Delaware’s Congresswoman McBride Denounces Trump Administration’s Illegal Cuts to Library Funding on House Floor
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) took to the House floor to condemn the Trump Administration’s illegal dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — an action that has halted vital federal support for libraries across the country, including Delaware’s 33 public libraries.
Her remarks come after she visited Lewes Public Library, where she met with staff and constituents to hear firsthand how these cuts are already disrupting services.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn this administration’s harmful and illegal effort to gut the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” said Rep. McBride in her floor speech.
“Let’s be clear: this is a direct attack on rural families, veterans, caregivers, and children—including thousands of Delawareans who rely on local libraries not just for books, but for help with job applications, disability forms, and housing assistance."
An executive order issued by President Trump directed the so-called “reduction of the federal bureaucracy,” leading IMLS to place its entire staff on administrative leave—effectively shutting down operations and freezing the distribution of nearly $300 million in congressionally appropriated funds. Delaware libraries rely on over $1.3 million annually from IMLS to provide community programs, public internet access, educational tools, and critical benefits navigation services.
“In Dover, librarians are helping my neighbors navigate Social Security delays. In Lewes, they’re supporting unhoused jobseekers. In Harrington, they’re guiding caregivers through pages of red tape just to access basic support. This isn’t just morally wrong—it’s a violation of the law. The administration is not only defunding vital community programs—it’s defying the will of the American people.
“This isn’t just morally wrong—it’s a violation of the law. Congress appropriated these funds. The administration is not only defunding vital community programs—it’s defying the will of the American people."
In a letter led by Senator Chris Coons to Acting Director Keith Sonderling, Rep. McBride joined Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) in reminding the Trump Administration that IMLS was created by statute, created and funded by Congress for the express purpose of meeting the “essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs” of Americans. The law requires IMLS to operate both a Museum Services Office and a Library Services Office, which provide support across all 50 states.
“With just 1.93 million dollars a year, Delaware libraries are able to preserve our history, strengthen our workforce, and meet people where they are to deliver critical services.
“Cutting this lifeline isn’t efficiency. It’s cruelty.
“I urge the administration to reverse course—and I stand with my colleagues in demanding full funding for the services our communities need and deserve.”
The full video is available to view and download here.
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Delaware’s Congresswoman Sarah McBride serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittees on Europe and on Oversight & Intelligence, she also serves on the House Space, Science and Technology Committee and its subcommittee on Research and Technology. She serves as a Deputy Whip for Policy in the Democratic Caucus.