Dear friend,

It’s been a busy week in Delaware and in Washington.

Celebrating DSU’s Class of 2023

It was truly an honor to address Delaware State University’s Class of 2023 graduates on Friday. It was the largest graduating class with the highest average GPA in their history. 

Graduating from a college or university — especially from one of the top 10 HBCUs in the country — is a moment that only comes after years of hard work, dedication, and determination. For this class, their educational journey was interrupted by the pandemic. But they didn’t let that stop them. They kept going, and they kept their eyes on the prize. 

I have no doubt that they are more than prepared to take on whatever comes their way — and will rise from it because that’s the Hornet way! Congratulations to the class of 2023!

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester congratulates a graduate. 

This Week in Washington

It was a busy week of meetings and events in Washington as I participated in a Punchbowl News panel on the bipartisan work of women in Congress, met with representatives of the Delaware State Troopers Association, Delaware members of the Realtors of America, and had the chance to address the 38th Annual Hellenic Leadership Conference! 

Helping Engineers RISE

Last Saturday, I was proud to give the keynote speech at the University of Delaware’s College of Engineering’s Resources to Inspire Successful Engineers (RISE) Program 50th Celebration. This program uplifts Black and brown engineers and gives them the tools, skills, and networks to be successful. Representation in innovation matters, and I'm proud that RISE continues to prepare the next generation of engineers. Here’s to the next 50!

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester views a student’s presentation at the RISE Program 50th Celebration.

House Votes

H.R. 2 - Republican Immigration Proposal

This week, Republicans brought their immigration proposal to the floor. The bill we voted on isn’t just cruel - it’s unserious, unproductive, and unworkable. The Republican proposal doubles down on measures that are expensive and ineffective, functionally bans lawful asylum claims, and enables the cruel and inhumane child separation policies of the Trump Administration. 

This bill was not proposed in an effort to bring about good-faith negotiations on immigration reform. Instead, it caters to the most extreme elements of the Republican conference. Our country cannot afford any more of these political stunts - it’s time to come to the table, using the U.S. Citizenship Act proposed by President Biden as our starting point, and negotiate for comprehensive immigration reform that honors our values, offers real and meaningful border security, and provides a pathway to citizenship.

Bill Introductions

This week, I introduced two bills: the Health Center Service Expansion and Provider Shortage Reduction Act and the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act. 

Health Center Service Expansion and Provider Shortage Reduction Act

Delawareans rely on the essential primary care services provided by our incredible community health centers, but it’s become increasingly clear that these centers are in need of additional support to meet evolving patient needs. That’s why I introduced the Health Center Service Expansion and Provider Shortage Reduction Act to ensure health centers provide mental and behavioral health services and invest in our primary care workforce. You can learn more about the bill here. 

Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act

From my time as Delaware’s Secretary of Labor, Head of State Personnel, and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, to my time in Congress, there’s been one word that has driven my work – jobs. That’s why I announced my JOBS Agenda last month, which is a comprehensive package of bills, most of them bipartisan, that are all connected to jobs. People want to work and want to gain the necessary skills to do so. That’s why it’s critical that we increase access to education and training programs at community colleges and career and technical centers that are using or want to use immersive technology so that people are equipped to take on some of the most in-demand skill and trade jobs of today and jobs of the future – and this bill would help us do just that. To read more about it, click here.

ICYMI: NEW MONTHLY GRANTS NEWSLETTER

In case you missed it, I recently sent out my inaugural monthly Grants newsletter this week! As a member of the newly formed Regional Leadership Council, and with so many new grants and funding now available from new legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, I wanted to ensure that Delaware community-based organizations, state and local governments, nonprofits, small businesses, and others remain informed about these opportunities. Moving forward, you will receive a monthly update on grant opportunities from me. If you know someone who may be interested in receiving this update, forward this email to them or send them this link.

Teachers don’t just educate - they inspire. As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to highlight all of Delaware’s teachers and educators from all grades and institutions for their commitment to their students. You are indispensable, and I want to thank you for dedicating your careers to supporting Delaware’s students. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Before I let you go, I wanted to wish you a very happy Mother’s Day! This year, I am blessed to be able to celebrate Mother’s Day as a first-time grandmother! I can’t wait to watch my granddaughter grow into a beautiful person – and in the image of my incredible daughter-in-law, Ebony, and my son, Alex.

And to all the moms, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, and mother figures whose unyielding support, comfort, guidance, and love gets us through thick and thin – happy Mother’s Day!

Your in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

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