Let Me Be Blunt: Ballrooms Can Wait, Americans Can’t

Dear Friend, Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt . After a week traveling up and down Delaware, I’m back in D.C. working for you to address the challenging times we’re facing. Millions of Americans can’t afford healthcare, gas prices continue to climb, and housing costs are through the roof. Rather than dedicating all his time and resources to helping the American people get through this difficult spell, President Trump is focused on pressuring Congress to fund his billion-dollar ballroom and a war no one asked for. This week, he made his priorities clear, saying, “I don’t think about American’s financial situation.” However, his statement is interpreted, the contrast is difficult to ignore. He’s supporting a billion-dollar ballroom and unwanted war while Americans are struggling to make ends meet. While President Trump may feel confident in his decision, I urge him to reconsider. Ballrooms can wait, relief for the American people cannot. A Credit Check In The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is crucial to protecting American consumers and ensuring security in the marketplace. However, the Trump administration rolled back critical CFPB rules leaving Americans vulnerable during ongoing economic challenges. We need more financial stability right now, not less. Which is why I joined fellow Democrats to take over the Senate floor and reinstate these critical CFPB rules. I delivered remarks on the “Fair Credit Reporting; Background Screening” rule, which prevented inaccurate background screenings from negatively impacting job and housing opportunities. This rule is particularly important for those seeking a fresh start as they re-enter our communities. Watch a portion of my remarks HERE . I’m proud to stand with Senate Democrats to ensure the financial security of Delawareans and Americans across the country. A Workforce of the Future With rising energy demands contributing to higher household energy costs, we must look to alternative energy sources to meet our needs while phasing out fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is quickly becoming a viable alternative that can lower costs, strengthen supply chains, and support emerging technologies, but we must have the workforce to safely and effectively unleash it. This week, I questioned the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on this very issue. The commissioners and I discussed the importance of developing the nuclear workforce and how the United States can prepare to support innovation in this space. Paramount to these efforts are our public health and safety! You cannot maintain health and safety when you fire the scientists and engineers who do the work. It’s clear that there is much more work to be done, but I look forward to partnering with my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to develop a strong nuclear energy workforce of the future. Watch my questioning HERE . The nuclear workforce is critical the unleashing alternative energy solutions and lowering costs for American families. They’re Out of this World It was only a few weeks ago that Americans across the country watched the journey of Artemis II in awe – I know I did. This mission was a unifying moment that demonstrates what we’re capable of when we work together. Alongside my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I had the opportunity to welcome the crew of Artemis II to the Capitol and present them with a Resolution in their honor. They are a reminder of the best of us and I’m so grateful I could join to celebrate their success. Thank you to the crew of Artemis II for their tremendous commitment and service. Follow the Money As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, I have spent recent months working with my colleagues to better understand the digital assets market, otherwise known as cryptocurrency. There’s no doubt that this technology offers significant opportunity, but it also brings about real questions and concerns. After months of good-faith, bipartisan negotiations, the Committee formally considered the CLARITY Act , which would regulate the digital assets market. Delaware has more crypto kiosks per capita than other states, so it is vital we get this legislation right. While I believe there have been substantial improvements to the bill, it does not full address concerns related to investor protections, conflicts of interests, and marketplace stability. For that reason, I voted no. To learn more about my decision, read my full statement HERE . There’s more work to be done to ensure protections in the Digital Assets Market. Stamped and Approved The U.S. postal service is a lifeline for communities and businesses alike. Postal workers ensure the timely delivery of mail and packages, including in rural and remote areas. Their reach ensures healthcare coverage for many and plays a vital role in strengthening our economy. I had the pleasure of meeting with Delawareans from the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 906 during their visit. We discussed the risks of privatizing the postal service and the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act , which I am proud to cosponsor. This legislation increases federal investments in the safety and security of postal workers. In snow, heat, wind, and rain – next time you see a letter carrier, don’t forget to thank them! Delawareans in D.C. It’s always special to have reminders of home while I’m here in Washington. This week, my office hosted our monthly Capitol Conversations coffee, where my team and I connect with Delawareans in my D.C. office. We met with advocates, students, and new business owners who were in town from all three counties. It was a pleasure to host them here in our nation’s capital. I hope you’ll join me soon! Register HERE for our next Capitol Conversations on Tuesday, June 16 th , at 8 am . It was great to host Delawareans in our nation’s capital and learn about their tremendous contributions to our state. This week, my team and I helped Delawareans with everything from getting back their hard-earned tax dollars to helping them see the world! We helped one constituent recover more than $11,000 in a tax refund. We helped three constituents apply for Global Entry so they can participate in our upcoming Passport Acceptance and Global Entry Event (see Opportunities for Constituents below). Never hesitate to reach out to my office for help. CLICK HERE to learn more. This week’s Constituent Corner honors the 11 University of Delaware Students who created Delaware Heat Awareness Week . During a class at UD, these students engaged in community partnerships and research to develop a proposal for Heat Awareness Week. As the second fastest-warming state in the nation, this week intends to inform Delawareans of heat’s impact on public health and safety. In December 2025, Governor Meyer issued a proclamation recognizing May 18-22, 2026, as the state’s first Heat Awareness Week. Next week’s Heat Week agenda will educate Delawareans about outdoor worker safety, community care efforts, youth & school safety, and pet wellbeing. Jennifer, Olivia, Chloe, Cassandra, Savannah, Marina, Ariana, Ryan, Katherine, Owen, and Ella, thank you for raising awareness of this important issue and congratulations on a job well done! Check out the agenda for Delaware’s first Heat Awareness Week and stay cool! Do you know of a Delawarean doing exceptional things? Please tell us who we should honor in next week’s edition of Let Me Be Blunt . Click here to take survey 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. The passport event is full,but CLICK HERE to RSVP for the Global Entry event. 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.