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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to you, Delawarean to Delawarean. I hope you read this week’s update with a nice cup of coffee, whether it’s cup three or four is no one’s business but yours. There’s a lot to catch up on this week, so here are five quick things:
1. One Big Thing: After forty-three long days, this week the government shutdown ended. Throughout the shutdown, in Delaware, I heard from federal workers without paychecks, parents worried about food assistance running out, and families bracing for health care costs that were set to skyrocket.
I voted no on the budget on Wednesday because I believe Delaware deserves so much better. Delawareans deserve a budget that both opened government and addressed the health care crisis at the same time. Let’s be clear: this shutdown was avoidable. It was a choice—a choice by Congressional Republicans and Donald Trump in favor of tax breaks for the wealthiest rather than protecting affordable health care for millions. A choice to manufacture chaos instead of doing their jobs.
Now that the government has reopened, my resolve is sharper than ever. I’ll keep working every day to make sure Delawareans never again have to pay the price for political games in Washington—and to protect a government that treats every person with dignity and respect. If you or a loved one needs assistance at this time navigating the challenges ahead, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We are here to help!
2. Driving the News: This week, newly released Epstein emails raised even more disturbing questions about Donald Trump’s knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and his attempts to conceal them. The correspondence describes Trump spending extended time in Epstein’s home, being present with victims, and even asking Ghislaine Maxwell to intervene when “the girls” were discussed.
For years, Trump demanded the release of the Epstein Files—until he learned the extent of his own presence in them. Now we know why. These revelations make one thing painfully clear: he’s hiding something, and the American people deserve the full truth.
Survivors deserve transparency. Families deserve accountability. Congress deserves compliance with the lawful subpoena for the complete Epstein Files. I won’t stop pushing until real transparency exists, and every victim gets the justice they deserve.
3. ICYMI: Earlier this week, I joined Leader Jeffries and my colleagues outside the Capitol to speak about the urgency of protecting affordable health care as the shutdown came to an end. We should never be forced into a false choice between reopening government and protecting the health care working families rely on. We can—and must—do both.
In Delaware, families are facing premium increases that would upend their budgets. Rural hospitals are at risk. The largest Medicaid cuts in our nation’s history are looming. These aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re real people trying to make ends meet and stay healthy, at a time when costs are too high everywhere.
At the press conference, I spoke for every neighbor who told me they’re terrified of losing coverage, for every parent wondering how they’ll afford a doctor’s visit, for every senior watching their costs climb. And I’ll keep raising my voice until we deliver the stability and affordability they deserve.
4. Legislative Priority: Even with the shutdown behind us, the crisis isn’t over. The enhanced premium tax credits that have kept health care affordable for thousands of Delawareans are still set to expire—and if they do, families will see premiums jump by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month. That is unacceptable.
I’m already working with colleagues to use every lever available to extend these tax credits and bring down costs, including signing a discharge petition which would force a vote in the House to protect and extend these credits for three years. Because no one should have to choose between paying their bills and getting the care they need. Not in Delaware. Not anywhere in this country. This is the next fight because every neighbor deserves affordable, reliable health care.
I also recently joined over a hundred members of Congress in an amicus brief urging the courts to uphold Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan immigrants. The administration’s attempt to strip lawful status from people who fled violence, instability, and dangerous conditions is not just unlawful—it’s immoral.
In Delaware, I’ve met families with TPS status who have built their lives, established businesses, and made invaluable contributions to our communities. They are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our friends. Ripping their status away would create chaos and fear for families who came to our country fleeing from war, armed conflict, and environmental disasters.
Our message is simple: we must protect these families, uphold the integrity of the TPS program, and ensure that our immigration system reflects consistency, clarity, and humanity.
5. Our State of Neighbors: Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me what service, community, and courage look like in practice. From students stepping into their futures to families honoring loved ones who gave everything for our country, each moment carried the same truth: we are a state shaped by people who show up for one another. Here are just a few of the neighbors who filled my cup this week.
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There’s nothing quite like showing young Delawareans the halls where their voices and futures are debated every day. I had the chance to welcome a small group of UD Honors Students to the Capitol—bright, thoughtful leaders who asked sharp questions about democracy and what service looks like in practice. Standing with them under the dome, I was reminded that the next generation isn’t waiting to lead—they already are. And Delaware is in good hands.
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During Homecoming Weekend, I joined Interim President Laura Carlson at the University of Delaware tailgate—where the energy was sky-high, the Blue and Gold spirit was unmistakable, and generations of students and alumni came together as one community. We talked about how UD can continue opening doors for students from every corner of our state. Events like this remind me that higher education isn’t just a pathway to opportunity—it’s part of our shared identity as Delawareans.
- I stood alongside Gold Star families, veterans, President Biden, Senator Coons, and community leaders as the newly expanded Wall of Remembrance was unveiled—a powerful tribute to more than 16,000 servicemembers from Delaware and New Jersey who gave their lives in defense of our nation. Seeing those newly added names carved in granite was a reminder that remembrance is not passive—it’s a responsibility. We owe it to these heroes to build a nation worthy of their sacrifice, and to care for their families with the dignity and respect they deserve.
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While at Veterans Memorial Park, surrounded by generations of servicemembers and their loved ones, I spoke about what it means to honor not only those we’ve lost, but every Delawarean who has worn the uniform. From the Presentation of Colors to the moment of silence at the 11th hour, the ceremony was a powerful reminder of the courage that sustains our democracy. I carried with me the memory of friends like 2nd Lt. Ray Firmani—and the unwavering commitment to fight as hard for our veterans in peace as they fought for us in war.
Weeks like this remind me why I call Delaware the greatest state in the Union—not because of our size, but because of the heart of the people who call this place home. Whether it was a quiet conversation on a Capitol tour or a solemn moment at the Wall of Remembrance, every encounter underscored the same thing: our strength comes from each other.
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| Rep. McBride with UD Honors Students. |
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| Rep. McBride speaks at a podium in front of the renovated Wall of Remembrance. |
This week was one of recalibration and refocus. After over 50 days of being out of session, I am proud to be back defending my neighbors and getting to actually show up and get to work to find solutions and deliver for you. Come back next week to see how we keep working for a government that works for, not against, you.
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
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| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
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- Open Enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health coverage is officially open! From November 1 through January 15, Delawareans can visit HealthCare.gov to enroll, review, or update their 2025 plans. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, take a few minutes to explore new options– premiums and benefits can change each year. Need help? Call 1-800-318-2596, visit HealthCare.gov or reach out to our office for support.
- 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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