creativity, and community. And thanks to this support, they’ll grow into the next generation of employers, problem-solvers, and place-makers right here in the First State. Delaware’s future is being built by its residents — and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they have the resources to thrive. 

Rep. McBride and Women in the Service Coalition.

Rep. McBride with leaders in Delaware's grain and poultry sectors.

Rep. McBride addresses local Delaware realtors.

Between meetings with veterans and biotech leaders, housing advocates and farmers, there’s so much to be proud of. From global headlines to neighborhood wins, this week reminded me that Delawareans aren’t sitting on the sidelines—we’re shaping the future. 

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

• Our Constituent Advocate team is hosting Mobile Office Hours in Lewes on June 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Lewes Public Library. They can help you navigate issues involving a federal agency — from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to veterans assistance. RSVP for Mobile Office Hours here.
• Congressional App Challenge: Calling all young coders! The Congressional App Challenge is now open to all middle and high school students in Delaware. This nationwide competition is a chance to flex your creativity, build real-world STEM skills, and develop your very own app. The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured at the national #HouseOfCode celebration. Learn more and get started here.
• Scholarship Opportunity: Students facing financial hurdles in their final year of school may be eligible for up to $2,500 through the Sallie Mae Fund’s Completing the Dream Scholarship, offered in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. These awards are designed to help cover unexpected costs that could prevent students from graduating. Applications are open now and will be accepted until December 1, 2025 — or until funds run out. Learn more: SallieMae.com.
• 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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