Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch from D.C. and Delaware. This week was a busy one, with the House finally back to work and some neighbors in town. Here are five big things:

1. One Big Thing: This week, my friends Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay and State Senator Spiros Mantzavinos joined me in Washington for a summit about new financial technologies—an important moment to lift up Delaware’s leadership in responsible innovation. Delaware has always punched above its weight, not because we’re the biggest state, but because we work together and build systems that treat people with respect. 

As our conversation showed, fintech belongs in Delaware when it’s rooted in our values—helping small businesses grow by expanding access to credit and lowering costs for families. If innovation is going to shape the future of finance, then Delaware intends to shape innovation in a way that puts people first. You can see photos and read more about our conversation here.

2. Driving the News: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s visit to the White House this week was a stark reminder of how corruption warps our foreign policy. The president defended the Saudi royal—even when pressed about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which has been frequently and credibly tied to bin Salman. It’s a painful and dangerous pattern: choosing proximity to money and power over moral clarity and effective leadership.

Let’s call this what it is. When a president focuses more on cultivating relationships with strongmen than delivering for American families, it’s not “America First.” It’s selling off our values to the highest bidder. While Delawareans are facing unaffordable health care, rising costs, and an ineffective government, Trump is (literally) rolling out the red carpet for foreign leaders who can boost his personal and political fortunes. Delaware families deserve a president who puts their needs—not photo ops—at the center of our national agenda.

3. On the Floor: On the House floor this week, I had the privilege of recognizing two bright lights in our state.

First, Shae Parks—a Milford High School teacher who was named one of just three educators in the entire nation to receive the American Civic Education Teacher Award. As I shared in my remarks, Ms. Parks isn’t just teaching facts and dates; she’s teaching the strength and power of our democracy. Delaware is proud of her, Milford is proud of her, and I’m proud to lift up her remarkable talent. You can watch my remarks here.

I also recognized Reading Assist, a Delaware organization recognized with an international literacy award for its transformational work supporting young readers. Their tutors and educators are changing lives every single day, helping children build confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Their recognition puts Delaware on the map for what we already know: when you center kids, you build a stronger future for everyone. You can see my remarks about this honor here.

4. Legislative Priority: This week, I was proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Global Respect Act with my colleague, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-R). This legislation reaffirms a simple, universal truth: freedom and dignity should never depend on where you live or who holds power in your country. Nearly one-third of nations still criminalize LGBTQI+ people, and far too many look away from the violence that follows.

The Global Respect Act strengthens America’s voice on human rights by ensuring that those who perpetrate anti-LGBTQI+ violence face consequences and that American diplomacy leads with moral clarity. I’m grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick and to every advocate pushing for the basic safety and humanity every person deserves. Because no one should be targeted for who they are or whom they love—and the United States should always stand on the side of dignity.

5. Our State of Neighbors: This week I had the pleasure of meeting with neighbors both in Delaware and D.C.—sharing about their experience, passions, priorities, and stories. Here is how a few of those conversations went:

• I sat down with Delawarean members of the Jewish Federations of North America to discuss much needed federal funding to protect our Jewish neighbors. Our religious diversity in Delaware makes us stronger, and  these conversations have never been more important as we confront rising antisemitism here at home and abroad.

• I got to chat with Carlos de los Ramos, Chair of the Delaware Hispanic Commission, to talk about the workforce shortages affecting housing and construction across our state. Carlos shared how the lack of skilled tradesmen is slowing down projects and driving up costs for families—especially in fast-growing communities. We also discussed the actions I have supported that align with DHC’s push for federal solutions that expand legal pathways for workers and support immigrant families who keep our economy moving. Conversations like this remind me that when we listen to every community, we build a Delaware that works for all of us.

• I met with Miracle Matos, a Delaware ambassador for The Borgen Project, who shared how local advocates are pushing for strong U.S. leadership in fighting global poverty and hunger. Miracle spoke about the impact of the International Affairs Budget—which is just 1% of federal spending but supports humanitarian aid, global health, and stability around the world. We talked about Delaware’s proud tradition of service, and I reaffirmed my commitment to a foreign policy rooted in dignity, human rights, and compassion.

• I visited the Ministry of Caring in Wilmington, where Dr. Gene Halus and his team walked me through their dining hall, family shelter, and childcare center—programs that have been lifelines for neighbors experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty since 1977. From serving hundreds of meals a day to providing housing and early childhood support, their work is rooted in dignity and respect. We discussed the looming federal funding gaps created by changes at HUD and the ongoing threats to SNAP, WIC, and Housing First—all consequences of the cruelty of this administration’s priorities. I left deeply grateful for their decades of service and more committed than ever to protecting the federal partnerships that keep our care economy strong.

Rep. McBride and members of the Delaware Hispanic Commission.

Rep. McBride tours Ministry of Caring.

This week brought conversations about the future of finance, stark reminders of what happens when power is traded for personal gain, and moments on the House floor that reflect the heart of our state. As always, Delawareans—your stories, your courage, your leadership—are at the center of everything I do.

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

• Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available now—As a result of the April 1, 2025 drought, small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Kent and New Castle county can apply for low interest federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration until December 8! Funds from these loans can be used to pay fixed debts, amend payroll and accounts payable expenses, and other bills. Funding is available even if the business did not sustain physical damages as a result of the disaster. Learn more and apply here. 
• 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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