Dear Friend,

Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. A few weeks ago, I shared that I had a big announcement. Delaware, I'm excited to finally share it with you.

This week, I proudly launched “The New Way Home Agenda,” my comprehensive plan to take on the housing affordability crisis. For so many, home ownership – or even affordable rent – is out of reach. We are nearly 5 million homes short of meeting demand. For too long, the federal government has been missing in action,

This agenda is built on five pillars, which aim to:

1. Break down barriers to expand housing supply,
2. Lay a new foundation on which we can build stronger communities,
3. Draw up a new blueprint for making housing more attainable.
4. Raise the roof of what is possible by unlocking new, innovative housing models, and
5. Open new doors for homebuyers across America by leveraging smarter tax policies.

The overwhelming majority of Americans – Democrats, Republicans, and independents – know we need to find solutions to the crisis we face. And as I say in the conclusion of our agenda, a New Way Home is only possible if we go together.

CLICK HERE to read our blueprint for A New Way Home. If you have a housing story to share, please scroll down to the Share Your Story section below.

I was honored to be at Imani Village in Wilmington today to stand alongside elected officials, housing experts, and community members from up and down the First State to formally introduce this agenda. In fact, Imani Village was an inspiration for one of the pieces of legislation within it: the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act. We know that together, we can make housing more affordable, attainable, and accessible for all Americans.

ABOVE: This isn’t my agenda – it’s our agenda.

ABOVE: I was proud to stand with these outstanding leaders from across our state as we announced our plan to find a New Way Home on housing.

Preserving the Independence of the Federal Reserve

This week, my colleagues and I on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee questioned several Trump administration nominees. One of them was Dr. Stephen Miran, whom the President has nominated to be a governor on the Federal Reserve Board.

While both Democrats and Republicans professed that the Federal Reserve system should be independent from the changing winds of politics, I am very concerned by President Trump’s recent actions to influence and interfere with the Fed. To be clear, instability at the Fed can lead to higher prices and threaten people’s retirements and mortgages, putting the financial security of every American at risk.

President Trump has already been trying to push out Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve. And most recently, he attempted to fire Dr. Lisa Cook from the Board of Governors. Governor Cook has served – and continues to serve – our country admirably, and this move appears to be little more than a pretense to exert control over the Fed. And while Governor Cook’s firing is currently being fought in the courts, it is another example of this administration’s efforts to undermine and force out dedicated public servants in favor of political loyalists.

Watch me defend the independence of the Fed in a Banking Committee hearing this week by CLICKING HERE.

ABOVE: The Federal Reserve system should be independent from politics. I made that clear in this Banking Committee hearing on several Trump nominees, including Dr. Miran to be a Federal Reserve Governor.

Celebrating the August Quarterly, a Historic Tradition

Last Sunday, I attended the annual August Quarterly Worship Service in Wilmington. The August Quarterly celebrates the legacy of Peter Spencer, who, in 1813, established the Union Church of Africans, the first independent African American church incorporated in the United States. For generations, Black worshippers from throughout our region would make their way to Wilmington every August to enjoy the festivities and worship services. The August Quarterly also played a role in the Underground Railroad, helping many escape to freedom.

This year’s theme was “Shifting from Stress to a Place of Rest.” This theme is important and has been that way through the centuries. You cannot do the work of uplifting communities, finding justice, and seeking freedom without being recharged – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And that's exactly what this service was for me as I returned to Washington this week. 

ABOVE: I was grateful to attend this year’s August Quarterly service with community leaders, fellow elected officials, and clergy. Ron Whitaker, Senior Pastor of the Historic Mother African Union Church (second from the left), was the host of this year’s festivities. The keynote was delivered by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson (second from the right).

REGISTER NOW: Our Third Annual Constituent Resource Fair

I’m excited to invite you to our Third Annual Constituent Resource Fair on Tuesday, September 23rd, at Del Tech’s Terry Campus in Dover. Come talk to representatives from federal, state, and nonprofit agencies and access critical information about the services available to you. 

CLICK HERE or SCAN the QR code below to register.

We’re facing an affordable housing crisis – both here in Delaware and across the country. That’s why I was proud to launch my housing agenda this week. Whether you rent or own your home, whether you are a homebuilder or a realtor, whether you live alone or with family, I want to hear about your housing experiences and stories in Delaware. Your insights will help inform our work in the months and years to come. 

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. 

One of the most important things my office does is help Delawareans get connected with federal agencies. However, as a former caseworker myself, I know that many people are unaware of the services a Senate office can provide. This week, our Constituent Corner highlights one way my amazing casework team can help you:

Recently, we were contacted by a constituent whose husband had passed away. Her husband was a veteran and wished to be buried in a veteran’s cemetery. For that to happen, she needed specific records from the National Archives and Records Administration as soon as possible. A member of my team was able to get her the documentation she needed within days, allowing her to honor her husband’s final wishes. His funeral took place a few days ago. We hope we helped bring peace to the family and honor this veteran’s legacy.

If you need help getting a document from the National Archives and Records Administration, or resolving another issue with a federal agency, please reach out to my office.

CLICK HERE to get in touch with my casework team.

Contact me