Today is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. For 83 years, we have come together on this day to remember the 2,403 servicemembers and civilians who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. We also pause today to honor the heroic actions of the more than 100 Delawareans serving in Pearl Harbor that day. May we never forget their service and sacrifice to our nation. | Joining POTUS in Angola Earlier this week, I had the honor of accompanying President Biden on his historic trip to Angola, the first sitting U.S. President to visit the nation. As we mark 30 years of bipartisan partnership, we engaged in discussions on strengthening democracy, economic prosperity, and mutual security. I participated in a bilateral meeting with the first female President of Angola’s National Assembly and held a roundtable conversation called “Bridging the Atlantic: A multigenerational conversation on the important role youth and civil society play in shaping the future of Angola.” I look forward to future collaboration with Angola and deeper ties between the U.S. and Africa. | Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester shaking hands with Angolan President Lourenço following an introduction by President Biden. | Above: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester pictured as part of the delegation of U.S. officials in Angola, with President Biden and President Lourenço. | Happy Delaware Day! I want to wish you all a Happy Delaware Day! On this day in 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, cementing our legacy as the First (and best) State in the nation. Happy Delaware Day to all! #ItsGoodToBeFirst | REMINDER: Office Closure and Constituent Casework Operations Update As we navigate the transition to our Senate office, our team would like to provide you with an update on our operations, including our constituent casework, in order to serve you to the best of our ability. While our physical offices in Wilmington and Georgetown are now closed, and our Washington, DC is operating at limited capacity, Delawareans experiencing issues with federal agencies during this transition period should contact the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons. For your information, below are answers to some questions you may have about this process: | New Cases - I am looking to get assistance with one of the following issues: 1) refund from the IRS, 2) obtaining Social Security and/or Veterans Benefits, 3) problems with Medicare, 4) renewing U.S. Passport and/or Visa, 5) Immigration help. Who should I contact?
- While our office is no longer able to open new cases with federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons is available to assist you.
| Existing Cases - I currently have a case open with your office. What happens to it?
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- If you have an open case with my office, our casework team will continue to assist you and will reach out with any updates on your case before our physical office closure on December 4th. After the offices close, our team will be working remotely through the end of the year. You can still contact us by calling the Wilmington office at 302-830-2330 or the Washington, DC office at 202-225-4165.
- What happens if my case is not resolved before your office officially closes?
- Our casework team is working hard to resolve as many cases as possible before our office officially closes.
- Given that the response time for some cases with federal agencies can vary from weeks to months, if a case is not resolved before our office closes, constituents will have the option of either ending the case or transferring it to the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons.
| Additional Assistance - I am in need of resources related to obtaining employment, securing housing, getting food assistance, accessing mental health services or something else. Can I still call your office?
- Yes. If you are experiencing issues in obtaining employment, securing housing, getting food assistance, accessing mental health services or something else, please call my Wilmington office at 302-830-2330 to speak with a member of my staff.
| Open Enrollment is Underway! November 1 marked the beginning of the open enrollment period! If you sign up before January 15, 2025, your coverage will begin February 1, 2025. If you sign up before December 15, 2024, your coverage will start on January 1, 2025. This year, the average person in Delaware saved $1,080 on their premiums thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which I was proud to champion in Congress. Go to Healthcare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov today to find a new plan or renew your current plan. | And as a reminder, TODAY is the last day of the Medicare Open Enrollment period! Thanks to the IRA, we are lowering health care and prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, including capping the cost of insulin at $35/month. As a result of the IRA, it’s estimated that 48,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Delaware will save a total of $12.3 million in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications this year. I’ll always be a champion in Congress for our seniors. To change your plan or select a new plan, be sure to go to Medicare.gov today. | Below are some helpful resources for you: - Lower Energy Costs: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped pass last Congress, there are opportunities to lower your energy costs through tax credits and rebates. Check out energy.gov/save to learn more.
- Calculate Your Potential Savings: The Biden-Harris Administration’s actions are helping to lower costs and put more money back into the pockets of Americans across the country. You can calculate your potential savings at Invest.gov/Savings.
- 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.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): The State Department recently launched a new version of STEP. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP also makes it easier to contact U.S. citizens during an emergency. You can sign up for these alerts at login.gov.
- 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline. 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.
- 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.
- Protecting Your Data: Delaware’s Personal Data Privacy Act, legislation protecting the personal data of Delawareans, goes into effect on January 1, 2025. You can go to this website from the Delaware Department of Justice to find out how it will impact consumers, parents, and businesses in our state.
- Free COVID Tests: Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, every household in the United States can get four free COVID tests that will be shipped to you through the United States Postal Service. You can order your tests today at covidtests.gov.
- Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, starting in January, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will be able to spread prescription drug costs across the year. These payment plans will include zero-interest installments as well as a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap. Learn more at medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan.
| This week’s constituent corner recognizes Dave Myers from Wilmington who was recently inducted into the National Blood Donation Hall of Fame! Dave has been a long-time volunteer and donor at the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Dave was nominated for the special recognition due to his long-standing commitment to our blood banks, which started with his mother who organized the first group of donors for what was then the Delaware Blood Bank. Dave started giving blood in 1972 and has donated regularly since. In fact, since 1998, Dave has donated platelets 315 times. As we continue to face blood shortages, Dave’s contributions could not be more important so thank you for all you’re doing for our communities, Dave! You can read more about Dave’s impact here. | Above: Dave Myers Photo: Delaware News Journal/Blood Bank of Delmarva | Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester Member of Congress | Washington, DC Office 1724 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4165 | Wilmington District Office 1105 N. Market Street Suite 400 Wilmington, DE 19801 Phone: (302) 830-2330 | Georgetown District Office 28 The Circle Suite 2 Georgetown, DE 19947 Phone: (302) 858-4773 | |