|
Dear Friend,
This week, I returned to Washington with my colleagues to vote, once again, against the GOP’s dangerous budget bill.
Just minutes ago, Congressional Republicans passed their sweeping budget that will have devastating consequences for families across Delaware. I’ve written before about what’s in this bill, but I want to be frank with you about what it really means for our neighbors. So this week’s newsletter is dedicated to just that.
1. The largest cut to Medicaid in American history: Medicaid is not some side program, it’s a pillar of American health care. In Delaware, nearly 1 in 4 people rely on Medicaid. That includes covering nearly 40% of Delaware kids, paying for 42% of births, and supporting 3 in 5 nursing home residents.
Without Medicaid, thousands of Delawareans—an estimated 54,957—will lose health care. This isn’t theoretical. It’s life-or-death.
This will rip coverage from our neighbors, and it will result in rising costs for everyone — even those with private insurance.
2. Largest cut to food assistance in American history: Another number? Over 600,000 meals. That is what will vanish from the tables of Delawareans. The Food Bank of Delaware—already stretched thin by the actions of this administration—expects to lose nearly a quarter of its USDA food shipments this year, which is a direct result and glimpse into the Big Ugly Bill’s rewrite of our national priorities.
In a moment when 1 in 8 Delawareans face food insecurity, the government is not just neglecting hunger—it is weaponizing it for political gain. Ripping away meals that get kids through the day and help families make ends meet, and for what? Billionaire tax breaks. That isn’t belt-tightening, it is back-turning.
An estimated 37,000 Delawareans are at risk of losing some or all of their SNAP benefits.
3. Largest assault on rural hospital support in American history: Meanwhile, across Delaware, rural hospitals are fighting to survive. This budget would deal a devastating blow. By gutting Medicaid—on which 40% of rural hospitals depend—Republicans are not just playing with numbers, they are playing with lives.
In Delaware, the Big Ugly Bill could result in longer travel times for emergency care, fewer doctors available for routine care, and overrun ERs in the communities that need them most. I won’t mince words: this is the largest assault on rural health care in our nation’s history. All to ensure the wealthy stay wealthy, and the poor stay poor.
We have three major hospitals that serve rural communities in Delaware, and research shows that at least one will face dire consequences as a result of this bill and will be at risk of closing.
4. Largest transfer of wealth to the rich in American history: So, where is the money that once funded Medicaid, supported rural hospitals, and protected food assistance going? To offset the $4 trillion in decreased tax revenue from the wealthiest Americans. You read that right: families in the top 0.1% of earners will get to retain upwards of $250k per year in tax breaks, while people making less than $50,000 will pay more.
This extension of tax cuts will drastically cut the government’s revenue just to benefit the billionaire benefactors of the Republican party. For a party who claims to be pro-family, this is a painfully clear message to American families: the deepest pockets are our top priority.
5. Over $3 trillion added to our national deficit: All of this amounts not to a balancing of America’s checkbook or an evening of our national debt. It’s passing the bill to the next generation of Americans by adding even more to our deficit. By redistributing wealth from the bottom to the top, Republicans are allowing the deficit to swell while the welfare of our neighbors shrinks.
The road ahead is not going to be easy, and this legislation will have consequences. However: I can promise you, as I always have, that I am committed to working with any serious members of this Congress to deliver for my neighbors. This may be a setback, but I am not going to stop working to minimize the vicious and heartless affronts to Delawarean families, workers, veterans, or any person. We will get through this—together.
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
 |
| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
|
| |
 |
- 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
|