Dear Friend,

On Friday, the Senate passed a bill to fund the government through the end of September. Historically, this process is bipartisan. Unfortunately, Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, decided to shut Democrats out of the negotiating process entirely. I opposed this partisan funding bill, as I believe we should have passed a short-term funding extension to allow appropriators the time to finish their work and finalize a bill for all of our constituents, as part of our constitutional duty.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve heard from many of you, and it’s clear: Delawareans want solutions to the challenges we face. Many across the First State are also concerned about the Trump administration’s actions – from the illegal funding freezes and firings of our public servants, to the arbitrary trade wars that are raising the cost of goods, and the unchecked influence of an unelected billionaire over your taxpayer dollars and private data. These are some of the reasons for my no vote. You can read my full statement here.

I will continue to stand up for Delaware.

Finding Solutions to our Housing Crisis

On Wednesday, I participated in a Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on strategies to address housing availability and affordability. We all know that we are experiencing a housing crisis in America. Buying a home is more expensive than it has ever been. In the hearing, I asked our witnesses for their ideas and recommendations.

There was bipartisan agreement that restrictive land use policies have created an imbalance of supply and demand. I have focused on zoning reform and cutting regulatory burdens to help address the crisis. I introduced the bipartisan Housing Supply and Innovation Frameworks Act in the House and worked to co-develop the Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act. These bills would reimagine outdated zoning laws and cut red tape which have limited the diverse housing growth we’ve needed for decades, all while still respecting and supporting local land use decisions. I look forward to continuing this work in the Senate. To watch the full committee hearing, click here.

Common Values at Punchbowl’s The Conference

This Tuesday, I sat down with Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Anna Palmer from Punchbowl News at “The Conference,” Punchbowl’s inaugural news summit, for a conversation titled, “Bridging the Divide: Working Across the Aisle.” Throughout my time in Washington, I’ve been proud to build coalitions and push for bipartisan legislation. From telehealth and my Clean Slate legislation, to water affordability, and protections for seniors against scams, my time in Congress is proof that we can work across the aisle to get real, impactful solutions passed into law.

In the Senate, an area with real potential for bipartisan compromise is strengthening our supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how supply chain interruptions can be catastrophic for our everyday lives. Our communities suffered shortages of PPE and baby formula, our auto manufacturers ground to a halt, and rising lumber and glass costs sent housing prices skyrocketing. The worst days of the pandemic may be behind us, but the urgent need to build a more resilient supply chain remains. Coming to the Senate, I’m bringing experience in this work that I hope will shape these important negotiations. For example, in December 2023, after months of negotiations, I introduced the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act. It would create a whole-of-government approach to mapping, monitoring, and proactively strengthening our supply chains so that we can identify shocks before they occur. The bill was unanimously voted out of committee and was passed by the House last May.

At the time, I worked with Senators Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington, and Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, to help introduce a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. Now as a Senator, and a member of the Commerce Committee, we just reintroduced the bill and it has already passed out of committee.

This event was a good reminder of all the work that lies ahead, especially on the issues where there is across-the-aisle agreement – from supply chains to manufacturing, workforce development, and creating a better future for generations to come.

Joining the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

There's no better advocate for women's health than physicians who can speak firsthand to the challenges they face every day – from our surging maternal mortality rate which is the highest in the developed world to highlighting the difficulties women face finding resources when they experience menopause.

That’s why I was so proud to join the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for their 43rd Annual Congressional Leadership Conference. With a membership of more than 60,000 physicians and partners, ACOG plays a critical role in keeping women across our nation healthy.

I discussed our shared work to expand and improve care for women of all ages and thanked them – especially the delegation from Delaware – for being in DC to speak truth to power in the face of growing attacks on women's health.

Meeting with local government officials from Delaware

Annually, the Delaware Congressional Delegation joins the Delaware League of Local Governments during their visit to Capitol Hill. There were 40 officials present from cities and towns throughout our state with all three counties well-represented.

Senator Coons and I took several questions on a host of topics – from the status of federal funding to economic development, affordable housing, and the cost of energy in our state. As we work to understand the impacts on our state of the Trump administration’s freezes on congressionally approved funding, it is important that we work hand in hand with all levels of government.

Congratulations on a great run, Blue Hens!

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the University of Delaware Blue Hens men’s basketball team on an amazing run in this year’s Coastal Athletic Association Basketball Tournament. Even though they did not come out on top in the end, their underdog run to the conference championship game was truly inspiring. Thank you, Blue Hens, for showing the power of perseverance and what can happen when we fight against the odds.

CALLING ALL YOUNG LEADERS: Internship Applications Are Now Open! 

As we get settled into our new office here in the Senate, my team and I are so excited to welcome our first class of Senate interns!

Are you a Delaware college student or recent graduate who wants to get an up-close look at government and help us make a positive impact on people's lives through public service? Click here for more information and to see how you can apply today!

UPCOMING: Mobile Office Hours in Dover

My office will be hosting our next mobile office hours at the Dover Public Library on Wednesday, March 26th. Members of the casework team will be available to assist Delawareans who need help with federal agencies including passport and visa processing, securing your Social Security benefits, getting your tax refund from the IRS and more. To RSVP, click here.

COMING UP: Annual IRS Webinar

Have last minute questions about filing your taxes this year?

I'm hosting my annual webinar with special guests from the IRS and Delaware Taxpayer Advocate this Monday, March 31st at 2:30 PM. As the filing deadline approaches, this is a chance for you to get your questions answered!

Click here to register for this year’s webinar.

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. 
• 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 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 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. 
• 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.
• 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.

This week’s constituent corner honors Siara Husain, this year’s 2025 Delaware Regional Spelling Bee champion! Siara, a student at the Islamic Academy of Delaware, successfully spelled the word “codswallop” to win the title. Up next, she will be competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC.

C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S Siara and keep up the good work!

L-R: Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, second place winner Aurelia Tran, first place winner Siara Husain, and third place winner Kshirja Chauhan (Photo provided by Tiago Tejon)

Yours in service, Lisa Blunt Rochester United States Senator

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