ICYMI: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester Pens Letter to President Biden in the Delaware News Journal: “Progress, Compassion, and Promise”

Wilmington, Del. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) penned a letter to President Joe Biden for the Delaware News Journal reflecting on his legendary career in public service and thanking him for his unwavering dedication to Delaware, the nation, and our collective future.  

The full letter is copied below. To read the letter as it appeared in the News Journal, click here. 

–– 

'Progress, compassion and promise'

Dear President Biden,  

I write this letter not as your constituent of nearly 50 years, nor as Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor and Congresswoman, or our new United States Senator. Today, I write to you as a first-time grandmother on behalf of my beautiful granddaughter, Lennox. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on your presidency, and how I will describe your legacy to her. Three words immediately come to mind: progress, compassion and promise. 

The first word is progress. You entered office amid a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. At the time, our country had lost over 400,000 Americans to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment was at 6%. We had to get our nation back on track — and you rose to the occasion. Working with Congress, you signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law to help us recover, rebuild, and restore. From life-saving vaccines to the reopening of our schools and businesses safely, your leadership in this turbulent time was consequential. We expanded the Child Tax Credit, which cut child poverty in half. We revived our economy.  As President, you ushered in an era of unprecedented legislative progress, while bringing our allies together, and I am proud to have worked alongside you in accomplishing these historic wins for Delaware and the nation. 

History will show that working with Democrats and Republicans, you accomplished things that had only been talked about for decades. The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making transformational investments in our nation’s roads, bridges, highways, ports, and rail, while expanding broadband internet to millions of Americans. By reaching across the aisle, you helped us keep our sacred obligation to our veterans by signing the Honoring Our PACT Act into law, which marked the largest expansion of VA benefits since the G.I. Bill. You fought for safer communities by signing into law the most comprehensive action ever taken to address gun violence, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. And working with Democrats in the House and Senate, you championed the Inflation Reduction Act to lower the cost of health care and prescription drug costs for seniors and make the largest investment in fighting the climate crisis in our nation’s history. The impact your leadership will have on communities at home and abroad will undoubtedly be felt across generations. Simply put, you’re leaving office as the most accomplished president in modern history. 

The second word is compassion. When our country was at a crossroads after witnessing the horrific attack in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, and later the murder of George Floyd, you stepped up to bring back compassion at a time when our nation needed it most. 

And for me, and countless others, you’ve been a compassionate friend and mentor. In 2014, when my husband suddenly and unexpectedly passed away; years later when my sister suffered a stroke; and most recently when my father, the late Ted Blunt, received the diagnosis of cancer and six months later left this earth – you were there. Even as I sought wisdom in my run for the Senate, you were there. It’s a generosity that I hope you know is appreciated and will always be reciprocated. And despite tremendous personal loss throughout your own life, including the passing of your late son, Beau, you’ve continued to show us as individuals and as a country how to “keep the faith” in the face of adversity. That’s because your North Star – your devotion to your state and nation – has never wavered.  

The final word is promise. What you have brought with you from position to position has been a commitment to the promise of a better and brighter future for all Americans. The promise of a future where our schools, movie theaters, places of worship, and grocery stores are free from gun violence. The promise of a future where all Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, childcare, and housing opportunities. The promise of a future where our democracy is protected and not diminished. The promise of a future where access to clean drinking water isn’t just a privilege but a basic human right. The promise of a nation where freedom, justice, and equality are the basis for everything we do. Thank you for all you’ve done to show us this future is achievable – if we’re willing to work for it. 

Mr. President, as you have often said, family is the beginning, middle, and the end so I would be remiss if I did not mention your other half, Dr. Jill Biden, and the unconditional love, strength, and support of your family. To the Bidens – thank you for being an anchor for the President and for sharing him with us.  

Though my granddaughter is too young to read or write, she will grow up hearing of your decades of impactful service, your steadfast leadership, your deep compassion, your unwavering friendship, and your unshakeable optimism for the “possibilities” of America. The example you have set will inspire Lennox and future generations to lead with integrity, honor, and decency — not just in word but in deed. Thank you for your service to our state, our nation, and our future.  

Sincerely, 

U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester 

Lisa Blunt Rochester is one of Delaware's two U.S. senators, as well as the first Black Delawarean and the first woman to ever represent the First State in that chamber.

###