Recognizing Milford, Delaware

Floor Speech

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Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the momentum and pride on full display in Milford, Delaware, a small town with a big story to tell.

Delaware is the small town State, and Milford reminds us why that is something to be proud of. I had the pleasure of touring downtown Milford with local leaders recently. Despite a torrential downpour, we met with small business owners, local artists, and community members who are working every day to turn vision into progress.

What I saw in Milford is what is possible when communities believe in themselves. Whether it is the thriving downtown storefronts, the Riverwalk's beauty, or the vibrant art scene, including Gallery 37, Milford is a town that is honoring its history while investing boldly in its future. Make no mistake, that future is being built by and for Milford's residents.

We talked about infrastructure needs, economic development, and the importance of expanding access to housing and opportunity. Over the past decade, Milford has become a model for what small town revitalization should look like, driven by public-private collaboration and a clear focus on inclusive growth.

Milford's motto: Art Town, River Town, Home Town, is more than a slogan. It is a reflection of a community that is rooted in creativity and care for one another.

I am proud to represent Milford in Congress, and I will keep fighting for the investments, partnerships, and policies that empower towns like Milford to thrive. When small towns succeed, our whole State grows stronger.

Celebrating the Anniversary of the Liberation of Delaware

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Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Delaware from the tyrannical yolk of Pennsylvania and the British Crown.

In June of 1776, Delawareans laid the groundwork for the single longest running tradition in our State's history: the Separation Day. Separation Day serves as a reminder of the fierce commitment at the heart of the greatest State in the Union. It marks the moment when Delaware said: ``We can govern ourselves. We can shape our own future.''

That commitment to dignity, democracy, to self-determination is the essence of who we are as Delawareans.

Each June, my neighbors gather in Old New Castle, one of the most historic towns in America, to honor our legacy with joy and pride.

Separation Day isn't just about the past. It is a reminder that democracy isn't something we inherit. It is something we practice, because that bold act in 1776 wasn't made by kings or generals. It was made by ordinary people who believed that a better future was worth the risk. They understood something we should all remember to this day: There are no kings in a democracy.

This year, as we celebrate our independence from one empire and one governor across the State line, let us also reject any attempt to crown a new monarch, whether with a golden crown or a gilded office, because in this country no one is above the law.

Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy Separation Day to Delaware. Recognizing Gabriella Bourantas

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Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two extraordinary young leaders from Delaware, Gabriella Bourantas of Wilmington Christian School and Emily Geldreich of Kendall Academy, who have earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal.

Through over 400 hours of public service, personal development, exploration, and physical rigor, Gabriella and Emily have set and achieved ambitious goals through perseverance and commitment.

Gabriella served the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, honed her field hockey and Greek dance skills, and helped her family explore our national parks.

Meanwhile, Emily taught American Sign Language, distributed food, and became a stronger swimmer and martial artist, all while deepening her understanding of deaf culture and global history.

Their achievements remind us that the Congressional Award isn't just about logging hours. It is about building character. In their dedication and drive, Emily and Gabriella reflect the heart of Delaware, where young people lead with purpose and pride.

Mr. Speaker, Delaware is proud of Gabriella and Emily and their hard work. They represent the best of the State of Delaware and the future of this Nation.

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