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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to the McBride Memo! Here’s my weekly dispatch to you, Delawarean to Delawarean. There’s a lot to catch up on this week…
1. One Big Thing: This week, the ongoing federal government shutdown became the longest in U.S. history—and still, Congressional Republicans refuse to act. While the administration digs in its heels, I’ve been working to reopen government and protect the Delawareans caught in the crossfire. In recent days, I’ve met with families, small business owners, and frontline workers across our state, people who are trying to stretch every dollar while federal paychecks and services are frozen.
One conversation that stuck with me was with a nurse from Delaware who shared how the shutdown is straining her work and her patients. You can see a bit of our conversation here, because the human toll of this standoff deserves to be seen and heard.
I also want to hear directly from you. If the shutdown is impacting you, your family, or your work, please take a moment to share your story here. Your voices help me make the case in Washington for how I can protect my neighbors.
2. Driving the News: I spoke at a hearing to address one of the more dangerous impacts of the ongoing government shutdown has been the President’s refusal to release funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which 120,000 Delawareans rely on to keep food on table.
Despite a court order compelling the administration to release food assistance funding, Donald Trump continues to play politics with the livelihoods of millions of Americans, resulting in partial payments and delays in SNAP assistance.
Let’s be clear: Donald Trump has the legal authority to fully fund SNAP today. He could feed 42 million Americans but he’s choosing not to. Instead, his administration is letting grocery prices soar, allowing health insurance tax credits to expire, and forcing working families to bear the brunt of cruelty masquerading as policy.
Government should treat people with respect and dignity, delivering on the promises it makes for its citizens. This ongoing government shutdown lies at the feet of the President and Congressional Republicans who refuse to work alongside my colleagues and I to deliver a solution that gets the government up and running, federal workers back to work, and pays our nation’s public servants. You can watch my remarks about the ongoing threat to food assistance during the shutdown here and my remarks at a hearing to defend these programs here.
3. ICYMI: This week, Governor Matt Meyer and Attorney General Kathy Jennings reminded federal employees and contractors that they have legal options to stay afloat during the shutdown. Thanks to the Delaware Federal Employees Civil Relief Act, workers can petition courts to temporarily suspend rent, mortgage, or insurance payments until paychecks resume.
Federal workers are the backbone of our nation’s service—they shouldn’t be collateral damage in a political fight. I’m deeply grateful to our state leaders for ensuring Delaware remains a place where public servants are treated with dignity.
If you or someone you know is affected, you can learn more about your options here.
4. Legislative Priority: This week, I joined a coalition of lawmakers urging PJM Interconnection, the operator of our regional electric grid, to put consumers first. As Delaware households brace for a projected 5% rise in energy costs, PJM has a choice to make as they chart the future of the grid: protect working families, or cater to corporate data centers driving up demand.
Our message was clear—reliability and affordability must come before profit. PJM must responsibly address the backlog in their interconnection queue and prioritize projects that pay their fair share to modernize our electric grid. At a moment when the cost of living is already far too high for so many, Delawareans should not be forced to subsidize energy costs that are due largely to the rapid growth of data center energy consumption. I’ll keep fighting for energy policy that balances innovation with fairness—because every family deserves affordable, dependable power.
5. Our State of Neighbors: Even as the shutdown stretches on, Delawareans continue leading with ingenuity, purpose, and care. This week, I met with advocates and partners from across sectors whose work reflects the best of our state’s values—from strengthening small businesses and family farms to supporting caregivers and ensuring health care access for those with complex medical needs.
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I met with Lindsay Pennington from the APEX Accelerator Delaware at the University of Delaware, part of a national network which helps small and local businesses compete for local, state, and federal contracts. These contracts have the potential to propel Delaware entrepreneurs—from manufacturers to tech startups—into successful ventures. Even during challenging times, like a government shutdown, small business innovation is a cornerstone of Delaware’s economic growth.
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I also met with Samuel Rosen of Newark representing the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) to discuss the need for insurance coverage for patients with congenital anomalies. NFED advocates for families whose children are often denied medically necessary treatments because insurers misclassify them as “cosmetic.” We talked about the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act—legislation I’ve proudly cosponsored to guarantee coverage for reconstructive treatment for congenital conditions. This bill would make a life-changing difference for families across Delaware and the country, and help build a more fair system that prioritizes care over asinine policy.
- I met with advocates from Horizon Farm Credit, which provides vital financial services to farmers and rural communities across Delaware and the Delmarva region. Our discussion centered on expanding farmers’ access to affordable credit, investing in rural infrastructure, and the importance of passing the Farm Bill. We also spoke about ensuring continued support for young farmers—because the next generation of agricultural leaders need tools and stability to carry on their family’s legacy.
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In a meeting with the National Alliance for Caregiving, I heard from Basiliso “Bas” Moreno, a Delaware advocate and caregiver, about how federal programs can better support families caring for loved ones. We discussed the importance of protecting funding for caregiving support services, nutrition programs, and other services that help older Americans live independently and with dignity. Supporting those who care for others isn’t just good policy—it’s a reflection of our shared values of dignity and compassion.
Across every conversation, one theme stood out: when we invest in people—in their care, their work, and their homes—we build stronger, more resilient communities. That’s the Delaware way, and I’ll keep carrying these priorities forward in Washington.
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| Rep. McBride talks with members of Horizon Farm Credit. |
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| Rep. McBride meets with members of National Alliance for Caregiving. |
No matter how long the shutdown drags on, Delaware’s spirit endures. This moment is putting our nation’s priorities on display, and revealing our collective strength. I will keep fighting until Washington matches the decency and determination that Delawareans show every single day.
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
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| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
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- 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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