[NFB-of-Delaware] FW: Let Me Be Blunt

Sun Feb 23 02:06:08 UTC 2025

FYI… There will be a virtual Town Hall on Monday.  There is a link for signing up in the newsletter.  

Sincerely… C. King-Ries

From: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester <donotreply at bluntrochester.senate.gov> 
Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2025 5:38 PM
To: cmkries at comcast.net
Subject: Let Me Be Blunt

Open in browser <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/view_newsletter_setup.aspx?link=SenBluntRochester%2501100553%2501100166%2b-%2b02-22-2025%2beNewsletter%250116657.71449443.13227535.7122346%2501cmkries%2540comcast.net%2501Carol%2501Carol%2bKing-Ries%2501%2501Carol%2501>  to view this email in your browser 

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Dear Friend, 

Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. This week, the Senate voted on a Republican budget proposal after over 10 hours of debate and amendments, also known as a “vote-a-rama <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.politico.com%2flive-updates%2f2025%2f02%2f18%2fcongress%2fsenate-procedural-vote-budget-resolution-00204784&redir_log=972415669596715> .” Their proposal will serve as their blueprint for massive cuts to programs that Delawareans and folks across the country rely on – like Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and more. Why are they doing this? So they can save room in the budget for massive tax cuts for billionaires. 

Around 4:15 AM, I spoke on my amendment which would have addressed the wrongful termination of the federal employees who protect the health and safety of Americans. While this country faces workforce shortages and we contend with measles and the avian flu, the Trump administration is thoughtlessly and callously firing thousands of public servants at the Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies across the federal government, putting us at risk. 

These civil servants are the scientists working to find cures to cancer, the people working to negotiate lower drug prices for our seniors, and the essential, frontline workers that were heroes during the pandemic. 

Our budget is a reflection of our priorities. I’m going to keep advocating for a budget that supports our essential health care workforce, invests in good paying jobs for all Americans, and protects the critical services our communities rely on. 

Calling on the VA Secretary to Reverse Mass Terminations 

This week, I joined <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bluntrochester.senate.gov%2fpress-releases%2fblunt-rochester-senators-demand-va-secretary-collins-put-veterans-first-reverse-mass-terminations-of-va-employees%2f&redir_log=117479338911181>  34 of my Democratic colleagues in calling on Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to immediately reverse the termination of more than 1,000 VA employees. These employees did essential work serving our nation’s veterans, including at the Veterans Crisis Line to combat veteran suicide. Many are military spouses and veterans themselves. Also included were other public servants with exemplary performance records and multiple years of work experience in government service. 

I respect those who have answered a higher calling to serve our nation in uniform and have worked my entire career in Congress to ensure our veterans receive the best possible care. At a time when the VA needs more resources, this deeply misguided action will only hurt our veterans and their families. I will continue to speak out to protect our veterans and their care. 

Questioning the Nominee for Secretary of Labor 

On Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee examined <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bluntrochester.senate.gov%2fpress-releases%2fsenator-blunt-rochester-questions-chavez-deremer-on-commitments-to-americas-workforce%2f&redir_log=440256940963985>  the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer to be Secretary of Labor. As a member of the committee, and Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor, I was laser-focused on her commitment to supporting America’s workforce – including federal workers and labor unions. I pressed her on the Trump Administration’s reckless, recent mass firings of public servants in critical roles across the federal government.

We are already seeing the impacts <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fSenatorLBR%2fstatus%2f1892366890040783080&redir_log=465586756805301>  of these firings on our ability to respond to everything from plane safety to biomedical research and so much more. These firings do nothing to bring costs down <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.wdel.com%2fnews%2fus-eggs-prices-hit-a-record-high-of-4-95-and-are-likely-to-keep%2farticle_7085935b-8a12-51a6-8d16-f788fc5fdc26.html%2f&redir_log=654534597923890>  or make life easier for hardworking Americans. 

In addition, we discussed the future of work and AI, and I previewed legislation I intend to introduce. You can watch our full exchange here <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fyoutu.be%2fcVabIW7vP9U%3fsi%3dcleXJRVuxRZjHANJ&redir_log=463061639732321> . 

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Giving our Poultry Farmers a Lifeline 

We in Delaware know how critical the poultry industry is to our state's economy. With avian flu outbreaks popping up, it is essential that we give our poultry farmers a financial lifeline in the event their operations are affected by an outbreak. That’s why I was proud to cosponsor <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.coastalpoint.com%2fnews%2fbusiness%2fagriculture%2fcoons-wicker-introduce-bill-to-protect-poultry-growers-against-avian-flu-outbreaks%2farticle_65f13640-eafb-11ef-9e82-a7cfc3237cb0.html&redir_log=973128693411255>  the bipartisan Healthy Poultry Assistance & Indemnification Act with Senator Chris Coons and a bipartisan group of our colleagues to do just that. I look forward to working with our colleagues to get this legislation passed. 

In Case You Missed It... 

I recently sat down with 6ABC and WMDT to talk about the importance of continuing to celebrate Black History Month – our culture, our history, and our excellence. This month and every month, Black history is American history. You can watch my interview with 6ABC  <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2f6abc.com%2fpost%2fbreaking-barriers-making-history-us-sen-lisa-blunt-rochester-delaware-gets-candid%2f15903297%2f&redir_log=091529935732762> here and my interview with WMDT  <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.wmdt.com%2f2025%2f02%2fblack-history-month-progress-representation-in-politics%2f&redir_log=424764743759596> here.   

Monday: Town Hall with your Federal Delegation 

On Monday, Senator Chris Coons, Representative Sarah McBride, and I will be hosting a virtual town hall to both discuss the overwhelming constituent concerns our offices have received in the last few weeks and field questions from attendees. You can sign up  <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fdocs.google.com%2fforms%2fd%2fe%2f1FAIpQLScJjLJzFlC3nxcgzBV7bkaXlvZ40B2QPoUTarXyhPS70GGQhg%2fviewform&redir_log=943230659368664> here to attend. 

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Below are some helpful resources for you: 

*	Lower Energy Costs: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped pass last Congress, there are opportunities to lower your energy costs through tax credits and rebates. Check out energy.gov/save <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.energy.gov%2fsave&redir_log=160089499914192>  to learn more. 
*	Look Before You Book: Are you thinking about booking a trip? Before you do, you should ensure that your passport is up to date! You can go to state.gov <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2ftravel.state.gov%2f&redir_log=689724929384174>  to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.
*	Need a Passport Appointment?: The Department of State is encouraging travelers to go to travel.state.gov <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=http%3a%2f%2fengagement.mail8.housecommunications.gov%2ff%2fa%2fa3IPVkYA6FuBQzPOI54HlQ%7e%7e%2fAAS2ygA%7e%2fRgRoGQlbP0QraHR0cDovL3Bhc3Nwb3J0YXBwb2ludG1lbnQudHJhdmVsLnN0YXRlLmdvdlcDc3BjQgpmM1uENmbZ_zx9Uhl2aWN0b3JpYXBhbnplcmFAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAAN_&redir_log=166827268231470>  to schedule passport appointments within 14 days of their date of travel.
*	Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): The State Department recently launched a new version of STEP. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP also makes it easier to contact U.S. citizens during an emergency. You can sign up for these alerts at login.gov <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2flogin.gov%2f&redir_log=428694407385124> .
*	988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also go to 988lifeline.org <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2f988lifeline.org%2f&redir_log=467122062273163> .
*	Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more, call 211, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline. 
*	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 about at exchanges.state.gov/us <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=http%3a%2f%2fexchanges.state.gov%2fus&redir_log=799659856494205> .
*	Protecting Your Data: Delaware’s Personal Data Privacy Act, legislation protecting the personal data of Delawareans, went into effect on January 1st. You can go to this website <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fattorneygeneral.delaware.gov%2ffraud%2fpersonal-data-privacy-portal%2f&redir_log=120556560661508>  from the Delaware Department of Justice to find out how it will impact consumers, parents, and businesses in our state.
*	Free COVID Tests: Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, every household in the United States can get four free COVID tests that will be shipped to you through the United States Postal Service. You can order them today at covidtests.gov <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fcovidtests.gov%2f&redir_log=041405769509163> .
*	Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will be able to spread prescription drug costs across the year. These payment plans will include zero-interest installments as well as a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap. Learn more at medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=http%3a%2f%2fmedicare.gov%2fprescription-payment-plan&redir_log=924913871323322> .

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This week’s constituent corner honors the students who participate in the Federal TRIO Programs <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ed.gov%2fabout%2fed-offices%2fope%2ftrio&redir_log=98944786905307>  across Delaware. Every year, on the fourth Saturday in February, we celebrate National TRIO Day and the invaluable work these programs have done for 60 years to help students from under-resourced backgrounds, first-generation college students, and students from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. Some famous alumni of these programs include Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, John Quiñones, and Senator Raphael Warnock! 

In Delaware, more than 1,000 students participate in these programs, which are run by the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College. As the ranking member of the Education and the American Family Subcommittee in the Senate, I am proud to support this important work to help students across our state thrive. Happy National TRIO Day! 

Yours in service,

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Lisa Blunt Rochester

United States Senator

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Contact <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=Message+Me&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bluntrochester.senate.gov%2fcontact%2f&redir_log=994631855839325>  me 

HOME <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bluntrochester.senate.gov%2f&redir_log=59321207753269>   |  ABOUT <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bluntrochester.senate.gov%2fabout&redir_log=955353904883307>   |  MEDIA <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bluntrochester.senate.gov%2fmedia&redir_log=026959594519306>   |  CONTACT <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.bluntrochester.senate.gov%2fcontact%2f&redir_log=994631855839325>   |  UNSUBSCRIBE <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2foutreach.senate.gov%2fiqextranet%2fEForm.aspx%3f__cid%3dSenBluntRochester%26__fid%3d100016&redir_log=353926591801608>  

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