Across our state, teachers are helping forge the futures of our young people, bringing them to higher heights and equipping them with the skills to solve the problems of today and tomorrow.

Like our teachers, nurses deserve our thanks for their critical work in providing quality care. As we continue to face a nursing shortage, it’s never been more important to invest in the recruitment and retention of nurses. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan National Nursing Workforce Center Act in Congress to help address the shortage by supporting state-based nursing workforce centers. This is critical for Delaware as we do not currently have one! This legislation is also a key pillar of my Jobs Agenda – a comprehensive legislative package aimed to strengthen Delaware’s economy, workforce, and communities. You can click here to read more about the National Nursing Workforce Center Act here.

This Week in Delaware

Port of Wilmington’s Edgemoor Expansion

Just this week, there was a major announcement regarding next steps for the Port of Wilmington’s Edgemoor terminal expansion that will allow for the future electrification of the Port, far greater capacity, and thousands of union jobs.

The expansion is something that I have long supported, along with Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons. In 2022, we helped secure $9.2 million for operations and maintenance work on the Wilmington Harbor, including a new management plan to support the Port’s expansion to the Edgemoor terminal. Last November, we delivered a $50 million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Edgemoor expansion – a grant made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Read more about the expansion in Delaware Public Media by clicking here.

Supporting Moms & Combatting the Black Maternal Health Crisis

I was proud to bring to Delaware the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services M.O.M.S. Tour (Maternal Outcomes Matter Shower) to the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center in Wilmington for a community baby shower. There were mental health professionals, birth workers, medical professionals, and community members engaging in meaningful discussions on maternal health and community organizations providing resources to moms and their families.

The United States is the wealthiest country in the world, but the Black maternal health crisis continues to rise. Congress has an obligation to help combat this urgent health crisis, tackle racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes, and ultimately, save Moms’ lives. That’s why packages such as the Momnibus, which includes evidence-based solutions to fix this crisis like my bipartisan Moms Matter Act must be passed.

This Week in Washington

Strengthening Communities with the Build from Within Alliance

I was glad to co-host, alongside Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), the Build from Within Alliance’s (BFWA) Capitol Hill Day Breakfast this week. BFWA’s mission is to strengthen neighborhoods and disrupt concentrated poverty through a four-part model: business training, technical assistance, business lending, and real estate. There are 16 community development organizations within the BFWA network that reach 50 neighborhoods across the country.

While at the breakfast, I highlighted West End Neighborhood House, Delaware's own community development organization, and its executive director, Paul Calistro. West End Neighborhood House is implementing the BFWA model here in the First State, helping to empower entrepreneurs in under-resourced areas and ensure they have the skills and tools they need to thrive. I am proud to be a partner in their efforts.

Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester with Paul Calistro, Executive Director of West End Neighborhood House and Chanell Scott Contreras, Board Chair of BFWA

Supporting our Firefighters and First Responders

Delaware’s firefighters are our heroes, often rushing into danger to keep our communities safe. Their work does not come without great sacrifice and selflessness – which is why when we have an opportunity to stand up for them, we must take it. As a Member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I was proud to vote in favor of the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 this week to reauthorize firefighter assistance grant programs. This five-year reauthorization will keep key initiatives running that were set to expire later this year. With these significant programs intact, we can ensure Delaware’s local fire departments have what they need to train and prepare our first responders. I’ll continue to do all I can in Congress to support Delaware’s courageous firefighters.

Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester with members of the Christiana Fire Company.

Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a moment where we pause to reflect on how to best take care of our own mental health and encourage those around us to do the same. I was proud to join many of my colleagues on the Capitol steps this week - dressed in green - to say that there is no shame in seeking care for your mental health. I’m proud to have led mental health legislation to increase funding and resources for children, adults, and pregnant women. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to improve access to mental health care, strengthen our mental health care workforce, and ultimately, break the stigma surrounding seeking care.

Motion to Vacate Vote

This week, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) brought a motion to remove Speaker of the House Mike Johnson from his role to the floor. House Democrats joined with a majority of House Republicans to table the motion. Throughout my time in Congress, I've seen firsthand how important it is to find common ground and put our differences aside for the sake of the American people. That’s why I believe it was right for Democrats to table Rep. Greene’s resolution to remove Speaker Johnson. Time and time again, Democrats continue to be the responsible adults in the room, putting people over politics. Let’s get back to work. You can read my full statement on the vote by clicking here.

Below are some helpful resources for you:

Delaware Taxpayer Assistance Center Reopens in Dover: The Internal Revenue Service recently announced the reopening of the Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) on S. Dupont Highway in Dover. All IRS TACs operate by appointment. To schedule an appointment at the Dover TAC, call 844-545-5640. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To view services provided at this office and to get directions, click here.
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!
NEW! Student Loan SAVE Program: The Biden-Harris Administration announced the SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) Plan. This program is income-driven and calculates your monthly payment amount based on your income and family size. The SAVE Plan provides the lowest monthly payments of any Income-Driven Repayment plan available to nearly all student borrowers. To apply for the SAVE Plan, go to studentaid.gov/idr.
NEW! U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Programs: The State Department sponsors several programs across the world that can give Americans educational, cultural, and professional experiences. Find out more about at exchanges.state.gov/us.
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 celebrates the newest Miss Delaware Teen USA, Kayla Kosmalski! Kayla is the first person with Down syndrome to win this competition. She is a student, a cheerleader, an actor, an activist, and an inspiration. I am proud to have met with Kayla at my office in Washington over the years to discuss inclusivity for people with disabilities and could not be more excited about her well-deserved win. Congratulations, Kayla!

Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester takes a selfie with Kayla Kosmalski in her Washington, DC office. #IKnewHerWhen

Photo: @rezanationmedia

Lastly, before I let you go, I want to wish all the moms and mother figures out there – especially my mom, Alice, and daughter-in-love, Ebony – a Happy Mother’s Day!

Yours in service,

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester

Member of Congress