Let Me Be Blunt: Hitting the Ground Running

Dear Friend, Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt . I’m back in D.C. for the next few weeks, and we have plenty to pack in as we enter the final stretch of this Congress. With five high-profile committee hearings in just one week, I discussed access to clean drinking water, the state of affordability, public health policies, and so much more. On top of that, I’m finalizing new legislation to support the First State. Over the next few weeks, Congress will be working on critical legislation to address national security, federal spending, and other issues that are top of mind in our communities. We’ve got a lot coming our way, so be sure to stay tuned. Keep reading to learn more about what I did this week and how I’m fighting to bring positive change back to Delaware. On Tap Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to make sure every community has access to clean drinking water. As a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), I’ve partnered with my colleagues to reinvest in programs that make this a reality in each of our communities. This week, the EPW Committee considered the Water Resources Development Act, a bill to tackle key water infrastructure issues. While I am supportive of this legislation, I know we can do more. During our committee business meeting, I advocated for a federal program to ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable drinking water. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this critical drinking water program becomes a reality. Watch my remarks HERE . Clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water is a basic right and is essential to public health. Checking Vitals With healthcare costs on the rise and new public health threats appearing across the country, we need federal healthcare officials who are at the top of their game. This was on my mind as I questioned President Trump’s nominee for Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Erica Schwartz. I shared my concerns about the state of public health under the current administration and asked Dr. Schwartz about her ability to remain independent, follow the science, and put the well-being of our communities first. We must ensure our healthcare infrastructure is strong, and I’ll keep fighting until we get it right. Watch my remarks HERE . We need leaders who will follow the science and put public health first. The Future of Finance Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh was back in front of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Just weeks into his tenure as Chair, we had an opportunity to follow up on his plan to lead the Fed into the future and ensure stability for our families. During our conversation, I reiterated the importance of including diverse perspectives in his plans, especially on the financial impacts of artificial intelligence. I reminded him that he must include the needs of main street and everyday people in addition to the wants of Wall Street as we consider cutting-edge policy solutions. Watch my remarks HERE . The needs of everyday people should be a top priority in any decision the Fed makes. Adding it Up For many families, the cost of living continues to rise to unattainable levels. The federal government should have resources that relieve these pressures, but under the current administration, many of these tools feel inaccessible. This week, Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), testified before the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. I used this opportunity to bring his attention to current affordability challenges and review his results since taking over the CFPB. Under his leadership, the CFPB has massively reduced its workforce, weakening staff capacity to protect the American consumer. These changes have created challenges for military families and those reentering society. Government should reduce barriers for our communities, but these changes are doing the opposite. Watch my exchange HERE . Our communities deserve access to key consumer protection efforts. Building an Equitable Future Our country is facing a pivotal moment on all fronts, but minority communities are particularly under attack. Despite this reality, I remain hopeful because there are brilliant minds working to ensure our communities are included in all policy conversations and protected regardless of what challenges come our way. I was honored to join the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies for its 2026 Future of Black Communities Summit. The summit explored the key policy issues of today, ranging from workforce development, financial service, AI, and even the racial wealth gap. We need diverse voices at the table to address the policy issues of today. Planting Seeds Young Delawareans are doing amazing things at home and beyond, and I’m always in awe of what they’ve accomplished. This week, I welcomed Delaware’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Officer Team to my D.C. office. We discussed what they’ve learned through FFA and how they are giving back to the organization, the First State, and the agricultural community at large. I was also able to tell them about legislation I’m working on to protect our farmers and their crops. These young leaders are the next generation of Delaware’s agriculture industry, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for them! FFA is ensuring Delaware’s agricultural legacy lives on. In this week’s How May We Serve You , I want to highlight how my team has been working to serve the needs of Delawareans across the state. We successfully recouped $1 million for Delawareans so far in 2026! Whether claiming lost tax refunds or securing employment benefits, we’re working to ensure you receive every dollar you’ve earned. We’re only halfway through the year and we’ll continue making sure Delawareans get what you deserve. Never hesitate to reach out to my office for help. CLICK HERE to learn more. This week’s Constituent Corner honors Lainey and Abby Connoly, sisters and Type 1 diabetes (T1D) advocates. Lainey and Abby were diagnosed with T1D as children, but they never let their diagnosis stop them. Instead, they began advocating for those with a T1D diagnosis and raising awareness for policies that increase treatment options and access to care. I first met Lainey and Abby a few years ago, but I had the privilege of reconnecting with them this week. We discussed the importance of legislation to lower insulin costs and the need to support federal research. I’m continually inspired by their passion for advocacy and am proud to support their efforts. Lainey and Abby in 2018. Lainey and Abby in 2026. Capitol Conversations with LBR My Washington office will host our next Capitol Conversations on July 22nd at 2 pm . If you find yourself in the D.C. area, drop by to connect with me and my team. CLICK HERE to RSVP. Service Academy Are you a young person interested in serving our country? Every year, I have the honor of nominating exceptional students to one of our U.S. Service Academies. The 2026 application process is now open through October 15. CLICK HERE to learn more. 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.