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Dear Friend,
This week, House Republicans moved forward with their massive budget bill that would cut approximately $800 billion in Medicaid funding. These cuts would leave millions of Americans without access to health care, raise premiums, cause delays, and shut down hospitals that rural communities depend on.
I know how much Medicaid means to Delaware families. I’ve been reading the stories and concerns you’ve shared with me through our website. That's why, this week, I went back to the House Energy and Commerce Committee – where I served as a member of the House – to support the Democratic representatives taking a stand against this dangerous proposal.
While there, Ranking Member Frank Pallone and I took a second to explain what the Republican plan means for families like yours. You can watch our breakdown here.
This Week in Washington
Demanding Answers from Secretary Kennedy
When I first met with now-Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in January, he said he hoped his department would respond to all Congressional inquiries in 30 days. In the months since, my colleagues and I have sent him dozens of letters demanding answers on the reckless changes he’s implementing at the department. Despite his assurances to be responsive, we haven’t received a single response.
So, when Secretary Kennedy came before the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee on Wednesday, I took the opportunity to get him on the record responding to some of the concerns I have with his leadership of the department. I also got him to provide much needed clarity on who is currently leading the CDC. He claims to be committed to leading this agency with “compassion” and “radical transparency,” but his actions as Secretary and responses in front of the committee suggested otherwise. You can watch our full exchange here.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester questioning Secretary Kennedy in committee.
Conducting Oversight of the FAA
Like so many Americans, I have been increasingly concerned about the dramatic impacts that workforce shortages are having on our airports and travelers. This has recently been especially notable at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
As a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I had the opportunity to emphasize the importance of recruitment and retention to FAA leadership this week. The lack of a robust and well-supported aviation workforce is a problem, and we need to be laser-focused on real solutions.
Saluting the Congressional Black Caucus with the National Urban League
On Thursday, at their annual Empowerment Summit, the National Urban League (NUL) saluted the Congressional Black Caucus. I’m honored to have received the 2025 Parren Mitchell Award for Jobs and Workforce Development. As the former president and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and Delaware Secretary of Labor, this award has special meaning to me. I’ve often said, if I were to have a second middle name, it would be Lisa Blunt “JOBS” Rochester. I will continue fighting for a strong, resilient, and inclusive economy that prepares us for the future of work.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester is pictured with Delawareans at the National Urban League's Empowerment Summit after being awarded the 2025 Parren Mitchell Award for Jobs and Workforce Development.
Delawareans in DC
In addition to attending the national NUL conference, I met with Jennifer Thompkins, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and members of the board and staff to discuss our shared priorities and how proposed cuts would impact communities in Delaware. I also met with Pete Booker and Kiandra Parks, the general manager and director of advancement, respectively, for Delaware Public Media. We had the chance to talk about the importance of protecting and investing in public broadcasting programs, like NPR, as they face funding attacks from the administration. From education and culture to news and civic engagement, public broadcasting is vital.
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester is pictured with Pete Booker, the general manager of Delaware Public Media.
Need to Update Your Passport? We can Help!
My office will be hosting a Passport & Global Entry Event on Saturday, June 7th at 10:00 AM at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center.
We have separate registrations for passports and Global Entry, so be sure to RSVP for a time slot specific to the service you need. Time slots are limited, so RSVP as soon as possible. Please note that constituents are only eligible to participate in the Global Entry event if their Global Entry applications have already been conditionally approved.
While all the appointment slots for passport assistance are booked at this time, you can still sign up here for Global Entry.
Calling Delaware High School Students: Deadline Extended for the Senate Page Program
Do you know a high school student interested 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 visit my website for more information on how to apply by the extended May 23rd deadline.
This week, I’m highlighting another one of the stories shared through my “Share Your Story” portal. This week’s story comes from Bradley (Milford, DE).
Bradley is 71 years old, and he’s been married for almost 52 years. Bradley’s wife developed dementia in her late 50s, and Bradley had to retire at age 62 to care for her. Social Security and Medicare help them make ends meet. Here’s what Bradley told me: “I'm worried about the future of Social Security, Medicare and what savings I have because of Trump. His tariffs are also driving up prices; that will make it harder for us to get by.”
Bradley’s story makes it clear: Medicare is more than a budget item. It’s a lifeline to critical care and support. I’ll keep fighting to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security because all Delawareans should be able to support themselves and their loved ones.
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 Capitol Police Officer Rudy Smith, who was born and raised in Dover. No matter what is going on in the Capitol, Officer Smith is always a friendly face who brightens everyone’s day. During National Police Week, I’m especially grateful for his service and thankful to all the members of law enforcement who keep our communities safe. Thank you, Officer Smith!
ABOVE: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester pictured with Capitol Police Officer Rudy Smith.
Yours in service,
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
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