Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch from D.C. to Delaware. I feel like I say this every week but this week’s McBride Memo is packed, because when Delaware delivers, there is a lot to share.

1. One Big Thing: Since January, my team and I have helped return more than $2.4 million to Delawareans. From long overdue tax refunds and veterans’ benefits to delayed Social Security checks and passports, these are real wins for our neighbors. Two million is not just a number, it is a family saving their home, a senior affording their medicine, a veteran finally receiving the care they have needed, and a small business thriving. 

One constituent told us, “You have been a lifeline to us, and we will never forget all your help.”

This is what the work is about: showing up, giving voice to our neighbors, and getting results. And we are just getting started. You can read more here.

2. Driving the News: This week, the House voted on Trump’s “recission” package that would claw back billions in previously approved funding. What are they cutting? Eliminating civilian funding intended for Ukrainians. Refugee aid. Public broadcasting. Republicans call it government efficiency, I call it what it is: backdoor budget cuts that pave the way for gutting vital domestic and global programs.

Cuts like these are not the end, they are the beginning. What starts with slashing funding for HIV relief and USAID ends with gutting Medicaid and food assistance. That means Delawareans losing coverage, hospitals on the brink, and families being one illness away from devastation.

I will not sit quietly while they try to balance the budget on the backs of working families. I will keep sounding the alarm on their cruelty.

3. Committee Business: On Wednesday, I took to the House floor to honor Separation Day. It was 249 years ago this week that ordinary Delawareans took a bold step to govern themselves. No kings. Just neighbors daring to shape their own future. 

It is relevant today. At a moment where some want to crown a new monarch in a gilded Oval Office, Delaware’s story reminds us: in a democracy, no one is above the law. You can watch my remarks here. Happy Separation Day, Delaware.

4. Legislative Priority: Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in America. That is not freedom, that’s failure. That is why, this week, I was proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), in introducing the Bipartisan Background Checks Act—a bill that would finally require universal background checks for all gun sales.

Delaware has proven that common sense gun safety saves lives. But until Congress closes the loopholes, our progress, and safety, is at risk. We owe it to every parent, every student, and every survivor to act. No more excuses. No more delay. Learn more here. 

5. Our State of Neighbors: I say this every week, but there is literally nothing that fills my cup like being with Delawareans. Here’s what was on the docket this week:

• Delaware State University’s Early Childhood Innovation Center: I started the week by joining Dr. Tony Allen and Delaware State University to celebrate the launch of the Early Childhood Innovation Center and Lab School. These programs will transform how we train early educators and expand care for Delaware’s youngest learners. Learn more about how federal funding is helping this work. 
• Life Lines South Ribbon Cutting in Greenwood: This new supportive housing for young adults aging out of foster care is proof of what’s possible with federal investment and local compassion. Ten more beds now await young people in need—thanks to a community that stepped up and federal investment. More here.

Once I was back in D.C., it was a whirlwind of meetings with Delawareans to talk about their biggest legislative priorities, here’s a glimpse of who visited in D.C. this week:

• National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE): Retired federal workers shared their concerns about threats to earned benefits and postal service privatization. These public servants kept their promises—and now it’s on us to keep ours.
• Delaware Home Builders: We discussed how inflation, workforce shortages, and permitting delays are affecting affordable housing and construction. I’m committed to ensuring that federal housing policy supports the builders shaping our communities.
• Delaware Music Educators Association: We talked about the essential role of music education and why arts funding must remain strong at both the federal and local level. Delaware students deserve access to creative learning, no matter their ZIP code.
• The Faith Deanna Johnson Foundation: Dwain and Karen Johnson shared how they turned personal tragedy into advocacy, helping pass the Faith Deanna Johnson Act to expand ovarian cancer screenings. We’re continuing their daughter’s legacy together through awareness and action.
• Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: Advocates from Delaware discussed the urgent need for accessible breast cancer diagnostics and thoughtful patent legislation to protect access to care.
• Service Academy Reception: One of my favorite moments of the week—congratulating the young Delawareans appointed to our nation's service academies. These future military leaders embody courage, commitment, and character. Delaware is proud of them.
• U.S. Global Leadership Coalition: Delaware advocates and community leaders made the case for diplomacy and development as essential tools of national security. Their message was clear: investing in global partnerships is both the moral and strategic choice.
• Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA): Nonprofit leaders spoke about the importance of preserving the Johnson Amendment and restoring the universal charitable deduction to support community work at every level.
• Alzheimer’s Association & AIM: We discussed the urgent need for caregiver support, dementia care provider training, and full funding for Alzheimer's research. These advocates shared heartbreaking but hopeful stories that strengthen our resolve.
• Delaware Health Care Facilities Association: Long-term care providers expressed concerns about Medicaid funding and workforce shortages. I’m committed to ensuring our seniors and staff in care facilities receive the support they need.
• Delaware Produce Farmers: From food safety to immigration reform, Delaware’s produce leaders—including this year’s Mar-Del Watermelon Queen—shared how smart farm policy keeps our tables full and our economy growing.
• Siemens Healthineers: One of Delaware’s largest employers discussed how tariffs and supply chain disruptions are affecting access to diagnostics. We need smart policies that keep cutting-edge health care both local and affordable.
• UD in D.C.: I was proud to welcome the Blue Hen community to Washington this week for the annual UD in D.C. Day! From innovative technologies to delicious UDairy ice cream, we celebrated everything that makes UD thrive. 

Rep. McBride at DSU's Early Childhood Innovation Center's ribbon cutting.

Rep. McBride and the Alzheimer's Association & AIM.

Whew, what a week!

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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