Dear Friend,

Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt.

To me, public service is about getting up every day and rolling my sleeves up to work for you – whether it’s through legislation, constituent services, holding folks accountable, or this newsletter. I couldn’t do it without you, Delaware. I look forward to our continued partnership as we look toward this new year.

Since returning to Washington on January 5^th, I’ve introduced three pieces of bipartisan legislation to improve life for our communities. You already heard about one last week – my bill to improve our water infrastructure by helping utilities get the funding they need. Keep reading for more on my two new bills.

This Week in Washington

NEW BILLS: Working Across the Aisle to Get Things Done

The first bill I introduced this week was the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act, which I introduced with Senator John Curtis (R-UT). Our legislation would cut red tape and create dense, walkable, mixed-use development near public transportation. CLICK HERE for more on the Build HUBS Act.

My second new bill is the Promoting Advancement Through Transit Help (PATH) to Education Act, which I’m leading with Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA). This bill aims to increase access to education in communities across our nation – from pre-K to graduate school. CLICK HERE for more on the PATH to Education Act. 

We Need Accountability

➡️ Many of you may have heard of the alarming reports of users exploiting generative AI tools to produce sexualized images of people without their consent and distribute them on social media. These reports raise serious concerns about harassment, privacy violations, and user safety. I led a group of eight Senators in sending a letter to the heads of Alphabet, Meta, X, TikTok, Snap, and Reddit to get answers. CLICK HERE to read about changes X has already made on this issue.

➡️ Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stripped regulations designed to address discrimination against farmers. These measures supported small, community, and family farms, including those run by farmers of color. Especially as grocery bills and food insecurity are rising, this is unacceptable. We should be investing in our small farms, not funneling relief to large corporate farms that need it the least. I led several of my colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins demanding an explanation. CLICK HERE to read about our letter. 

Shining a Light on HUD

This week, Senate Democrats held a spotlight hearing focused on failures at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enforce fair housing laws. In September, whistleblowers revealed that HUD was failing to enforce laws that protect buyers and renters from discrimination. HUD then removed two civil rights attorneys who’d brought this issue to light. During the hearing, Senate Democrats heard how the Trump administration is gutting fair housing enforcement and failing to uphold the law. 
 
In Delaware, the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) enforces fair housing laws. In 2025, CLASI handled over 600 fair housing cases to protect access to stable housing and economic opportunity. The testimony at this hearing was important for understanding how Congress can strengthen fair housing enforcement, so no Delawarean gets left behind.

Happy Founders Day, Alpha Kappa Alpha!

On Thursday, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, celebrated our Founders Day. 118 years ago, our sisterhood was founded at Howard University in Washington, DC. Here’s to the next 118 years of Service to All Mankind!

ABOVE: Alpha Kappa Alpha Members of Congress and staff on the Capitol steps

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. CLICK HERE to see my website for more information on how to apply by the Friday, February 27^th deadline.

This Week in Delaware

Major Affordable Housing Announcement

For us to truly address the housing affordability crisis, it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach at every level of government. That’s why I was proud to stand with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Pittsburgh on Monday for a major announcement: Delaware is going to receive nearly $10 million in affordable housing grants!

With funding that will support more than 350 homes across our state, this investment will pay dividends for years to come. I’ll keep doing all I can to chart a “New Way Home” on housing policy and ensure every Delawarean has a safe and affordable roof over their head.

ABOVE: We were proud to celebrate this major investment in housing in Delaware.

Supporting Latino Small Businesses

According to the Delaware Business Times, “one in every four start-up businesses in Delaware is started by someone with a Latino background.” In recognition, last weekend, I was honored to attend La Plaza Delaware’s first annual Evening with the Stars Gala in Rehoboth Beach. Despite the rain, community leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, sponsors, family, and friends came together to celebrate Delaware’s Latino business leaders. 

The highlight of my night was helping to present awards to the top Latino-owned businesses in Delaware. Over 14,000 votes were cast across eight categories. Congratulations to Team La Plaza, led by Mary DuPont, and all of the winners and finalists!

ABOVE: Thank you to La Plaza for their incredible work and for inviting me to be part of such a special night.

COMING UP: Mobile Office Hours in New Castle

My office will host our next mobile office hours event at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center on Tuesday, January 27^th. Members of our casework team will be available to help Delawareans in need of assistance. To RSVP, CLICK HERE.

Last week, I asked you to tell me how higher health insurance premiums are impacting you, your family, or your business. We received an overwhelming response. Here’s some of what our neighbors told me:

Vincent in Dover: “My insurance premium went from $900 to $2300 a month! This is now more than my mortgage. Needless to say, I am without insurance.”

Frank in Lewes: “As a retired couple living in Sussex County, we were using the ACA program for our health care and eligible for subsidies until this year. Now our premiums have doubled to over $2,500 per month or $30,000 annually!”

Liza in Hockessin: “For the last year or so I was paying $145/month for Highmark insurance through the marketplace for a very good plan that covered some life-saving treatment I need on a regular basis. With loss of the ACA [tax credits] this year, the same plan was going to cost me $650/month. I was forced to downgrade to a much lesser bronze plan which is still $360/month with an additional $3800 deductible and copays that are 5x what they were for standard doctor visits.”

Even though open enrollment ended this week, I’m fighting as hard as ever to revive and extend these critical Affordable Care Act tax credits. 17 House Republicans joined Democrats to support it. Now, my colleagues across the aisle in the Senate need to do the same. 

Please head to my website’s Resources for Delawareans page for information about lowering your energy costs, scheduling passport appointments, finding emergency housing, accessing food assistance, paying for prescription drugs, connecting with mental health resources, and more.

CLICK HERE FOR MY RESOURCES PAGE.

This week’s Constituent Corner honors Theressa Webster, who, on January 10^th, celebrated her 103^rd birthday surrounded by family and friends! Mrs. Webster is a native Wilmingtonian and a Howard High School graduate who has dedicated her life to supporting her community through her many talents and passions. From her work with the Kingswood Community Center to her membership at Union AME Zion Church, she exemplifies years of service. Mrs. Webster is also known for baking pies for her neighbors, singing in the St. Patrick’s Choral Ensemble, and helping start Delaware’s first sickle cell support group with her husband, Ernest L. Webster. Many birthday blessings to you!

ABOVE: Mrs. Theressa Webster and family! (Photo: Sophia Voight/Delaware News Journal)

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