Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—your weekly dispatch from Delaware and Washington.

This week was all about conversations; from the global stage in Munich to the fairgrounds in Harrington. No matter where I was, it was a reminder that whether we’re talking about poultry or security alliances, what happens in Delaware matters. And what happens around the world will inevitably land at our doorstep.

1. One big thing: Yesterday, I was proud to host an Agricultural Summit in Harrington at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. In the First State, we know agriculture is more than just an industry—it’s a way of life. It’s family farms in Kent County, poultry growers in Sussex, and small businesses that keep our rural communities strong.

And those are just a few of the perspectives I was excited to hear from during the Ag Summit, which brought together agricultural leaders from across our state to talk plainly about the future of farming in Delaware.

Our conversation spanned everything from avian flu and supply chain pressures to workforce challenges and the rising cost of fuel, feed, and fertilizer. Farmers and stakeholders shared what they’re seeing on the ground—and what they need from Washington to stay competitive and resilient. That’s why one of the first bills I introduced in Congress — after hearing directly from a local farmer in Delaware — was the bipartisan SAVE Our Poultry Act, which would unlock research funding to help prevent the spread of avian flu.

Even more importantly, their voices helped shape a really personal picture—whether generational farmers with impressive acreage, or newcomers with smaller operations, these neighbors shared about their passion for the work and their commitment to continue farming. 

As I said at the Summit, when we invest in agriculture, we’re investing in food security, economic growth, and the backbone of rural Delaware. Our farmers don’t ask for special treatment. They ask for fairness, predictability, and a partner in government who listens.

That’s what this Summit was about: showing up, hearing directly from our neighbors, and turning their insights into action. I’ll keep at it—because when Delaware agriculture thrives, our entire state thrives. You can follow Delaware Business Times’ coverage here and Delaware Public Media’s coverage here. 

2. Driving the news: Last week, I traveled to the Munich Security Conference to engage in conversations about global stability, democratic resilience, and human rights, and a lot of my conversations centered around a sobering reality: when democracy backslides anywhere, it creates ripple effects everywhere.

We know global instability is also domestic instability. From trade with our allies to security partnerships that keep our servicemembers safe, what happens in meeting rooms around the world inevitably shapes life here at home. That’s why it’s my responsibility to bring Delaware’s perspective into those rooms—whether in Wilmington, Washington, or Munich. I met with leaders from across Europe to reinforce my commitment to our allies and our democratic values, including the German Chancellor, the UK Prime Minister, and the Danish Prime Minister, who has been forced to push back on this president’s offensive and unpopular effort to seize Greenland. 

But as I was meeting with allies abroad, we were watching deeply troubling developments back home. Reports indicate that President Trump is now poised to launch an offensive strike against Iran, potentially pulling us into yet another forever war. 

The President’s erratic foreign policy undermines global stability, because when leaders contradict themselves and lurch toward military escalation without clarity or consistency, it puts American lives, global markets, and our alliances at risk.

Delaware is home to military families, manufacturers, and workers whose livelihoods depend on global stability. We need steady, principled leadership rooted in diplomacy, accountability, and respect for international law—not chaos and volatility.

I will continue to advocate for a foreign policy grounded in dignity and democracy—because peace and stability abroad are inseparable from security and prosperity here at home. You can see some of my remarks here. 

3. Committee business: Last week in the House Science, Space, and Technology subcommittee hearing on surface transportation, I focused on the importance of research that shapes our daily lives. 

At the University of Delaware, researchers are doing cutting-edge work to make our roads safer, our infrastructure stronger, and our transportation systems more resilient. After the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, they mobilized quickly—studying traffic impacts, economic ripple effects, and long-term resilience planning.

This is what Delaware does best: pairing academic excellence with real-world problem-solving. Bottom line: Delaware researchers are partnering with industry, state agencies, and communities to deliver smarter, more cost-effective solutions.

In committee, I made clear that sustained federal investment in research should not be considered optional, it’s a necessity. When we pull consistent and stable funding from universities and research centers, we weaken innovation and undermine our economic competitiveness. That doesn’t pave the way for success, it stunts impact and weakens our effectiveness. 

Delaware’s strength is its people—scientists, engineers, students, and workers who turn ideas into action. My job is to make sure Washington recognizes and supports that strength. You can watch my remarks here. 

4. Legislative priority: No worker in Delaware or anywhere in this country should have to choose between their paycheck and getting the care they need. Paid family and medical leave is about dignity for workers — ensuring they don’t lose their job or their livelihood while life happens, whether that means welcoming a newborn, recovering from an illness, or caring for a parent or loved one.

When I was in the State Senate, I worked across the aisle to get paid family and medical leave passed. I believe that in the greatest state in the Union, the ability to care for yourself and your loved ones shouldn’t be a matter of chance or luck — it’s a right we promise to every Delawarean. And when I came to Congress, I said I’d put that fight front and center—and we are. I’ve introduced two bills focused on modernizing FMLA to protect workers’ leave and make it more flexible, but there’s more to be done.

That’s why I’m proud to share that the Healthy Families Act, which I am an original cosponsor of, has officially been introduced. This critical legislation would guarantee paid sick leave for workers across the country.

Because in the richest, most developed nation on earth, the ability to get care shouldn’t be a matter of luck—it should be the law of the land. And beyond its benefits for workers and families, paid leave is smart policy—it supports small businesses and strengthens our economy.

But the work doesn’t stop here. For too long, working families across this country have been forced to navigate impossible choices—between their health and their paycheck, between caring for a loved one and keeping their job. That’s not just bad policy—it’s a betrayal of the promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to build a stable life. 

I’ll keep working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line. Until paid leave is the law of the land, I’m not letting up. 

5. Our state of neighbors: From climate resilience to workforce development to direct care leadership, this week was a reminder that Delaware’s strength has always been partnership. Here’s a glimpse of the neighbors I had the privilege of spending time with:

At the Opening Ceremony of Climate Week Delaware at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, I joined leaders from government, business, nonprofits, and education to talk about what climate action means in the lowest-lying state in the nation. Delaware doesn’t experience climate change as an abstraction—it’s tidal flooding in our neighborhoods and rising costs for families. But it’s also opportunity; strengthening infrastructure, lowering energy costs, and creating clean energy jobs right here at home. If we meet this moment with urgency and partnership, we don’t just protect our coastline—we build an economy that works for the next generation.

In Newark, I toured Dawn Career Institute with Campus President Shaun Carney and met students preparing for careers in health care, wellness, and the skilled trades. These students are learning invaluable skills that prepare them for stable, in-demand careers. Programs like Dawn are expanding workforce pathways and strengthening Delaware’s talent pipeline, because investing in training is investing in people. And when we invest in people, we invest in Delaware’s future.

I had the opportunity to deliver remarks at the Committee of 100 Membership Dinner in Wilmington, connecting with business and civic leaders about infrastructure, energy reliability, and Delaware’s role in emerging industries like AI and advanced manufacturing. Delaware has always punched above its weight. Our job is to make sure federal policy supports local businesses, cuts costs for families, and keeps our state economically competitive in a rapidly changing world.

I also met with leadership at L.E.E.P., Inc. (Leading Everyone to Empowerment Program) in Wilmington to highlight their Pathways to Apprenticeship program. LEEP connects formerly incarcerated and underserved Delawareans with skilled trades and union apprenticeship opportunities aligned with real employer demand. Their work reduces barriers to employment, addresses recidivism, and builds stable careers. It’s a powerful reminder that second chances strengthen not just individuals—but our entire economy.

In Sussex County, I was proud to attend a recognition ceremony hosted by CHIMES Delaware in Rehoboth Beach, honoring Direct Support Professional Anthony Branch and contractor Tykesha Majors. While working at a residential home serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, they acted quickly during a medical emergency—administering CPR and calling emergency services to save a life. Direct Support Professionals are essential to the health and safety of our communities. Anthony and Tykesha’s professionalism and courage reflect the very best of Delaware’s care workforce.

What a week! I always enjoy being able to spend time with my neighbors, take their voices into spaces that require perspective, and to hear directly from leaders and stakeholders about how I can work to truly impact their lives for the better. 

That is all for this week. Talk soon, Delaware. 

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

• My office is hosting Mobile Office Hours on Tuesday, March 3rd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Seaford. My Constituent Advocacy team will be available to assist Delawareans experiencing issues with federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, and more. RSVP here. 
  
• Applications for the Spring round of EDGE 2.0 are open now! The Delaware Division of Small Business is now accepting applications for EDGE 2.0, the state’s flagship grant competition. This spring, $1.15 million is available to support early-stage businesses, with awards based on the strength of each pitch—not a fixed number of winners. Eligible Delaware-based businesses that have been operating for less than seven years can apply between February 6 and March 6. Learn more and apply at de.gov/edge
• Are you looking to stay up-to-date with Congressional appropriations? Fill out this new form to get onto Rep. McBride’s distribution list for updates about CPFs. The team will reach out to this list when CPF applications open and access the request form for general programmatic and language requests. 
  
• A simple step that can save lives. Smart911 is a free, secure service that lets you create a safety profile with critical information—like medical conditions, medications, disabilities, and emergency contacts—that 911 operators can see when you call for help. That means first responders have the information they need before they arrive, helping them act faster and smarter. Learn more and sign up at www.smart911.com! 
  
• Congressional Art Competition: Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District. The deadline to submit your artwork is April 1, 2026. If you know a student interested in applying – please visit: mcbride.house.gov/services/art-competition
• 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: mcbride.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency

Contact me

Click here to subscribe to my eNewsletter