Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo—my weekly dispatch to Delawareans about goings on in Washington and in the First State. 

This week’s McBride Memo looks a little different. Given all that has happened this week, I want to take a step back and share where things stand in the war in Iran—and what it means right now. 

If you’ve written into or called my office this week to share your concerns about what we’re seeing overseas, thank you. Hearing directly from you helps me better represent you down in Washington–and push for answers and accountability. 

First, I’m relieved that the president did not follow through on his threats against the people of Iran. But that relief shouldn’t diminish how serious and disturbing it is that those threats were made in the first place.

We’ve heard some Congressional Republicans argue that it was “bluster” or a “negotiating tactic.” But let’s be crystal clear: negotiations that involve the threat of genocide are unacceptable. A president should never make that kind of threat—because what you explicitly threaten, you implicitly condone.

Presently, there appears to be a tenuous ceasefire which is long overdue, because any stop to violence is a good thing. However, it’s not entirely clear that all parties share the same understanding of that agreement, further casting doubt on the stability and the longevity of this arrangement. Important talks are scheduled to take place this weekend, and while I am not particularly optimistic about the outcomes, I’m positive of one thing: this administration needs to stop this war of choice. 

The administration is pointing to military accomplishments, and there’s no question that our military executed orders with skill and precision. But tactical accomplishments are not the same as strategic victories.

Take the Strait of Hormuz. Two months ago, it was open. Iran wasn’t controlling traffic or profiting from tolls. Now, while more ships are sailing through than last week, Iran appears to be maintaining operational control—and may even be charging tolls to navigate through. That has real consequences—and implicates the money coming directly out of Americans’ pockets. That means that every time you go to the pump, a portion of what you pay can be used by the Iranian regime to rebuild the very capabilities the administration is currently celebrating having diminished.

Beyond that, and perhaps most importantly, Iran has now demonstrated that it has the ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz entirely—essentially an economic weapon of mass destruction that has the power to tank the global economy and raise prices here at home. Unfortunately, it appears Iran’s leverage, their influence, and their geopolitical power has not weakened – and, in some ways, has increased.

What this means is that this administration has spent billions of your tax dollars and lost 13 brave American servicemembers in yet another war of choice in the Middle East that has left us poorer and less secure.

The ripple effects of this war don’t stop in the region—eased sanctions on Russia and higher oil prices are boosting Russia’s oil revenues, helping fund its war in Ukraine. China is gaining vital insight into U.S. military capabilities, providing them critical intelligence if they choose to invade Taiwan. Meanwhile, we’ve alienated our allies in NATO—undermining their trust and further isolating ourselves on the world stage and increasing global instability.

All of this adds up to a more uncertain and unstable global economy. And over time, that will drive up costs—not just at the pump, but everywhere.

So while there have been tactical successes, it’s difficult to see this as anything other than a familiar pattern: a war of choice, with unclear objectives, and consequences that are already ripping across continents.

This is a serious and deeply consequential moment. It’s not one to celebrate or minimize. It’s one that demands clarity, accountability, and a clear path forward.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’m focused on making sure we are not treating this moment as business as usual—a point I have made in every committee hearing since this war of choice began: it’s unfathomable that Republicans refuse to address the conflict head on by holding a hearing dedicated to the war. 

Democrats in Congress must continue to press for clarity about where this conflict stands and where it’s headed—because right now, there are still too many unanswered questions.

We need to be clear about what this moment requires: accountability, a real understanding of the consequences, and a strategy that goes beyond short-term tactical accomplishments.

The American people deserve answers. I’m headed back to Washington to ensure Delawareans are getting the accountability they deserve from their government.

I’ll keep speaking out about the risks we’re facing, the costs my neighbors are already feeling, and the broader consequences of this war globally. My colleagues already brought a War Powers resolution to the House Floor that was rejected by House Republicans, but as soon as Congress is back in session, House Democrats intend to use every tool at our disposal to stop this ongoing conflict as soon as humanly possible. We only need a handful of Republicans to join us to stop this unnecessary and counterproductive war. 

I have been clear about where I stand this week in the face of this president’s careless, illegal, unauthorized war of choice. You can follow reporting from WHYY, 6ABC, and CoastTV. Also, you can see a full video statement from me here. 

I will keep you updated as the situation continues to develop. 

Stay in touch, and I’ll do the same.

Talk soon, Delaware! 

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

• Upcoming Mobile Office Hours: Our constituent advocacy team is hosting the next Mobile Office Hours event in Middletown on Tuesday, May 19 from 4 to 6pm at the Appoquinimink Library. Representatives from our office will be available to help neighbors with a variety of issues, you can learn more and RSVP here. 
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