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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to the McBride Memo—where I share five quick things from my week. With Congress out of session, this week offered a small reprieve from the usual chaos in Washington. I hope you’ve found a bit of peace too—and that those celebrating had a joyful Juneteenth. Here are 5 things:
1. One Big Thing: It’s hard to put into words the heartbreak of this moment. In just the last week, we’ve witnessed an alarming rise in political violence—from the heartbreaking assassination of two public servants in Minnesota, to the undue use of force by ICE agents against U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and the New York City Comptroller. No matter our differences, violence is never the answer. In a democracy, we debate. We organize. We vote. But what we cannot, and must not, accept is a world where fear silences public service or where disagreement turns deadly.
I am frustrated. I am grieving. And I am more resolved than ever to defend the peace, safety, and dignity that every person deserves. We can choose a different path. But only if we name what is happening and commit to doing better. Together.
2. Driving the News: As we confront these dynamics at home, the world continues to face endless unrest. President Trump ran on a platform of peace and nonviolence, yet, this week, Kyiv endured the heaviest wave of missile attacks since the war began—a horrifying reminder that authoritarian cruelty knows no bounds. And, elsewhere, conflicts are escalating across the globe. It's devastating—and overwhelming.
I’m committed to foreign policy rooted in dignity, diplomacy, and democracy. That means showing up for our allies, defending human rights, and investing in peace—not just in principle, but in practice. Global stability doesn’t just impact faraway capitals. It touches our military families, our supply chains, our values. And most of all, it tests our moral compass.
3. ICYMI: Last week I gave two floor speeches highlighting some impressive Delawarean success. Gabriella Bourantas and Emily Geldreich earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal—logging over 400 hours of service, physical challenges, and personal growth. From Greek dance to teaching ASL, these young women are already leading with purpose. Check out my speech recognizing their achievements here.
In Milford, I recognized a town that is redefining small-town revitalization. Even through a downpour, community members showed up to share their vision—from storefronts to a vibrant arts scene. Milford’s motto, “River Town. Art Town. Home Town.” is more than a slogan. It is a blueprint for towns around the country. Delaware does not wait for change—we make it. You can watch my floor speech recognizing Milford’s incredible work.
4. Legislative Priority: As Pride Month comes to a close, I wanted to share about my joining the Congressional Equality Caucus in reintroducing the Equality Act. At its core, this bill is simple: it says everyone deserves a fair shot and a life without fear of discrimination.
In 2019, I helped pass the Equality Act as an advocate—with support from both Democrats and Republicans. In 2025, especially at this moment, I am proud to help lead its reintroduction—because no one should be denied safety, dignity, or opportunity because of who they are.
The Equality Act is not about politics; it’s about ensuring freedom and fairness for every American. Delaware has led on this issue for years—and now, we are working to make that progress national.
5. Our State of Neighbors: This week, I had the honor of joining the Interdenominational Ministers Action Council (IMAC) and the Town of Smyrna for powerful celebrations of freedom, resilience, and community. We gathered to reflect on the legacy of emancipation and the ongoing fight for justice—not as a relic of the past, but a living, breathing movement for equity in the present.
From music and history to family and fellowship, it was a joyful reminder that Black history is American history—and that the work of liberation is far from done. I am grateful to the organizers, performers, and neighbors who made the day so meaningful. Together, we honor the past and shape a more just future.
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| Rep. McBride at the IMAC Juneteenth service and celebration. |
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| Rep. McBride at the Smyrna Juneteenth event. |
And look at that—we actually kept it shorter this week! Miracles do happen. Wishing you peace, purpose, and a little extra caffeine for the days ahead.
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
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| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
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- 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.
- Are you working in a STEM field in Delaware—or thinking about it? The new STAR Fund just launched to help folks like you pay down student loans while building a career here at home. Thanks to a partnership between the Delaware Division of Small Business and BioConnect DE, eligible workers in science, tech, engineering, math, and related fields can apply for up to $6,000 in tuition reimbursement over four years. Learn more and apply 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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