Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch to you, perfect to pair with your morning, mid-day, or afternoon coffee (if you are anything like me…). 

This Halloween week, you may notice that the McBride Memo has a spookier twist, because, while Washington’s been full of tricks, Delaware is sticking with treats: compassion, common sense, and the courage to care for one another. Here are a few takeaways from this week: 

1. One Big Boo!: In Delaware, we are writing a story about neighbors, not monsters. This week, Governor Meyer announced that Delaware will cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits week-to-week throughout the shutdown—ensuring that more than 120,000 Delawareans won’t go hungry because of the ongoing government shutdown. 

So while Congressional Republicans stall and the administration refuses to act, Delaware is stepping up to protect working families, seniors, and children who depend on SNAP to put food on the table. I’m grateful to Governor Meyer, Attorney General Kathy Jennings, and the entire team in Delaware for making sure no one goes without a meal during this shutdown.

In the meantime, I’ll keep fighting to restore federal funding—because no one should ever have to wonder where their next meal will come from.

2. Headlines from the Haunted House: Donald Trump’s economy is more trick than treat. Interest rates are falling, inflation remains high, and job growth is slowing.

This week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates and signaled concern about where the economy is heading. Chair Jerome Powell cautioned against further economic turmoil, citing growing inflation and historic unemployment. But Delawareans don’t need economists to tell them what they already know: it’s getting harder to afford groceries, gas, and rent.

Trump’s reckless trade wars and cruel immigration policies have helped create a shrinking labor force and unstable markets. Lowering interest rates may help for now—but it’s a Band-Aid, not a cure.

I’ll keep pushing for real solutions: policies that strengthen small businesses, raise wages, and tackle costs at the kitchen table—not just on Wall Street. Because Delaware families deserve an economy that works for them, not just for the wealthy few.

3. In Case You Missed the Boo-s: In a move that feels straight out of a Cold War ghost story, Donald Trump announced plans to restart U.S. nuclear weapons testing—risking a new arms race and undoing decades of global progress toward peace. It’s a haunting reminder of how fragile stability can be when power is put before principle.

Per the President, the United States will “begin immediately” testing nuclear weapons “on an equal basis” with other nations—based on a false claim that Russia and China have resumed testing.

Let’s call this what it is: a reckless escalation that risks igniting a new arms race and abandoning decades of international leadership. There’s no evidence that our adversaries are testing nuclear weapons—but there’s plenty of evidence that Trump is playing politics with national security.

Instead of investing in peace, he’s gambling with global stability.

Strength isn’t wholly measured by how many weapons we can detonate. It’s measured by whether we can keep our people safe, our alliances strong, and our moral compass intact. Delawareans aren’t asking for mushroom clouds—they’re asking for dignity, security, and leadership rooted in truth. That’s where I’ll keep my focus.

4. Policy Potions: This Halloween, Delaware families shouldn’t have to wonder if there will be anything in their cupboards but cobwebs.

Congressional Republicans and the White House already slashed $187 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in their Big Ugly Bill—and this reckless government shutdown threatens to block November food assistance for millions of Americans. While Governor Meyer’s actions will thankfully avert this impact in Delaware, the state’s funding is insufficient for long-term support. 

It is unacceptable to use “belt-tightening” as a guise for the use of hunger as a political weapon. 

That is why, this week, I joined more than 200 Democratic colleagues in urging the USDA to use every available dollar and its full legal authority to keep SNAP benefits flowing. Because feeding families shouldn’t be a partisan fight.

No family should have to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table. Hunger isn’t a ghost story—it’s real, and it’s preventable. I’ll keep working to make sure Delaware families get the support they’ve earned, no matter how frightening things get in Washington.

5. Our State of Neighbors (and friendly ghosts): This week, I spent time with neighbors across the state whose work reminds us that community care doesn’t need a costume—it just needs compassion.

• On Sunday evening, I was honored to join neighbors and community leaders for the Delaware Asian American Business Association’s Diwali Celebration—a beautiful evening marking the Festival of Lights and recognizing women in public service. Surrounded by Delaware’s vibrant South Asian business community, I spoke about the shared values that guide us: light over darkness, hope over fear, and service over self

• At Wilmington Airport, I joined the Satys Aerospace team, local leaders, and the Delaware River and Bay Authority to celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new aircraft paint hangar—a $1.3 million investment that will bring forty new, good-paying jobs to New Castle County. Later that day, I toured the airport and met with hardworking TSA agents who continue to serve Delaware travelers even amid the challenges of a federal shutdown.

• At Fresenius Medical Care, I met with care teams and dialysis patients who reminded me what dignity in health care looks like. Fresenius provides life-sustaining treatment for Delawareans living with kidney disease—care rooted in skill, compassion, and connection.

• At Foulk Living in Wilmington, I had the chance to reconnect with Leslie Johnson, Delaware’s very own AHCA/NCAL Future Leaders of Long-Term Care honoree and Foulk’s executive director and one of America’s Future Leaders of Long-Term Care, to see firsthand how this vibrant community supports older adults through every stage of care—from independent living to skilled nursing.

• I also visited my friends at Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where direct support professionals are helping people with disabilities live independently and with purpose. Their team’s work—spanning adult day services to assistive technology—is proof that inclusion isn’t an ideal, it’s an action.

• At Opportunity Center, Inc., I met with students in their FrameWORKS transition program, which helps non-diploma track high schoolers across New Castle County build confidence and skills for life after school. Their energy and determination were contagious—a reminder that opportunity grows wherever it’s nurtured.

• I joined Governor Matt Meyer and state leaders to cut the ribbon on Accredo’s new specialty pharmacy facility—a multi-million dollar investment that brings more than 100 new jobs to Delaware. This state-of-the-art site will help patients living with complex and chronic conditions access high-quality, personalized care right here at home—a perfect example of what happens when public and private partners work together to strengthen our health care system

• I visited Exceptional Care for Children, Delaware’s only pediatric skilled-nursing facility, where nurses, therapists, and educators provide around-the-clock care for medically fragile children. Their “home away from home” model shows what compassion looks like in practice.

• I stopped by First State AI at the University of Delaware, where Dr. Sunita Chandrasekaran and her team are leading groundbreaking, ethical artificial intelligence research. Their work is helping shape a human-centered vision for AI—proof that Delaware innovation is as forward-looking as it is principled.

• At Faithful Friends Animal Society, I met with Jane Pierantozzi and her incredible team to tour their no-kill shelter and community clinic. With programs supporting pet owners in financial hardship and thousands of adoptions each year, Faithful Friends is a testament to what happens when empathy drives every decision.

• I met with Joe Wyka and Christine Kemp from the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police, who represent more than 1,500 law enforcement officers across our state. We talked about officer wellness, training, and building community trust, and I shared my continued focus on public safety policies that protect both officers and the communities they serve

• And finally, at the Thomas Garrett Dinner in Quaker Hill, I was honored to deliver the keynote, “Building a State of Neighbors.” Standing in the same neighborhood where Garrett once helped freedom seekers find safety, I reflected on what moral courage looks like today: the quiet acts of care and conviction that keep our democracy alive.

Rep. McBride talks with a resident a Foulk Living.

Rep. McBride meets with Easterseals staff.

This week, from airports to animal shelters, classrooms to care centers, Delawareans showed what it means to live in good spirits—and to keep our state of neighbors shining bright, even when the world feels dark.

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

• Medicare Open Enrollment is now underway! From October 15 to December 7, seniors can review their current Medicare plans, compare new options, and make changes to protect their health and their wallets. Even during a government shutdown, this critical window ensures every older adult has access to the health coverage they need and deserve. Learn more and explore your options at medicare.gov, or contact our office for assistance.
  
• Health Insurance Premium Program (HIPP) – If you’re struggling to afford your health insurance premiums while managing kidney failure, The American Kidney Fund’s (AKF) Health Insurance Premium Program (HIPP) may be able to help. AKF’s national program provides grants to help dialysis and transplant patients pay their monthly premiums—ensuring continued access to life-saving care. Learn more and see if you qualify here.
  
• 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!
  
• 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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