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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to the McBride Memo, and happy Taylor and Travis engagement week to all who celebrate! This was my last week in Delaware before I head back to Washington, D.C. for the Fall session, so here are a few updates:
1. One Big Thing: This week, we watched with devastation and heartbreak as the Annunciation Catholic Church and School were senselessly attacked while students were praying in the pews during their first week back at school. Like so many of you, seeing these gut wrenching photos of grief-stricken parents frantically searching for their children is far too familiar in our country. An eight-year-old and a ten-year-old lost their lives at the hands of an American with a gun—that is an unacceptable sentence to write in 2025 in the United States.
It does not have to be this way. If we really are the greatest country in the world, the number one cause of death for children should not be gun violence. We should not be outnumbered by our guns. We should be safe in all public spaces–schools, grocery stores, places of worship, movie theatres, etc. Period.
My heart goes out to the families of this community and my resolve sharpens as we look at the road ahead. Finally, I echo the principal of Annunciation Catholic School, Matt DeBoer, who said:
“There's an African proverb that says, 'When you pray, move your feet.' So I beg you, I ask you to please pray, but don't stop with your words. Let's make a difference and support this community, these children, these families, these teachers. Never again can we let this happen."
2. Driving The News: In our nation’s capital, we are watching as national guardsmen and women are now being asked to take up sanitation and landscaping responsibilities. The President continues to attempt to build a government that works not for the people, but for him.
This week, we have seen two clear examples of Trump pushing out civil servants or appointees who he disagrees with or who push back on his worst tendencies. In one case, he is violating norms and potentially the law—in the other he is sending a message: we cannot trust science.
At the Federal Reserve, his attempted firing of Dr. Lisa Cook is unprecedented and will result in a legal battle that will truly test the limits of his executive powers, again. According to experts, the independence of the Fed is a key function of its success, and Trump’s attempts to take control of the central bank are a test of his authority. This move could result in higher prices for families and put retirement savings at risk, a clear demonstration of Trump’s willingness to be reckless with the American economy.
At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the back-and-forth charade that has resulted in the firing of Dr. Susan Monarez has been an unbelievable demonstration of the chaos that follows this administration. Dr. Monarez’s integrity in the face of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s attempts to discount science and fire civil servants is a lesson in hope and courage—and the mass exodus of her colleagues alongside her departure are a reminder that decency is not singular, it is based in community.
3. Legislative Priority: This week, I cosponsored a resolution by my colleagues which calls for the urgent delivery and disbursement of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. I, like so many, have watched in horror as we have seen images and reports of the massive humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
The starvation and death is immoral, unconscionable, and indefensible. This has reached appalling heights in recent weeks. Starving children are facing preventable and painful deaths. Civilians continue to die, including when seeking aid. More and more of Gaza is being destroyed.
In supporting this legislation, I renew my longstanding call for a rush of urgent humanitarian aid, a release of the hostages, and a sustainable peace that results in safe and secure Israeli and Palestinian states.
4. Our State of Neighbors: This week I had the privilege of celebrating two moments that highlight Delaware’s resilience and promise.
- Last week, I met with volunteers from SCORE Delaware, who provide free business mentoring to entrepreneurs across the state. Their work has helped launch hundreds of small businesses—but with Trump’s cuts to SBA funding, their future is at risk. Supporting mentors like them means supporting jobs and growth in every county across our state.
- Also, I sat down with the Epilepsy Foundation of Delaware and teen advocate Johannes Chow, who lives with epilepsy, to talk about what it means to live with this condition and how we can better support families across our state. Johannes and his mom shared their personal journey, reminding us that behind every policy debate are real people who deserve dignity, understanding, and care. We also discussed shared priorities like sustained federal research funding that can save lives and reduce stigma. I left the conversation more determined than ever to ensure Delawareans with epilepsy have the resources, recognition, and respect they deserve.
- On Sunday, I joined the community at Mother African Union Church for the start of the August Quarterly Festival—the nation’s longest-running celebration of religious freedom for Black Americans. Founded by Peter Spencer in 1814, this gathering has for over two centuries honored faith, freedom, and community. Standing alongside Rev. Dr. Ronald Whitaker, Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, Mayor John Carney, and so many Delawareans, I was reminded that democracy is not self-executing—it requires courage in every generation. I was humbled to receive the Courageous Leader Award, but the truth is this recognition belongs to our community: those who keep fighting for freedom, dignity, and democracy even when the odds are stacked against us.
- I also had the privilege to join neighbors and leaders for the ribbon cutting of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce’s new headquarters and Incubator Row. The DEBCC has already filled nearly all ten of its office spaces—proof of the hunger and determination among Delaware’s entrepreneurs. Their mission is simple but powerful: provide Black-owned small businesses with the resources and networks they’ve too often been denied. As founder Ayanna Khan said, it’s about building an inclusive and equitable business ecosystem. I couldn’t be prouder to champion that same goal in Congress through my Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act, legislation that opens the doors of opportunity to entrepreneurs who’ve been shut out for far too long.
5. Before You Go: This weekend, we honor Labor Day and celebrate a longer weekend with the purpose of honoring our working neighbors, leaders, entrepreneurs, and families. I have always aimed for my office and my staff to feel like a union hall, where their voices are heard and their careers are defined by mutual admiration. This weekend and this Labor Day, let’s continue to center and remember the driving force behind the success of our communities: working people. This year and every year, I promise to continue centering working families, their priorities, protecting labor unions, and fighting for a fairer and more balanced workforce up and down our state and beyond.
To all the laborers who move our society forward: thank you for all you do, and enjoy the long weekend.
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| Rep. McBride and Rev. Dr. Ronald Whitaker at the August Quarterly Festival. |
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| Rep. McBride at the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce grand opening. |
Thank you for reading along. This week was a heavy one, in many ways, and I hope you find time for yourself in whatever way feels most fulfilling.
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
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| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
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- 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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