Dear Friend,
By now, many of you may have heard the news – the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. I’m closely monitoring the situation unfolding in the Middle East. CLICK HERE to read my full statement.
With these actions, President Trump has inched us closer to war without a plan, and the last thing we need is another open-ended conflict. There’s currently a bipartisan War Powers Resolution under consideration, and I’m calling on Congress to immediately return to Washington to get answers, hold a debate, and vote.
I’m praying for our service members, citizens, and civilians in the region.
The State of the Union
On Tuesday, President Trump delivered his State of the Union address. While it was the longest SOTU speech ever, it was light on substance, with less than 3 minutes on affordability and less than 4 on healthcare. He spoke of an America that working families don’t recognize, claiming our nation is “bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before.”
For generations, the State of the Union has been an opportunity to bring the country together, chart a new path forward, and display true leadership. This speech did none of those things.
Bright Hope in a Dark Moment
As expected, President Trump attempted to defend his reckless immigration operations in his address. I felt it was important to share some of the impact we’re seeing in Delaware and shine a light not only on the families living in fear and confusion, but also on the people supporting our State of Neighbors.
My guest at the State of the Union this year was Maria Mesias-Tatnall, director of outreach & immigration assistance at the Delaware Department of Justice. She’s one of the many unsung heroes who are working behind the scenes to support, defend, and protect our communities. Maria helped rescue a Delaware mother who was wrongfully detained by ICE. She even traveled over 1,000 miles to Louisiana to bring this domestic violence survivor back home to her two children from a detention center. I’m grateful for her service and bravery. CLICK HERE to hear Maria’s powerful story in her own words.
ABOVE: I’m proud of Maria’s strength and dedication to service. CLICK HERE to watch us reflect on the meaning of this moment at a press conference in the Capitol.
Committee Updates
➡️ The job of the Surgeon General of the United States is critical for the health of our nation. We need to make sure we thoroughly vet anyone who’s nominated for the role. That opportunity came on Wednesday when the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a confirmation hearing for Dr. Casey Means.
As the nation’s “top doctor,” people look to the Surgeon General for scientifically accurate health guidance. That’s why I pressed Dr. Means on the effectiveness of vaccines and the need for the highest ethical standards in vaccine studies. CLICK HERE to read more.
ABOVE: We must take vaccine science seriously.
➡️ In January, I told you about the listening tour I took across eastern Sussex County to learn more about local priorities for the upcoming reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This week, our Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing to discuss this critical legislation with top officials from the Army Corps of Engineers.
On the listening tour, I heard a lot about how hard it’s been for communities to access funding for water infrastructure, flood and storm control, and ecosystem restoration programs. In fact, in October, the Army Corps paused $11 billion in projects, including two in Delaware. In the hearing, I asked for answers on, and accountability for, those Delaware projects. CLICK HERE to watch.
Investing in a Lifetime of Success
Career and technical education (CTE) empowers students for a lifetime of success with skills and career awareness. But the true heroes of CTE are the educators who provide quality instruction and learning opportunities to students every day.
As we close out Career and Technical Education Month, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and I (chair and ranking member, respectively, of the Education & the American Family Subcommittee) introduced a resolution celebrating the efforts of CTE educators and work-based learning coordinators. On Thursday, the Senate adopted it unanimously! CLICK HERE to read more.
Fighting for People and the Planet
As the lowest-lying state in the nation, Delaware’s already feeling the impacts of the climate crisis. Yet, the Trump administration is continuously putting polluters over people.
This week, the League of Conservation Voters announced that I’ve received a 97% on their National Environmental Scorecard for my voting record in Congress. They know I’ll do all I can to help us pass a livable planet on to future generations.
Delawareans in DC
➡️ This week, Civil Air Patrol leaders from the Delaware Wing visited my Capitol Hill office. I was pleased to present some of my first Senate challenge coins to the young leaders and receive one of theirs back. They make us proud!
ABOVE: Meeting with Civil Air Patrol leaders from the Delaware Wing
ABOVE: I was proud to accept one of their challenge coins.
➡️ Thanks to the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) for coming by for a discussion on everything from energy costs to grid resilience, solar, and workforce development. DEMEC serves 145,000 residents and businesses and plays a critical role in helping our state meet its energy needs.
ABOVE: Meeting with DEMEC
Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson
Last week, our nation lost Rev. Jesse Jackson. My heart is with his wife, Jacqueline, his children and grandchildren, and the countless people whose lives he touched. In the days since his passing, I’ve been reflecting on Rev. Jackson’s legacy and what he meant to this country – from marching alongside Dr. King in Selma, to upholding justice through Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, to breaking barriers as a presidential candidate.
I’ve also been reflecting on what Rev. Jackson meant to me personally. My family and I were privileged to call him a longtime friend. He and my dad knew each other since college, when he attended North Carolina A&T and my dad went to nearby Winston-Salem State University. His sons and my sisters later went to the same schools. I will forever treasure the heartfelt conversations between Rev. Jackson and my dad – from family and politics, to their jokes and joy.
This is a challenging time in our nation’s history. But Rev. Jackson never shied away from a challenge. His moral clarity reminded us that everyone always deserves equality, dignity, and respect. May we continue to pass the lessons he taught us on to our future generations.
Today and always, “I Am Somebody.”
ABOVE: Rev. Jesse Jackson (center), my dad (right), and me (left) in a more joyous moment
This week, I’m highlighting one way my amazing casework team can help Delawareans like you.
Several weeks ago, a couple from Rehoboth Beach reached out to us for help securing their federal tax refund from 2024. After connecting with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), my team was able to help them receive the $28,451.55 they were owed. The constituents shared that the husband had some serious medical setbacks in the last year, so the money couldn’t have come at a better time.
If you need help settling a dispute with the IRS or resolving another issue with a federal agency, please reach out to my office. CLICK HERE to get in touch with my casework team.
This week’s Constituent Corner honors Elena Delle Donne, who was recently announced as a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026! Before she was earning accolades in the WNBA and on Team USA, Delle Donne’s skills were on display at the University of Delaware and Ursuline Academy. In addition to her achievements on the court, Delle Donne is a committed public servant off it and invests in many charitable causes.
The final Class of 2026 will be revealed in early April. Wishing you the best, Elena!
ABOVE: Elena Delle Donne during her time at the University of Delaware (Photo: Mark Campbell)
[NEW] Answer the Call to Serve: 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. We’re inviting students, parents, and educators to come meet representatives from the service academies and ROTC programs to learn more about the application process and answer the call to serve. CLICK HERE to sign up for this year’s event.
It’s Tax Season: RSVP for my Annual IRS Webinar
Have questions about filing your taxes this year? I’m hosting my annual webinar with special guests from the IRS and Delaware Taxpayer Advocate on Monday, March 9th, at 2:00 PM. We hope to see you there! CLICK HERE to register for this year’s webinar.
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.
Calling Young Leaders: Summer Internship Applications are Open!
Are you a Delaware college student or recent graduate who wants to make an impact on people’s lives? Are you interested in getting an up-close look at how the federal government works? Consider applying for an internship with my office this summer. We’ll have internships available in Delaware and D.C. that cover the legislative and communications portfolios. Applications for internships in D.C. are due on Tuesday, March 10th. The application deadline for internships in Delaware is Friday, March 13th. CLICK HERE for more information and to see how you can apply today!
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.
