Dear Friend,

I want to open this week’s edition of Let Me Be Blunt with a word about how proud I am of my friend and brother, Senator Cory Booker. In what he called a “moral moment,” Senator Booker stood on the Senate floor for over 25 hours. He quoted leaders from red states and blue states – Democrats, Republicans, and independents – as he put into focus how this administration is threatening the livelihoods of the American people and the values on which our democracy was built.

He not only set the record for the longest speech ever given on the Senate floor, but he disrupted a dark shadow over this institution in doing it. For almost 70 years, Senator Strom Thurmond held the record for the longest filibuster in history for his attempt to delay passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.  Senator Booker changed history with grace and compassion, and he did so while invoking the spirit of our late colleague, Congressman John Lewis, who called on us to get in good and necessary trouble.

On Monday night, moments before he took the floor, I stood with Senator Booker, and we prayed together. I prayed he would be strong physically and mentally, and that he would be given the power to speak words of love as he stood in defense of what is right and just. In the end, Senator Booker stood tall for over a day speaking words of love to all Americans and telling us how important it is to “redeem the dream.” 

Along with several of my colleagues, I was proud to join Senator Booker to take part in this historic event and share the story of a Delawarean who relies on Medicaid. You can watch our exchange here.

As Senator Booker said, these are not normal times, and if you are feeling fear, frustration, or both, I hope this speech inspires you to get into “good trouble.”

Trump’s Tariffs and Trade Wars

On Wednesday, President Trump announced that his administration is instituting tariffs on almost every country in the world. I am supportive of any policy that lowers costs for Americans, but let’s be clear: tariffs are taxes on American families, and they will undoubtedly make things more expensive. These arbitrary trade wars come at a price – Delaware’s consumers, small businesses, farmers, and families are the ones who will foot the bill.

Instead of a comprehensive, well-thought-out strategy, this administration is approaching trade policy like they approach “government efficiency” – with a chainsaw, a wood-chipper, and a hatchet. These 19th century trade policies do not prepare us for a 21st-century economy.

I spoke on these tariffs on the Senate floor. Watch my remarks here.

Demanding Answers on “Overhaul” of Key Housing Agencies

This week, as a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, I led seven of my colleagues, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, to seek information from Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte. We are looking for answers on his recent “overhaul” of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

FHFA plays a critical role in the American housing market, supervising and regulating Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Trump administration recently proposed a major shakeup at FHFA that could raise housing costs, cut off access to credit for hardworking families, and compromise the stability of the financial system. This proposal threatens to be nothing but bad news for families while generating billions of dollars for hedge funds and other wealthy investors. That’s why my colleagues and I are calling for answers. We need clarity and transparency regarding these proposals now.

Click here to read Semafor’s coverage of our letter.

Standing Up for Students with Disabilities and their Families

I also joined with several of my colleagues to send a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon asking critical questions about how the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education will impact students with disabilities and their families.  The Department has historically been a major support system for the more than 9 million students with disabilities across the U.S. The Department enforces the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and works to protect students’ civil rights.

As we wrote, “It is essential to recognize the vital role the Department plays in safeguarding the rights of students with disabilities. We are concerned by President Trump’s effort to transfer implementation and oversight of special education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a move which you indicated you support during your confirmation hearing. The Department of Education has the statutory authority to implement and enforce IDEA. Without an act of Congress giving authority to HHS, this administration’s attempts to shift IDEA responsibility to HHS will merely prevent the law from being enforced at all.”

As a member of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee – the committee that oversees federal education policy – I firmly believe every single American child deserves to have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their disability status. These recent actions not only fail to bring us closer to that goal – they push it further away.

To read the News Journal’s coverage of our letter, click here.

My Annual IRS Webinar

On Monday, I hosted my annual IRS Webinar alongside special guests from the IRS and Delaware Taxpayer Advocate Service. Together, we provided important information and answered your questions as the tax filing deadline fast approaches. You can watch the full webinar here.

Hosting Delaware Students in DC

Thank you to the 7th-grade students and their teachers from Gateway Lab Charter School for visiting with me this week. It is no secret that we find ourselves in challenging times, but it was inspiring to see the passion these students have for our government. Meeting with them was a highlight of my week!

ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester speaking with students from Gateway Lab Charter School

A Weekend on the Town

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend two very special events in the community. The first was Dancing with the Delaware Stars – an event I look forward to every year. It was great to see some familiar faces for a “dancing with the stars” competition to benefit the Wilmington Public Library. Kudos to the Christina Cultural Arts Center for training the dancers, and kudos to this year’s champions: Kenny Everette and Tierra Fair!

I also attended the Do the Right Thing 4Life Banquet in Claymont. The event celebrated AIDS Delaware’s partnerships with local barbershops and beauty salons, honoring their vital work to provide resources and support to Delawareans living with HIV and AIDS. I delivered keynote remarks at the event and uplifted the importance of this mission. While we have made significant progress toward breaking the stigma, we have much more work to do to support those living with HIV/AIDS and reach an AIDS-free generation.

ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester giving keynote remarks at the Do The Right Thing 4Life Banquet

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 Delaware basketball legend Elena Delle Donne. After a long career of personal accolades and success in the WNBA and internationally, this University of Delaware and Ursuline Academy alum announced her retirement from professional basketball this week. Elena has done incredible work in the community and inspired generations of Delawareans. I salute her on her illustrious career and wish her well in this new chapter!

ABOVE: Elena Delle Donne (VALERIE MACON, AFP/Getty Images)

Yours in service,

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester

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