Dear Friend,

Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt! This is our first edition of 2025 – with many more to come! It’s already been an incredibly busy first few weeks in the United States Senate. From my swearing-in to committee work, keep reading to hear how we have been advocating for Delaware in the Senate.

This Week in Washington

Like I did as Congresswoman, as a Senator, I have the privilege of serving on committees that review legislation on a host of issues and conduct oversight of government agencies.

I am proud to share that I am now a member of four esteemed committees in the Senate. Those are:

The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs,
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
The Committee on Environment and Public Works, and
The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

In the past week alone, I’ve joined three nomination hearings to examine the President-elect’s nominees to lead critical federal agencies including the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Throughout each hearing, I ensured that Delaware’s transportation, housing, and environmental priorities were front and center.

You can watch my exchanges with the nominees by clicking below:

CLICK HERE for my exchange with Sean Duffy, the nominee for Secretary of Transportation
CLICK HERE for my exchange with Scott Taylor, the nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
CLICK HERE for my exchange with Lee Zeldin, the nominee for Administrator of the EPA

Above: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Sen. Andy Kim at the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing

This Week in Delaware

In case you missed it, I spoke with Delaware Online recently about my goals as Delaware’s new Senator. There are three words that have guided my career – purpose, peace, and planet – and they will continue to do so as I serve Delaware in this new capacity. From increasing access to affordable housing to advancing our clean air and drinking water goals, I'm focused on finding solutions to the most pivotal issues of our time. You can read the full article here.

Also, in Delaware Online – a letter I wrote to President Biden thanking him for his decades of service to our state, our nation, and our future. You can read the full letter 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 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, went into effect on January 1st. 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 them today at covidtests.gov.
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, 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.

Our first constituent corner honors Richard “Mouse” Smith, a champion of justice in our state who passed away at the beginning of the year.

Countless Delawareans can attest to Mr. Smith’s impact on their lives. He attended the historic Howard High School, contributed years of service to the Port of Wilmington, was an outspoken advocate for workers’ rights, and served on President Joe Biden’s Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.

Additionally, having been active in the Delaware NAACP since the 1960s, he led the charge for justice in our communities for decades. From working to integrate restaurants and schools, to becoming president of the Delaware NAACP, to pushing for increased transparency and accountability of law enforcement, he never lost sight of his life-long commitment to the fight for freedom.

He is no longer in the body, but his memory will live on in those who knew him, worked with him, and loved him. His example – to never be afraid to speak truth to power – should serve as an inspiration to us all. While we will miss him, let us take comfort in the good work and goodwill he spread throughout his life.

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday, let's grab the torch of justice as Mouse did – and do our part to build the Beloved Community.

Photo: Damian Giletto/Delaware News Journal

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester

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