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Dear Friend,
This week’s McBride Memo is coming to you a bit earlier than usual, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you enjoy this week’s edition with a cup of coffee and a full heart alongside your loved ones. Here are five quick things:
1. One Big Thing: This Thanksgiving, I’m doing what so many of you are doing: spending time in the kitchen, making dinner, and soaking up precious time with my family and loved ones. In a year that has felt heavy — economically, politically, and emotionally — it is intentional moments around a crowded table or a noisy living room that keep us grounded in what really matters.
My hope is that, amid all the uncertainty and noise, you’re able to carve out time to rest, laugh, and do what you love with who you love.
Today, and every day, I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to serve Delawareans in Congress. Thank you for trusting me to deliver for you and to be your voice in Washington. I’ll keep working to find real solutions that make life more affordable, more secure, and more hopeful for our neighbors.
2. Driving the News: This moment in our economy is both eventful and difficult, because, as the holiday season hits its stride, too many families are facing unbearable costs on their grocery receipt or their monthly bills. Prices are still too high, inflation is stretching every dollar, and tariffs are driving up the cost of basics—from produce to the centerpiece on so many Thanksgiving tables: the turkey.
When wages don’t keep up and costs keep climbing, it’s not an abstract economic concept—it’s a parent deciding which bill to skip, patients choosing when and when not to seek care, or a family downsizing a holiday meal. Those consequences are real.
In Congress, I’m pushing for policies that tackle costs, address the future of health care, and make sure working families, not special interests, are at the center of our economic decisions. Because this season should be about gratitude and togetherness, not anxiety at the checkout line.
3. On the Floor: At a moment when so many are seeking food assistance, I recently had the pleasure of uplifting a critical member of the Food Bank of Delaware on the House floor. Last week, I spoke about local hero Frank “Fresh” Coverdale, the longest-serving employee at the Food Bank of Delaware, who has spent 22 years on the road making sure his neighbors don’t go hungry. Known for his booming laugh, Eagles hoodie, and big-hearted banter, Frank brings community to every food delivery, greeting his neighbors by name and bringing smiles to so many.
In Kent and Sussex Counties, his work is a lifeline, helping to feed hundreds of families at a single distribution; despite cruel federal cutbacks that make life harder for low-income Delawareans. In this season of gratitude, I wanted to say what so many already know: Frank “Fresh” Coverdale embodies the very best of our state of neighbors, and Delaware is better, kinder, and more fed because of him.
4. Legislative Priority: This week, I led dozens of my colleagues in sending a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins urging action to combat the recent rise in avian influenza. Unfortunately, the devastating effect of bird flu in our poultry barns is already showing up on grocery bills and could pose serious risks if it spreads across species as we’ve seen in years past.
In just the last 30 days, the USDA has recorded 90 new detections of avian influenza, affecting more than 1.6 million birds nationwide, including over 514,000 turkeys, driving up wholesale prices and putting pressure on family budgets right as we head into Thanksgiving. At the same time, furloughs and staffing cuts have weakened surveillance and coordination, including the suspension of key oversight that farmers rely on for real-time information.
Our message is clear: USDA must fully restore and strengthen avian influenza research, monitoring, and mitigation programs. By taking action, the USDA can and must reduce viral loads in flocks, stabilize grocery prices, and lower the risk of spillover to humans. In Delaware, poultry is not just central to our holiday tables but to our economy. This is about protecting farmers, feeding families, and making sure that this season of gratitude isn’t overshadowed by a preventable crisis.
5. Our State of Neighbors: There is nothing I’m prouder of doing in the State Senate than leading the successful effort to pass paid family and medical leave for Delaware workers across our state. This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful to remind you all that, after years of work, Delaware’s paid family and medical leave program is finally on its way—and that soon, no one will have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a new baby, a deploying spouse, or a loved one facing a serious health issue. Starting this January, eligible Delaware workers will be able to take the time they need to care for what matters most with a little more security and dignity; you can learn more at de.gov/paidleave. If you are set to receive paid family and medical leave in 2026, please share your story with my office so we can continue to advocate for nationwide paid family leave.
If you are going to be doing some holiday shopping this week, weekend, and in the months ahead: I want to encourage you to support the small businesses that keep our communities strong. From neighborhood shops to family-run Delaware buses, local and small business is the heart of our communities. As Small Business Saturday approaches, remember when you shop local, you’re not just checking off a gift list; you’re investing in good jobs, community spaces, and the future of our main streets. This season, if you’re able, I hope you’ll make it a time of care—for your family, your neighbors, and the small businesses that are the foundation of our state of neighbors.
As we head into Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for the chance to be with neighbors across Delaware who are building stronger, safer, and more supportive communities. Now a roundup of my highlights of the week:
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Big Ive’s Turkey Drive: This week I joined community partners and volunteers for Big Ive’s Turkey Drive, helping deliver Thanksgiving meals to seniors and families across Wilmington. From Herlihy Apartments to Crestview, the gratitude, laughter, and warm greetings reminded me of the power of service and shared traditions. Huge thanks to Big Ive, United Healthcare, Del-One, DOT Foods, DETV, and all the local leaders who made it possible.
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Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) Roundtable: Earlier this week, I sat down with Kent County business owners and CDCC members to hear directly about the rising costs they’re facing—from skyrocketing energy bills to unaffordable health insurance premiums. Their message was clear: small businesses are doing everything right, but federal policy needs to catch up. I shared my efforts to address grid costs and extend ACA tax credits—and I’ll keep working to ease these burdens and build a stronger local economy.
- Hope Center Tour: I also had the opportunity to tour the Hope Center in New Castle, which provides safe housing, services, and hope to those experiencing homelessness. I met with staff and residents to learn more about the wraparound supports that help individuals and families regain stability and rebuild their lives. In every room, I saw not just shelter—but dignity. Places like the Hope Center remind us that housing is not just a need, it’s a human right—and I’ll keep fighting to fund programs that reflect that truth.
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| Rep. McBride delivers meals. |
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| Rep. McBride during the CDCC roundtable. |
Today, and every day, I am thankful for my job and the work I get to do for you. Take care of yourself and one another, savor the moments with the people you love, and know that I’ll be fighting for you in the weeks and months ahead.
| Stay in touch, and I'll do the same. |
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| Sarah McBride |
| Delaware's Congresswoman |
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- 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!
- 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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