Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. If you’ve been following the news, you know that early Friday morning, the Senate passed a bill by unanimous consent to fund the Department of Homeland Security, including the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA. The bill excluded ICE and Border Patrol (who already received a historic $75 billion as part of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”) while negotiations on reforms continue. By the way, my fellow Senate Democrats and I put forward bills to do exactly what just passed nearly a dozen times over the past month.
Unfortunately, House Republicans rejected the Senate bill and put forth Band-Aid legislation to fund the entire Department for 60 days. This all but guarantees the shutdown will drag into April if Republican leadership in the House and Senate doesn’t come together. From Americans traveling during the holidays to all DHS employees who deserve to be paid to ensure our safety and security, this shutdown must end. Stay tuned.
Making Health Care Accessible and Affordable
One thing I think most Americans can agree on is that in a country as wealthy as ours, it shouldn’t be this hard to access and afford health care. From delays and denials to complexity and cost, we’re not getting the health outcomes we deserve. Add to that, recent policies enacted by President Trump and congressional Republicans to eliminate Affordable Care Act tax credits and make cuts to Medicaid are forcing more people to lose or give up coverage. This week, I joined Axios for a fireside chat on the path ahead.
As part of the interview, I was excited to announce a new Senate working group focused on health care with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and ten of our colleagues, including Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Mark Warner (D-VA). As we chart the path forward, we will focus on:
- Lowering costs and reimagining the health care system;
- Making health care simpler for families; and
- Taking on corporate greed.
On the 16th anniversary of the ACA, President Obama noted that when it was originally enacted, it was a first step. Now, we must boldly move forward and reimagine how we pay for, deliver, and experience health care in our country. We deserve it!
Photo from Denny Henry for Axios
NEW BILL ALERT: Breaking Down Barriers to Generational Wealth
For too many Americans, the idea of owning a home is just a dream – unaffordable and out of reach. That’s why tackling the housing crisis remains one of my top priorities.
I just introduced my newest housing bill: the Permanent Housing Affordability Act. Through an innovative concept called shared equity ownership, it’ll break down barriers to accessible homeownership, putting more families on the path toward generational wealth. CLICK HERE to read more.
Working Together for Older Americans
As long as I’ve been in Congress, I’ve been working to ensure older Americans can live their best lives – from improving access to housing and preventing scams and fraud to lowering health care costs and protecting Social Security and Medicare. This week, I was honored to receive the Trailblazers in Aging Award from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), alongside President and CEO Ramsey Alwin. I’m so grateful for this honor and look forward to continuing to work with NCOA in the years ahead!
We Will Never Forget Their Service
It’s been five years since January 6, 2021. I remember it like it was yesterday, even while some try to downplay and distort it. Without the heroic actions of law enforcement that day, my colleagues and I wouldn’t have been able to do our constitutional duty and certify the results of the 2020 election.
On Wednesday, I proudly joined members of the House and Senate for an event commemorating the plaque that honors the officers who protected the Capitol that day. We will never forget their service to our nation.
Photo from The Washington Post
Delawareans in DC
➡️ Thank you to the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for coming by my office as part of the 37th Annual Delta Days. We discussed a wide range of topics, including affordable housing, voting rights, and Medicaid. Sending a special shoutout to my sister, Marla Blunt-Carter, and all the Deltas across Delaware!
➡️ For generations, HBCUs have provided exceptional educational opportunities to Black students. Especially at a time when some try to erase Black history, we must support these institutions. On Tuesday, I was glad to see representatives of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), including Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen and former DSU President and current TMCF President and CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams.
➡️ In Delaware, the Office of the State Bank Commissioner supervises state-chartered banks, trust companies, and certain types of non-bank businesses. It was great to catch up with State Bank Commissioner Lisa Collison and hear about the important work she and her team are doing.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
I spent Monday morning with the young women of Ursuline Academy’s upper school, celebrating Women’s History Month. I had the opportunity to discuss some of the lessons I’ve learned since I was in their shoes and answer their questions about my work as a Senator. I also had a chance to reminisce on my days at Padua Academy and see my former Social Studies teacher, Ms. Lynda Churay!
I may be Delaware’s first woman Senator, but especially after speaking with these bright young women, I know I won’t be the last!
Strength of a Woman 2.0
We’ve been through fire, but we don’t smell like smoke. That’s the story of Black women in America.
Last weekend, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.’s Delaware Chapter hosted its second Strength of a Woman policy forum at Delaware State University. I proudly shared a stage with nationally renowned journalist Tiffany Cross and my sister, Marla, for a discussion about sisterhood among Black women in America today. It was powerful and motivating for everyone involved.
It was an honor to help kick off Strength of a Woman 2.0 alongside Tiffany Cross and my sister, Marla.
This week’s Constituent Corner honors Sussex Help, a coalition of volunteers in Sussex County who are helping the families of those who have been detained or deported by immigration enforcement. Sussex Help partners with organizations to assist these Delawareans with food and diapers, financial planning and job resources, and, in some cases, rent and utilities.
Thank you, Sussex Help, for showing that Delaware truly is a State of Neighbors!
THIS THURSDAY: Consider our Service Academies
On Thursday, April 2nd, Senator Chris Coons, Congresswoman Sarah McBride, and I will host our delegation’s 2026 Service Academy Night at Del Tech in Dover. CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up for this year’s event.
Seeking Applications: Stars of Valor Fellowship
My Dover office is seeking a Stars of Valor Fellow! This is a two-year, paid, full-time opportunity open to veterans, Gold Star families, and Active-Duty military spouses seeking experience working in government. CLICK HERE for more information and to apply by the Saturday, May 9th deadline.
Please visit 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.
