Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly update. This was week three of the government shutdown, where Congressional Republicans continued to remain absent from their offices and the importance of bipartisanship became even more clear. Here are a few quick things:

1. One Big Thing: This was the third week of the government shutdown. While our troops and federal law enforcement officers narrowly avoided missing a paycheck, their pay should never have been threatened in the first place. Tens of thousands of federal workers, like TSA agents and air traffic controllers, continue to work without pay or are furloughed. Unfortunately, as we quickly approach week four, Congressional Republicans have still not shown up to work on a bipartisan path to reopening the government—while my Democratic colleagues and I were, again, in Washington ready to work. Check out this video breaking down this moment and our path forward.

Click to watch my break down of this moment.

2. Driving The News: Across the country, we are witnessing a disturbing pattern of authoritarian overreach—from the deployment of masked ICE agents in American cities to the misuse of National Guard troops as political pawns. These actions are not about public safety or border security; they are about consolidating power and silencing dissent. It is impossible to separate the administration’s conduct during this shutdown—from mass layoffs targeting federal workers who administer programs the president dislikes, to the militarized presence of unmarked federal agents—from an attempt to erode the rule of law itself. This is the politics of authoritarianism, intimidation, and vengeance.

That’s why I’ve joined several key pieces of legislation to push back. The No Secret Police Act and ICE Visibility Act would require federal and immigration officers to clearly display identification—because in a democracy, no one enforcing the law should operate in the shadows. The Stop ICE from Kidnapping U.S. Citizens Act reasserts that it is illegal for ICE to detain or deport U.S. citizens, and the National Guard Proper Use Act would prohibit the president from using military forces to enforce immigration law.

These aren’t abstract reforms—they’re safeguards for our freedoms. Because when law enforcement hides its name tags and the military is turned inward, it’s not strength. It’s intimidation. And intimidation has no place in a democracy. I’ll keep standing up, alongside my colleagues, to throw sand in the cogs of this dangerous machine—because Delawareans deserve freedom.

3. ICYMI: As I have said again and again, this government shutdown is not going to solve itself—it is going to take Congressional Republicans actually showing up to work, and then working towards a bipartisan budget that will get our government up and running. The responsibility to call members back to work and work on bipartisan solutions falls to the House Speaker, Mike Johnson. Last week, I wrote a letter to the Speaker demanding just that.

There are very real consequences for working families both in Delaware, in Speaker Johnson’s home state of Louisiana, and across the country. I reminded him that extending the ACA subsidies is simple and lifesaving, but when leadership chooses to walk away instead of working towards a fix—government shuts down. 

Bottomline: my neighbors, and the Speaker’s, depend on a functioning government to do its most basic job: serve the people. I called on him to roll up his sleeves and get back to work. Because I have faith that together, we can show that Congress still has the capacity to work for the people and deliver progress over chaos. 

4. Legislative Priority: Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the intent to implement home health payment cuts for 2026, cuts that would jeopardize access to critical in-home care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

That's why, this week, Representative Van Drew (R-NJ) and I joined together and called on CMS to halt and reverse these proposed cuts to home health care—because families in every corner of Delaware stand to lose unless health systems invest in care instead of cuts. These services are not a luxury, they are the difference between healing at home and paying thousands for hospital or nursing home care. You can read our bipartisan letter here. 

5. Our State of Neighbors: This week, Medicare Open Enrollment began—a critical window that ensures every older adult has access to the coverage they need and deserve. Even throughout the shutdown, from October 15 to December 7, Delawareans can review current Medicare plans, compare new options, and make changes to protect their health and their wallets.

At every step, my team is here to help. Whether it’s answering questions or connecting you with trusted state resources, we’re committed to making this process clear and accessible. Because health care shouldn’t be a maze—it should be a guarantee. If you or someone you love is navigating Medicare choices this season, visit medicare.gov or call our office for assistance.

I also had the pleasure of connecting with Delawareans who remind us all how we can keep persevering in this moment: 

• In Wilmington, I stopped by Futures First Gaming—a community hub where e-sports meet education. Founder Malcolm Coley and his team are using gaming as a gateway to teamwork, leadership, and STEM skills, connecting Delaware youth to future careers in technology and digital media. Their work shows that when we meet young people where they are, we can help them level up—in confidence, creativity, and opportunity.
• I had the privilege of joining Black Mothers in Power to tour the construction site for their new Maternal Care Center—a first-of-its-kind space designed by and for Black women and families. From doula training to lactation support and perinatal mental health care, this center will offer a full spectrum of culturally grounded services. Councilwoman Shané Darby and her team are building something powerful: a model of maternal care rooted in dignity, equity, and love.
• In Newark, I toured the Newark Senior Center—Delaware’s only nationally accredited senior center—and met the dedicated staff and members who make it a second home for so many older adults. From aquatic therapy to memory care to meals and transportation, the center embodies what community care looks like in action. Supporting places like this means investing in independence, connection, and healthy aging for every Delawarean.

Rep. McBride at Futures First Gaming.

Rep. McBride meets with Black Mothers in Power.

As I have been for the last 17 days, I continue to try and reopen the government and fill my days with as many Delawareans as I can. As we quickly approach the fourth week of the shutdown, my colleagues and I remain ready to work together to find bipartisan solutions—not play unhelpful partisan games. Maybe next week, I will have better news for you all. 

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

P.S. My office has heard from constituents expressing concern about how to secure their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. Unfortunately, theft of food benefits is far too common—and, due to federal law, the Delaware Division of Social Services cannot replace stolen food benefits, an oversight that I am working to amend. In the meantime, however, to help protect your EBT card and food benefits, you can check out this helpful guide.

• Are you an innovative small business seeking investment? Delaware’s Division of Small Business is racing toward its year-end goal in the “Race to $14M” initiative—working to award every remaining dollar of federal State Small Business Credit Initiative funds by December 31. Nearly $10 million has already been invested in homegrown innovators like Aternium, BioCurie, and Versogen, fueling clean energy, biotech, and data breakthroughs right here in Delaware. These investments mean more jobs, stronger startups, and a brighter economic future for our state. Learn more at de.gov/ssbci!
• 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: mcbride.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency

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