Dear Friend, 

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

Even with the House out of session, I've been hard at work on behalf of Delawareans. Keep reading for a look at what I've been up to this week.

I was proud to join neighbors and community leaders in Wilmington to celebrate the opening of Flats V, a new development that provides affordable homes to seniors and older Delawareans. This ribbon cutting was about more than opening a new building. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for dozens of our neighbors, who will now have access to a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. I'm grateful for all the partners in the private and public sectors who helped make this exciting milestone possible. Our congressional delegation continues to secure investment for affordable housing projects like this one, including recently securing another $2 million dollars to continue this progress in West Wilmington.

But ensuring our neighbors have a place to call home is only part of the equation. We must also make sure they have the financial security and support they need to remain in their homes and live with dignity. It’s why programs that empower our neighbors, like Social Security, must be maintained and expanded – because they help seniors and older Delawareans be financially secure and able to live with dignity and maintain their independence. This week, we learned that Social Security benefits will increase by 3.6% next year, providing an additional $75 per month for the average retiree. That's welcome relief, but it can only go so far when the cost of basic necessities continue to strain household budgets. Celebrating the opening of Flats V reminded me that it is not simply enough to build more affordable housing if the supports needed to live full lives are not in place. 

Older Delawareans have spent their lives building our communities and contributing to our country. They deserve to live and enjoy their retirement with dignity and financial security, not spend it worrying about how to make ends meet. That's why I'll continue working to protect the benefits they've earned, expand access to affordable housing for Delawareans of all ages, and support the care and services that allow older Delawareans to thrive. We owe our seniors more than gratitude. We owe them action. And projects like Flats V show what's possible when we turn that commitment into concrete action.

This week, President Trump reversed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plan to livestream a military execution for the American public to watch. The fact that this was ever considered is appalling and un-American.

A democracy is diminished when its leaders encourage citizens to consume violence rather than uphold the dignity, decency, and restraint that distinguishes our country from authoritarian regimes. Last year, public executions were documented in just two countries: Iran and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. That's not the company we should be keeping. 

Displays of this nature are obviously beneath the dignity of this nation, but this administration is grasping for anything that might distract from their very real failures. Seven months into its war with Iran, American servicemembers have lost their lives, hundreds more have been wounded, innocent civilians have been killed, and the administration has failed to articulate a credible path to peace. Meanwhile, families across Delaware are struggling with the rising costs of gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare. The American people deserve leaders who are focused on addressing their problems, not glamorizing violence or broadcasting executions.

I'm relieved that the administration backed down from this deeply disturbing proposal. But reversing one reckless decision doesn't erase the broader failures of leadership that preceded it. Accountability remains necessary. I supported articles of impeachment against Secretary Hegseth earlier this year, and I will continue advocating for his removal from office.

For more than a year, my neighbors in Ocean View have been without a fully functioning local Post Office. What began as a temporary closure for repairs has turned into months of shifting plans, ongoing delays, and a level of uncertainty that is totally unacceptable. Whether it's receiving medication, paying bills, or operating a small business, getting your mail on time is an essential service that Delawareans should be able to count on.

That's why I joined Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester in demanding answers from the U.S. Postal Service and a permanent solution for Ocean View residents. And last week, our efforts helped secure an important update: USPS confirmed that it is now exploring alternative locations in Ocean View that could serve as a new home for the Post Office. That's welcome progress, but exploring options isn't the same as restoring service. 

Ocean View residents have been patient long enough, and they deserve a clear timeline, transparent communication, and a permanent solution that meets their needs. I'll continue working alongside my colleagues to hold USPS accountable and see this through. Because when Delawareans raise concerns about the services they depend on, it's our responsibility to listen, demand answers, and deliver results. You can read more about our push here.

This week brought some unsavory news both here at home and abroad that are contradictory to our democratic values. President Trump decided to ease restrictions on Russian diesel sales — a move that is unlikely to bring down the cost of diesel and will make it easier for Vladimir Putin to rake in oil money while his military continues its brutal invasion of Ukraine. At a moment when so many Ukrainian lives are on the line, we should not be making economic decisions that boost the Russian economy and sustain their attacks on our ally.

To that end, I took action this week by joining onto the End Russian Oil Windfalls Act, legislation that would make it harder for Putin to finance his war and prevent the Trump administration from weakening the economic pressure intended to hold Russia accountable. How? The bill eliminates exemptions that allow for certain Russian oil sales, stops the administration from creating similar exemptions in the future, and strengthens sanctions on Russian energy companies that are currently supporting the Kremlin's criminal war effort. It’s about oversight of the president so that the executive branch cannot unilaterally do this.

The United States must stand with our democratic allies, continue applying pressure on the Russian economy, and refuse to help bankroll Putin’s unjust and illegal war — because the Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace, free from Russian aggression.

Making Delaware stronger isn't the work of any one person in any one place. It takes educators, advocates, and local leaders dedicated to expanding opportunity across the First State. I had the chance to celebrate some of those incredible Delawareans over the past few days, and I wanted to share a few highlights:

I was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Paul Calistro and his remarkable 35 years of leadership at West End Neighborhood House. Paul’s service has touched so many corners of Wilmington — from affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization to supporting young people, families, and Delawareans working toward greater financial stability. His career is a testament to what sustained, community-rooted leadership can accomplish: not just stronger programs, but stronger neighborhoods and more opportunity for the people who call them home.

At Delaware State University in Dover, I joined End Community Violence Now for the second annual Delaware Community Violence Intervention Summit. Survivors, advocates, researchers, and community leaders came together around a simple but powerful idea: preventing violence means investing in people long before tragedy strikes. That means connecting young people with trusted mentors, ensuring families can access essential services, and providing survivors with the support they need to heal. I was proud to highlight my support for the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation that would help community organizations expand these critical prevention efforts. Because real public safety isn't just about responding to violence — it's about building communities where everyone has the opportunity to live safely and thrive.

I also had the pleasure of joining Delaware's Teacher of the Year celebration in Dover, where we honored 20 outstanding educators from schools across the First State. As a proud product of Delaware's public schools, I know firsthand the incredible difference a great teacher can make in a student's life. Every day, our teachers do so much more than deliver lessons. They inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help young people discover what they're capable of accomplishing. I'm grateful to each of this year's honorees for dedicating their careers to the success of our students, and I'll continue working to ensure our educators have the support and resources they deserve.

Rep. McBride helps cut the ribbon on the Flats V in Wilmington.

Rep. McBride speaks at the second annual Delaware Community Violence Intervention Summit in Dover.

A lot happened this week, but I'm feeling as invigorated as ever to keep going. Our state of neighbors deserves nothing less.

Thank you for reading along and for giving me the opportunity to do this work.

Whatever you're 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

• NEW: Medicare Open Enrollment began on October 15! This is the time period where eligible Delawareans have the opportunity to sign up, switch, or drop a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or Medicare Advantage Plan. It’s important to learn about the different plans available and to keep an eye out for scams seeking to fleece folks of their money and benefits. The enrollment period ends on December 7th. For more information, you can visit medicare.gov or contact the Medicare Assistance Bureau via the Delaware Department of Insurance at 302-674-7364 or insurance.delaware.gov. 
• Changes to SNAP: On October 1st, President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” went into effect, which may impact food assistance for our neighbors. October 1st also marked the beginning of the federal fiscal year. This means that if your previous SNAP case was closed for failure to comply with work reporting requirements, or if you were kicked off your benefits, you can now reapply through SNAP online at Delaware ASSIST or call 866-843-7212.
• NEW: The Delaware Department of Transportation is seeking participants for its Delaware Transportation Survey. It’s a chance for our neighbors to share their ideas and insight about the long-term transportation infrastructure needs across the state. More information can be found 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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