Let Me Be Blunt: Knowledge Is the Light of the Mind

Dear Friend, Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt . As you’ll read about in this week’s edition, I’ve been thinking about the University of Delaware’s motto: “Knowledge is the light of the mind.” Knowledge is necessary for all of us to be better leaders and citizens. Right now, we’re seeing what happens when we lack knowledge. As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is spreading misinformation about public health — while measles and flu deaths are on the rise. President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve is ready to bet our economy on AI — without the data to support that. CLICK HERE to watch me discuss these issues on CNN. If you ask me, Washington could learn a thing or two from the UD motto. We need an administration that will follow the science and make data-driven decisions. With our health and our economy on the line, we cannot afford anything less. Public Trust in Public Health The Trump Administration’s dangerous approach to public health policy has created a culture of mistrust that puts lives at risk. Last year, the United States saw the highest number of childhood flu deaths in modern American history and the highest number of measles cases in 25 years. I have introduced the VACCINE Act , which would protect vaccine science and integrity by strengthening protections for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. came before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to present his Fiscal Year 2027 budget and defend cuts to services, research, and staff. I used this time to hold Secretary Kennedy accountable for spreading misinformation and creating confusion. CLICK HERE to watch. Looking Out for Main Street As our nation’s central bank, the Federal Reserve plays an important role in protecting the financial security of every American. That’s why we need to thoroughly vet anyone who’s nominated to lead the Fed, especially while President Trump continues to politicize this independent agency. That opportunity came this week. As a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, I questioned Kevin Warsh, the President’s nominee for Fed Chair. I pressed him on his inconsistent positions on interest rates and his willingness to gamble with America’s workforce in the era of AI. CLICK HERE to watch. Connecting Climate and Jobs We’re in the middle of an affordability crisis. I’ve heard from Delawareans up and down the state about the high cost of gas at the pump and utility bills. But there’s good news: investing in clean energy can create jobs and lower costs all around. That’s why I was so excited to join my friend, mentor, and predecessor, Senator Tom Carper, for the launch of his new initiative at the University of Delaware. The Carper Collaborative for Climate and Jobs will foster dialogue with researchers, business leaders, policymakers, and the community to develop solutions to our environmental, energy, and workforce challenges. Small Business, Big Impact As you might remember from last week’s newsletter, I recently took part in a panel on the economic impact of AI. So, it was great to hear directly from small business owners in Delaware this week about how digital tools can support their growth and success. From a tech support company in Newark to a farmer in Frankford, businesses like these form the backbone of our local economy. Working for Workers I had a wonderful conversation with members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), which represents about 500,000 workers across the construction industry — including about 500 hardworking men and women in Delaware. I’m honored to fight alongside them for fair wages, collective bargaining rights, and federal funding for infrastructure projects. This week’s Constituent Corner honors Dr. Laura Carlson, the new President of the University of Delaware. I believe Dr. Carlson will be a transformational president who embodies the UD motto: “Knowledge is the light of the mind.” I recently had the honor of attending Dr. Carlson’s inauguration alongside President Biden, Governor Meyer, Senator Coons, and so many more. As a Blue Hen myself, it was great to return to my alma mater for such a special occasion. Do you know of a Delawarean doing exceptional things? Click here to tell us who we should honor in next week’s edition of Let Me Be Blunt. Passport Acceptance and Global Entry Event My office will be hosting our annual Passport Acceptance and Global Entry Event on Saturday, June 6 at the Route 9 Library. Certified passport agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will be on-site to process applications for new passports and renewals, as well as conduct Global Entry interviews. Reservations are required, so CLICK HERE for passport services and CLICK HERE for Global Entry services. Service Academies 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 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.