BETHEL

Today, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honor Native communities across the country. I’m especially grateful for the friendship of the Lenape and Nanticoke who call the First State home. Thank you for your partnership and commitment to building a stronger future together.

With Congress out of session until after the midterm elections, I’m spending the October Recess getting out of Washington, hearing directly from communities, and gaining firsthand perspectives to help shape policies that address some of today’s most pressing issues.

I kicked off this effort with a Congressional Delegation trip out west, where I met with experts across the national security, foreign affairs, and technology spaces. It’s no secret that these issues have faced challenges in recent months – an ongoing war, tense geopolitical relationships, and rapidly evolving technology – but this week I sat down with some of the leading voices to discuss how we can improve our standing and rebuild.

It was a trip filled with great insights, diverse perspectives, and real conversations that left me feeling ready to continue tackling these issues. Keep reading to see who we met and how we’ll make these ideas work for you.

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From Dover to Travis
My first stop was Travis Air Force Base, home of the 60^th Air Mobility Wing. They provide rapid, reliable airlift support for U.S. forces anywhere in the world and extend the impact of our troops through mid-air refueling. Our very own Dover Air Force Base plays a similar role, so we discussed what lessons could be shared between their operations

Throughout the visit, I toured the base, including its aerial port, which manages cargo through the military airlift system. I also saw a KC-46 refueling tanker plane and an aeromedical evacuation demonstration, which mobilizes medical crews to transport patients to medical facilities. Our armed forces are leading the way with innovation, and it was amazing to see their work up close.

A Visit with the Coast Guard
As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, I’ve worked this Congress to support our Coasties and address pressing maritime security concerns. I had the chance to visit the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Base Alameda and meet with Vice Admiral Joseph Buzzella, Pacific Area Commander; Rear Admiral Jason Tama, incoming Deputy Commander of the Pacific Area; and Rear Admiral Jeffrey Novak, incoming Commander of the Southwest District.
 
Throughout my visit, I spoke with USCG leadership about protecting forces from physical and cyber threats and its role in managing one of the nation’s busiest Vessel Traffic Services, which handles vessel and port congestion. I also received a briefing on the Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center, which provides intelligence to the Pacific Area, whose area of responsibility includes 6 of 7 continents and 71 countries. However, a highlight of my visit was riding in an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. This model has been in service for over 40 years and plays a critical role in the Coast Guard’s search-and-rescue efforts. Given their service life, these helicopters will likely be phased out for a modern alternative, so we discussed how these changes might affect readiness.
 
It’s been a privilege to work and learn with USCG to support our coastal communities and beyond. One of the major areas of focus and need at both the Air Force base and the Coast Guard was affordable, high-quality housing. Given my team’s leadership on housing legislation, we discussed ideas for the next major housing package in the
National Defense Authorization Act.

The “Big Ideas” Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory was established at the height of the Cold War to advance nuclear weapons and technology. Now, over 70 years later, technology looks very different, but the desire to meet the moment remains the same. I visited the lab to learn about its current mission to strengthen security and stability through bold and innovative science and technology.

While touring, I got an inside look at two facilities that keep us on the cutting edge of technology. At the National Ignition Facility, I learned about “fusion ignition,” which is when more energy is produced from a fusion reaction than the energy needed to spark the reaction – these efforts are critical to our research efforts. In 2022, the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore became the only lab in the world to achieve fusion ignition.

I also visited the lab’s computing building, which houses supercomputers, known as “El Capitan” and “Tuolumne.” We discussed the lab’s efforts to develop quantum computing, which is an advanced field of computer science that uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of the classic computers we use today. Additionally, Lawrence Livermore was critical to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and, today, the Ebola epidemic. Every day we’re innovating further, and our national laboratories are helping lead the way.

Answers on AI
I’ve been following reports of artificial intelligence (AI) models acting outside human control, and in recent weeks, more incidents have been exposed. Given the rapid evolution of this technology, we need clarity, and I’ve been working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get answers. I asked top AI companies about AI agents’ ability to act autonomously and joined with Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) to urge these companies’ leaders to come before Congress. Learn more HERE and HERE

This week, we took another step toward accountability to the public. I sat down with leaders from OpenAI, a leading AI company, to reiterate my concerns. We discussed my previous inquiries about their models’ autonomous hacking and how they’ll improve safety and implement guardrails. Throughout the discussion, I reiterated the importance of balancing safety, global competition, and innovation, and directed them to work with Congress to get this done right.

A Conversation with the Brightest Minds
With conflicts rising across the globe, and the current administration fanning the flames, we’re facing a tense moment in world politics. I sat down with foreign policy experts at Stanford University to discuss how to address these geopolitical tensions and the role of AI. To make progress toward a more peaceful future in this increasingly complicated environment, we require pragmatic thinking and action.

HOW MAY WE SERVE YOU

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.

My team helped a local Air Force Veteran correct their disability benefits to account for service-related PTSD that was not previously acknowledged. This veteran had exhausted their income trying to address this oversight on their own, but my team stepped in to connect them with a Veterans Services Caseworker to begin the appeal process with no additional charges.

I’m proud to support Delawareans who have given everything for our country and ensure they have the care they need. Never hesitate to reach out to my office for help. CLICK HERE to learn more.

THIS WEEK’S CONSTITUENT CORNER – HONORING AMAZING DELAWAREANS

This week’s Constituent Corner honors Katherine Mancuso, a teacher at Sussex Central. Mancuso teaches English classes comprised of 60% multilingual students, many of whom speak English as a second language. She found that these students were receiving low test scores and lacked the foundational language skills needed to succeed. To meet their needs, she established “Multilingual Learners,” a program that pairs upperclassmen with underclassmen to support them in core subject areas and strengthen their abilities in the classroom. Since the program’s creation, Mancuso said students have improved in performance and built community with their peers. She recently received a grant from the National Education Association to support the program’s continuation.

Katherine Mancuso, thank you for investing in our students’ growth and helping them build community along the way.

Please tell us who we should honor in next week’s edition of Let Me Be Blunt.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSITUENTS

How YOU can get involved:

IRS Refund Delays

The IRS announced there is a system error impacting taxpayer refunds. A new verification system created this year has caused a backlog. If you are facing refund delays, please contact my team HERE.

Service Academy (DEADLINE APPROACHING)
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.

Free PFAS Testing for Delawareans

Delawareans who rely on private wells for drinking water can now request free testing for PFAS and a variety of other contaminants through a statewide program. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is partnering with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, on the drinking water sampling initiative. CLICK HERE to learn more. 

See the World!

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange is a joint exchange program offered by the U.S. and German governments that offers opportunities to study or work abroad for high school students, recent high school graduates with a vocational interest, and young professionals. Applications are open until November 3. CLICK HERE to learn more. 

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.

Onward in Service,