Posts from Rep. Joe Morelle

January 9, 2026

This week, our country was shaken by the death of Renee Nicole Good, an unacceptable and needless tragedy. This death lies squarely at the feet of the Trump administration. It is the result of reckless rhetoric, dangerous policy choices, and the aggressive deployment of inadequately trained officers. America is less safe when volatile ICE officers operate with impunity in our communities.

Those involved in this horrific shooting, both officers and leadership, must be fully investigated and held accountable. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will use every tool available to demand answers from Secretary Noem and press for a full accounting of the policies, training, and decisions that led to this death.

The federal government’s job is to protect the American people. This administration has betrayed that mission, and this tragedy is the result. Below, you’ll find more updates on what I have been working on in Washington this week.

How We’re Fighting Back

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a decision this week to freeze certain federal childcare and family assistance funds in five states, including New York. The Trump administration is using our children as pawns in a political stunt, and the damage will ripple through entire families.

When parents lose childcare, they can’t work. When they can’t work, they lose income, critical benefits, and housing stability. This reckless disruption pushes vulnerable families toward unsafe or unstable care and threatens lasting harm to a child’s development. These actions are unlawful and cynically targeted at blue states simply because this administration thinks it can get away with it. I am proud to be leading my colleagues from New York and the other affected states in fighting back, and I will not stop until families get the support they deserve, and our children are treated with the dignity and respect they are owed.

Read More: Congressman Morelle, Speaker Emerita Pelosi, Congresswoman Pettersen Demand an End to Childcare Funding Freeze

Protecting Access to Healthcare

This week, I voted to pass legislation in the House of Representatives to make healthcare more accessible for millions of Americans. This marks the first step towards restoring critical healthcare tax credits for millions of Americans.

House Democrats have been a united front calling on Speaker Johnson, Leader Thune, and President Trump to do the right thing and extend these critical tax credits. After letting the credits expire and inflicting pain on millions of Americans, I’m proud to say House Democrats have done the right thing and passed this critical extension out of the House of Representatives. Now it’s time for Senate Republicans to join us and provide this critical benefit to the American people.

Five Years Since the January 6th Attack

This week marked five years since the violent attack on our democracy that happened on January 6, 2021. President Trump lit the flame that day, but over the last five years, Congressional Republicans fanned the flames as they continue to choose cowardice and protect the guilty. Speaker Johnson refuses to hang the plaque honoring the Capitol Police who protected Congress and our democracy on January 6th. He isn’t doing it out principle, he’s afraid of President Trump. As top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, I’ll keep working to support the Capitol police who defended our democracy that day and express our gratitude for their heroic dedication to our country. We cannot forget what happened on January 6th, and we cannot allow it to happen again.

Our 2025 Yearly Report

While 2025 certainly brought its fair share of challenges, I’m proud of the work we did to help build brighter futures for everyone in the greater Rochester region.

To read more about the progress we made over the last year, please visit my website for our 2025 End-of-Year Report. 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.

January 2, 2026

As we step into 2026, I’m deeply grateful for the trust our community has placed in me to represent the greater Rochester region in Congress. This year ahead brings challenges, but it also brings opportunities. Together, we can continue building a future where families can afford to thrive, democracy is protected, and our region leads the nation in innovation and opportunity.

Lowering Costs and Expanding Opportunity

Too many families are being squeezed by rising costs. In 2026, my top priority is bringing down everyday expenses for working families. That means fighting for affordable, high-quality childcare, higher wages, and affordable housing options so families do not have to choose which necessities they can afford. I’m going to fight for policies that invest in people, because when families succeed, our country succeeds.

Strengthening Access to Healthcare

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. In the year ahead, I’m going to work to lower prescription drug costs, protect coverage for the most vulnerable, and expand access to lifesaving screenings and cancer care. I’m especially focused on ensuring advances in medical research are supported and the next generation of healthcare advancements are developed right here in the United States.

Protecting Democracy and Restoring Trust in Government

Our region has a proud history of standing up for democracy, and I carry that responsibility with me every day. In 2026, I will continue leading efforts to protect voting rights, get dark money out of politics, and hold elected officials accountable to the highest ethical standards. I believe government works best when it is transparent, fair, and accountable to the people it serves.

Building Safer, Stronger Communities

Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood. I’m committed to fighting for commonsense public safety solutions, supporting our local law enforcement, strengthening community-based prevention programs, and advancing gun safety reforms that save lives.

I will never hesitate to stand up when our values are under threat. Whether it is defending the constitution, fighting back against abuses of power, or standing with working families against policies that put special interests first, I will continue fighting for the people of our community every step of the way. Thank you for the honor of serving you. I look forward to continuing this work together in 2026 and beyond.

December 27, 2025

Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season. It was truly an honor to represent this remarkable community in 2025 and I look forward to the new year as I continue to work for changes that support families across our region.

December 20, 2025

How We’re Fighting Back

Millions of Americans rely on Affordable Care Act subsidies to keep their health insurance affordable. These enhanced subsidies will expire on December 31st; our action is urgent. This week, House Democrats secured enough signatures to require the House to hold a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.

I demanded an immediate vote in the House to extend these tax credits, but Speaker Johnson chose to send everyone home for the holidays without taking action to stop premiums from skyrocketing. It’s disgraceful and leaves millions of Americans vulnerable. Like you, I am deeply frustrated with House Republicans, and I won’t stop fighting to protect affordable healthcare access for our families.

The Jobs Report

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics this week showed our economy is losing momentum. Job growth slowed sharply, previous months were revised downward, and unemployment continues to rise. Working families are feeling the consequences of President Trump’s failed economic policies. Rather than create stable, good-paying jobs, the Trump administration’s chaos and recklessness have fueled uncertainty and stalled growth.

We need a different approach, one that invests in workers, strengthens local economies, and puts working-class families first. I’m fighting for policies that deliver real economic security, not empty promises.

Just last week I voted for the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation (INVEST) Act, legislation aimed squarely at helping small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs get the funding they need to grow. My vote was part of my long-standing commitment to supporting Rochester’s economy because when local businesses can start, grow, and hire, our whole community benefits with new, good-paying jobs, innovation, and opportunities for the next generation.

Looking to the Future

I took part in this week’s Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation hearing entitled, “The Future of Constituent Engagement with Congress.” At a time when we have so clearly lost the faith of the American people as an institution, access to information about Congress and government resources is more important than ever to rebuilding that transparency and trust.

Honoring our Community Members

As your Congressional Representative, I have the unique privilege of entering the stories of our neighbors into the Congressional Record to be forever preserved in our nation’s history. This week, I was proud to recognize the life and legacy of two extraordinary Rochester natives.

Lucien Morin, known to all as Lou, was a proud World War II veteran. He began his career as a Henrietta Town Justice who literally held court in his own home. He went on to serve in the very first County Legislature, and as County Manager, before being elected the first-ever Monroe County Executive. He spent his life answering the call to serve. Lou leaves us a legacy of integrity and a deep faith in our community. It was an honor to know him and work with him.

Chuck Mangione was a world-class musician whose unique sound carried our city’s spirit to every corner of the globe. His flugelhorn gave us classics like “Feels So Good,” and earned Grammy awards. Born and raised in Rochester, he never forgot where he came from. He studied at, and later led, the Eastman School of Music’s jazz program. Chuck leaves us with a legacy that will keep our city swinging for generations.

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.

December 13, 2025

How We’re Fighting Back

President Trump and his allies have made clear they’re not interested in fair elections. They want control so they can game the system and put their finger on the scale. Adding a new barrier to voter registration is just the latest tactic in their efforts to cheat Americans out of their right to vote. This week, I joined a Subcommittee on Elections hearing entitled, “Examining Potential Updates to the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). As the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, I’m committed to ensuring that any changes to the NVRA strengthen access and protect every eligible American’s right to register.

Connecting Our Community

This week, I stood with County Executive Bello, local government leaders, and Spectrum Northeast to announce a major milestone in closing the digital divide: countywide access to reliable high-speed internet. Monroe County partnered with Spectrum to extend broadband infrastructure to previously unserved homes and businesses in rural areas. I was proud to secure a $1.8 million investment in this project through the American Rescue Plan Act. Rural families and small businesses deserve the high-speed internet access modern life requires, and I’m grateful to my local partners for coming together to build a better future for this community.

Meeting with Rising Leaders

It was great to be with the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business’s MBA for Executives Program for a conversation on the relationship between business and government. These mid-career MBA students represent a wide array of sectors, including start-ups, non-profits, foundations, and corporations. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear their thoughts and questions.

Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

Six years ago today, I voted to pass the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act to rein in the unacceptable price of prescription medications. While this bill was not passed by the Senate, its core ideas were included in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, lowering the cost of the most expensive medications and reducing the price of insulin to just $35 per month for seniors.

This progress was important, but we must do more to bring down prices for everyone, regardless of age. I’ve spent my career focused on ensuring quality healthcare is affordable and accessible for everyone, and I’ll keep fighting to bring down the unaffordable price of prescription drugs and healthcare delivery in our country. 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.

December 6, 2025

I was back in Washington this week after the Thanksgiving holiday, continuing my work to fight for our community in Congress.

I also joined Way Too Early with Ali Vitali this week to discuss the affordability crisis families in our country are facing.

Sending Off Our Fall Intern Class

As the fall semester comes to an end, I want to say a big thank you and congratulations to our outstanding Rochester and DC intern teams. Their hard work and dedication have made a real impact over the last few months.

During their program, these students learned about the legislative process, took part in day-to-day office work, and acquired skills needed to launch a career in public service. Many years ago, I began my career in public service as an intern and found it to be a valuable and rewarding experience. I know these talented students will go on to do extraordinary things. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing all they accomplish.

In Case You Missed It

I hope everyone in our community had a great Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones and good food. As you may have seen on my social media channels, I spent some time in the kitchen this year prepping my mom’s Italian stuffing.

As promised, I’m sharing the Morelle family recipe. It’s a favorite in my household, and I hope you’ll enjoy it, too.

We’re Here to Help

I’m proud of the work my constituent services team does every day to help members of our community navigate federal agencies, access important resources, and secure money owed to them. This year alone, we have returned over $12 million. Some of the most common areas where we can assist include:

United States Passports
Veterans and Military Service
Working with the IRS
Social Security and Medicare
Congressional Internships
Washington, D.C. Services

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.

How We’re Fighting Back

I joined This Morning with Audie Cornish on CNN this week to talk about the unprecedented corruption we are seeing within the Trump administration. They continue to shift blame and avoid accountability for their actions. The Trump administration has not been transparent about their strikes on boats in the Caribbean. President Trump claims to be focused on combating drug trafficking; instead, he’s turned around and pardoned a convicted drug lord. The American people deserve honesty and transparency; Donald Trump has given them anything but.

November 29, 2025

As we head into the holiday season and approach the end of 2025, I’m sharing a few quick tips and trusted resources to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

‘Tis the Season…For Holiday Scams

Each year, the holiday season brings families together with a renewed spirit of kindness and giving, but it also brings a rise in scams, especially those targeting older Americans.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), older adults lose an estimated $3 billion annually to scams, with an uptick during the holidays due to fake charities, fraudulent online shopping deals, and Medicare-related phishing schemes. These crimes deeply affect our sense of security, trust, and well-being—and it’s important we know how to recognize the warning signs and stop these threats. To learn more about common scams, how to avoid them, and some helpful tools to keep you and your family safe, watch my video below or visit the FTC’s website.

November 22, 2025

Each week brings new challenges in Washington, but my focus remains the same: standing up for integrity, transparency, and the people I serve. Read on to hear about my work this week.

How We’re Fighting Back

Last week, Senate Republicans snuck a corrupt bargain into their funding bill that provides millions of dollars in payouts to just eight Republican U.S. Senators, funded by taxpayers. This kind of self-serving, self-dealing, one-sided get-rich-quick scheme is why Americans are so disgusted with this Republican Congress. I led the debate on a piece of legislation that would repeal the provision. If these Republican senators genuinely believe their civil liberties were violated, or if they are interested in changing the law relating to subpoenas, then they are better positioned than literally anyone on Earth to hold hearings, draft legislation, and debate proposed changes in the open. But that’s not what this is about. This is about ensuring the law applies to everyone else—just not to them.

It’s part of a broader pattern: the weaponization of the Department of Justice and U.S. Treasury to reward allies and punish perceived enemies.

Taking Action for Survivors

Over the last several months, the Trump administration has attempted to distract, distort, and take away from the release of the Epstein files. This week, I voted to pass a bill that will require them to release materials related to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. Americans have the right to know the truth and the right to hold people accountable in positions of power. That’s why I voted to release the Epstein files. I hope this week’s vote starts the process in earnest.

Rooting Out Corruption

I support banning Members of Congress from trading stocks. That ban should extend to the President, Vice President, and Supreme Court. The cost of corruption is passed down to Americans, and it has to stop.

As the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, I led a hearing entitled “Taking Stock of the STOCK Act” this week, where we discussed the work that needs to be done to restore public trust in our institutions. That trust must be earned and kept by holding ourselves to the highest standard of conduct possible.

Keeping Up With the Headlines

On Monday, I joined CNN This Morning with Audie Cornish to talk about legislation to force the release of the Epstein files, the healthcare crisis, and my work to fight back against the Trump administration’s actions and stand up for hardworking families.

November 15, 2025

This week, the Republican majority advanced a funding deal that fails to do what matters most: bring down the crushing cost of health care for working people. I voted no.

Sadly, my Republican colleagues continue to be more focused on fulfilling Donald Trump’s whims and pleasing their billionaire donors than on making Americans’ lives better. Once again, the President has used fear, hatred, and cruelty to get what he wants.

At its heart, this bill fails millions of American families who now face massive increases in their health insurance premiums. Mr. President, how are they supposed to survive that? There is a long way to go, and we must find a bipartisan solution before it’s too late.

How We’re Fighting Back

Americans are losing faith in their government because of corruption in Washington, especially under the Trump administration. That was made clear throughout this historic shutdown and the ongoing chaos President Trump creates. Trump has chosen over and over again to put his interests above those of the American people, and as a result, our credibility is being questioned in a way it hasn’t been before in our nation’s history.

I’m leading the fight to root out corruption in our government, and I sat down with Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, to talk about the work we’re doing to ensure our government is one of the people, by the people, and for the people.

November 8, 2025

At 38 days, we are officially in the longest government shutdown in U. S. history. The Trump administration continues to put political games ahead of the American people. On Tuesday, voters made it very clear they are done with the chaos, corruption, and cruelty that Donald Trump runs on. It’s time for the president to listen. This week, I was in Rochester, focused on defending the people and principles that make our community strong and continuing to fight for fairness and accountability.

How We’re Fighting Back

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is a proven program that reduces organized crime and keeps dangerous narcotics off our streets. Despite its decades-long record of success, OCDETF was cut from President Trump’s budget. The administration claims it’s a cost-saving move, but the program nearly offsets its own funding—recovering over $900 million in just the past two years.

In Rochester, OCDETF operations have taken drugs, cash, and firearms off the streets, making our community safer. This week, I introduced the Protect Law Enforcement Task Forces Act, which would prevent the administration from dissolving OCDETF and require a full report to Congress on its proven impact. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Pushes Back Against Trump Plan to Dismantle Successful Anti-Crime Task Force

Defending the Constitution and our Community

This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a major case challenging President Trump’s use of emergency power to impose broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). These tariffs have hurt American families, driving up prices and inciting a trade war that does nothing for our communities.

I joined an amicus brief in this case to make my position clear—the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to impose tariffs. Our brief urges the Court to uphold this fundamental separation of powers and prevent executive overreach that threatens both our economy and our democracy. Read more: House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force Submits Bicameral Amicus Brief to Supreme Court, Challenging Trump’s Unlawful IEEPA Tariffs

Protecting Basic Services for Families

Donald Trump continues to use the American people as hostages in his weaponization of hunger to win political games, threatening to withhold SNAP benefits until he gets his way.

It’s shameful, and our community won’t sit quietly while families go hungry. Tomorrow, I’m joining my partners, County Executive Bello, Mayor Evans, and the team at Foodlink for a food donation drive at Innovation Field to support families in crisis.

Honoring a Local Veteran

This week, I had the privilege of presenting a flag flown over the United States Capitol to Mr. Fred Stenglein, a proud U.S. Marine and veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Joined by Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Mr. Stenglein’s family, we honored his extraordinary record of service and sacrifice. Mr. Stenglein, a retired Gunnery Sergeant, represents the quiet strength and enduring courage that have sustained our nation through generations.

This flag symbolizes not only our nation’s ideals of liberty and democracy, but also the profound gratitude we owe to those who defended them. 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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