Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to the McBride Memo, my weekly dispatch to Delawareans. 

Before anything else this week, I want to begin with a moment of remembrance.

Twenty-five years ago today, nearly 3,000 lives — including the lives of several Delawareans — were stolen by terrorists in the deadliest attack on our nation in its history. In response to that tragedy, our nation made the lasting commitment to never forget. Today, and every day, we make good on that promise. We honor the lives lost and remember the heroism that guided our nation through some of its darkest days.

First responders ran toward burning buildings to save lives. Passengers aboard Flight 93 came together to defend our capital. And here at home, Delawareans decided to serve their neighbors. Our state mobilized ambulances and intensive care workers to assist the response efforts, while folks at Dover Air Force Base cared for the remains of 184 people killed at the Pentagon. In the face of unimaginable fear and loss, ordinary people made the extraordinary choice to show up for one another. 

We cannot bring back the lives we lost that day or erase the grief carried by their families in the 25 years since. We can, however, keep our promise to never forget what happened on September 11, 2001. That promise is about more than remembering a tragedy — it’s about acknowledging a lesson we learned in the days that followed: 

A nation is not defined by its darkest moments. We are defined by what we choose to do next — whether we turn toward one another or turn on one another; whether we answer fear with courage or let it pull us apart. 

Twenty-five years ago, Americans chose courage, sacrifice, and service to their neighbors. If we continue to make those choices, the resolve of this nation can never be broken. I had the chance to reflect on that lesson from the House floor as we mark 25 years since the September 11 attacks. You can watch my full speech by clicking here.

After months of telling us his war with Iran was won and its objectives had been achieved, President Trump made a remarkable announcement this week: he said the war will end “immediately after the election.” He seems to think the Iranians are holding out only as a way to influence our elections. But if we already won this war — and if, as the President repeatedly insists, we have “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz — how is it that Iran gets to decide when the war ends? 

The American people deserve immediate relief. As I write this, gas in Delaware is averaging around $4.20 a gallon. Families who were already struggling to make ends meet continue to foot the bill for Trump’s reckless war of choice. 

American servicemembers have died and hundreds more have been wounded. Innocent civilians have been caught in the crossfire. And the nuclear threat Trump promised this war would resolve remains just that — unresolved. This week, the U.N. nuclear watchdog referred Iran to the U.N. Security Council for the first time in 20 years, while new satellite analysis found a surge in construction at a deeply buried site tied to Iran’s nuclear program. 

Trump’s war has done nothing but cost lives, cause chaos, and spike prices. The president can keep hoping that November will magically change the situation on the ground, but we all know the truth: he has created a lasting mess he has no idea how to fix.

I’m thrilled to share that my office has now helped return more than $8 million directly to Delawareans by cutting through government red tape and helping our neighbors access federal benefits and refunds owed to them.

Eight million dollars is a big number, but what matters most is what it can mean for folks across the First State: a veteran receiving care, a working parent getting their tax refund, or a senior receiving their Social Security payments. Behind every dollar is a neighbor looking for answers, some relief, or simply a government that works the way it should and treats them with respect.

I could not be prouder of the incredible constituent advocacy team that makes this possible. Every day, our constituent advocates approach their work with compassion and persistence — navigating complicated federal agencies and staying on cases until our neighbors get the money they are owed and the answers they deserve. We can’t solve every issue, but we will do our best to find a solution or connect you with someone who can.

That’s what this work is all about: making government work for the people it serves. My office is always here as a resource. If you or a loved one needs help with Medicare, Social Security, or any other federal agency, call us at (302) 830-2330 or click here.

This week, I joined my colleagues in calling on President Trump to de-escalate his trade war with Canada and return to good-faith negotiations. The Canadian economy is closely linked to our own: manufacturing and agricultural supply chains, energy markets, and communities across both countries rely on each other in a variety of ways. That is especially true here in Delaware, where last year we sold more goods to Canada than to any other country. 

When tariffs and retaliatory measures disrupt those relationships, businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers face greater uncertainty and potentially higher costs. My colleagues and I are working to make it clear to the president that disputes between allies should be resolved through established trade mechanisms and serious negotiations. No one should be allowed to wreak havoc on working class people by haphazardly implementing a tariff regime that hurts farmers and undermines businesses.  

That’s why I’ve signed onto the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, which would ban presidents from using emergency economic powers to impose tariffs or import quotas without congressional approval. This legislation is designed to rein in Trump’s reckless trade war, reassert Congress’s constitutional role in trade policy, and return much-needed predictability to the trade relationships Americans rely on.

I was in Sussex County this week, alongside U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, celebrating millions of dollars in federal investments we helped secure for three organizations that are delivering for Delawareans. The work each group is doing looks a little different, but together they show what it means to invest in the things our neighbors rely on — accessible healthcare, stable housing, and stronger communities:

First, at La Red Health Center in Georgetown, we celebrated more than $3 million in federal funding to help the health center expand its facilities and strengthen its Rural Re-Entry Program. La Red provides affordable, community-based medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to folks across Sussex County, and this investment will help them serve more neighbors as demand continues to grow. It will also expand a proven program that connects people returning from incarceration with healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, housing, and workforce support at a critical moment in their lives. I was especially grateful to hear from Marvin Valesquez, whose experience with La Red is a powerful reminder of what it means when care is accessible, compassionate, and close to home.

Next, we stopped at Beebe Healthcare’s Long Neck Health Center, where we highlighted $1.75 million to expand Beebe’s Coordinated Care Center. Too many patients leave the hospital or emergency room without a primary care provider to help them navigate what comes next. This center is designed to close that gap by connecting patients with follow-up care, chronic disease management, and a path toward an ongoing relationship with a provider. As Sussex County continues to grow, our healthcare infrastructure has to grow with it — and this investment will help more Delawareans get the right care, at the right time, right here at home.

Finally, in Laurel, we joined NeighborGood Partners to celebrate $5 million in federal investment supporting Meadow View, a new community that will ultimately create 245 homeownership opportunities for Delaware families. The first phase of this development will include 50 homes, and the federal funding will help cover the infrastructure needed to get construction underway. A home is more than a roof over your head — it is stability, a chance to build generational wealth, and the opportunity to put down roots in the community you love. I’m proud to help move this project forward and expand that opportunity for more families in western Sussex County.

I also visited the Latin American Community Center this week to help kick off Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino Delawareans who have helped shape our state of neighbors. For more than 50 years, the LACC has been a trusted community anchor — helping families access education and opportunity across the First State. This year’s celebration comes as America marks its 250th anniversary, making it an especially meaningful moment to recognize the lasting contributions Hispanic and Latino communities have made to our state and our country. I’m grateful to Maria Matos and the entire LACC team for continuing to create spaces where people can celebrate their heritage, find support, and know that they belong.

Rep. McBride stands outside the Mobile Health Unit at La Red Health Center in Georgetown with U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester; La Red leadership, including CEO of La Red Rachel Hersh; and community members.

Rep. McBride speaks at Beebe Healthcare's Long Neck Health Center in Millsboro.

There was a lot to carry this week, but also plenty of reminders of what is possible when we show up for one another. I’ll be heading back to Washington next week, so stay tuned. As always, thank you for reading along and allowing me to do this work.

Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope it’s a good one. 

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

• Service Academy Nominations: Our office is accepting applications from Delaware students seeking nominations to our nation’s prestigious service academies! As a member of Congress, it is my honor to support these students in their efforts to serve our nation in uniform. The application deadline is October 15 and you can find more information on eligibility and application requirements here.
• Congressional App Challenge: Calling all young coders! The Congressional App Challenge is now open to all middle and high school students in Delaware. This nationwide competition is a chance to flex your creativity, build real-world STEM skills, and develop your very own app. The winner will also be invited to the national #HouseOfCode celebration in D.C.! Learn more and get started here.
• 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: https://mcbride.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency

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