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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. I want to open with a message of gratitude as we enter the holiday season. People often ask me what keeps me going through challenging times. One answer is you – the people of Delaware I’m fortunate to serve. Coming home this week and seeing folks in all three counties reminded me of the Bright Hope that sent me to Washington…Oh, and being a grandmother of a “threenager” also brings me great joy! ❤️
Stay tuned for our special edition Thanksgiving message next week.
Transparency
The government has reopened, and it’s been a busy week. It can be hard to keep up with everything happening in the news. Let me get you up to speed.
First, the Epstein files. After months of trying to stop the release of the files on the disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, President Trump succumbed to bipartisan pressure and called for their release. Even though the President could have released the files at any time, the House (with one "no" vote) and the Senate (unanimously) passed a bill to force the release. I supported this measure because the American people deserve transparency and the victims deserve justice.
Meanwhile, President Trump is assembling American troops off the coast of Venezuela without the approval of Congress, which the Constitution requires. They must provide the American people with answers before putting our service members in harm’s way. I will continue to ask for answers and monitor the situation.
This Week in Washington
Examining an Important Environmental Issue
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing to examine the future of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) clean-up and disposal.
From corrosion-preventing coatings in our electronics to automobiles, medical devices, clothing, carpet, and cookware, as well as safety applications like firefighting foams that keep us safe, the development of thousands of PFAS varieties has become a main ingredient of modern industries. This progress has come with a price, as these chemicals can contaminate our soil and water, putting our communities at risk for increased rates of serious health conditions, including cancer, infertility, and birth defects. Our committee is working together to protect our communities. CLICK HERE to read more about this important hearing.
ABOVE: Questioning expert witnesses at the EPW committee hearing
A Major Step Forward for Connectivity
This week, after years of advocacy, Delaware’s proposal to deliver universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was approved!!!
The BEAD program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. During the pandemic, we all learned first-hand the need for, and power of, the internet – from delivering telehealth services to educational opportunities, work, shopping, and social interaction. However, even after major investments, we know there are still many places in our state that don’t have reliable internet connections. This news will go a long way toward finally bridging the digital divide in the First State. CLICK HERE to read more about what this means for Delaware.
Delaware High School Students: Apply to be a Senate Page!
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 a critical role in Washington, from preparing the Senate Chamber for session and delivering correspondence around the Capitol to working on the Senate Floor. CLICK HERE to see my website for more information on how to apply by the Sunday, November 30th deadline.
This Week in Delaware
Economic Development in Sussex County
On Friday, I spent much of my day discussing economic development in Sussex County. I started the morning in Georgetown, where I gave a presentation to the Sussex Economic Development Action Committee (SEDAC), envisioning an economy that works for everyone.
From expanding access to affordable housing and health care to building a thriving workforce, protecting our coastal communities and farms, and ensuring safe communities for all, this vision will bring everyone along. I look forward to working with partners across Sussex County to build off this meeting for years to come.
ABOVE: This was not just my vision – it was OUR common vision for the future of Sussex County.
If you need an example of impactful federal investment in Sussex County, look no further than Seaford. The storied Nylon Capital Shopping Center is being revitalized with $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and an incredible vision from so many local stakeholders and community members. The renewed shopping center will bring in more jobs, more workforce training opportunities, expanded access to health services, and beautiful community spaces. The tenants will include Delaware Technical Community College, Community Bank, The Mill, and small businesses like Vanderwende's ice cream.
I was grateful to join Seaford Mayor Matthew MacCoy and Rob Herrera from the 9th Street Development Company to see the construction in progress!
ABOVE: Rob Herrera and I in the same spot at Nylon Capitol Shopping Center, first in February 2024 and today, November 2025.
While I was at Nylon Capital Shopping Center, I took a comprehensive tour of one of the first tenants: BrightBloom Centers. Founded in 2014 and now with locations in three states – including Delaware – BrightBloom is a wellspring of learning and enrichment for children with autism and other special needs. Every room in their building provided new opportunities for the kids to develop skills and grow. I was especially grateful to speak with many of the staff on site and to hear about all the amazing work they do. Families previously had to travel hours to get this best-practice care for their children. Now they have “Bright Hope” at BrightBloom.
ABOVE: I was grateful to hear from the amazing staff at the BrightBloom Center at Nylon Capital Shopping Center.
ABOVE: Just like the message on the wall says, “We are each unique and beautiful, but together we are a masterpiece.”
A Powerful Conversation
Also, this week, I attended an incredibly powerful meeting at La Plaza Delaware’s office in Georgetown. Joined by several local small business owners and representatives from Comcast, we discussed the importance of stable internet access for businesses to succeed. In addition, I heard powerful testimony regarding the impacts of immigration enforcement actions on families, communities, and our economy. I am grateful to those who shared their stories of courage, compassion, and faith. I will take them with me to Washington as I advocate for my constituents.
While at La Plaza, I had the pleasure of chatting with small business owner and content creator Rocky Roblero. CLICK HERE to watch our conversation.
ABOVE: Thank you to everyone who shared such powerful testimony during our conversation at La Plaza Delaware. We are in this together!
How Can We Help You?
One of the most important things my office does is help Delawareans get connected with federal agencies. However, as a former constituent caseworker myself, I know that many people are unaware of the services that a Senate office can provide. Here is one of the many things my outstanding constituent services team can do for you:
Earlier this year, Michael, a veteran, reached out to my team about getting his honorable discharge certificate. While working to help him, we learned he was also entitled to an award! On Friday, I was so proud to welcome him to our Georgetown office, present him with his honorable discharge certificate and his award, and thank him for his service.
If you need help retrieving military records, medals, or awards, or resolving another issue with a federal agency, please reach out to my office. You can CLICK HERE to get in touch with my constituent services team.
ABOVE: Michael, thank you for your service and for reaching out to my office!
LAST CALL: Delaware Spring Internship Applications are Open!
Are you a Delaware college student or recent graduate who wants to make an impact? Are you interested in getting an up-close look at how the federal government works? Consider applying for an internship with my office this spring. The application deadline for internships in Delaware is TOMORROW, November 23rd, at 11:59 PM. Please note that the deadline for D.C. internships has now passed.
CLICK HERE for more information and to see how you can apply today!
With Thanksgiving coming up, I want to hear from you. What are you thankful for? Please CLICK THIS LINK to let us know. We may highlight your submission in next week’s newsletter!
This year, I know I’m thankful for my loved ones, including my amazing family and friends, and for the opportunity to serve Delaware at such a consequential moment in our nation’s history.
Please note that your submission may be used on the Senate floor, on social media, or with the press.
Below are some helpful resources for you:
- 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 worldwide that offer 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 winners of the EDGE 2.0 Grant Competition! Recently announced by Governor Meyer and the Delaware Division of Small Business, the seven grant recipients come from all over our state and represent Delaware’s brightest new businesses in entrepreneurship and STEM. One of the STEM winners, Prismm, even earned an additional federal award of $1 million!
The winners for the Entrepreneur category:
- Insight Ag Scouting (Wyoming)
- Juniper Modern Market (Milton)
- NFN Brain Connections (Dover)
The winners in the STEM category:
- Crystron Technologies (Wilmington)
- KiposTech (Newark)
- Lectrolyst (Wilmington)
- Prismm (Newark)
Congratulations to all the winners. Keep up the great work!
ABOVE: The winners of the EDGE 2.0 Grant Competition are pictured with Delaware Division of Small Business Director C.J. Bell (first on the right).
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