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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. Yesterday, the Senate passed legislation to fund parts of the federal government. If it’s signed into law, several departments would be funded for the rest of the fiscal year, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be funded for two weeks to allow for further negotiation on necessary reforms.
To be honest, this was a challenging vote. But after much prayer, careful consideration, and hearing from thousands of Delawareans, I couldn’t support it. Here’s why I voted against this deal.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has turned into a roving secret police force responsible for the deaths of at least two American citizens. It's fundamentally broken and must be stripped down to the studs and thoroughly reformed. For that reason, and in this moment, I could not support legislation that provides them with any additional federal funding – for any amount of time – without necessary reforms.
Considering the track record of Republicans in Washington and the Trump administration, I have little confidence we will be in a different place in two weeks. I hope my Senate Republicans colleagues prove me wrong and commit to enacting meaningful reform alongside us.
Committee Updates
➡️ This week, the Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing to discuss reforms to the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Democrats and Republicans agree we need more certainty and reforms. But for any progress to be made on this issue, the Trump administration must end two things: 1) the revocation of permits for projects that have already been approved and 2) its assault on clean energy – which has proven to be cheaper at a time when costs are high for folks – and better for our environment and health. CLICK HERE to read more.
ABOVE: We need certainty when it comes to major environmental projects.
➡️ My colleagues and I on the Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy Subcommittee discussed the difficulties – hidden fees, scams, and bots used to purchase blocks of tickets and hike the prices – many Americans face when trying to buy tickets to see their favorite entertainment events. I’m committed to making online ticketing fairer, more transparent, and more affordable for all. CLICK HERE to watch our hearing with entertainment executives and “Kid Rock.”
➡️ Admiral Kevin Lunday, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, came before the Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries Subcommittee to update us. As the ranking member of this subcommittee, I was proud to lead the Democratic side in examining how the Coast Guard is using historic investments to build out their fleet and workforce as well as meet their mission. CLICK HERE to read more.
ABOVE: I’m grateful to Adm. Lunday for his service and collaboration on behalf of our Coast Guard.
We Need to Follow the Science
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a dramatic overhaul of the child and adolescent vaccine schedule. These changes were made without consulting credible experts and are totally unsupported by scientific evidence. As the ranking member of the Education & the American Family Subcommittee, this is an issue I’ve been engaged in since the beginning of my term.
This week, I joined Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer in leading 18 of our colleagues to demand answers from Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. We called for the immediate reinstatement of the previous, science-backed vaccine schedule. CLICK HERE to read our full letter.
ABOVE: Last September, I hosted a spotlight hearing focused on the importance of science-backed vaccine policies.
NEW BILL ALERT: Investing in Transportation Efficiency
It’s clear we must maximize the benefits of our existing transportation infrastructure, particularly in small and rural communities. One way to do that is through Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies that reduce travel demand without creating new infrastructure. Here in Delaware, DART is already doing this by reducing congestion and promoting innovative commute options. But there’s still a lot of untapped potential.
That’s where the Maximizing Transportation Efficiency Act comes in. My new bill would increase investment in TDM strategies and make our transportation system more connected, cost-effective, and economically beneficial to local communities. CLICK HERE to read more.
Delaware High School Students: Apply to the Senate Page Program
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 27th deadline.
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.
TAKE NOTE: It’s Tax Season!
You have until April 15th to file your federal taxes for 2025. The IRS has advised that most refunds are issued within 21 days. You can check your refund status using Where’s My Refund?, the IRS2Go app, or an IRS Individual Online Account. Please contact my office if you encounter any issues.
This week’s Constituent Corner honors Samantha Grimminger, the first female president of the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company. Grimminger is the first woman to serve as company president and is one of only a handful of women to have ever served in that position throughout all the fire companies in Delaware.
Grimminger comes from a family of service – her father, mother, brother, and husband have all served in leadership roles in the fire company. After the sudden passing of her mother, Grimminger felt called to run for company president. Now, her dream has been realized. Congratulations, President Samantha Grimminger!
ABOVE: Samantha Grimminger, president of the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company (PHOTO: Ben Mace, Delaware News Journal)
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