Dear Friend,

I want to send a quick note to thank you for the love and support as my family grieves the passing of my father, Ted Blunt. It’s clear from the outpouring of messages and support we received following Dad’s passing just how many lives he touched, and your kind words have meant the world to us during this difficult time.

Until next week, stay safe and be well.

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

This Week in Washington

Government Funding Extended to March

This week, Congress once again passed a continuing resolution to extend government funding through early March. While continuing to pass short-term funding bills is far from the ideal way to govern, it is our obligation to avoid a costly and self-inflicted government shutdown. I’ll keep you posted as we continue our work to pursue a long-term spending package.

Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Include Affordable Housing in 2025 Budget

There is a housing crisis in America - and we need to focus on proven solutions that create more available and affordable housing opportunities. That’s why I recently sent a bipartisan letter to the Biden administration urging them to include funding for the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant program in the President’s budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year. This grant program works to remove barriers such as outdated zoning, land use policies, or regulations. If you’d like to read more about the letter, please click here.

This Week in Delaware

Having started my career in public service as an intern for then-Congressman Tom Carper, I’ve seen first-hand just how valuable of an experience internships are. That’s why I wanted to let you know that my office is now accepting internship applications for the summer of 2024.

Complete applications are due by Monday, March 18, 2024, by COB. This is an excellent opportunity for young people to learn about public service and gain experience working in a congressional office. For more information on how to apply, please visit my website here.

This week’s constituent corner is Elaine from Wilmington who recently contacted my office for assistance with the IRS. After Elaine submitted an amended tax return and paid the associated fees, she heard from the IRS about additional fees and penalties owed. With the help of our casework team, we were able to reach out to the IRS on Elaine’s behalf for clarification and confirm that she did not owe any additional fees. As a reminder, if you’re ever in need of assistance with federal agencies, please contact my office. My team and I are here to serve you.

Below are some helpful resources for you:

• Lower Energy Costs: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped pass last Congress, there are more opportunities than ever before to lower your energy costs through tax credits and rebates. Check out energy.gov/save to learn more. 

• Free COVID-19 Tests: Delaware households can still claim 4 FREE COVID-19 tests at covid.gov. 

• Look Before You Book: Are you thinking about booking a trip? Before you do, you should ensure that your passport is up-to-date! You can go to travel.state.gov to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, the 24/7, free and confidential support Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.

• Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more, call 211, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline.

Contact Me