Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—your weekly update on the work at hand, a perfect pair to your Friday. It was a great week back home, so here are five quick things: 

1. One Big Thing: Sixty years ago this week, President Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. And in the decades since, these programs have been nothing short of life-changing. They've helped parents get treatment, covered our aging loved ones, and allowed millions of Delawareans to live with dignity—not just survive.

But this month, Congressional Republicans pushed through a budget that will slash Medicaid more than any time in history—and pave the way for future cuts to Medicare. It’s a betrayal—plain and simple, and I have spent the last several months constantly calling out that betrayal.

We are defined by how we care for our sick, aging, or most vulnerable neighbors—because we should live in a society that values every life. When we cut that care, we pull the rug out from under working families. I’ll keep fighting to protect and expand the care economy—because every person deserves health care they can count on, and every family deserves peace of mind.

2. Driving The News: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not just heartbreaking—it’s a moral emergency. The starvation of men, women, and children is unacceptable and indefensible. I've long called for a flood of humanitarian aid, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages taken during the horrific terrorist attack on October 7th.

I’m not going to mince words on this: the Netanyahu government is responsible for these famine conditions and holds responsibility for remedying them. There must be a massive influx of aid and the United Nations must be allowed to distribute it.

But the need for action extends beyond the famine. We need more than a humanitarian pause—we need an end to this military operation in Gaza and a plan to rebuild and return governance to the Palestinians. I continue to believe in a sustainable peace that results in the creation of a Palestinian state that exists peacefully alongside a safe Israel. I will keep pushing for a future where Israelis and Palestinians alike are able to live in dignity, safety, and peace.

3. ICYMI: A quick reminder for our neighbors in the Milton area: there’s a special election happening right now for State Representative in House District 20. The final day to vote is Tuesday, August 5th! This is a nudge to make a plan, get informed, and cast your ballot. Democracy only works if we show up. Find your polling place here!

4. Legislative Priority: This week, I joined the Lowering Costs Caucus, founded by my colleague Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.). Our mission is simple: make life more affordable for working families.

From grocery prices to health care premiums, Delawareans are being squeezed—and it’s no coincidence. This administration and Congressional Republicans have handed billions to the wealthy while everyday people face rising costs. We need policy that puts families first—not billionaires.

I’m proud to stand with a coalition focused on practical solutions, bipartisan ideas, and a shared belief that no one should have to choose between their paycheck and their prescription.

5. Our State of Neighbors: Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me why I do this work. These were conversations about resilience, love of place, and the everyday courage it takes to care—for a neighbor, a business, a town. And they left me with one simple truth: policy is only as strong as the people it serves. And the people of Delaware? They’re strong as ever.

• In Dover, I joined faculty and students at Delaware State University for a tour of their groundbreaking business and aviation programs. From virtual trading floors to immersive VR aviation training labs, DSU is equipping students with the tools to lead in a rapidly changing economy. Their innovation isn’t just theoretical—it’s practical, community-focused, and deeply inspiring.
• At the Air Mobility Command Museum, I got to see the living history of Dover Air Force Base, where Hangar 1301 now tells the story of innovation, service, and sacrifice. They’re working to expand and modernize the museum—and I’ll be advocating in Congress to support that effort, because preserving history helps us chart a better future.
• Over in Milton, I met with Dr. David Tam to talk about the impacts of the recently passed Big Ugly Bill on rural hospitals, including Beebe. He painted a clear picture: if we don’t act, we risk losing access to care in some of our most underserved communities. That’s not something I’ll allow to happen quietly.
• I also joined DNREC and the Army Corps of Engineers at Slaughter Beach, where we discussed a critical beach nourishment project to protect Delaware’s coastal communities from erosion and storm damage. From safeguarding our evacuation routes to protecting our $14 billion coastal economy, this is the kind of infrastructure work that makes a generational difference.
• At the annual Veterans Summit at the Maj. Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, I had the honor of joining Governor Meyer, Senator Coons, Senator Blunt Rochester, servicemembers, advocates, and providers from across the state to talk about how we can better serve those who’ve served us. From housing to mental health to employment protections, our work is far from finished—but I’m proud of what we’re building together.
• In Smyrna, I got to spend the day with small business owners, town leaders, and even a few surprise theater kids who broke into a rendition of Footloose at the historic Opera House. I explored the new public library—accessible, beautiful, and brimming with community energy—and celebrated the sixth anniversary of Focus Pharmacy, where Dr. Tee is redefining what it means to care for your neighbors.
• With my colleagues Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) & Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), we visited the Brandywine River Museum of Art, just over the border in Pennsylvania (hold the boos) which was nearly destroyed by flooding during Hurricane Ida. Since then, they’ve rebuilt, studied, and fortified—with help from federal grants and community resilience. This isn’t just about preserving art—it’s about preparing for the next storm, and making sure our cultural landmarks endure.
• At the Veolia PFAS Filtration Plant in Wilmington, I saw up close what it looks like when innovation meets urgency. I met with engineers, water treatment staff, and local advocates who are working every day to keep our communities safe. This is what federal investment should look like: cleaner water, smarter infrastructure, and public-private partnerships that put people first. Because safe water isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. And I’ll keep fighting to make sure every Delawarean can trust what’s coming out of their tap.

From Smyrna to the Brandywine, the message was the same: when we invest in our communities, we protect more than buildings—we protect stories, dreams, and futures.

Rep. McBride at Focus Pharmacy in Smyrna.

Rep. McBride tours the Veolia PFAS Filtration Plant in Wilmington.

Rep. McBride addresses DNREC, mayors, the Army Corps of Engineers, and neighbors at Slaughter Beach.

As always, I am still working on keeping these more brief! Maybe next week (spoiler: I doubt it…).

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

• Delaware’s Division of Small Business launched EDGE 2.0, a grant competition offering over $1.15 million in flexible funding to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. The recent revamp includes higher award totals, a simpler online process, and expanded eligibility for early-stage companies with fewer than 15 employees. Applications open August 8 and close September 4. Learn more on their website!
• 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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