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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>FYI… There will be a virtual Town Hall on Monday. There is a link for signing up in the newsletter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sincerely… C. King-Ries<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester <donotreply@bluntrochester.senate.gov> <br><b>Sent:</b> Saturday, February 22, 2025 5:38 PM<br><b>To:</b> cmkries@comcast.net<br><b>Subject:</b> Let Me Be Blunt<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div id=newsletterContent><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:.6pt'><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-line-height-alt:.75pt'><img width=600 height=1 style='width:6.25in;height:.0083in' id="_x0000_i1047" src=spacer.gif><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr><tr><td style='background:#ECECEC;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=640 style='width:480.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td style='background:#ECECEC;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px'><tr style='height:11.25pt'><td style='background:#ECECEC;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:11.25pt'><p><span style='font-size:8.0pt;color:#313941'><a href="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" target="_blank">Open in browser</a> to view this email in your browser</span><span style='color:#313941'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center'><span style='color:#313941'><img border=0 width=960 height=540 style='width:10.0in;height:5.625in' id="_x0000_i1046" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/YT_Thumbnail_-_Email_and_LMBB.png" alt=Image></span><span style='color:#313941'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:11.25pt 15.0pt 7.5pt 15.0pt'><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Dear Friend, </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Welcome back to <em><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Let Me Be Blunt</span></em>. This week, the Senate voted on a Republican budget proposal after over 10 hours of debate and amendments, also known as a “<a href="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">vote-a-rama</a>.” 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. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Calling on the VA Secretary to Reverse Mass Terminations</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>This week, I <a href="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">joined</a> 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. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Questioning the Nominee for Secretary of Labor</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>On Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee <a href="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">examined</a> 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.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>We are already seeing the <a href="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">impacts</a> of these firings on our ability to respond to everything from plane safety to biomedical research and so much more. <a href="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">These firings do nothing to bring costs down</a> or make life easier for hardworking Americans. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>In addition, we discussed the future of work and AI, and I previewed legislation I intend to introduce. You can watch our full exchange <a href="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">here</a>. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=1038 height=583 style='width:10.8083in;height:6.075in' id="_x0000_i1045" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/Labor.png" alt=Image></span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Giving our Poultry Farmers a Lifeline</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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 <a href="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">cosponsor</a> the bipartisan <em><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Healthy Poultry Assistance & Indemnification Act</span></em> 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. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>In Case You Missed It... </span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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. <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>You can watch my interview with 6ABC </span></strong><a href="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"><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>here</span></strong></a><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> and my interview with WMDT </span></strong><a href="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"><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>here</span></strong></a><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. </span></strong> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Monday: Town Hall with your Federal Delegation</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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. <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>You can sign up </span></strong><a href="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"><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>here</span></strong></a><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> to attend.</span></strong> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=389 height=389 style='width:4.05in;height:4.05in' id="_x0000_i1044" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/Town_Hall.png" alt=Image></span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><hr size=2 width="100%" noshade style='color:#A0A0A0' align=center></span></div><h2 align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#18416A'><img border=0 width=600 height=150 style='width:6.25in;height:1.5666in' id="_x0000_i1043" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/12_24_2024_Picture5.png" alt=Image></span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#18416A'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Below are some helpful resources for you: </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Lower Energy Costs: </span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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 <a href="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" target="_blank">energy.gov/save</a> to learn more. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Look Before You Book: </span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Are you thinking about booking a trip? Before you do, you should ensure that your passport is up to date! You can go to <a href="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">state.gov</a> to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Need a Passport Appointment?</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>: The Department of State is encouraging travelers to go to <a href="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">travel.state.gov</a> to schedule passport appointments within 14 days of their date of travel.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>: 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 <a href="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">login.gov</a>.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>call 988</span></strong>, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also go to <a href="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" target="_blank">988lifeline.org</a>.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Delaware 211</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more, <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>call 211</span></strong>, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Department of State’s Exchange Programs</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>: The State Department sponsors several programs across the world that can give Americans educational, cultural, and professional experiences. Find out more about at <a href="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">exchanges.state.gov/us</a>.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Protecting Your Data</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>: Delaware’s Personal Data Privacy Act, legislation protecting the personal data of Delawareans, went into effect on January 1st. You can go to <a href="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">this website</a> from the Delaware Department of Justice to find out how it will impact consumers, parents, and businesses in our state.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Free COVID Tests:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, every household in the United States can get <strong><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>four free COVID tests</span></strong> that will be shipped to you through the United States Postal Service. You can order them today at <a href="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" target="_blank">covidtests.gov</a>.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;line-height:150%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Medicare Prescription Payment Plan:</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> 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 <a href="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" target="_blank">medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan</a>.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><hr size=2 width="100%" noshade style='color:#A0A0A0' align=center></span></div><h2 align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#18416A'><img border=0 width=600 height=225 style='width:6.25in;height:2.3416in' id="_x0000_i1042" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/12_24_2024_Picture6.png" alt=Image></span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#18416A'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>This week’s constituent corner honors the students who participate in the <a href="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">Federal TRIO Programs</a> 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! </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>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! </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;padding:2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:14.25pt'><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:14.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Yours in service,</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:14.25pt'><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:14.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=185 height=48 style='width:1.925in;height:.5in' id="_x0000_i1041" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/LBRSignature.png" alt=Image><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:14.25pt'><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:14.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Lisa Blunt Rochester<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:14.25pt'><td width="100%" valign=top style='width:100.0%;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;height:14.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>United States Senator<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></div><p style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><hr size=2 width="100%" noshade style='color:#A0A0A0' align=center></span></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:8.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#848484'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=180 style='width:135.0pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.8pt;padding:2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=Facebook&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fSenLBR&redir_log=5644109892211" title=""Facebook" t "><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=45 height=45 style='width:.4666in;height:.4666in' id="_x0000_i1040" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/DE00_FB.png" alt=Image></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.8pt;padding:2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=TwitterX&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fx.com%2fSenatorLBR%3fmx%3d2&redir_log=08075250192195" title=""TwitterX" t "><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=45 height=45 style='width:.4666in;height:.4666in' id="_x0000_i1039" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/DE00_TWX.png" alt=Image></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.8pt;padding:2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=Instagram&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.instagram.com%2fsenlbr%2f&redir_log=876044467028231" title=""Instagram" t "><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=45 height=45 style='width:.4666in;height:.4666in' id="_x0000_i1038" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/DE00_INSTA.png" alt=Image></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.8pt;padding:2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt 2.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=SenBluntRochester&crop=16657.71449443.13227535.7122346&report_id=YouTube&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40SenatorLBR&redir_log=770467721836242" title=""YouTube" t "><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=45 height=45 style='width:.4666in;height:.4666in' id="_x0000_i1037" src="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenBluntRochester/DE00_YT.png" alt=Image></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:150%'><span 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