|
Dear Friend,
Welcome back to the McBride Memo! Congress returned to Washington this week, and if the first few days are any sign, the months ahead will be filled with big fights and even bigger stakes. I pulled together a quick video breaking down the top three things you need to know—because with everything flying around, it’s worth boiling it down to brass tacks.
Here's what you need to know:
- Government shutdown looms. Congress is back in session facing a September 30 deadline to pass a bill to fund the government. If there is a shutdown, it’s because Congressional Republicans are refusing to negotiate in a bipartisan manner.
- The Epstein Files. I signed onto a bipartisan discharge petition to force a vote on their release. Survivors were in DC this week sharing their stories—there’s a movement across our country demanding justice for them. We need 218 signatures—stay tuned.
- Dangerous executive overreach. Trump is ramping up the National Guard in D.C. and threatening to send them into more cities across the country. This isn’t strength—it’s authoritarian overreach.
Legislative Priority: This week, my colleagues and I successfully defeated two amendments that would have gutted the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and undermined its ban on fracking.
I applaud the work of my Republican colleagues in voting down these efforts because the Delaware River Basin is not a partisan issue—it is a lifeline for our communities, our economy, and our health. The DRBC’s fracking ban protects drinking water for more than 13 million people. We have worked too hard to protect the Delaware River to let it become a casualty of politics.
This is a win for Delaware, for clean water, and for every family that counts on this river. And I will keep working to ensure it remains a source of life—for this generation and the next.
Our State of Neighbors:
- I kicked off the school year at EastSide Charter School in Wilmington, where the annual Suit Up, Show Up tradition welcomed students with community leaders modeling success and encouragement. This year’s celebration was extra sweet, with major gains in student achievement and the new Chemours STEM Hub inspiring young learners across the city.
- A friend and advocate. I met with my friend and advocate Cora Castle of the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance to talk about innovation, AI, and sustainability. Her leadership is helping build equitable access to clean energy and technology here at home.
- Lupus awareness. In Georgetown, I sat down with Lynda Carney from the Lupus Foundation of America. We talked about the challenges families face in getting diagnosis, care, and research support for this chronic autoimmune disease—and the urgency of continued federal investment.
- Investing in agriculture. While in Sussex County, I toured the University of Delaware’s Carvel Research and Education Center, home to groundbreaking work in poultry health, irrigation, crop science, and more. From fighting avian flu to improving irrigation, this research is keeping Delaware’s farms—and families—strong.
- And a personal joy. I got to spend time in D.C. with my constituent and long-time friend since sixth-grade, and tireless advocate for paid family and medical leave, Liz Richards. What a treat to show her around the Capitol and share a bit of this work with someone who’s been part of my life for so long. Delawareans, no matter where they are, make this journey worthwhile.
 |
| Rep. McBride greets students at EastSide Charter in Wilmington. |
 |
| Rep. McBride tours the Carvel Center and Lasher Laboratory in Georgetown. |
It’s good to be back in the fight—and even better knowing I carry your voices with me every day. I hope you enjoyed this special edition with some small formatting changes!
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
 |
| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
|
P.S. I almost forgot! This week, I had the chance to chat with Don Lemon about some of the issues facing our country, how I view the work ahead, and using the levers we as elected officials have access to to combat the chaos and cruelty of this administration. Check out our full interview here!
| |
 |
- 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
|