Dear Friend, 

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

This week was a district work period so I got to travel all across the greatest state in The Union—getting to talk with my neighbors and hear about how this present moment is hitting home.

Here are five big things from this week: 

This week, the president addressed the nation about his ongoing war of choice in Iran—but instead of answers, the American people got more confusion. 

When the Commander in Chief sends servicemembers into a war zone, putting our neighbors into harm's way, the American people deserve a clear objective, a lawful authorization, and a plan to bring them home safely. That is how we ensure a system built on accountability, not ego. 

Instead of this, what we heard this week from the president was a series of contradictions. He claimed success while offering no clear definition of victory. He asked the American people to brace for weeks more of this unauthorized conflict—without explaining what comes next. And, he deflected for rising gas prices with claims that simply do not align with reality. 

Meanwhile, my neighbors are feeling the impact—prices at the pump are skyrocketing, supply chains are strained and uncertain, and our servicemembers and their families are left waiting for clarity about what comes next. 

Bottom line: after the president’s address, the American people did not go to sleep with more answers but with more questions. I will keep pursuing transparency and congressional oversight—as our system clearly requires—because Delawareans deserve nothing less. 

Earlier this week, House Republican leadership made clear that they intend to pass the very same bipartisan funding bill they refused to bring to the floor for a vote just a week ago—one that funds every part of the Department of Homeland Security except ICE and CBP. 

Let’s call this what it is: a walk-back. And a costly one. 

While Congressional Republicans played politics and delayed action, TSA agents, Coast Guard members, and FEMA personnel have gone without pay—real people, public servants—caught in the middle of a manufactured crisis. All to protect and prioritize a system that needs crucial reforms and accountability. 

Here’s the frustrating part: they could have reopened the government one week ago, by passing this exact same measure. 

I am ready to vote to fund DHS—minus ICE and CBP—because we can keep our communities and homeland safe while also demanding accountability and reform where it is sorely needed. 

Last week, I had the honor of a friend and my pastor whose work reminds us what service truly looks like. 

I was proud to honor and celebrate Reverend Dr. Gregory Knox Jones on the occasion of his retirement after more than two decades leading Westminster Presbyterian Church. Rev. Jones has led with compassion, built bridges across communities and continents, and centered peace and justice in every corner of his ministry. Rev. Jones has consistently shown our congregation and his community what it means to walk alongside people with care, grace, and unwavering faith. 

His commitment to serving our neighbors is a exemplary example of all Delaware stands to offer to our community. 

That is the type of story that makes Delaware special—neighbors who show up, lead with heart, and leave their communities stronger than they found them. You can watch my speech honoring Rev. Dr. Jones here. 

I was proud to cosponsor the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act; a bill that would flip our tax system toward fairness. The idea is simple: if you earn less than what it actually costs to live in this country, you pay less in taxes. 

Under this bill, working and middle-class Americans earning up to the national median cost of living would be exempt from federal income tax, with the benefit phasing out gradually for those earning more—not falling off a cliff. For someone making between roughly $46,000 and $80,500 a year, that means a lower tax bill than under the current system. The bill also includes larger exemptions for heads of household and married couples filing jointly—because family budgets feel the squeeze first.

And importantly, this tax cut is paid for the right way: by asking the wealthiest to pay their fair share. Not working families. Not seniors. Not people already stretched thin. 

The cost-of-living exemption and the millionaires' surtax would both adjust with inflation, so the relief keeps pace with reality. No one working full-time should feel punished during tax season just for trying to make ends meet. This bill aims to expand dignity, fairness, and create a tax code that finally reflects the real cost of living—for Delawareans and for families across the country.

Everywhere I went this week, Delawareans reminded me why I do this work—because across our state, people are stepping up, solving problems, and building stronger communities for all of us. Here are a few of those conversations: 

I met with Secretary Berry and Director Bourdeau from the Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss how we can better serve Delaware’s veterans—from health care access to benefits delivery. Our veterans kept their promise to this country—we have to keep ours to them.

At the Indian River Inlet, I was proud to celebrate $600,000 in federal funding I secured through the House’s Community Project Funding process to strengthen coastal resilience—specifically, to continue the Indian River Inlet Sand Bypass System operations that protects our beaches, our infrastructure, and our local economy from the growing threats of erosion and storms. You can learn more about this vital project here.

I joined DANA for a “Care for Good” conversation focused on strengthening our care economy—by supporting nonprofits in Delaware in ensuring their employees have access to reliable health insurance and quality health services. This program is an investment that I was proud to support in the State Senate and simply affirms that your ability to access care should not be based on chance, but an assurance. 

At Junior Achievement of Delaware, I met with young people gaining hands-on experience in financial literacy and workforce readiness. Their ambition and curiosity were inspiring—and a reminder that when we invest in our kids, we invest in our future.

During Service Academy Night with the delegation, I had the chance to meet incredible students and families exploring a path of service to our country. Their commitment to something bigger than themselves was unmistakable—and deeply moving.

I also sat down with the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, where we talked about advancing equity and expanding opportunity in communities that have too often been left out. Their work is grounded in dignity, fairness, and real change.

And at Zimmer Biomet Diagnostics, I saw firsthand how innovation in Delaware is driving advances in health care and creating good-paying jobs right here at home.

This week was a busy one, taking me up and down our state of neighbors and giving me the opportunity to ground myself in what matters—your voices. I appreciate you partnering with me in this work and staying engaged and informed. 

For those celebrating, I wish you a joyful Easter and a happy Passover. 

Talk soon, Delaware! 

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

• Service Academy Night: 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.
• DEADLINE APPROACHING: 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