Posts from Rep. Joe Morelle

January 31, 2026

The scenes we saw out of Minnesota this week were sickening. The recklessness and brutality of the Trump Administration know no bounds. Like so many of you, I am disgusted and I am angry. Read on to hear how I’m fighting back.

How We’re Fighting Back

The Trump Administration’s aggressive deployment of ICE and Border Patrol agents has led to the needless deaths of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis and underscores the urgent need for accountability, oversight, and a fundamental shift in priorities.
I signed on to a Congressional resolution calling for the immediate impeachment of United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem before more innocent lives are destroyed by her cruelty. No one—not ICE agents and certainly not Secretary Noem—should be above the law, and the Secretary must be held responsible for the atrocities committed by her department.
Taxpayer dollars should be used to protect our communities, not be used to fuel violence and fear in our streets. I voted ‘NO’ on a funding measure for DHS, and I will continue to do so until meaningful change and respect for the rule of law are restored. We can never give up on the fight to ensure safety, freedom, and justice for all.

Fighting for Our Democracy

In the aftermath of these tragic events, instead of protecting the American people, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is playing political games. In a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz following last weekend’s shooting, she demanded access to state voter records, including sensitive, constitutionally protected information, as a condition for federal cooperation in removing ICE from the state.

The Trump Administration’s blatant attempt to hold our democracy hostage by weaponizing our elections is unacceptable. I’m demanding a joint hearing with Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Noem on their use of federal law enforcement to shake down the state of Minnesota in service of the President’s political interests.

Read more: Top House Dems Demand Joint Hearing with Bondi, Noem Following DOJ, DHS Clear Abuse of Power in Minnesota

Defending Access to Affordable Healthcare

I held a press conference this week to share the story of Lauren Goetz, a local small business owner whose healthcare premiums rose by nearly 350% in 2026 due to the expiration of the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.

Hard-working small business owners like Lauren are being forced into impossible choices because Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration failed to act—choices between their health and the businesses they worked their whole lives to build. Health insurance should never be the reason a small business closes, jobs disappear, or vital community services are lost.

The House has already passed a bipartisan extension of these tax credits, and now the Senate and the Trump Administration must do their jobs and deliver relief before stories like Lauren’s become commonplace.

Valentines for Veterans

At a time when there is so much pain and chaos in our country, it’s important to lean into opportunities to spread goodness, when we can. I invite you to help spread some love to the brave veterans across our region by participating in our annual Valentines for Veterans! Send in valentines or homemade cards to our office by February 11th and help us show our gratitude for their service—past and present.

How to participate:

Grab your art supplies or write a note to a local veteran.
Please mail or drop off your valentines at our office by appointment at 255 East Ave, Suite 150, Rochester, NY 14604.
If you plan to drop off your valentines, please contact Carly Bird at 585-232-4850 Ext. 6, or Carly.Bird@mail.house.gov to make an appointment.

January 24, 2026

What is happening in communities around the country right now is unacceptable. Here’s a look at how we’re continuing the fight for justice and our democracy.

How We’re Fighting Back

This week, I voted ‘NO’ on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). I cannot support legislation that would further empower and administration carrying out immoral and cruel immigration actions that undermine the Constitution and the rule of law.

This bill disrespects the memory of Renee Good, and the many families harmed by the chaos of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including the family of a five-year-old who was detained by ICE in Minnesota this week.

I will continue to oppose efforts that give Donald Trump more power to abuse the system.

Getting Dark Money Out of Politics

It’s been sixteen years since the Citizens United decision weakened our democracy by putting corporations over people. We need to end Citizens United, limit the influence of special interests, and end the era of dark money in politics.

I also sat down with my friend Tiffany Mueller from End Citizens United to discuss this anniversary and our shared work to put the power of our democracy back into the hands of the people.

53 Years Since Roe v. Wade

This week also marked 53 years since the historic Roe v. Wade decision, and over three years since the Supreme Court stripped it away.

I met with Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York President and CEO Michelle Casey to talk about what this loss has meant for women, families, and communities nationwide. Americans are being denied the care they need, forced to travel long distances, or put at serious risk for making deeply personal medical decisions.

Welcoming Our Newest NTID President

It was an honor to welcome the newest President of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Caroline Solomon to Washington this week!

I look forward to working with Dr. Solomon and the entire NTID team to support our vibrant Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities.

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.

Until next week,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District

January 17, 2026

Chaos and corruption continued to reign in Donald Trump’s America this week. I remain committed to standing up for the American people and defending the best interests of our community. Read about my work below:

How We’re Fighting Back

When politicians trade individual stocks, they erode public trust, and a collapse in public trust has serious consequences for our nation. As top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, I’m fighting for a ban on trading individual stocks for federal officers, including Members of Congress, the President, the Vice President, and the Supreme Court.

This week, Republicans on the Committee on House Administration brought forward a bill that fails to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. The so-called Stop Insider Trading Act allows the wealthiest Members of Congress to keep every single share of stock they currently own and use their dividends to buy even more stock. My fellow Democrats on the committee and I offered a series of amendments to strengthen this deeply flawed bill. Every amendment was voted down by House Republicans. We won’t stop fighting. Democrats will pass legislation to actually ban stock trading by Members of Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court.

Standing Up For Rochester

This week, the Trump administration threatened to cut off federal funding to sanctuary cities and states, including our community. This comes in the same week the Trump administration once again caused chaos, abandoning Americans in crisis by wiping out significant addiction and mental health grants that fund life saving programs, then restoring the funding all within 24 hours. I’ve never seen a United States President target the American people based on perceived political views or threaten to illegally and unconstitutionally withhold funding in this way. New York is home to individuals and families with a wide range of political beliefs, but the common denominator is that Donald Trump’s actions will hurt all of them.

This is un-American and I have one thing to say: Mr. President, you cannot come to Rochester and tell us how to run our community. Stay out.

Defending an Independent Federal Reserve

The Trump administration’s attempt to intimidate Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, is a blatant abuse of power and it puts real families at risk. This is yet another example of President Trump weaponizing the Department of Justice to serve his own personal interests. An independent Federal Reserve is critical to safeguarding our economy. If President Trump is allowed to force changes based on political considerations, it will hurt families at their kitchen table, through prices, economic opportunity, and job losses.

Celebrating Local History Being Made

This week, I gave a speech on the House floor congratulating the Rochester City School District Monroe Red Jackets football team on their Class B State Championship win. Led by coach Terrell Cunningham and NYS Gatorade Player of the Year Messiah Hampton, they made history as the first ever Rochester City School District football state champions. This team showed us what is possible when talent meets determination, when hard work rises above the challenges you face, and when young people refuse to be defined by the obstacles in front of them. They believed in each other, they believed in themselves, and they reminded us that greatness lives right here in Rochester.

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.

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.

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