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Dear Sixth District Neighbor,
This week, my College and Economic Opportunity Tour took me to Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland, where I heard directly from students, faculty, and campus leaders about the costs shaping their lives and their futures.
Thank you to President David Jones and the entire Allegany College of Maryland team for opening your doors and making space for honest, thoughtful conversations. I met with President Jones and campus leadership, TRIO Pathways to Success students and faculty, Allied Health students, as well as student-athletes. Every discussion was candid, engaged, and focused on building a stronger future for Western Maryland.
Rural community colleges like ACM are among the most powerful engines of opportunity we have. They make higher education affordable, train the nurses, technicians, and skilled workers our communities depend on, and keep talent rooted close to home. But opportunity only works if students can reach it. We talked about transportation, housing, groceries, and gas prices, and how simply getting to campus can be a daily challenge in our region. From better public transportation to lowering everyday costs, these are the practical barriers we need to keep working to remove.
Students here are doing everything right, yet too many still wonder whether their wages will cover basic expenses. I'm taking their stories back to Washington as I work to lower costs, expand opportunities, and make sure young people can build their futures right here in Maryland. Rural opportunity is worth fighting for, and I will keep fighting for it.
As always, my office is here for you. Whether you have a question, need help with a federal agency, or want to share what's on your mind, please reach out. We work for you, and serving you is a privilege.
A President Must Protect Every American
At a recent rally, President Trump suggested Iran could strike Los Angeles or San Diego, saying, “Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego.” That is not just reckless. It is a betrayal of the President’s most basic duty to protect every American, no matter where they live or how their community or state votes.
We have seen this same pattern of political favoritism closer to home. After a devastating storm struck Westernport and neighboring communities in West Virginia last year, FEMA assistance went to West Virginia while Western Maryland was denied federal help. Storms do not check party registration before they strike, and disaster relief should not either. No American community is expendable. I will keep fighting for Westernport and demanding a federal government that serves the whole country.
Enough Is Enough
As a mom of four daughters and longtime advocate for women and children, I have forcefully pushed back against discrimination and attacks on women. From the nationwide protests of Cornell’s handling of the Jane Doe case, to the recent report of a Congressional candidate’s rape, our country has reached a tipping point for accountability, and we must stand up for the rights, well-being and safety of women and girls across this country. Last week I joined a letter led by the Democratic Women’s Caucus in calling on the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General to immediately investigate whether the Department is upholding Title IX protections for survivors of sexual harassment and violence on campuses. The letter follows the shocking reporting about cases at Cornell and LSU and raises serious concerns that cuts to the Office for Civil Rights and the reinstatement of the 2020 Title IX rule are creating major barriers for survivors to seek help and for criminals to be held accountable.
We have asked the Inspector General to examine the impact of changes to federal regulations, to determine whether the Department is meeting its Title IX obligations, and to report its findings and recommendations to Congress within 60 days. Survivors and all women deserve answers, accountability and a government and institutions that support their well-being.
2026 Service Academy Applications
The deadline to apply for a nomination to the Naval Academy, West Point, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy through my office is October 15, 2026. Attending a service academy is both an extraordinary educational opportunity and a serious commitment, which requires at least five years of military service after graduation. Applicants are evaluated on leadership, academic success, participation in extracurricular activities, motivation, and character. If you are ready to lead and serve, review the eligibility requirements and apply here.
2026 Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is a chance to turn creativity and coding skills into something that solves a problem, helps a community, or brings a great idea to life. Entries can include apps, websites, games, robots, wearable technology, browser extensions, virtual or augmented reality projects, smart devices, and more. From Fort Detrick to the I-270 Technology Corridor, STEM and innovation are part of who we are. Calling all Sixth District middle and high school students: projects must be registered and submitted by October 26, 2026 at noon ET. Register now!
Leading the Call to Pause the FAA’s New AI Tool
Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration deployed its AI-enabled “Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes, and Trajectories” – or SMART – tool at Reagan National, Dulles, and BWI airports. This was done without giving Congress or the public sufficient answers about safety testing, air traffic controller training, or human oversight. When Maryland families board a plane, we deserve to know that every system guiding our flights has been thoroughly tested and that the people keeping them safe have the training they need.
Last week, I led a letter with my fellow Members of Congress calling on the FAA to pause the use of its SMART tool until the agency releases its safety testing, explains how frontline aviation workers were trained, and makes clear who is accountable if something goes wrong. After the devastating crash over DCA that took 67 lives last year, the FAA owes our region answers. I support modernizing our aviation system, but passenger safety must come first.
Across the Sixth
Montgomery County Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
To close out Hispanic Heritage Month, my team joined the Montgomery County Council for their Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation. This proclamation was accompanied by a beautiful performance by a local folkloric dance group, DNZ Folklore! It's an honor to celebrate the cultural and economic contributions of Latinos in Montgomery County, the state of Maryland, and nationwide.
Ivy Hill’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
My team was thrilled to join Ivy Hill Farm to recognize their 50th Annual Fall Farm Festival! For the last half-century, Ivy Hill Farm has served the Smithsburg and greater Washington County community by providing fresh produce, flowers, and a beautiful gathering place for events, celebrations, and their Fall Farm Festival. From making fresh apple cider to enjoying music and taking hayrides, Ivy Hill Farm knows how to celebrate the turn of the seasons while showing off their agricultural contributions!
Friendsville Library Grand Opening
My team was grateful to witness the grand opening of the Friendsville Library! Friendsville Library will serve as the home to thousands of books, community events, and resources for residents to enjoy. Rural communities face widening gaps in essential resources, and this library continues to ensure that our youth, families, and adults in Garrett County have a safe third space to gather or enjoy some alone time. Thank you so much for opening this incredible library in the beautiful town of Friendsville. Congratulations!
Advanced Behavioral Health Ribbon Cutting
Team McClain Delaney joined Advanced Behavioral Health for their newest expansion across Maryland, finding their new home in Hagerstown. This kind of investment is critical as our district continues to fight against the mental health crisis we are all too familiar with. This new facility will create incredible changes and touch the lives of many!
21st Korea-U.S. National Prayer Breakfast
To be an American is to celebrate the incredible people and relationships that make our country beautifully diverse, multi-cultural, and a strong nation of different backgrounds. The Korea–U.S. National Prayer Breakfast and Reverend Dae Young Kim’s incredible speech showed how important and lucky we are to come together as a community and rejoice in the friendship between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea. Thank you to everyone who celebrated together, and congratulations for continuing this tradition for the past 21 years!
Team McClain Delaney is Here for You
Serving you is my top priority. No one should have to fight the federal bureaucracy alone to receive the benefits they have earned.
Last week, my office helped recover $32,000 in IRS refunds across the Sixth District. Team McClain Delaney has brought nearly $2 million back to constituents in just one year. My team knows how to cut through red tape, and we are ready to help.
Whether you need assistance with veterans’ benefits, Social Security, passports, or any other federal agency, call my office at (301) 926-0300 or stop by our Frederick district office. We are here to work for you!
| Warmest regards, |
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| April McClain Delaney |
| Member of Congress |
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