Dear friend,

This week, the House returned from our Thanksgiving break for a critical work period before the end-of-year holiday season. I’ll start with the news you’ve probably seen coming out of Washington this week - the expulsion of George Santos (R-NY). It was clear since he arrived in Washington that Mr. Santos was unfit for any public office, let alone a member of the House of Representatives. Over 300 members voted to expel Mr. Santos, and there will now be a special election to replace him. While the news around George Santos could make you cynical about politics in Washington, I’ve got some exciting news at the end of the newsletter I hope you’ll stick around for. 

Opening the New Claymont McDowell Transportation Center

Earlier this week, before heading to Washington, I was thrilled to join elected officials and community members for the dedication of the McDowell Transportation Center in Claymont. The station will officially open its doors on Monday, named after former State Senator Harris McDowell. The project is exactly the kind that will continue to be funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, making the train station more accessible, fostering partnerships, protecting the environment, and bringing good-paying jobs and renewed infrastructure to every corner of our state. To learn more about the McDowell Transportation Center, click here. 

Clean Water Announcement

We also received exciting news that Delaware has been awarded $77 million from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for our state’s Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Funds. This funding came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It will go directly to communities throughout our state to help update stormwater and wastewater systems, along with delivering safe drinking water to communities in need. I’m proud to have helped deliver this funding to Delaware. 

Major Bipartisan Supply Chain Agreement

Finally, I wanted to share some of the most exciting news I’ve had since coming to Congress. Those of you who read this newsletter regularly will know the importance of jobs and the economy to me - and will know that one of my passions over the past few years has been working to strengthen America’s supply chains. That’s why I’m thrilled to share, after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, incorporating feedback and input from organizations from labor unions to the Chamber of Commerce, I’ve secured a major bipartisan agreement with my Republican colleague, Larry Bucshon from Indiana, on a supply chains package. This deal will help us map, monitor, and strengthen American supply chains - making more critical goods at home, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering consumer costs. 

We plan on introducing our bill early next week, and then advancing it through a committee process known as “markup”, after which, we hope to bring the bill to the House floor. I want to thank Mr. Bucshon for his commitment to engaging on these critical issues, our staff for their tireless efforts in negotiating this deal, and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their willingness to consider this bipartisan measure. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on our progress.

REMINDER: Open Enrollment is Here!

The Open Enrollment period has begun! Delawareans looking to purchase health insurance coverage for 2024 through the Marketplace have until January 15, 2024, to enroll. Last year, nearly 35,000 Delawareans signed up for health insurance on Delaware’s marketplace, the highest number yet. Remember that if you already have a health insurance plan through the Marketplace, you will need to re-enroll to maintain your coverage for 2024. To review your current plan, enroll in a new plan, or get more information, go to healthcare.gov or choosehealthde.com. 

Today’s constituent corner is devoted to all of our University of Delaware Blue Hens! This week, the University made the incredibly exciting announcement that Delaware Athletics has accepted an invitation to join Conference USA as a full member. As a result of the announcement, the Blue Hens football team will now be part of the Division 1 FBS system - the highest level in the NCAA. It will also mean some incredible opportunities for student-athletes across any number of sports at the school. I can’t wait to see our Blue Hens continue to thrive with this new challenge! 

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on this issue and others!

Contact Me