Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—your weekly update on what I’m working on in our state of neighbors and in Washington, DC. It’s been a week of stark reminders about the stakes for our democracy abroad and here at home—and of the incredible neighbors who keep Delaware moving forward.

1. One Big Thing: This week, in Trump’s latest attempt to divert attention from his refusal to release the Epstein Files and bad jobs numbers, he seized control of Washington, D.C.'s police force to serve his own agenda. The president deployed 800 National Guard troops into the streets of D.C. and ordered his administration to take control of the city’s police department. And while all elected officials want to reduce crime—and D.C.’s local government was making important progress toward that goal—deploying troops, diverting federal law enforcement, and nationalizing local law enforcement in this manner is not the answer. It politicizes law enforcement and undermines trust. 

Bottomline: this is not about public safety. It is about the display of power. When leaders use the military to settle domestic political scores, it is not strength, it’s authoritarianism. And, if history tells us anything, power grabs do not stop at city limits. I’ll keep speaking out against this overreach, and fighting for a government that serves the people—not the personal interests of a single man.

2. Driving The News: To the same point, after campaigning on a promise to end the war in Ukraine on day 1 of  this presidency, Donald Trump is now (months into his term) preparing to meet with Vladimir Putin in Alaska for ceasefire talks. Even before heading over, however, Trump himself is expressing uncertainty about the ability to secure the ceasefire he has long boasted as his intention.

Ukraine is a sovereign nation, a strategic partner, and a democracy fighting for survival against an authoritarian land grab. Lasting peace can only come when Russia’s aggression is halted, Ukraine’s sovereignty is secured, and democratic principles are protected. 

I will be watching closely as these two leaders meet to see whether Trump can stand up to his buddy Putin—and whether he will put our values and allies ahead of his own personal politics. Delawareans and all Americans deserve nothing less than a foreign policy rooted in dignity, democracy, and steadfast support for our allies. 

3. ICYMI: This week marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security—a promise that after a lifetime of hard work, Americans can retire with dignity using the benefits they have earned. Here in Delaware, over 240,000 of our neighbors count on these benefits each month. That includes nearly half of Delaware households age 65 and up. That is why I have been and will continue to be clear: Congress must protect and strengthen Social Security, not privatize it, cut the staff who administer it, or hollow out its funding. 

This program has been a lifeline for generations—and I will do everything in my power to support ensuring it is there for generations to come.

4. Legislative Priority: This week, I joined my colleagues to fight the USDA’s decision to cancel $500 million in deliveries to food banks—a devastating blow to programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) that help millions of Americans to put food on the table. 

In Delaware, I have been raising the alarm and pushing back on these cuts for months. Cuts like these aren’t abstract. They mean empty shelves at food banks, fewer meals for children, and more families forced to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. In our letter to Secretary Rollins, we demanded the USDA reinstate the cancelled funds and lay out a plan to continue supporting TEFAP. Hunger is a policy choice—and while this administration is choosing cruelty, I will keep pushing for compassion. 

5. Our State of Neighbors: This week, from Harrington to Lewes, I was reminded about a few Delawareans who are leading with care, community, and vision.

• In Harrington this week, I joined neighbors and members of the Delaware Electric Cooperative for their annual meeting — a tradition that brings together the people who power our homes, farms, and businesses. This wasn’t just a recap of the year’s work; it was a conversation about the future of energy in Delaware. We heard updates on efforts to lower electric rates across the state, invest in grid reliability, and expand renewable options, all while keeping the Cooperative’s “member-first” mission at the center. Folks spoke candidly about what’s working, where the challenges are, and how elected leaders can support their work in reaching every corner of the state. In a time when families are watching every dollar, affordable and reliable energy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And it’s clear that DEC is committed to keeping that promise to its members.
• In Newark, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Interim University of Delaware President Laura Carlson to talk about her priorities in this new chapter of leadership. Dr. Carlson shared her vision for strengthening UD’s commitment to access and affordability—ensuring that students from every background can pursue higher education without being saddled with crushing debt. We also talked about UD’s role as an economic driver in our state, from cutting-edge research at STAR Campus to community engagement in all three counties. Her track record as provost, focusing on integrating academic excellence with real-world opportunities, gives me every confidence that UD will continue to grow as a place where innovation meets inclusion. I left our conversation energized about the possibilities ahead and eager to see the impact she’ll make in the months to come.
• I was honored to join AARP Delaware and dozens of community members at the Newark Senior Center to celebrate Social Security’s 90th anniversary. Since 1935, this program has promised Americans they will be able to retire with dignity. We talked about what this program has meant for families over generations, and the urgent need to protect it from cuts or privatization schemes that would pull the rug out from under those who’ve paid in for decades. Seniors deserve to know they can count on the benefits they’ve earned, and this conversation reminded me of just a few of the partners I have in continuing to protect this critical earned benefit.
• Earlier this month, the Lewes Fire Department welcomed its newly elected chief, Robert Stephens—a leader whose service to our state speaks for itself. For nearly two decades, Chief Stephens has served the Lewes community in roles ranging from lieutenant to deputy chief, always leading with skill, calm under pressure, and a deep commitment to protecting his neighbors. His work with the Wilmington Fire Department has further demonstrated the breadth of his experience and the steady leadership he brings to every challenge. To Chief Stephens—I offer my warmest congratulations on this well-earned honor and express my confidence in his ability to guide the department into its next chapter. Moments like these are a reminder that the strength of our communities depends on the dedication of those who show up, time and again, to keep us safe. Lewes is lucky to have him at the helm. 

Rep. McBride chats with DEC meeting attendees.

Rep. McBride with Lucretia Young, State Director of AARP Delaware, and Carla Grygiel, Executive Director of the Newark Senior Center.

I feel like we still kept it short this week! I have always said, however, when you love Delaware this much, it is difficult to keep it brief. Enjoy your weekend ahead!

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

• REMINDER: Mobile Office Hours are on Monday, August 25th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center in New Castle. My constituent advocate team will be on hand to help with a wide range of issues—from federal tax refunds to passport renewals. Walk-ins are welcome, but feel free to RSVP here and find out more! 
• 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

Contact me

Click here to subscribe to my eNewsletter