Dear Friend,

It’s been a busy week here in our nation’s Capitol and Delaware. On Thursday night, President Biden delivered a powerful message to the American people informing us that the state of our union is strong and getting stronger. He demonstrated the progress that has been made under his Administration, and he reminded us that nothing is beyond our capacity when we act together.

As always, keep reading below for updates from me.

This Week in Washington

Securing Wins for Delaware in the First Tranche of 2024 Appropriations Bills

Every year, it is one of Congress’ core responsibilities to fund the government so that it can continue to serve the American people and serve them well. This week, I voted to pass six appropriations bills for 2024 that reauthorize critical federal programs and agencies, boost our economy, and improve the quality of life for families across the country. The package of bills also included measures I’ve championed that will invest in community-based violence intervention and prevention programs, make our supply chains more resilient, and give returning citizens a second chance. To read more about this announcement, click here.

The Energy Emergency Leadership Act Passes the House

I’m proud to share that the bipartisan Energy Emergency Leadership Act that I introduced with Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan passed the House unanimously this week! With cyber threats to our infrastructure having increased in recent years, this legislation would assign energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary. Ensuring that we are prepared to face emerging cyber-attacks has never been more important for the health and safety of our economy and our country. To read more about the bill, click here.

Raising Awareness of Blood Clots

The National Blood Clot Association (NBCA) came to Washington, DC this week to continue its efforts to educate Congress on blood clots. Last year, I introduced the bipartisan Charles Rochester Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Act in honor of my late husband, Charles, who died from blood clots, so this cause is personal to me. At the event, the NBCA presented me with its 2024 Blood Clot Awareness Champion Award.  I was truly humbled and honored to accept this award for my efforts to increase awareness and education surrounding the signs and symptoms of blood clots, and I thank the NBCA for its partnership as we work to save lives.  

Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Olympian and blood clot advocate, Katie Hoff.

This Week in Delaware

Assisting Delawareans at Our Inaugural Passport Processing Clinic!

My office was thrilled to be able to assist Delawareans today at our Passport Processing Clinic in Wilmington! Thanks to the Philadelphia Passport Agency for helping Delawareans renew their passports or apply for a new one. If you couldn’t get an appointment for our event, no problem! Our office stands ready to assist you. To speak with one of our caseworkers, call our Georgetown office at 302-858-4773.

TUESDAY: IRS Event Webinar – Have Your Tax Filing Questions Answered!

This Tuesday, my office will be hosting a virtual tax filing information session with special guests from the IRS, Delaware Taxpayer Advocate, and the Delaware Department of Revenue. They will answer questions received in advance and present information on what you need to know about filing your 2023 taxes. If you’d like to register for the event, click the image below!

REMINDER: Internship Applications Due March 18!

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

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.

• Need a Passport Appointment?: The Department of State is encouraging travelers to go to passportappointment.travel.state.gov to schedule passport appointments within 14 days of their date of travel. You can utilize this resource until September!

• 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.

This week’s constituent corner is my guest for President Biden’s State of the Union address, Planned Parenthood of Delaware’s president and CEO, April Thomas-Jones! April joined Planned Parenthood of Delaware in November 2023 and is the first person of color to lead the organization. Her presence underscored our ongoing fight to protect reproductive freedom and just how important the critical health care and reproductive services Planned Parenthood provides to our communities are at this moment.

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress

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