Dear Friend, 

This week we watched the conflict in Iran continue to escalate and the consequences of this war of choice hitting Delawareans here at home. 

While the House was out of session this week, I got to travel across our state, meeting with neighbors, students, educators, innovators, and community leaders who remind me every day what public service is really about. Here are five quick things: 

1. One big thing: Like many of you, I have watched the horrifying scenes unfolding in the Middle East with deep concern and heartbreak. This war has already taken the lives of thirteen American servicemembers and hundreds of civilians who were caught in the crossfire. 

In one devastating incident, we received confirmed reports that an elementary school was struck, killing children and teachers whose only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rather than acknowledging the tragedy, the president and many in the administration continue to bombard civilian infrastructure, fueling instability in the Gulf. I joined several of my colleagues in demanding that this administration detail their efforts to  mitigate civilian casualties, and investigate what caused the heartbreaking tragedy at the Iranian school, resulting in the deaths of 165 civilians.

This is the human cost of war. Families shattered. Communities grieving. Futures stolen before they even had the chance to begin. War should always be the absolute last resort—but this conflict was launched without clear objectives, without a path forward, and without the authorization that our Constitution requires. 

We have seen this story before in the Middle East—wars of choice that promise quick victories but deliver years of instability and loss. I will continue to speak out against this reckless escalation and push for an end to this conflict—because American lives and innocent civilians should never be collateral damage in a war that never should have started.

2. Driving the news: As this war drags on, the consequences are already rippling far beyond the region—and my neighbors here in Delaware are beginning to feel it. Reports indicate that the  Trump administration is now spending roughly $1 billion every single day on this conflict while families at home are already facing the consequences.

Gas prices are climbing. In Delaware, neighbors are already paying thirty cents more at the pump, at a moment when they are already struggling with the skyrocketing cost of health care, groceries, and housing. The longer this conflict continues, the greater the risk it poses to global economic stability, and that instability doesn’t stay overseas—it lands squarely on the kitchen tables of working families here at home. 

This is a war of choice. A reckless decision made by this administration that is now threatening human lives and economic stability. And while the President pursues a costly and unnecessary conflict abroad, my neighbors are left wondering how they’ll stretch their already strained bottom lines.

Delawareans deserve leadership that prioritizes diplomacy, stability, and the well-being of the American people—not another endless war.

3. ICYMI: After the killing of two Americans in Minneapolis, I joined a handful of colleagues to demand that Kristi Noem be dismissed from her post. Last week, the Secretary of Homeland Security was finally fired—but the circumstances surrounding her removal speak volumes about this administration’s warped priorities.

Let’s be clear: it wasn’t the deaths of American citizens at the hands of ICE agents that led to her dismissal. It wasn’t the alarming reports of an increasingly unruly and unchecked immigration enforcement apparatus. And it certainly wasn’t the administration’s ongoing refusal to provide transparency about what is happening inside that agency.

No; the final straw was a multibillion-dollar advertising campaign produced on the taxpayer’s dime starring Secretary Noem herself…which failed to sufficiently uplift and praise Donald Trump.

The message this administration is sending is crystal clear: human lives lost did not trigger accountability. A lack of transparency did not trigger accountability. But a self-promotional ad that forgot to center the president did.

How much clearer could this administration’s disregard for human life, the Constitution, and democratic accountability be? 

My colleagues and I are continuing our push for transparency and demanding that ICE agents are held to the same standards as other law enforcement officers. Until this administration, and Congressional Republicans, get serious about this reckless cruelty, we will keep sounding the alarm.

4. Legislative priority: Care work is some of the most essential work in our country—and yet far too often, those who care for our loved ones are paid unsustainable wages and denied even the most basic labor protections. That’s why I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act, introduced by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Patty Murray this week.

This bicameral legislation would guarantee minimum wage and overtime protections for more than three million home care workers—the caregivers who make it possible for seniors and people with disabilities to live in their homes with dignity.

For decades, federal labor law contained a loophole that excluded many of these workers from the same protections that apply to nearly every other profession. And now, the Trump administration is trying to roll back the progress made to address that gap by stripping these workers of the wage protections they fought to earn and deserve.

That’s unacceptable.

In Delaware and across the country, families rely on home care workers every single day. The people who help our parents, grandparents, and neighbors age with dignity deserve dignity in their own work as well. This bill ensures they receive a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work—and helps strengthen the caregiving workforce that millions of families depend on.

I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure that working people across our state and nation have the support they not only need but deserve.

5. Our state of neighbors: I spent this week here in Delaware, a welcome reprieve from the D.C. scene, and got to spend time with neighbors up and down the state. Weeks like this are exactly how I stay grounded in the voices of Delawareans—here is a bit of what I did this week: 

I sat down with Newark Mayor Travis McDermott and city leadership at Newark City Hall to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing one of Delaware’s most dynamic communities. From infrastructure and housing demand to transportation and economic development, Newark’s growth reflects the energy of a city anchored by the University of Delaware and its thriving research ecosystem. Our conversation focused on how federal investments—from transportation funding to community development programs—can help Newark continue to grow while preserving the character that makes it such a special place to live and work. 

I toured several cutting-edge research programs at the University of Delaware, including the Center for Composite Materials, the Newark Robotics Lab, and the Center for Clean Hydrogen. These labs are helping drive innovation in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and clean energy—fields that are critical to our nation’s economic competitiveness and to building the high-skilled workforce of the future. Seeing this work up close was a powerful reminder that Delaware isn’t just participating in the innovation economy—we’re helping lead it. 

I joined the Delaware Tech Forum for a conversation with leaders from our state’s tech and innovation community. We talked about federal policy shaping the future of artificial intelligence, online safety, and emerging technologies—and how Delaware can continue to grow its tech ecosystem. The message from the room was clear: when innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers work together, we can build an economy that keeps Delaware competitive in a rapidly changing world. 

I joined leaders from across the country for a paid leave webinar focused on the impact of paid family and medical leave policies. We discussed how states like Delaware have shown that it’s possible to build a system that works for both workers and small businesses—strengthening families while supporting local economies. Delaware’s experience is helping shape national conversations about what a stronger care economy can look like. 

At the Empowering Community Wellness Symposium at Delaware State University, I joined advocates, students, and community leaders focused on strengthening health and wellbeing across our state. This year’s theme—“Finding Your Voice”—was a powerful reminder that healthier communities are built when people feel empowered to speak up for themselves and their neighbors. From mental health services to economic opportunity, the work being done by organizations such as the Mental Health Association in Delaware shows what it means to care for the whole community. 

I met with Dr. Jennifer Nauman, Superintendent of the Cape Henlopen School District, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing one of Delaware’s fastest-growing school systems. As Sussex County continues to grow, the district is navigating increased enrollment and infrastructure demands while continuing to deliver strong outcomes for students. Our conversation focused on how federal partnerships can support schools, educators, and families as they work to ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed. 

I hosted a working lunch with several of Sussex County’s coastal mayors to hear directly about the priorities facing Delaware’s beach communities. From coastal resilience and environmental protection to tourism management and infrastructure investments, these towns play a vital role in our state’s economy and natural heritage. Their insights help guide my work in Washington to ensure our coastal communities have the resources they need to thrive for generations to come. 

In Georgetown, I visited The Way Home and met with Executive Director Paulette Rappa and members of her team to learn more about their work supporting individuals returning home after incarceration. Through housing assistance, job placement, mentorship, and connections to treatment and counseling, the organization is helping people rebuild stability and opportunity in Sussex County. Their work is a powerful reminder that when communities invest in second chances, everyone benefits. 

I had the pleasure of serving as a scoring judge at the Delaware High School Mock Trial Championship in Wilmington, where talented students from across the state stepped into the roles of attorneys and witnesses for a day in court. Watching these young leaders present arguments, question witnesses, and think on their feet was incredibly impressive. Events like this remind me that Delaware’s next generation of advocates, lawyers, and public servants is already rising to the occasion. 

I was honored to deliver the virtual keynote at the Delaware Association for Adult and Continuing Education’s Adult Literacy Summit. Adult education programs help neighbors earn their GEDs, learn English, build new skills, and create new opportunities for their families. As I shared with the educators and learners gathered there, investing in adult education doesn’t just change one life—it strengthens families, communities, and our entire workforce. 

I joined community leaders and advocates at the annual Easterseals Volleyball Challenge at the University of Delaware, an event that raises awareness and support for services benefiting Delawareans with disabilities and seniors. The day highlighted the importance of home and community-based services and the dedicated direct support professionals who help people live with dignity and independence. It was inspiring to see neighbors come together in support of a mission that strengthens inclusion and opportunity across our state. 

P.S. If you are interested in learning more about our nation's service academies, my office and Sens. Coons and Blunt Rochester will be hosting the annual Congressional Delegation's Annual Service Academy Information Night in the DelOne Conference Center at Delaware Tech in Dover on Thrusday, April 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM! RSVP and learn more here. 

Even during weeks when the headlines out of Washington feel overwhelming, spending time with Delawareans reminds me why this work matters. That’s what it means to be a state of neighbors. 

Talk soon!

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

• 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
• 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
  
• 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! 
• 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

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