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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch from Washington and Delaware. I know these memos sometimes run long (never known for my brevity!), but that’s because every week is filled with moments that matter: big fights in Congress, urgent debates over health care, and conversations with neighbors who remind me why this work is worth it. So let’s dive in.
1. One Big Thing: This week, the clock is ticking toward a government shutdown because congressional Republicans and President Trump refuse to do their jobs. A partisan budget resolution drafted behind closed doors by House Republicans failed last week in the Senate. Speaker Johnson canceled votes and House Republicans have taken their ball and gone home. That means they continue to move this country closer to a government shutdown because they refuse to work with Democrats to address the health care cost crisis that Donald Trump and congressional Republicans created. Instead of protecting health care, lowering costs, or supporting working families, they’re holding the country hostage to a cruel agenda.
Our asks are simple:
- Repeal the devastating Medicaid cuts in the Big Ugly Bill.
- Permanently extend the ACA premium tax credits that help working families afford coverage.
- Protect lifesaving medical research that extremists tried to wipe away with NIH funding cuts.
The stakes are not abstract. It’s about whether seniors in Delaware can afford their prescriptions, whether hospitals and nursing homes keep their doors open, and whether working families get to keep the care they count on. Congressional Republicans are so committed to cutting off care that they are willing to shut down the government over it. Delawareans deserve better, and I’ll continue to stand firm for them.
2. Driving the News: This week we saw the former FBI director, who worked under both Republican and Democratic Presidents, James Comey was indicted on federal charges after Donald Trump openly pressured the Department of Justice to do so. This is a gross abuse of power made possible by “yes” men and women appointed by this president to do his every bidding—even if that includes grievance-fueled prosecutions of political opponents.
This isn’t just another headline—it’s an escalation in Trump’s strategy of weaponizing federal power against anyone who disagrees with him. Comey has denied wrongdoing and vowed to fight the charges in court, but the deeper threat here is not about one man’s case, it’s about the independence of the Justice Department, the rule of law, and the foundational freedoms of our country.
When the President of the United States is strong-arming the justice system to accomplish his personal ends: remember that this is not normal—and my colleagues and I are going to keep sounding the alarm and using every tool at our disposal to act as a check on this executive overreach.
3. ICYMI: This week we got some huge and exciting news for Delaware’s flagship HBCU: Delaware State University was just ranked among the top five public HBCUs in the nation. This recognition is no surprise to anyone who’s seen DSU’s impact firsthand—from training future pilots and scientists to leading in innovation, community engagement, and access. As a proud partner in Congress, I’ll keep fighting to protect essential funding, strengthen research funding, and ensure every Hornet has the tools to soar. When Delaware students succeed, our whole state shines. #HornetsRising
4. Legislative Priority: I was proud to recently co-sponsor three bills that speak to our core values: fairness, safety, and sustainability.
First, the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act makes clear that no one should have to sign away their rights in the fine print of a contract. Whether it’s an employee facing discrimination, a consumer challenging fraud, or a family fighting for justice, everyone deserves their day in court—not a stacked process tilted against them.
Second, the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on sophisticated theft rings that hurt small businesses, raise costs for families, and endanger workers. Addressing crime means protecting our communities and standing with the honest businesses who anchor our neighborhoods.
And finally, the Liquid Cooling for AI Act is a marker of where we’re headed: pushing for environmentally conscious innovation that keeps America competitive. By exploring new ways to cool energy-hungry data centers, this bill will help us cut emissions, save water, and build the kind of clean tech economy Delaware is ready to lead.
Together, these efforts reflect a simple principle: fairness under the law, safety in our communities, and sustainability for our future.
5. Our State of Neighbors: Every week, I get to meet with Delawareans whose work keeps our state moving forward. Here are just a few of the conversations that filled my cup this week:
I connected with the American Academy of PAs, including Delaware PAs Nam Tran Nguyen and Bethany Melo. Their stories underscored the critical role physician assistants play in expanding access to care—especially in underserved areas—and why Congress must recognize
I had the pleasure of getting to meet two voices for history and legacy, members of the Young People’s Continent Congress, Barbara Stefani and her student, Zhara Waters. They represented Delaware at a national gathering commemorating the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress. Together with other attendees, they co-authored a new “Declaration of Aspirations,” proving that the next generation is already leading with clarity and courage. It was a joy to connect with these inspiring voices and share about our shared passion for our nation’s founding histories.
I also got to meet with Renata Kowalczyk of Wilmington Alliance. As the first Delawarean on the Federal Reserve’s Community Advisory Council, Renata is ensuring our state’s economic challenges are heard at the national level. We discussed the importance of protecting the work of the Federal Reserve—because strong, stable institutions are key to building opportunity here at home.
At an event for policymakers with the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, I got to hear from some truly impactful neighbors. In a wide-ranging conversation with local business leaders, we tackled issues from tariffs and trade to immigration and workforce development. Their voices sent a clear message: Delaware’s economy grows best when small businesses and workers are supported, not sidelined.
I had the pleasure of touring a group home with KenCrest during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. My conversations there were a reminder of the essential work direct support professionals (DSPs) do every day. We discussed the workforce crisis in disability services and the need to formally recognize DSPs in federal labor data so they finally get the respect and support they deserve. Their work is critical—the least we can do is represent their challenges in our data.
I had the chance to connect with the Delaware Africa Coalition where we spoke about the challenges African immigrants in Delaware face, from visa delays to the threat of deportation. Their message was timely, humane, and urgent: immigrant families deserve fairness, dignity, and a government that treats them with respect. I’ll keep pressing for oversight and reforms that uphold those values—because the greatest state in The Union is made brighter by our varied backgrounds and experiences.
I had the joy of meeting a large group from the American Occupational Therapy Association in DC and hearing a bit about what it means to be an occupational therapist. Delaware practitioners and students emphasized how occupational therapy helps people live independently — whether recovering from injury, managing disability, or supporting mental health. They underscored why Medicare and home health policies must recognize OT as essential care—a priority I echoed and continue to push for in my work every day.
At this year’s Delaware Health Care Workforce Summit, I had the chance to lift up the urgent need to strengthen our nursing and caregiving workforce. We talked about recent legislation I’m leading—like the National Nursing Workforce Center Act—which invests in recruitment, retention, and education for nurses nationwide. From combatting workplace violence in health care to expanding home care training, the message was clear: if we want a health system that works for everyone, we need to support the caregivers who hold it together.
I also joined a powerful conversation with Haitian community leaders in Sussex County at the Love Hope Mission, where many of our Haitian neighbors live and work. Parents, pastors, and small business owners spoke candidly about the fear and hardship their families face — from sudden changes in protected status to barriers accessing health care and food support. Their stories were a reminder that immigration policy has an on the ground impact in Delaware, and that dignity, safety, and belonging must guide our decisions. I left the meeting inspired by their resilience and resolved to keep pushing for fairer, more humane policies.
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| Rep. McBride meets with Haitian community leaders. |
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| Rep. McBride meets with Laurel local leaders. |
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| Rep. McBride speaks at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. |
Thank you for sticking with me through another jam-packed memo. From health care workers across our state, to small business leaders, to immigration advocates—Delawareans are demonstrating service, resilience, and dignity every single day. I’ll keep carrying those stories with me, up and down our state and on the House floor.
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
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| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
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- DEADLINE APPROACHING: 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.
- 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.
- 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: https://mcbride.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency
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