Posts from Rep. Joe Morelle

May 5 posts:

Fighting the Spread of Deepfakes

This Sunday marks one year since I introduced my Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act. Since then, we’ve seen numerous incidents where explicit, non-consensual deepfakes have gone viral—yet perpetrators have faced no consequences.

The time to enact change is now, and  passing my bill into law, would make the sharing of these images a criminal offense and create a right of private action for victims to seek relief.

I’m particularly proud my legislationwas recently endorsed by a slate of new advocacy organizations: the National Organization for Women (NOW), Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), and the Joyful Heart Foundation. Each of these groups does vital work to fight back against sexual assault and exploitation, and I’m grateful to have their support. The legislation continues to gain bipartisan support from my colleagues in Congress—and I won’t give up until it’s passed into law.

Read More: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces New Support for His Legislation to Stop Deepfake Pornography

Combatting the Climate Crisis Here at Home

Every day, we’re seeing  more extreme weather events that tear our planet apart and an increasing number of species move closer to complete extinction as a result of our worsening climate crisis. We know it’s going to take serious, prolonged action to reverse these impacts—but thanks to the work of groups like Reconnect Rochester, our community is already well on the way to doing our part.

Today, I joined Reconnect Rochester and local leaders to voice my strong support for dedicated bike lanes across our community through their “Bike Spine” project. Not only is cycling instead of driving good for your waistline, but it also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and keeps harmful chemicals from seeping into our environment. I was proud to help secure $3.2 million in federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awards to help support this project, and it’s truly inspiring to see the good that will come from this investment. I’m grateful for the work of groups like Reconnect Rochester for leading the charge to combat the climate crisis and create a safe, reliable, and robust transportation system for our cyclists, and I look forward to continuing my support for their efforts.

Around the Community

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time with local groups who are doing incredible work in our community.

I was delighted to join volunteers at Mount Hope Cemetery for the second annual Daffodil Celebration. Bill Whitney and the Daffodil Project have planted over 35,000 daffodil bulbs and are continuing to work to beautify this historical landmark for all to enjoy.

Imagine RIT: the Creativity and Innovation Festival is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse at the creative spirit of tomorrow’s leaders. It was great to hear from students about the unique intersection of technology, the arts, and design taking place at RIT.

I joined artistic experts and curators from around the world at the Memorial Art Gallery for their inaugural lecture on South Asian art in Rochester. Thank you to the Dogra Art Foundation for their support of this event and their continued work to bring people together through creative mediums.

April 20 posts:

Upholding our Commitment to our Allies

Over the past weeks and months, we have watched in horror as our neighbors in Israel and Ukraine have come under attack from adversarial governments and extremist terrorist groups. America has a responsibility to stand as a global leader and support our allies in their efforts to protect their democracies.

My colleagues and I have repeatedly advocated for legislation to provide our allies with the tools, resources, and humanitarian aid they desperately need. We hope to soon pass a legislative package that demonstrates our strong commitment to standing up for our democratic values and fighting back against tyranny and terrorism in all forms. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and the Biden Administration to support our allies abroad and find common ground on the problems we face here at home.

Honoring Our Veterans

I’ve heard time and time again from veterans in our community who are struggling to secure the benefits they’re rightly owed due to records lost through no fault of their own.  Our courageous veterans deserve better, which is why I’m co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to make it easier for them to get the care they need.

The Fred Hamilton Veterans’ Lost Records Act opens additional application pathways for veterans whose military records were lost by the U.S. government, streamlining the process to receive Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. I’m proud to lead my colleagues in support of this important legislation, and I look forward to working with them to see it passed swiftly into law. Read more: https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-leads-bipartisan-effort-support-veterans

Supporting Higher Education

It’s always a joy to meet with my good friend President Mangelsdorf and the team from the University of Rochester. I’m grateful for their continued partnership as we work to expand access to higher education, support greater research opportunities in Rochester, and bolster healthcare for our families. They’ve been a steadfast partner in all these efforts, and our entire community feels the benefits of their dedication.

Uplifting Local Restaurants

This week, I welcomed New York State Restaurant Association members to Washington, including local restauranteurs Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras, for a conversation about how we can support our local restaurants and greater business community. During the COVID-19 crisis, I fought for our local restaurants, because I knew how important it was to help ensure they had the support to pay their employees and continue operating for our community. They are a critical piece of our local economy, and I remain committed to delivering the resources they need.

Continuing the Fight Against Cancer

National Cancer Institute Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell joined me to discuss the transformative work happening at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Center. The fight against cancer is deeply personal for me. I’m grateful for everything the NCI does to support individuals and families battling cancer, and together, we’re going to continue working to advance research and treatment and further support those fighting this devastating disease.

April 13 posts:

Celebrating the Total Solar Eclipse 

Monday’s Total Solar Eclipse was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll never forget! It was great to spend the day at the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) with our neighbors.

My day began with NASA Astronaut Lee Morin, who I helped bring to Rochester to join our celebrations. Lee and I joined Good Day Rochester to talk about the Solar Eclipse, Lee’s work on the Artemis and Orion projects at NASA, and the importance of encouraging young people to embrace their imagination and sense of discovery.

Lee and I then had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of some of RMSC’s planetarium eclipse programming. Thank you to Planetarium Director Jim Bader and his team for the inside look!

Later in the day, Astronaut Morin joined me on stage to share stories about his experience as an astronaut, the importance of investment in science, and the future of space travel. It was an honor to host this discussion with him—I know I certainly learned a lot!

I got to go back to the stage with my partners in government for some eclipse-themed trivia. It was great to have an opportunity to put my decades of fascination with the cosmos to good use with some light-hearted trivia questions!

Despite the clouds, having the opportunity to experience totality together is a moment I’ll never forget!

Our eclipse celebrations would not have been possible without the dedicated work of people like Hillary Olson, Dan Schneiderman, and everyone at RMSC. I was honored to present them with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to acknowledge their incredible work! I’m grateful for all the RMSC team does to inspire curiosity and learning in our community, and I’m proud to continue my support for their efforts.

Honoring Rochester’s Legacy of Play

On Tuesday evening, I took to the House floor to lead debate on my legislation to designate The Strong as the “National Museum of Play,” which was later passed by the House of Representatives by a significant bipartisan margin.

The Strong is truly a one-of-a-kind destination for families of all ages, fostering lifelong learning, creativity, and discovery through play, and we are so fortunate to have it right here in our community. I’m proud to have led the effort in Washington to secure the national recognition they deserve, and I’m grateful to Congressman Langworthy for his partnership in this effort.

I know I’ll be back at The Strong very soon with my grandchildren, and I look forward to supporting their continued growth and success for years to come.

Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces Passage of His Legislation to Designate the Strong Museum as National Museum of Play

Renewing My Commitment to Our Deaf Neighbors 

Here in Rochester, we’re especially proud of our vibrant Deaf and hard-of-hearing neighbors and the indelible mark they’ve made on our community—and as their representative in Congress, I’m always working to advocate on their behalf. We recently passed our government funding package for Fiscal Year 2024, where I was proud to secure over $92 million to allow the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology to continue offering their world-class services.

It is fitting that we celebrate this news during Deaf History Month, an important time to honor and celebrate the many contributions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people everywhere. But it is also important to acknowledge the work still to do to secure the accessibility, equity, and opportunity our Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities deserve. Together, we can—and we will—build a more just and equitable society for everyone.

Watch my full video address marking Deaf History Month: Rep. Joe Morelle Celebrates Deaf History Month

Supporting a National Landmark

It is always great to spend time with Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden and discuss our shared love of the Library of Congress—and, of course, the St. Louis Cardinals! It was particularly special to meet with her and have the opportunity to thank her for all her incredible work during National Library Week.

As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, which has oversight of the Library of Congress, I’m committed to working with Dr. Hayden to ensure the Library has the resources it needs to continue its important mission.

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.

April 6 posts:

Continuing the Fight Against

April is Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, an important opportunity to renew our fight against cancer. I was honored to join 13Thirty Cancer Connect in support of their new initiative to address the needs of young people with cancer in Rochester. 13Thirty is an extraordinary organization that has played an important role in the lives of so many families facing a cancer diagnosis—especially my own. I’m grateful for everything they do and I’m proud to stand alongside them to uplift young people battling this devastating disease.

Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans

As a member of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, I had the honor of presenting Vietnam War veterans from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 20 in Chili with honorary lapel pins and Certificates of Congressional Recognition on Monday. It was especially meaningful to host this event on the heels of Vietnam Veterans Day, celebrated on March 29. It is my hope that these pins serve as a constant reminder to our courageous veterans that we will never forget their service, sacrifice, and heroism.

This is the fifth Pinning Ceremony my office has had the privilege of hosting, and we look forward to honoring more of our local veterans in the future. If you know of a Vietnam War veteran who should receive this commemorative pin, please reach out to our office. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Honors Local Vietnam Veterans.

Calling All Local Young Artists! 

There are only a few weeks left to submit your art for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition! This competition is open to high school students in New York’s 25th Congressional District, and the winner will have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. This is an exciting way to celebrate the amazing artistic talent across Rochester, and I highly encourage students to participate. To learn more about the rules and guidelines for submissions, visit my website here. I cannot wait to see all the amazing art we receive from talented artists across our community!

Looking Ahead to Eclipse Day 

Monday’s total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime event not just for our community, but for those traveling to Rochester to be in the path of totality. I am eager to welcome old friends and new friends alike to the Rochester Museum and Science Center for our celebration on Monday.

As we excitedly await the big day, there are a number of resources available to help people of all ages experience the eclipse safely and in style:

• Click here for some tips to ensure you’re viewing the eclipse safely;
• Check out this fun activity to do with children or the young-at-heart in your life to make your own, fashionable eclipse glasses;
• Watch my conversation with Dr. Grant Tremblay for some details about what to expect during the moments of totality;

Many organizations in Rochester are stepping up to ensure the eclipse is an inclusive event for people of all abilities. Check out the resources available in Rochester here.

March 30, 2024 posts

Expanding Healthcare for Our Veterans

To learn more about this new policy and see if you or a loved one is eligible to receive benefits, visit VA.gov/PACT. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces Expanded Healthcare Services for Veterans

Hearing Directly from Our Neighbors

It was a pleasure to visit with the team at Lake Beverage Corporation and get an update on their work as a distributor of beer, wine, and spirits across our region. In Washington, I’m proud to continue my support of family-owned small businesses like Lake Beverage and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive here in Rochester.

Dress for Success is an important resource for so many in our community, providing unemployed and underemployed women with the tools and support they need to achieve financial independence. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with them and see firsthand the impact they’re having right here in our own backyard.

Brian Urquhart from Insulators Local 26 and the Rochester Building and Trades Council has been a steadfast partner in our efforts to strengthen worker’s rights, and it was a privilege to join friends in our labor community this week to celebrate his retirement. I presented him with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition honoring his years of dedicated work, and I wish him the best of luck in his next chapter!

 Tax Season Reminders 

The deadline to file a 2023 federal tax return or request an extension is April 15, 2024, which is just around the corner. While the lead up to the tax deadline can certainly be stressful, there are a number of resources available online and right here in our community to help make the process easier. Here are some helpful tools and tips:

• The IRS Free File tool is available here. 
• New York State was chosen for the IRS’s Direct File pilot program, which allows eligible New York State residents to file their 2023 federal tax return directly with the IRS. To find out more information—and see if you or your family is eligible—visit directfile.irs.gov 
• Tax season often brings about many scammers and other bad actors, and it is important to stay vigilant. If you believe you or someone you know is the victim of a scam, you can file a claim here. 
• For folks 50 and older, AARP offers assistance with tax filings. Visit their site here to make an appointment! 
• Empire Justice’ CASH program is accepting tax preparation appointments for Tax Year 2023. Click here to complete their survey, schedule an appointment, or learn more about their available services. 
• For additional information on the above deadlines, as well as helpful tips for making the filing process easier, please visit this page on the IRS website. 

If you have a more complex tax-related question, the IRS Office on East Avenue is a resource accessible to you. Visit their site here to get more information about in-person tax help.

Happy Easter! 

From my family to yours, I wish everyone who celebrates a Happy Easter. May it bring joy, peace, and blessings to all.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle New York’s 25th Congressional District

March 23, 2024 posts

Touring a Washington, D.C. Landmark 

One of my duties as the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration is to ensure our nation’s landmarks have the resources they need—and one of my favorites happens to be located right next door to the Capitol: the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress. This week I received a tour of the building’s famous dome and learned about how we can support the library’s operation for decades to come—all while taking in some breathtaking views of the Capitol and the National Mall.

Strengthening Early Detection Screenings for Cancer 

In June of last year, my colleague Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and I introduced the SCREENS for Cancer Act: bipartisan legislation to help ensure life-saving cancer screening services are more accessible to more people. On Wednesday, after months of dedicated work, our legislation was favorably reported out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, setting it up for a potential vote on the floor of the House of Representatives later this year.

This is an important step forward in our efforts to fight back against cancer and prevent more families from experiencing the pain of a cancer diagnosis. For me, it’s also a way to honor the memory of my daughter, Lauren, by ensuring all women have access to the cancer screening services they need—regardless of income. I look forward to working alongside my colleague, Rep. Fitzpatrick, to build on this momentum and bring our legislation to the House floor for a vote.

Read more: Congressmen Morelle, Fitzpatrick Push for Legislation to Strengthen Resources for Early Cancer Detection

Meeting with New York State Faith Leaders 

I was grateful to be invited by my colleague Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to attend an important discussion with faith leaders from across the state, including many from Rochester.

It is when we come together in conversations like this, to listen and learn, that real progress can be achieved. It was a privilege to hear from these leaders and the congregations they represent about how we can work together to create meaningful solutions to the problems our families face.

I am committed to using my role in Congress to address these challenges by supporting individuals from the ground up—by strengthening affordable housing, education, and job opportunities; by ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare and childcare; and by working to keep our neighborhoods safe through common-sense gun reform. Through our continued work together, we can—and we will—improve the lives of everyone who calls our community home.

Funding the Government and Delivering for Our Community 

This week, my House colleagues and I voted to pass legislation containing the final six appropriations bills Congress must enact every fiscal year. This action builds on legislation I voted to pass a few weeks ago to fully fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2024. While we have completed our work on this legislation in the House, the bill must still be passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President to avoid a government shutdown.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to have helped craft this legislation which takes steps to lower the cost of living, protect women’s rights, reinforce America’s global leadership, and help better protect our communities from violence. This legislation also prevents the enactment of harmful policies proposed by House Republicans, including measures to restrict women’s reproductive freedoms and make devastating cuts to K-12 and higher education programs across the country.

I’m glad my colleagues and I can now shift our attention to next year’s government funding package. You can count on me to continue working to deliver the best results for Rochester’s families, businesses, and educational institutions throughout this process.

Read more about this appropriations package: Congressman Joe Morelle Takes Action to Fund Federal Government, Deliver Additional Support for Rochester

Looking Ahead to April 8th!

The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th has captivated the attention of our community and our country—and as a science enthusiast, I find it particularly fascinating. In the days leading up to this once-in-a-lifetime event, I’m trying to learn everything I can about what to expect before, during, and after the eclipse. Through this pursuit, I was connected to Dr. Grant Tremblay—a University of Rochester AND Rochester Institute of Technology graduate—who works as an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had the pleasure of hosting him in Washington for a conversation about solar eclipses, space and the cosmos, and the importance of sustained government investment in science and technology.

Watch my full conversation with Dr. Tremblay on my YouTube channel here.

March 16, 2024 posts

Safeguarding Reproductive Freedom

Women’s History Month should be a time to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of women. But sadly, it is being overshadowed by a continued assault on women’s fundamental rights and freedoms. The recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling affording frozen embryos the same protections as children is the latest attack on reproductive health, jeopardizing the future of in vitro fertilization (IVF) services for thousands of women.

We know National Republicans won’t stop with Alabama, which is why this week I announced my co-sponsorship of the Access to Family Building Act to establish federal protections for IVF. This legislation would create a federal right to access assisted reproductive technology services—such as IVF—and create a private right of action for individuals and healthcare providers in states that have limited access to assisted reproductive technology.

Whether it’s restricting access to IVF, enacting abortion bans, or cutting funding for family planning services, it’s clear extremists across the country will stop at nothing to control women’s healthcare freedom. I’m fighting back, because I refuse to accept a world where lawmakers determine when and how a family can grow.

To learn more about how I’m fighting to protect women’s rights, read here.

Marking National Working Moms Day

Tuesday marked National Working Moms Day, an important time to honor and celebrate the essential work mothers do for their families, their jobs, and their community. Moms are superheroes, but too often they are forced to choose between their career goals and caring for their children.

In honor of working moms and the sacrifices they make every day, I announced steps I’m taking to ease one of the biggest burdens facing families: childcare. I’m sponsoring

legislation to finally make childcare accessible and affordable for everyone, proving the support working families deserve. Read more here.

Continuing the Fight to Combat AI-Generated Deepfakes 

I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability titled “Addressing Real Harm Done by Deepfakes.” The hearing underscored what I have long believed: deepfake pornography is dangerous, abusive, and requires our immediate action.

Over the past year, we’ve seen everyone from celebrities like Taylor Swift to young teenagers victimized by explicit deepfakes. My legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, would finally address this and make the sharing of non-consensual deepfakes a federal crime.

My bill continues to gain support in Washington, and I’m going to fight tirelessly to pass it into law and prevent more people from experiencing the emotional and reputational harm caused by deepfakes. Read more about this week’s hearing and my ongoing efforts to combat deepfakes: Congressman Joe Morelle Participates in Oversight Committee Hearing on Dangerous AI-Generated Deepfakes.

Announcing the Congressional Art Competition 

This week, I announced the opening of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in New York’s 25th Congressional District! The winner of this annual competition will have the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the amazing artistic talent across Rochester, and I highly encourage students to participate. To learn more about the rules and guidelines for submissions—as well as where to send your artwork—visit my website here. I cannot wait to see all the amazing art we receive!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

Wishing everyone in our community a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Sláinte!

March 8, 2024 posts

March 8, 2024     Dear Markus,     Yesterday evening, I was honored to be in the House Chamber to receive President Biden’s State of the Union Address. We are at a critical juncture for the future of our nation, and in his remarks, President Biden outlined an agenda that rises to this moment and advances our shared democratic values.    My goal has always been to seek practical solutions to the problems our families face. That’s why my colleagues and I have dedicated ourselves to reducing prescription drug costs, improving access to affordable high-quality healthcare, and creating job opportunities. It is also the reason we are committed to safeguarding the fundamental freedoms every American is entitled to, from reproductive rights to voting rights to the right to remain safe from gun violence.    As we look towards the future, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to continue delivering for the people of Rochester and every hardworking American. You can read my full statement on the President’s State of the Union Address here and read more about my week below. 

Spotlighting Innovation in Rochester

Collaborating with Local Partners

I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues for an important discussion about the Great Lakes and our work to strengthen shoreline communities like Rochester. From protecting against flooding to supporting tourism, I’m committed to helping our lakeside communities flourish.

The Urban League of Rochester continues to invest in communities of color by supporting workforce development, community safety, voting rights and more—driving transformational changes in our neighborhoods.    It was a privilege to host them in Washington, and I look forward to our continued work together.

Rochester is home to a vibrant deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and we’re truly fortunate to have world-class resources like the Rochester School for the Deaf available to support them.    I’m proud to stand with them and advocate for the equity, accessibility, and opportunity our deaf and hard-of-hearing neighbors deserve.

An Update on Federal Government Funding

March 1, 2024 posts

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Today marks the start of Women’s History Month—a time to honor the many women who broke down barriers and pioneered change in the fight for equality. From Susan B. Anthony to my dear friend Louise Slaughter, I’m constantly inspired by our community’s rich history of fighting for women’s rights.    As these rights continue to come under threat across the country, it’s more important than ever to remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the freedoms all women deserve. Read more here about how I’m working to protect reproductive healthcare, expand voting rights, secure equal pay for equal work, and more.

Every year on March 3rd, we recognize Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day: a time to come together, raise awareness, and recommit to supporting those impacted by this devastating disease.    For me, this day is personal. My daughter, Lauren, battled Triple-Negative Breast Cancer for two years with incredible strength and tenacity.    While Triple-Negative Breast Cancer only accounts for 10-12% of breast cancers, it disproportionately effects younger women and women of color and accounts for nearly 25% of breast cancer deaths annually. Lauren passed away in 2017, but I remain committed to doing everything I can in Congress to support others facing this diagnosis—which is why this week I proudly introduced a resolution to honor Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day, foster greater public awareness and understanding of TNBC, and encourage the early detection and prompt treatment of this disease.    To the thousands of men and women battling triple-negative breast cancer: my heart is with you and your families, this Sunday and every day. I remain committed to working for greater education, research, and action to end cancer as we know it.

Yesterday, I cast my vote in favor of another short-term funding bill to avert a catastrophic government shutdown. This is the fourth instance in the past seven months where I’ve supported such a measure, and while it is far from a perfect solution, I believe this will bring us closer to reaching a final bipartisan spending agreement soon.    In the coming weeks, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to debate and pass full-year appropriations bills. I will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.

This weekend, I’m heading to Selma, Alabama to join leaders from across the country for this year’s Selma Jubilee, a commemoration of the 59th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, Bloody Sunday, and the signing of the Voting Rights Act. These events were pivotal to advancing the civil rights and voting rights movements. 

I’m humbled by the opportunity to visit a community so steeped in history and reflect on the events that have been catalysts for change and progress. I look forward to meeting with leaders and discussing how we can continue working towards full equity, equality, and justice for every American.

Feb. 25, 2024 posts

Honoring the Late Congressman John Lewis

This week we celebrated what would have been Congressman John Lewis’s 84th birthday. John Lewis dedicated his life to the fight for racial equality, standing up for disadvantaged people everywhere and remaining relentless in his pursuit of justice. He was a champion of civil rights—and our nation is a better place because of him and his efforts.   His passing in 2020 was a tragic day for us all, but his legacy lives on through the work we do to advance the causes he held so dear. In his honor, I am proud to cosponsor and lead the fight to enact H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The right to vote in free and fair elections is the bedrock of our democracy, but sadly, it has come under attack. Just over ten years ago, the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) and unleashed a wave of discriminatory state laws targeting voters and restricting voting access. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would undo many of these restrictive policies and restore the VRA to its full authority.   As the Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration—which maintains oversight over federal elections—I’m committed to using my role to continue John Lewis’s efforts. Together, we honor the legacy of this trailblazer and continue the fight to help bring America closer to its foundational promise.

 Looking Forward to the Solar Eclipse 

In just a few weeks, on April 8, Rochester will be in the center of a Total Solar Eclipse—for the first time in nearly 100 years! This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event not just for our community, but for those traveling to Rochester to be in the heart of the path of totality. I cannot wait to welcome neighbors and tourists alike to the many events taking place at the Rochester Museum and Science Center and across our community.   Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson once said: “The day we stop exploring is the day we commit ourselves to live in a stagnant world, devoid of curiosity, empty of dreams.” Here’s to making sure that never happens by continuing to explore, discover, and celebrate the wonders of space together.   Click here to learn more about events happening in our community and where you and your family can witness this once-in-a-lifetime event!

 Tax Season Resources for Our Community 

The deadline to file a 2023 federal tax return or request an extension is April 15, 2024, which just under two months away. While this time of year can certainly be stressful, there are a number of resources available online and right here in our community to help make the process easier, including: The IRS Free File tool, which is available here. New York State was also chosen for the IRS’s Direct File pilot program, which allows eligible New York State residents to file their 2023 federal tax return directly with the IRS. To find out more information—and see if you or your family is eligible—visit directfile.irs.gov. Tax season often brings about many scammers and other bad actors, and it is important to stay vigilant. If you believe you or someone you know is the victim of a scam, you can file a claim here. For folks 50 and older, AARP offers assistance with tax filings. Visit their site here to make an appointment! Empire Justice’ CASH program is accepting tax preparation appointments for Tax Year 2023. Click here to complete their survey, schedule an appointment, or learn more about their available services. For additional information on the above deadlines, as well as helpful tips for making the filing process easier, please visit this page on the IRS website. If you have a more complex tax-related question, the IRS Office on East Avenue is a resource accessible to you. Visit their site here to get more information about in-person tax help. As more resources become available to our community, I will continue to provide additional updates. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.   Warmest personal regards,   Joe Morelle New York’s 25th Congressional District

Feb .18, 2024 posts

Fighting for Greater Accessibility 

This past weekend, many of us here in Rochester were excited to watch our own Daniel Durant perform an American Sign Language (ASL) performance of the Star-Spangled Banner during the Super Bowl pre-game show. Sadly, Daniel and the other two ASL performers were never shown during their performances, a decision which alienated millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans.

Rochester is the proud home of a large and vibrant deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and as the representative of this community, I’ve continually fought to expand understanding and accessibility for our deaf neighbors. After seeing this blatant disregard for accessibility by the NFL and CBS, I knew I had a responsibility to act. On Monday, I sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Goodell and CBS President Reisenbach calling out this unacceptable decision and urging them to be more intentional about displaying ASL interpreters in future broadcasts.

The NFL and CBS have failed to live up to the standards of equity, diversity, and inclusion they claim to value, and I hope they take the necessary steps to do better in the future. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Calls Out NFL, CBS for Failure to Broadcast American Sign Language Performances During Super Bowl LVIII

Pushing for Action on Deepfakes

Welcoming Rochester to Washington

Community health centers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system, helping ensure underserved communities can access the medical services they need. On Wednesday, I met with representatives from community health centers across New York State to discuss our continued work together to improve healthcare outcomes in our state. I’m proud to continue my work in Congress to help get them more support and resources so they can reach even more people in our community

It’s simple: reproductive care IS healthcare, but sadly, far too many women in this country cannot access the services they need. It was great to spend time with Physicians for Reproductive Health, an organization committed to advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice. Together, we’re continuing the fight against a national abortion ban and helping ensure reproductive healthcare is accessible for all.

 Honoring Two Rochester Icons 

This week marked the birthdays of two Rochester icons: Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. These two famous Rochesterians were on the frontlines of the fight for equality, and their profound legacy is still felt to this day. As we remember and honor these two leaders, let us recommit to continuing down the path they blazed for us—renewed in our commitment to achieve true equality for all.

Showing Our Appreciation for Our Veterans

Feb 10 posts

Supporting Our Educational Institutions

Joe Morelle meets with local college and university leaders

Welcoming Our Athletes to Washington

Rep. Morelle meets with members of New York State’s Special Olympics delegation

Posts from February 2, 2024

Advocating for Greater Online Protections

Reb. Morelle speaks with Poppy Harlow on CNN

Supporting Local Pet Owners

Rep. Morelle, local leaders stand at Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services

Strengthening Our Manufacturing Industry

Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces Passage of Legislation He Authored to Protect America’s Manufacturers

Honoring Black History Month

Valentines for Veterans

Help spread some love to the brave veterans across our region by participating in Valentines For Veterans! Send in valentines or homemade cards to our office by February 13th and help us show our gratitude for their service—past and present.