Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my dispatch to Delawareans from DC. 

This week, my work centered around two big questions: how much longer will the conflict in Iran go on without proper Congressional oversight? And, here at home, how can we ensure we are holding the Administration to account for their unchecked cruelty while also ensuring Americans are safe? Here are five quick things: 

Early this week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee convened a hearing to address reforming America’s defense sales globally. While a worthy topic of discussion, I found it unconscionable that Congressional Republicans continue to refuse to hold a hearing on the one topic that is dominating our foreign affairs, and hurting my neighbors at home: the war in Iran.  

The United States is in the third week of a war of choice in Iran—a conflict launched without Congressional authorization, without clear objectives, and without the basic oversight that the American people deserve and demand. A war where, thus far, the main beneficiaries have been Russian oil revenue and China’s understanding of our operational capabilities.

The consequences of this war are also real. Thirteen American servicemembers have already paid the ultimate price, unnecessary loss of life for an avoidable conflict. As their families grieve, Congress has refused to demand answers and is, instead, attempting to carry on business as usual. That is not the job my neighbors sent me to Congress to do. 

In Delaware, we know accountability matters—because when lives are on the line, and our neighbors are being asked to put on the uniform and risk everything, we need clarity, purpose, and oversight. 

This is, by the President’s own admission, a war of choice. And when a President can start, and continue, a war without answering to Congress or the American people, that is a failure of responsibility, a dereliction of duty. 

Our servicemembers, their families, and my neighbors deserve answers—and I’ll keep pushing for them. You can watch my full remarks here. 

Meanwhile, here at home, the consequences of dysfunction by Republicans in Congress are impacting Americans everywhere.

Right now, we remain in an ongoing partial government shutdown and thousands of public servants are paying the price. TSA agents and members of the Coast Guard, FEMA workers and others are working without pay—all because Congressional Republicans refuse to make reforms to ICE.

The worst part? Their refusal to negotiate lies squarely on their belief that ICE agents should be allowed to act with unchecked impunity and terrorize our communities. We have all seen the consequences of inaction. ICE agents are acting in cruel, illegal, and deadly ways, all with an unbelievable disregard for the rule of law and with the support of Republicans and Trump. 

That is chaos masquerading as public safety. 

That’s why I joined my colleagues this week in signing a discharge petition to force a vote on a bill that would fully fund TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard—while withholding funding from ICE until proper accountability is taken and reforms have been made. That would mean ensuring the safety of our nation while also holding everyone to the rule of law—because security and accountability are not mutually exclusive. 

If my colleagues across the aisle are actually serious about protecting the homeland and paying public servants to do this work, they should join us in ending this chaos, not enabling it to thrive. 

This week, I had the privilege of heading to the House Floor to recognize two Delawareans whose commitment to service is an inspiration to us all. 

First, I was honored to uplift my own New Castle County Councilman, Penrose Hollins, whose over three decades of leadership and commitment to his community embody what public service is all about—fighting for your neighbors, standing up for equity and justice, and building opportunities for others. You can watch my full message to Councilman Hollins here. 

I also paid tribute to Albert Firth, of Millsboro, whose life and legacy serve as a reminder for us all that service can take many forms, even in one lifetime. Mr. Firth served in the Air Force for two decades before retiring and coming to Washington, D.C. to serve in the United States Capitol Police force—eventually serving on the personal detail for then-Speaker Newt Gingrich. From protecting the United States abroad to safeguarding our nation’s Capitol, Mr. Firth’s commitment is deeply moving and leaves a legacy I was proud to recognize. You can see my speech honoring him here. 

Behind both of these stories lies the foundation of a deeper truth: that our state of neighbors is committed to serving the greater good for the sake of each other.

This week, the Energy Bills Relief Act was introduced; an effort I was proud to support as an original cosponsor. In Delaware, my neighbors have made it clear that affordability isn’t optional, especially when it means keeping the lights on.

Bottom line: too many families are feeling the squeeze of rising energy costs—while our grid struggles to keep up with modern demands, and this bill aims to tackle both.

It restores clean energy tax credits that lower costs for families and boost energy generation, expands programs like LIHEAP to help people afford their utility bills, and invests in weatherization so homes are more energy efficient.

At the same time, it modernizes our energy grid—strengthening transmission, speeding up connections for new energy sources, and investing in the infrastructure we need to ensure reliability and security.

This bill is about ensuring families can afford their monthly bills, our grid can meet future demand, and that we build a system that works for everyone. No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and making ends meet. This bill moves us closer to a future where they don’t have to.

Per usual, the most welcome part of my days in Washington are the moments I get to spend talking with Delawareans who come to advocate and share their voices with me. Here are a few of those conversations: 

I sat down with members of LiUNA, including public sector employees from Delaware, to hear about the challenges they’re facing—from attacks on collective bargaining to instability in the federal workforce. Their message was simple: workers deserve dignity, stability, and a voice on the job.

I met with engineers and members from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to talk about innovation, immigration, and investing in science. Their perspective made one thing clear: if we want to lead in the future, we have to invest in the people building it.

I joined Delaware’s League of Local Governments during their Hill visit, where mayors and local leaders from across our state shared what they’re seeing on the ground, including rising energy costs. Their message was clear: strong communities start with strong local partnerships—and the federal government needs to be a reliable one.

I met with Rabbi Beals and leaders from the American Jewish World Service to discuss the importance of U.S. foreign assistance and advancing human rights around the globe—from supporting women and girls in Haiti to strengthening access to care worldwide. Their message was clear: our values don’t stop at our borders—they guide how we show up for others.

I had the opportunity to meet with emerging leaders from the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s Gilliam Fellows program, where we discussed everything from voting rights to housing and economic opportunity. Their leadership is a reminder that the next generation is already shaping a more just and equitable Delaware.

I talked with leaders from GE Aerospace’s Newark facility to discuss the cutting-edge manufacturing happening right here in Delaware—from advanced materials to next-generation aviation technology. It’s a powerful reminder that Delaware is continuing to be a leader in innovation and creating good-paying jobs.

I met with advocates from the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and Choose Clean Water Coalition to discuss protecting one of our region’s most vital natural resources. Their work underscores a simple truth: clean water is key to protecting public health, strengthening our economy, and investing in our shared future.

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. 

From a war without answers abroad, to very real consequences here at home, to conversations with dozens of Delawareans right here in DC; this week underscored the importance of government oversight and ensuring public servants and government work for the people with transparency, accountability, and care. 

Thank you for reading along and staying engaged. 

Have a good weekend, Delaware, 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