Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo! My weekly dispatch from Washington, D.C. and Delaware. This week was a particularly intense one, marked by important legislation and unfortunate reminders of the delicate state of democracy. Here are five quick(ish) things: 

1. One big thing: This week has been marked by the looming government funding deadline and the threat it poses for a government shutdown. Congressional Republicans are pushing a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government that does nothing to address rising costs, health care, or job insecurity.

Earlier today, I voted against this harmful CR because it is inhumane and does not center the needs and priorities of the real people it is impacting. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans are choosing a budget that protects the wealthiest, making life harder and more expensive for the rest of the country. By not choosing to build consensus and work across politics, MAGA Republicans are making the unilateral decision that the chaos of a government shutdown is more valuable than a meaningful budget that addresses rising costs and the protection of health care for the most vulnerable Americans. 

I remain willing to deliver on my first principle and promise to you: that I will work with anyone who is serious about making life better for my neighbors and delivering real solutions for Americans. 

2. Driving the news: This week, Donald Trump’s appointed Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, threatened ABC with investigation and retaliation if they did not fire or reprimand late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel for comments he made about the muddy political motivations for the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Shortly after, ABC suspended Kimmel’s show “indefinitely,” citing the comments Carr made as the reason. 

Mr. Kimmel is a comedian, and of course, comedians are known to push the boundaries of speech. What is disturbing, however, is the way that this administration is wielding its federal authority and power to suppress the freedom of the press and freedom of speech—pillars of our democracy. By siccing his FCC on private companies for language he does not agree with or like, Trump is waging an explicit and coordinated attack on the future of the First Amendment in the United States. No matter the politics, these attacks on free speech are incredibly dangerous and will have repercussions which far outlast this president. That’s why I was proud to join my colleagues as an original cosponsor of a piece of legislation that condemns these politically motivated suppressions of speech. 

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a horrible tragedy, which is why I voted on a resolution condemning his assassination. Nevertheless, we must vigorously defend our freedom of speech, because only when we are free to speak will our dialogue be able to bridge difference and disagreement. I will keep working to defend the right to free speech, a right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and the integrity of the rule of law.

3. Committee business: This week, I introduced and passed a bipartisan amendment in the House Foreign Affairs Committee to hold the State Department accountable for its devastating cuts to the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) office. Earlier this year, 70 percent of that office was laid off—yet there hasn’t been a 70 percent drop in human trafficking. Predictably, the annual TIP Report, which shines a light on traffickers and protects survivors around the world, is now nearly three months late. This report is also congressionally mandated.

My amendment directs the State Department to report to Congress on how these reckless layoffs and reorganizations have undermined the TIP office’s mission, delayed critical reporting, and weakened our anti-trafficking efforts. Within 180 days, they’ll have to provide a detailed analysis and outline steps to restore capacity, accuracy, and timeliness.

Hollowing out the very office charged with combating trafficking isn’t “efficiency”—it’s kneecapping our ability to fight horrific crimes. Oversight like this is Congress’s responsibility, and I’m grateful that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle stood with me. Because no matter our politics, standing against human trafficking should always be a bipartisan issue. Check out my remarks here. 

4. Legislative priority: This week, I had the honor of standing alongside my colleagues Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in reintroducing the FAMILY Act—legislation that guarantees up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave for anyone who is recovering from a serious illness or supporting a loved one in their recovery. 

In the wealthiest country in the world, families and workers should not have to choose between getting well and making ends meet, between their families and their jobs. The FAMILY Act is pro-family, pro-worker, and pro-growth. Across the country, supermajorities of Americans support paid family and medical leave—Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike. Whether starling a family, supporting a gaining parent, or caring for a sick spouse—the need is universal. 

In Delaware, I led the effort to pass bipartisan paid family and medical leave to the same end. The FAMILY Act is about nationalizing that effort and making the American Dream a reality for all and guaranteeing dignity and peace of mind for workers and their families. That is not too much to expect, it is the least government can do for our people. You can watch my remarks on reintroduction here.

5. Our state of neighbors: As you all know, nothing fills my cup like connecting with Delawareans and advocates who are working every day to improve health, safety, and opportunity. This week brought conversations across the spectrum of care, service, and community—and I’m grateful to share a few highlights.

I met with leaders from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Housing Alliance Delaware, who are sounding the alarm on how federal cuts are jeopardizing life-saving housing programs. Their message was clear: homelessness isn’t a crime, it’s a policy choice—and when we invest in Housing First solutions, we invest in dignity and stability.

At a meeting with the Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers, I heard how looming Medicaid cuts and expiring ACA tax credits could jeopardize care for millions—most living near or below the poverty line. Health centers like Westside Family Healthcare are lifelines in our communities, and we need to protect them from reckless cuts and cruel budgeting. 

I had the privilege of presenting a Congressional Recognition to Leslie Johnson, Executive Director of Foulk Living in Wilmington and the newest Future Leader of Long-Term Care! Leslie’s work exemplifies Delaware’s best: compassion, excellence, and a commitment to serving our aging population with empathy and love. It was a delight to offer her my sincere appreciation for the work she does.

The Delaware Association for Home and Community Care and BAYADA providers spoke candidly about how federal reimbursement cuts threaten home health services. From therapists to caregivers, they painted a stark picture: without adequate reimbursement, too many Delaware seniors and families will lose access to the care they need in the place they want it most– at home.  That’s why I’ll continue fighting for the care they deserve, because government works best when our neighbors are supported. 

From the Auto Care Association, I heard how independent repair shops are fighting manufacturing companies to stay competitive. Delaware workers like Ryan Champney are calling for Congress to act so that the playing field is level for small repair shops. I’m grateful to Ryan and Delaware’s auto care industry for keeping our roads safe and our small businesses thriving.

I also spoke with Delaware AmeriCorps leaders and alumni, including Alex Tran and Valarie Wright, who reminded me that service isn’t just a program—it’s a calling. From tutoring to disaster response, Delaware’s AmeriCorps members are delivering $17 in community impact for every $1 of federal investment. That is the type of return that selfless service has now and will continue to yield. 

With the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association, I met Delaware engineers and business leaders like Ken Adams and Emily Rossini. Their work makes possible the roads, schools, and infrastructure we rely on every day—and they stressed the importance of a robust and steady stream of investment in building our future.

Delawareans from the Rally for Medical Research came by to share why medical research funding matters so deeply—not just for scientists, but for families waiting on cures and treatments. Investing in research is investing in hope, and I echoed my longstanding commitment to continue fighting for the research and funding that serve as the backbone of our health care system.  

From homelessness to health care, infrastructure to innovation, Delaware voices are shaping the debates that matter most. And week after week, I am reminded: policy is personal, because people are at the heart of it.

That is all for this week. This week, and always, I am as proud as ever to be a Delawarean and your representative—no matter the week’s demands, hopes, or hurdles. So proud, it looks like I let the length of the McBride Memo get away from me once again! Oops!

I hope you find time to refresh and rejuvenate this weekend. 

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
• 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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