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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. The Senate is in session again. Returning to Washington has given me an opportunity to reflect on my first 100 days as a Senator and the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term.
In my two weeks back in Delaware, my constituents shared their stories, proposed their ideas, and made their voices heard. Last week, I hosted a town hall with Senator Chris Coons, Representative Sarah McBride, Governor Matt Meyer, and Attorney General Kathy Jennings. It was a great showing of engaged Delawareans concerned about the future.
I came away with a clear message: we are all in this together. In this moment, we must all do our part. I look forward to continuing to work alongside you to fight for our democracy and realize our shared vision for the future.
Making the Stakes Clear: The Power is with the People
Last weekend, I joined Senator Cory Booker and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a sit-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. We, and other members of the House and Senate, sat alongside families, faith leaders, advocates, experts, and community members to shine a light on the harms of the Republicans’ proposed budget. The Republican budget bill (known as "the reconciliation bill") would make catastrophic cuts to Medicaid and jeopardize other critical programs that families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities rely on in Delaware. We recommitted to opposing these arbitrary and reckless cuts. As was said, the power of the people is greater than the people in power, so continue to make your voice heard. You can tell me how you would be impacted by these proposed policies here.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Raphael Warnock, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Sarah McBride, Congressman Steven Horsford, and advocates discussing the stakes of the Republican budget on the Capitol steps.
On Wednesday, I joined colleagues from both chambers, including Democratic Leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, for a press conference. We highlighted the chaos sown in our nation over the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Head to my Instagram page to watch a clip of my remarks.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester participates in a press conference to highlight the chaos of the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
A Fresh Start and a Clean Slate
I was so proud to re-introduce my bipartisan, bicameral bill, the Clean Slate Act, as we wrapped up Second Chance Month. It is also sponsored by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) in the Senate and Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-6) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1) in the House. The bill – which I see as both a jobs and a justice bill – would automatically seal the records of low-level, nonviolent offenders. This legislation inspired action in 12 states across the country, including Delaware, which passed its own Clean Slate legislation in 2021! Read more about the Clean Slate Act here.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester holding up the Clean Slate Act at the press conference announcing its reintroduction.
Standing up for our Veterans
A few weeks ago, the Trump administration suddenly announced its plans to cancel the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program (VASP), effective May 1. VASP is a critical program that helps veterans facing foreclosure. Since its founding last year, VASP has helped 17,000 veterans. It ending with no replacement puts 80,000 veterans at risk.
In response, I worked with Senator Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to write the Veterans Housing Stability Act of 2025 which would ultimately fill this gap and keep veterans in their homes. Our veterans have served us and we need to support them. This legislation will honor our commitment. I’ll continue calling on the administration to put forward a plan to stand up for our veterans and prevent homelessness. Click here to read more about the VASP program.
Convening Conversations
I had a busy week of inspiring and productive conversations in my office with Delawareans, as well as national and international leaders. From the American College of Emergency Physicians, to Easterseals, to the Ambassador of Honduras – our meetings this week energized our commitment to our shared goals. You can find more details from these meetings on my Instagram.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester meeting with representatives of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Calling Delaware High School Students: The Senate Page Program is Here
Do you know a high school student who wants to get invaluable experience in the United States Senate? Consider the Senate Page Program! Pages play critical roles in Washington, from preparing the Senate Chamber for session and delivering correspondence around the Capitol, to working on the Senate Floor. Please see my website for more information on how to apply by the May 18th deadline.
When I launched my “Share Your Story” portal and said your responses would come to me, I meant it. This week, I’m highlighting the story of one of those respondents: Joy from Wilmington.
Joy is the parent of a 34-year-old with autism. Her son received excellent services while he was in school and currently attends a day program – a program funded by Medicaid. As Joy told me, “[Her] fear is the funds will be cut or reduced to the point where the program will be shut down or significantly reduced in the services it provides."
I keep saying it: Medicaid cuts are not just numbers on a page. There are Americans whose lives are at stake. Joy’s story underscores how important it is that we protect Medicaid and continue to fund programs that support Americans with disabilities and their families.
Do you have a story to share? I want to hear from you! Please click here to share your story.
Below are some helpful resources for you:
- Cybersecurity Training: If you’re a small business owner with a cooperative agreement or grant with the SBA, you can access brand-new cybersecurity training designed by Delaware’s award-winning Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Visit northstarcert.americassbdc.org.
- Lower Energy Costs: You can lower your energy costs thanks to tax credits and rebates made available by the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn more at energy.gov/save.
- Look Before You Book: Before you book your next international trip, make sure your passport is up to date! Visit travel.state.gov to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Before you go overseas, consider downloading STEP, a free service that will send you safety and security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Travel with peace of mind and enroll today at mytravel.state.gov/s/step.
- 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
- Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more should 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 at exchanges.state.gov/us.
- Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Medicare Part D beneficiaries can spread out the costs of prescription drugs over the course of a year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Payment plans have zero-interest installments and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap. Learn more at medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan.
This week’s constituent corner honors the graduates of the Food Bank of Delaware’s Culinary School and Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing, and Inventory Control (LOGIC) Program in Milford. These programs do incredible work to prepare their graduates to enter the workforce equipped with valuable skills and certifications. I commend all the graduates for taking the initiative to participate and for this wonderful achievement. Congratulations, everyone!
Yours in service,
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
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