Posts from Rep. Joe Morelle

October 11, 2025

Dear Markus, It’s day 10 of the Republican shutdown. I’ve made it clear, I’m ready to work with anyone who’s serious about reopening the government and protecting Americans’ healthcare, but that means coming to the negotiating table to do the job the American people elected us to do.

In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find updates on how I’m fighting back—standing up for hardworking families, protecting access to essential services, and continuing to show up for our community here at home.

Supporting Hardworking Families

I joined BBC Radio to talk about the ongoing government shutdown over the weekend. I made it clear: my colleagues and I are fighting for the millions of Americans who will be kicked off their health insurance by Republican cuts.

Bringing down health insurance premiums, lowering costs—these are American values, and we’re not going to stop standing up for them.

Marking 115 Years of Faith

While the chaos of the government shutdown continues in Washington, I know that doesn’t stop life from going on here in Rochester. I was grateful to be out in our community and join Mt. Olivet Baptist Church for their walk-a-thon in honor of their 115th anniversary. For well over a century, Mt. Olivet has served as a beacon of strength and hope in Rochester, and I was proud to present them with a certificate of congressional recognition in honor of this remarkable milestone.

Honoring our Veterans

This past weekend, I had the profound honor of joining local veterans for an Honor Flight ceremony—an inspiring tribute to the brave men and women who have served our nation. The Honor Flight program provides veterans with a journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

I was deeply moved by this powerful moment of gratitude and reflection, standing alongside our community to celebrate the courage, dedication, and unity that define the American spirit. Together, we honor those who have given so much in defense of our freedom.

Learn more about Rochester’s Honor Flight here.

Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family. Due to ongoing actions by the Trump administration affecting federal agencies, case processing may be slightly delayed. We appreciate your patience and remain committed to resolving your cases promptly.

October 4, 2025

Today is day three of the Republican-led government shutdown. My colleagues and I are fighting to reopen the government with a budget that protects access to healthcare for hardworking Americans. At the end of the day, this is about American values: bringing down costs, strengthening access to healthcare, and making sure government works for working families. I remain ready to work with anyone, regardless of party, to end this shutdown and deliver the stable, responsible governance our community deserves.

In the meantime, both my Washington, D.C., and Rochester offices are fully operational. I have provided some answers to frequently asked questions about the shutdown below, and I will continue sharing updates as we have them.

How We’re Fighting Back

I sat down with MSNBC this week to talk about why reversing these healthcare cuts matters so much. These cuts will kick millions of hardworking Americans off their health insurance and raise premiums to an unaffordable level for even more. I also talked about this threat to healthcare access with Bloomberg Radio, where I made it clear—these are American values we’re talking about. It’s not just an issue for people on Medicare and Medicaid, and that’s why I am so committed to this fight.

What is a Government Shutdown?

A shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the legislation required to provide funding for the federal government for the upcoming fiscal year.

Congress has the sole authority to provide funding for the federal government and its services, which includes everything from paying social security checks, to running national parks, to paying troops, and a variety of other programs and services essential to the everyday lives of individuals and families.  During a shutdown, all types of federal spending are put on pause until a budget agreement can be reached. 

What Service are Impacted During a Government Shutdown?

During the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, the Food and Drug Administration suspended routine inspections, increasing public health risks. The National Park Service stopped trash collection and road repairs, creating unsanitary conditions and unsafe roads, while some national parks and museums closed entirely. Additionally, over 86,000 immigration court hearings were canceled, exacerbating existing backlogs. The shutdown also threatened the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program in some states, putting low-income families and children at risk.

These disruptions illustrate how shutdowns can detrimentally affect public services and society’s most vulnerable members.

What Services Remain Uninterrupted During a Shutdown?

Essential services related to national security and public safety, like inpatient and emergency medical care, air traffic control, law enforcement, border security, disaster aid, and power grid maintenance, continue, though they may face disruptions. Services independent of annual appropriations bills, such as the U.S. Postal Service and programs like Social Security and Medicare, also continue, but may experience interruptions.

What is the Impact of a Government Shutdown on the U.S. Economy?

Shutdowns are detrimental to both the public, who face service and program disruptions, and federal employees, who are either furloughed or required to work without pay.

Shutdowns also cause revenue losses and negatively impact the economy. The last Trump shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. My office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov/shutdown for more information and updates during the government shutdown, and know that I will keep fighting for a budget that supports quality health care for all Americans and brings down the cost of living for hardworking families.

September 27, 2025

I spent this week in Rochester, hearing from our community about their experiences and the challenges they are facing, before I head back to Washington next week to face the looming government funding deadline.
Read more about my work:

How We’re Fighting Back

The deadline to fund the government is just days away. Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. If the government shuts down, it’s because they chose to shut it down rather than work with Democrats to pass a budget that uplifts American families. I’m supportive of a bipartisan budget that doesn’t rip away healthcare from millions of Americans or give new tax breaks to billionaires, and I won’t stop fighting to lower costs for working families.

Connecting with our Neighbors

This week, I partnered with the organization Civic Genius to host a new kind of town hall—one designed to bring more voices to the table for a thoughtful and productive conversation. I represent 770,000 people. Often, when we engage in public conversations, it is difficult to get a representative sample to ensure all voices are heard—which is why we chose a format that uses a randomized lottery system to gather a balanced and diverse group of community members to engage in a constructive dialogue on how we can build a better future together. Ours is one of the very first communities in the country to use this innovative format to have a real conversation about what people in our district are experiencing and give input on the issue of declining public trust in government. These are the moments when democracy is at its best, and it was inspiring to come together with members of our community with respect, humility, and a shared purpose to make our democracy stronger.

Defending the First Amendment

Free speech is nonnegotiable in America—it’s a right enshrined in our Constitution. Even if we don’t agree with what is being said, we must protect First Amendment rights. By attacking anyone who disagrees, Trump is taking yet another page out of the authoritarian playbook and threatening democracy. While Jimmy Kimmel’s show returned this week, millions were still unable to watch because Sinclair and Nexstar took him off the air. Americans deserve to know their fundamental right is protected no matter what.

Out and About in Our Community

I’m always grateful to be back in Rochester and have the chance to meet with the businesses and organizations that call our community home.

American Rock Salt is one of the leading suppliers for the entire northeast Snow Belt region, helping communities like ours get through difficult winter conditions. I stopped by their facility to talk about their important work.

Rochester is at the core of optics in America. I joined AmeriCOM to discuss how we can keep our community and our country at the forefront of this industry.

I was proud to stand with County Executive Bello and the City of Rochester to celebrate a $4.2 million investment in high-speed, affordable internet access in our community. This means more children can complete their school work online, seniors can access telehealth services, and small businesses can compete in a digital economy.

Oak Orchard is a lifeline for so many families in our community, providing comprehensive healthcare for neighbors in rural and agricultural communities. I was grateful to spend some time with their team in Brockport this week.

September 20, 2025

Today, I voted against a stopgap funding plan pushed by Donald Trump and House Republicans.

This bill does nothing to lower grocery costs, make schools safer for our kids, or help seniors afford their prescriptions. It also fails to address the challenges families in Rochester face every day. People deserve better than this political theater.

With less than two weeks until the end of the fiscal year, I urge my Republican colleagues to come to the table and work with House Democrats on a bipartisan budget that fully funds our government and protects the programs families rely on.

My phone is always on. Let’s stop the games and give people the support they deserve from their government. Instead of rubber-stamping a federal budget that ignores the problems faced by people in Rochester and across the country, I spent time this week advocating for the policies and programs folks rely on. Read more about my work this week below:

Condemning Political Violence

Today I voted in favor of a resolution that, like many in Congress, is nuanced—and I know my decision may frustrate some people. Let me be clear: I did not agree with Charlie Kirk. His rhetoric was extremist, divisive, and often deeply harmful. I do not support language in this resolution that portrays him as noble or patriotic.

But democracy means that even people we strongly disagree with—people whose words make our blood boil—still deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else. Freedom cannot be applied selectively.

At its core, this resolution condemns political violence, and that’s something we must all do—clearly and without hesitation. That is why I voted yes—and it’s why many of my colleagues did, too. After the vote, I took a few moments to speak about my thought process and how, in the end, I decided to vote “yes.” I look forward to working with all my colleagues on policies to reject violence and restore civility to our politics.

Ending Cancer As We Know It

I gathered with the American Cancer Society on Tuesday outside the Capitol to share a simple message: cancer cannot wait. Those fighting this disease cannot wait, the scientists working on breakthrough treatments cannot wait, and this administration cannot delay and play politics with people’s lives. Despite Donald Trump’s continued attempt to pull the rug out from under cancer patients and their families, we will not give up on this fight.

For me, this fight is personal, and I will not stop fighting until the day no one has to endure this devastating disease. We’ll get there by investing in research institutions, eliminating barriers to early detection and screening services, and standing with survivors, advocates, and families everywhere.

I’m proud to have authored and led the SCREENS for Cancer Act to expand access to early detection and life-saving screenings, because cancer does not discriminate. Read more about my work to end cancer as we know it and expand access to high-quality, affordable healthcare on my website here.

Supporting Investments in Innovation

Yesterday, I joined SPIE’s annual Photonics Industry Summit in Washington, where I spoke with leaders from across the optics and photonics industry—including many from Rochester. As Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Optics and Photonics Caucus, I’m fighting for increased federal dollars to support the next generation of scientists and innovative industries. These investments are critical to maintaining our global leadership in high-tech industry and competitive edge on the world stage.

Safeguarding Our Constitutional Rights

Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented assault on our rights—a move straight out of the authoritarian playbook. From freedom of speech to the sacred act of voting, Donald Trump and his supporters are determined to deny the fundamental rights of those who disagree with their positions.

As Lead Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, which has oversight of federal elections, I led my colleagues in introducing a resolution commemorating National Voter Registration Day and encouraging every eligible American citizen to register to vote.

Our democracy functions best when everyone can participate, and I will not let the President’s threats and attacks stop me from fighting for this inalienable right.

September 13, 2025

We should all be deeply concerned by the rise of political violence, and we must condemn it in every case. There is absolutely no place for violence in this country, and my prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones following the tragic events in Utah. Read about my work in Washington this week below:

The Commerce, Justice, and Science Funding Bill

As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, this week I joined the markup for the fiscal year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science funding bill.

The proposed bill makes families and children less safe, defunds federal law enforcement, threatens our national security, and harms our scientific and economic competitiveness. On top of that, it puts women’s health and safety at risk with significant cuts to Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants, proposed just one month before we recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I voted in support of amendments to properly fund the FBI, restore critical VAWA programs, and support the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative. I also introduced an amendment that would protect the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Unfortunately, the Republican majority voted against these amendments, but I’ll keep fighting to support programs that increase public safety and national security See my full remarks below and catch up on the content of the bill with my live-tweet thread from the markup:

The Labor, Health, and Human Services Funding Bill

This week, we also marked up the Labor, Health, and Human Services funding bill for fiscal year 2026 in the Appropriations Committee. The Republican spending plan puts public education, lifesaving medical research, and women’s healthcare on the chopping block. No part of it helps working families pay their bills, put food on the table, or afford healthcare. I fought back alongside my colleagues to push for programs that actually help American families.

I supported amendments to protect lifesaving vaccine access, defend the scientific process, support Meals on Wheels, protect a woman’s right to choose, and more. These amendments were introduced to restore dramatic cuts Republicans included in their spending bill, but the Republican majority refused to allow them to pass. I also introduced an amendment that would fund the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program to help low-income students who are also parents stay in school. See my full remarks below and catch up on the content of the bill with my live-tweet thread from the markup:

Keeping Families Fed

On June 16th, I signed a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture expressing my concerns about their decision to terminate the contract for the National Hunger Clearinghouse and toll-free hotline. The Clearinghouse provides low-income individuals and communities with comprehensive information about food assistance programs and serves as a critical link to resources that promote food security and economic mobility. The need for this infrastructure is only growing, and we cannot leave communities without essential nutrition resources.

I’m proud to report the Hunger Clearinghouse and Hotline contract with Hunger Free America has been restored. This is an important win in the effort to better connect people to the resources they need, reduce food insecurity, and uplift families in crisis. Read more: Hunger Free America Sues USDA to Maintain National Hunger Hotline and Clearinghouse

September 5, 2025

I headed back to Washington this week where we continued the ongoing Appropriations process. As Vice Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m fighting for funding and resources that support our community and hardworking Americans across our country. Read more:

How We’re Fighting Back

Voting is the foundation of our democracy. It’s our responsibility to see that every eligible American can cast their ballot—and that every vote is counted. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, along with President Trump, often claim to care about election security. Yet once again, during this week’s mark up of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government bill, I was deeply disappointed by their refusal to treat funding for our elections with the seriousness it demands.

As the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, which oversees federal elections, I hear again and again from state and local officials across the country that one of the most significant needs in election administration is robust and consistent funding. This funding bill, however, provides only a mere drop in the ocean compared to what is required to support our state and local election officials.

During a time when the President is attempting to distract or cheat his way through the next election, Congress must do its job and give state and local election officials the resources they need to do their job.

Calling for Action Against Gun Violence

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, teenagers, and law enforcement. In previous generations, laws like the National Firearms Act, Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, have reduced gun violence and saved lives, but more action is needed now.

This week, in the wake of the horrific attack at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota, I signed a letter to Speaker Johnson calling on him to join members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in taking action to end gun violence. We’re fighting to keep people safe by keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others, giving law enforcement and the courts the ability to intervene before a crisis has taken place, and restricting access to firearms and devices that are unacceptably dangerous. Read more: 130 House Democrats Call on Speaker Johnson to Address Gun Violence

Supporting Scientific Research that Shapes our World

This week, I was honored to accept the 2025 Champion of Science award for advocacy for robust and sustained federal funding for fundamental scientific research at high education institutions in NYS and across our country. I’m grateful to the University of Rochester, and the Rochester Institute of Technology for their nomination, and for their ongoing leadership as they work to advance discovery and innovation. I’m proud to work alongside these institutions to support the students who will one day lead their own groundbreaking research projects, the professors who push the boundaries of knowledge, and the communities like ours that benefit when discovery translates into real-world change.

Joining the “Fly-In” Podcast

I had the opportunity to sit down with my colleague Rep. Sarah McBride for an episode of The Fly-In, a podcast co-hosted by Rep. Greg Landsman and Rep. Marc Veasey. Together, we discussed the upcoming government funding fight, member security in an era of increased political violence, creating a House book club, and more. Watch the full episode here:

August 30, 2025

From protecting voting rights and strengthening our democracy to uplifting neighborhoods across our region, my work continues every day here in Rochester and in Washington.

Read more about that work below:

How We’re Fighting Back

This week marks the 62nd anniversary of the historic Civil Rights March on Washington, a defining moment in our nation’s struggle for civil rights and equality for all. This was a call for justice and opportunity for all Americans, values that continue to guide our work today.

As the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, I am committed to carrying forward that legacy by safeguarding access to the ballot box, protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions, and ensuring every American’s voice is heard. The fight for equality and representation did not end in 1963—it remains our charge and responsibility in 2025. We honor those who marched by re-committing our efforts to strengthen our democracy and advance the cause for future generations.

Uplifting Our Neighbors

Connected Communities is working to build up the EMMA and Beachwood neighborhoods by engaging residents, service providers, and community partners, and this year, they’re celebrating ten years of their mission in action.

I joined their team at the Neighborhood HUB where residents can access essential programs, services, and opportunities within walking distance of their home. Read more about their work to uplift our community here.

Connecting with Local Farmers

I’m proud to support agriculture in our community and across New York State. I met with local farmers to talk about the upcoming farm bill and hear about the challenges they are facing. Our farmers play a vital role in both our economy and our way of life. Their insights help guide my work in Washington, and, as Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ll keep fighting to support the agricultural industry here in New York.

Visiting Homesteads for Hope

I had an inspiring visit with Homesteads for Hope—a local community farm where everyone, regardless of ability, can find belonging and purpose. Here, apprentices are gaining hands-on experience, building confidence, and developing life skills in nature’s classroom. This organization strengthens our entire community by fostering inclusion and connection. I’m proud to work alongside them to support our neighbors.

Register for an Upcoming Town Hall

My office is teaming up with Civic Genius, a program of the National Civic League, to host a new kind of town hall—one designed to bring more voices to the table for a thoughtful and productive conversation. 

Ours will be one of the very first communities in the country to use this innovative format developed by the National Civic League to have a real conversation about what people in our district are experiencing. To ensure constituents from all corners of our district have a voice in the discussion, participants will be selected by lottery to create a panel of residents that reflects our district’s demographics.  
 
Enter the civic lottery here by August 31 at 11:59pm. If you are randomly selected to participate, we will notify you by September 5. 

Even if you are not selected in the lottery, you can give your input here.  Visit the FAQ to learn more.

August 24, 2025

It was another busy week in Rochester, meeting with constituents and visiting the organizations that keep our community running. Read about my work this week below:

How We’re Fighting Back

Donald Trump’s recent attack on mail-in voting is a blatant lie. It has been a secure and safe method of voting and has been used in many states for decades without incident.

Donald Trump is scared of voters, so he’s rigging the rules to protect himself. I joined Ali Vitali on MSNBC this week to highlight the absurdity of Trump’s statements and discuss how I’m fighting to protect access to the ballot box for every American through my work as the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration.

I also joined Phil Mattingly on CNN’s The Lead this week. President Trump’s suggestion to end mail-in voting is unconstitutional, it’s unlawful, and it’s unserious. We are going to fight it every step of the way.

Fighting for our Students

In just eight months, the Trump administration has gutted nearly half a billion dollars from programs our children need—funds that support teacher training, address learning gaps, and provide resources for students in crisis.

This week, I stood with local education and childcare advocates, including Brian Lewis from ROC the Future, to call out the Trump administration’s deliberate attack on education, including programs like Head Start.

Here in Rochester, we understand that education is the best investment we can make in our future. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ll fight to protect Head Start, expand Universal Pre-K, restore the Child Tax Credit, and make sure education funding reaches the communities that need it most. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle, Advocates Call for Increased Investment in Early Childhood Education

Coffee with our Community

I met with neighbors in Fairport this week for a cup of coffee and a conversation about my work in Congress. Since he took office, the Trump administration has made reckless decisions that put people in our region at risk. This event was an important opportunity to hear our constituents’ concerns and share how we’re fighting back. It is community engagement like this that inspires me to continue my work in Congress to deliver for our region.

I was honored to join Judge Geraci this week for a naturalization ceremony. Each of these new American citizens will be an important member of our society. Their unique stories and backgrounds will help us grow stronger. This process stands as a reminder of our nation’s ability to welcome people from all corners of the world and create the beautiful tapestry of cultures and perspectives that make us all uniquely American.

Updates at the Greater Rochester International Airport

Alongside County Executive Bello, I stopped by the Greater Rochester International Airport this week for a tour of their renovations and the Air Command Center. Their newly updated Frederick Douglass Airfield Observatory will introduce visitors to our community and our history upon their arrival.

This team works tirelessly to keep our community’s transportation hub running smoothly and safely. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear about their important work. Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family. Due to ongoing actions by the Trump administration affecting federal agencies, case processing may be slightly delayed. We appreciate your patience and remain committed to resolving your cases promptly.

August 17, 2025

I spent this week in Rochester meeting with constituents and organizations across our community to hear their concerns and share the work I am doing to support them in Congress. Read more:

How We’re Fighting Back

This week, I met with seniors at Episcopal Senior Living Communities’ Valley Manor to talk about the Trump administration’s disastrous budget and how its cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and other lifeline programs could affect them. While the Trump administration attempts to gut these essential resources, I’m fighting for each of our seniors’ right to age with support.

These cuts have left many in our community scared and angry, and we all have a responsibility to do right by our neighbors, especially the older Americans who have worked their entire lives to contribute to our communities. Read more: Congressman Morelle Sounds the Alarm on Budget Bill’s Impact on Local Seniors

Protecting the Right to Retire with Dignity

On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. For 90 years, through wars, recessions, changing political landscapes, and economic shifts, Social Security has stood as a pillar of stability for millions of Americans. For nearly a century, every American who signed up for a lifetime of work was given the promise: if you work hard and play by the rules, you will have the support to retire with dignity. That promise is now under attack. We cannot, and will not, allow Republicans in Washington to dismantle the sacred covenant that has been kept for 90 years. I’ll keep fighting to keep this program strong—not just for today’s seniors but for our children, grandchildren, and the generations to come.

Connecting our Community to Critical Resources

This week, I joined the team at TogetherNow to announce the launch of MyWayFinder, a community-powered and human-centered system that brings together healthcare, human services, and education in one connected network. As board chair, I’ve worked over the past eight years to bring to life the first tool of its kind in our region, designed to make it faster and easier for people to find, coordinate, and receive the help they need.

It’s not just a new tool—it will change how we care for each other as a community, because when you meet people where they are, center their lived experience, and connect them with coordinated care, they succeed. Read more here.

Supporting Our National Security

I’m proud to represent a region filled with innovative companies leading the way in technology that supports our national security. This week, local leaders gathered for the Department of Defense Northeast Regional Council Conference here in Rochester.

It was great to be with these cutting-edge organizations and hear about the important work they are doing to contribute to our nation’s defense. Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family. Due to ongoing actions by the Trump administration affecting federal agencies, case processing may be slightly delayed. We appreciate your patience and remain committed to resolving your cases promptly.

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