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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. This week, Congressional Republicans passed a bill that would claw back federal funding that was already approved – in a bipartisan way – by Congress. From cutting funding for global health, economic development, and peacekeeping through USAID, to cutting over a billion dollars for publicly funded rural TV and radio stations, these cuts will have a devastating impact and compromise our leadership on the world stage. I voted against the legislation on the Senate floor. You can read my full statement by CLICKING HERE.
This Week in Washington
Disaster Preparedness
Like so many of you, I have been following the tragic news about the recent flooding in Texas. My heart broke for all the families who lost loved ones and their homes and businesses. These extreme weather incidents are happening more and more, which is why the response from the Trump administration has been very concerning.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem fired hundreds of FEMA contractors, slowing the federal aid process substantially. Disaster survivors deserve better. In addition, the agencies that help predict disasters and help us respond and recover have and are still facing major cuts, making us less safe and resilient. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, as well as the Senate Commerce Committee, I will continue to highlight and hold the administration accountable and advocate for our safety. CLICK HERE to watch my video discussing this.
Follow the Science
On Tuesday, I published an op-ed in Newsweek shining a light on the consequences of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s vaccine skepticism. It is not the time to let conspiracy theories guide our health decisions when we are in the midst of a historic Measles outbreak. We need leaders who understand the importance of public health and allow science to inform their decision-making. CLICK HERE to read my full op-ed.
No More Suffering in Silence
Eight out of 10 women in America will develop fibroids by the age of 50. Black women are more frequently and severely impacted than other demographic groups. Generations of women have suffered from this condition and uterine cancer in silence, which is why I was proud to join House and Senate colleagues, advocates, and Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, and advocate Lupita Nyong’o to unveil a new package of legislation aimed at advancing uterine health initiatives.
This week, we held a roundtable at the Capitol to announce the legislative package and call attention to the issue. It was a powerful and necessary conversation.
ABOVE: Along with committed advocates like Lupita Nyong’o, my colleagues and I will fight for better science and resources, increased awareness, and stronger health outcomes for women.
Reconnecting Communities Across our State and Nation
My colleagues and I on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing focused on the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, which supports a broad range of transportation and infrastructure programs and projects.
In the hearing, I questioned witnesses about a few of the issues I plan to advance. One is the use of technology in transportation, specifically digital infrastructure – things like radar-based detection systems at intersections and live travel advisories – and how they contribute to safety and mobility on our roads alongside traditional physical infrastructure.
I also inquired about the impact of the Reconnecting Communities Program (RCP), which I championed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law over the last two Congresses. This program addresses physical barriers and connects people to jobs, essential services, recreation, and new economic opportunities while correcting historic injustices and harms to communities due to past infrastructure decisions. From Wilmington to Georgetown, Delawareans are counting on this funding for projects to reconnect communities. CLICK HERE to watch my conversation with one of the witnesses, Mayor Gallego.
Streamlining American Manufacturing
This week, I was proud to introduce a new piece of legislation: the Streamlining American Manufacturing Strategy Act, along with Republican Senator Ted Budd from North Carolina. This bipartisan legislation is focused on creating a unified national strategy for U.S. manufacturing. We must create the right environment based on innovation and data while cutting unnecessary red tape and creating jobs. I look forward to working with our colleagues on the Commerce Committee to get this passed!
Delaware’s Future Farmers
I was thrilled to again host the officers of the Delaware Future Farmers of America (FFA) at the Capitol this week. These outstanding young people represent the next generation of Delaware leaders.
Investing in programs like FFA that equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in the future of work, especially when it comes to farming, is more important now than ever. It’s why I was proud to secure federal funding for the New Castle Building at the Delaware State Fair, which is used by FFA and 4-H programs from across our state, and will continue to do all I can to support them in the Senate.
Thanks to their advocacy, I am one of the newest members of the FFA Caucus in the Senate!
ABOVE: These officers from the Delaware Future Farmers of America represent the future of agriculture in the First State.
Standing on his Shoulders
Yesterday marked five years to the day that the legendary Congressman John Lewis passed away. It was an incredible privilege to serve with such a civil rights icon in the House of Representatives. As much as we would benefit from his leadership today, his legacy lives on in all of us. We will just have to get in “good trouble” on his behalf. You can watch my video reflecting on John Lewis’ legacy HERE.
ABOVE: Congressman John Lewis and me
This Week in Delaware
It’s Time for the Delaware State Fair!
It’s time for one of my favorite events of the year: the Delaware State Fair! The fair started yesterday and runs through Sunday, July 27th.
Whether you are looking to enjoy some amazing food, take in the great events and ag programming, or see all that Delaware’s agricultural community has to offer, the fair has something for everyone. My office will have a table in the Delaware Building, so please come say hello. See you in Harrington!
ABOVE: Members of my team at our table in the Delaware Building at the State Fair
When President Trump signed Republicans’ “big, ugly bill” into law, he enacted the largest cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in its history. As many as 37,000 Delawareans could lose their food assistance. It’s disgraceful.
Regina from Bethany Beach shared her concerns about this policy with me. She said, “As a greater than 50-year member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, I am greatly dismayed by the decision to remove the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education component for those receiving SNAP assistance. Not only is the present administration reducing the number of those who benefit nutritionally, it is also removing the education component to help improve nutrition, meal planning, and wise buying.”
Regina hit the nail on the head. Not only will this new Trump policy make it harder for Americans to access food assistance, but it will also make it harder for people to get the information they need to eat nutritious meals. Now more than ever, I will continue to work with my partners to ensure Delawareans have the critical resources they need.
Do you have a story to share? I want to hear from you! Please click here to share your story.
Please note that your stories may be used on the Senate floor, on social media, or with the press.
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 celebrates Andrew Peffley, a recent graduate of Conrad Schools of Science, who is going to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Missouri this fall. Andrew, who was born with spina bifida, is a big sports fan and has played several adaptive sports. In fact, his mother, Terri, told DelawareOnline, “I feel like his first word was ball.”
Andrew’s story is nothing short of inspiring and is a true example of what we can achieve when we follow our passions. Andrew, Delaware is proud of you, and we can’t wait to cheer you on when you take the court next year!
ABOVE: Andrew Peffley on the basketball court (Benjamin Chambers/Delaware News Journal)
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