Dear Friend,

Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. It is a longstanding tradition for newly-elected Senators to deliver what’s called a “Maiden Speech” – their first formal remarks on the Senate floor.

I began my speech, “...as America confronts a period of darkness,” and then laid out my vision for the future of Delaware and the “collective spirit of our nation.”

CLICK HERE to read and watch my full maiden speech.

ABOVE: In my maiden speech, I emphasized my belief that Bright Hope shines brightest in the dark.

This Week in Washington

Government Funding Update

Yesterday, I proudly voted in favor of a bill that would preserve health care for millions of Americans and keep the government open. My Democratic colleagues and I are working in good faith to protect the American people. Our proposal would restore the cuts Republicans made to Americans’ health care, prevent increasing costs this fall, and help us rein in the President’s clear abuses of power. We are ready to talk with our Republican colleagues; it’s on them to let us know when they are ready to do the same with us. CLICK HERE to read my full statement.

Shocking Developments at the CDC

Just 29 days after she was confirmed by the Senate, CDC Director Susan Monarez was fired by the Trump administration for refusing to rubber-stamp Secretary Kennedy’s anti-vax agenda.

On Wednesday, the Republican chairman of the HELP Committee called her to testify to get to the truth of the matter. The hearing was titled, “Restoring Trust Through Radical Transparency.” The American people deserve answers, and I was glad that the chairman took this positive step.

Not only did Dr. Monarez confirm reports about her ouster in this hearing, but she shined a light on the widespread chaos and confusion at the CDC. She revealed just how hard Secretary Kennedy is working to undermine science and vaccine integrity – even if it endangers the health of American families. We need to restore data-driven, science-based leadership at the CDC. I continue to believe Secretary Kennedy is deeply unfit to serve the American people.

CLICK HERE to watch my exchange with Dr. Monarez and Dr. Deb Houry, who recently resigned as the CDC’s Chief Medical Officer.

ABOVE: Senator Andy Kim and I both asked pointed questions in this hearing on behalf of our constituents. 

Supporting our Students

I also participated in a separate HELP Committee hearing, “The State of K-12 Education.” It was a very productive conversation on the challenges we face both from before and since the pandemic, and the need to support our teachers. We all should be able to agree that your zip code should not determine educational outcomes.

My colleagues and I also discussed the problems, protections, and possibilities of AI. Just last week, I introduced a bipartisan bill to encourage states to develop academic standards for artificial intelligence. We must urgently address AI in education before it’s too late. CLICK HERE to learn more about the work ahead.

My New Bill to Connect People to Jobs

This week, I was proud to introduce a new piece of bipartisan legislation, the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act. This bill would support the use of immersive technology – like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) – in workforce development and career and technical education.

As Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor, I have spent my career working to empower and prepare the workforce of today and tomorrow. This bill would go a long way toward connecting workers to jobs of the future. To read more about this new bill, CLICK HERE.

Advocating for Mental Health Services and Disability Rights

On Wednesday, I attended a gala hosted by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, where I was presented with the Congressional Champion Award alongside my good friend and former colleague, Congressman Steny Hoyer. This honor recognizes elected officials who are strong advocates for mental health services and disability rights, and I'm proud to be among this year’s group of awardees.

I will continue to advocate for jobs, health care, housing, and justice for individuals with disabilities and widespread access to mental health care. Thank you to the Bazelon Center for having me, and congratulations to every honoree! 

ABOVE: I was proud to accept the Congressional Champion Award from Holly O’Donnell, CEO of the Bazelon Center.

Delawareans in DC

It was a busy week of meetings in my DC office, starting with the American Planning Association about my new housing agenda, and how they’re adapting to new housing laws at the state and federal levels. I had another great housing meeting via Zoom with Delaware members of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. My work in the Senate is driven by my conversations with community leaders like these, so I was glad to hear from them. 

This Week in Delaware

Celebrating the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce

Last night, I was proud to be in Newark to celebrate the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC) at its 5th Annual Black & Gold Gala. This event was especially meaningful as it was an opportunity to celebrate five years of the DEBCC uplifting and empowering minority-owned businesses across the state.

Congratulations to Ayanna Khan-Flowers, the DEBCC’s founder, president & CEO, her entire team, and all the awardees!

ABOVE: This Black & Gold Gala was a worthy celebration of five years of the DEBCC.

THIS TUESDAY: Our Third Annual Constituent Resource Fair

Our Third Annual Constituent Resource Fair is this Tuesday! Join us from 10 am to 3 pm on Tuesday, September 23rd, to speak with representatives from federal, state, and nonprofit agencies and learn more about what services are available to you. My team and I hope to see you there! 

CLICK HERE or SCAN the QR code below to register.

It’s now been two weeks since I launched The New Way Home Agenda, and I’m still laser-focused on making housing affordable for all Americans. Today, I’m sharing what Amy from Georgetown told me.

Amy works as a paraprofessional and bus aide in a Sussex County school district, and when school’s out of session, it can be hard to make ends meet. Over the past five years, Amy’s rent has gone up almost 40%, and she’s just been asked to start paying for water, too.

Amy wrote, “I have experience being homeless. I don't have kids, and it is hard finding agencies to help when I am in need. I don't want to be on the system, [but] I sometimes need help when I'm not on the bus due to school not being in session. Can you just tell me where is the affordable housing in Delaware?”

Too many people are in situations like Amy’s. That’s why I’m working hard to get this housing agenda passed. Please keep sharing your stories with me, and I’ll never stop fighting for you. 

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:

• Delmarva Power Customer Relief Fund: Along with local nonprofits, Delmarva Power has established a program to provide relief to Delawareans who are facing higher energy costs. To read more about eligibility rules and how to apply, go to delmarva.com/ReliefDE.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Youth Workforce Connect Call: The Delaware Department of Labor’s Office of Wage & Hour Enforcement is facilitating a monthly Delaware Youth Workforce Connect Call to provide resources to support First State teens in the workplace. Visit industrialaffairs.delaware.gov/event-details/youth-connect-call to register for this informational opportunity.
• [NEW] Delaware EARNS Deadline Approaching: In 2024, Delaware’s Office of the State Treasurer launched the Delaware EARNS program to help Delawareans save for retirement. Certain employers are required to register for the program, so if you are one of those businesses, be sure to get registered by the October 15^th deadline. Go to earnsdelaware.com for more info or call the employer assistance hotline at 855-934-3701 with any questions.

This week’s Constituent Corner honors Emily Spivack, a Delawarean who just won a Primetime Emmy! Emily, a Brandywine High School graduate, was rewarded for her work as one of the main producers on Patrice: The Movie, a documentary on Hulu. It follows two individuals with disabilities as they seek to live together in love, while balancing the possibility of losing essential benefits for doing so. Congratulations, Emily, on this tremendous honor!

ABOVE: Emily Spivack (second from right) celebrates her Primetime Emmy with her colleagues. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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