Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo. This week brought solemn reminders of both our nation’s resilience and its fragility: the anniversary of 9/11, the tragedy of political violence, and the everyday courage of Delawareans whose stories drive the work ahead.

1. One Big Thing: Yesterday, we commemorated the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Three thousand innocent people and the heroic first responders who rushed to their aid lost their lives in New York City that morning, and each September 11th is a poignant and powerful reminder of the value of service and the importance of unity.

More than ever, we are called to summon the courage and common purpose demonstrated that day by some of the bravest citizens of our time and by the nation as a whole in the hours, days, and weeks that followed that horrific act of terror. Yesterday, and always, we remember their lives and the survivors whose lives were forever changed—because our collective memory is not just how we honor, but how we combat terrorism against our country. 

2. Driving The News: On Wednesday, we saw the horrific manifestation of political vitriol and division, once again, taking the life of a political figure in this country. Charlie Kirk was a 31-year-old father and husband. He was a human being worthy of life. 

This cannot be who we are. 

Our nation was founded on liberty and the free exchange of ideas, speech, and opinions. To agree and disagree, openly, is a hallmark and pillar of our American experiment—and resorting to violence is unacceptable and tragic. I am praying for Charlie’s wife, Erika, and their two young children, and for a nation that desperately needs to recalibrate its rhetoric towards compassion and away from hatred. 

Bottomline: Violent attacks against political or ideological opponents are cowardly and un-American, and must be universally condemned.

3. On the Floor: This week, I had the privilege of lifting up Delaware stories and heroes on the House floor. You can watch my full speech here, and here are the highlights: 

I congratulated Robbie Stephens on becoming the new Fire Chief of the Lewes Fire Department—bringing nearly two decades of service and a deep commitment to protecting his neighbors. 

I, also, honored Lieutenant David Moyer and Trooper Brian Nieto, two extraordinary officers awarded the Medal of Valor after their bravery quite literally saved lives in a dangerous standoff. 

I shared the courageous heart of Evan and Angela Trivits of Hockessin, who are facing Angela’s ALS diagnosis with grace and resolve, reminding us of the urgency for research and real solutions. 

Finally, I recognized 75 years of Sayers Jewelers in Smyrna, a family-owned small business that has been the backbone of its community and a shining example of Delaware’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Each of these stories carries the same truth: service, resilience, and community are what make Delaware strong—and they are what guide my work every day.

4. Legislative Priority: This week, I introduced two amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act—an annual piece of legislation which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the Pentagon. 

One amendment aimed to revoke the Executive Order by President Trump that banned qualified patriots from the military simply because of their gender identity, thus limiting our military effectiveness by excluding people based on one identity they hold. The second amendment I filed would have restored retirement benefits for servicemembers who recently saw them revoked due to culture war efforts by political appointees at the Department of Defense. 

These amendments were clear, moral, and fair—but my Republican colleagues refused to make any of them in order for an up or down vote. As I said when presenting these amendments, while my colleagues may be too immature to work alongside colleagues who live or look differently than they do—our servicemembers were effectively executing their duties, day after day, mission after mission. You can see my full remarks here. 

5. Our State of Neighbors: In Delaware and in Washington, I get to meet with neighbors whose work and advocacy remind me why public service matters. Here are a few highlights from this week:

• In Milton, I joined neighbors and tribal leaders at the 47th Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow. With more than 10,000 guests and dozens of East Coast tribes represented, this gathering was a celebration of Native heritage, resilience, and community. The Nanticoke Indian Association raised critical funds to sustain cultural programs—and their efforts are a reminder that preserving history takes both heart and investment.
• I met with Sheena Meade of the Clean Slate Initiative and Larry Barnhill of Wilmington Alliance to talk about how we can better implement record-clearing laws. In Delaware, hundreds of thousands are eligible, yet only a fraction have seen their records cleared. That gap underscores why federal action—like the Clean Slate Act and Fresh Start Act I’m cosponsoring—is so important to deliver real second chances.
• Delaware dermatologists Dr. Sara Moghaddam, Dr. Kathryn O’Reilly, and Dr. Curtis Asbury with the American Academy of Dermatology Association shared their concerns about Medicare physician payment reforms. With reimbursement declining and cost of care rising, they are fighting to protect access to specialized care for patients in Sussex and Kent Counties. Their message was clear: our health care system must work for both patients and providers.
• Direct support professionals and leaders from Mosaic, part of the American Network of Community Options and Resources, spoke about the crisis facing community-based care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With waitlists growing and staff shortages worsening, they urged strong support for Medicaid and federal support of direct support professionals.
• Delaware advocates from the Michael J. Fox Foundation stopped by my office this week to share how continued funding for Parkinson’s research and treatment isn’t just important–it’s life-saving. I’m grateful for their tireless advocacy to end Parkinson’s disease and to ensure folks across the First State can access the care they need.
• I connected with Michele Mirabella, Executive Director of the Opportunity Center in Newark, about her team’s work to create opportunities for Delawareans with disabilities. Her leadership and vision continue to show why inclusive employment is not just possible—it’s essential.
• I sat down with local auto leaders of the Delaware Automobile and Truck Dealers’ Association to hear their concerns on federal legislation—ranging from emissions rules to catalytic converter theft. I’m so grateful to Delaware’s auto dealers for serving thousands of our neighbors and keeping our communities moving. Listening to their perspective centers my work helping ensure that small businesses are represented in Congress. 
• I met with Delaware members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to discuss their priorities and the challenges facing veterans across our state. From health care to housing, their advocacy is rooted in service—and I’ll keep fighting in Congress to ensure we honor their sacrifices with action.
• It was an honor to celebrate Delawarean Mike McHugh as a 2025 Angels in Adoption honoree. For more than 20 years, he’s guided families and children through foster care and adoption—and his personal story helped pave the way for LGBTQ+ parents to adopt in Delaware. His work is a testament to what compassion and persistence can achieve.
• Finally, I met with Delaware hospice and home care leaders with the National Alliance for Care at Home to discuss proposals affecting patients and families. From safeguarding hospice benefits to protecting home health funding and Medicaid services, their advocacy makes one thing clear: care delivered at home is not just cost-effective, it’s deeply personal.

Rep. McBride at the 47th Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow.

Rep. McBride with Mike McHugh, a 2025 Angels in Adoption honoree.

Rep. McBride and the Delaware Automobile and Truck Dealers’ Association.

Rep. McBride and VFW Delaware.

From Delaware to the capital, Delawareans are showing what service and resilience look like. I know I should keep this shorter—but I think we all needed some uplifting stories this week. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next week.

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

• Time is running out to register for Delaware EARNS! Don’t wait—missing the October 2025 deadline could result in penalties for your business. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s legally required. Get started at EARNSDelaware.com. #EARNSdelaware
• 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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