From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

May 5, 2023

Dear JOHN,

After spending the last few weeks in Washington, it was great to be back in Rochester meeting with local organizations, discussing legislation I’m fighting for in Congress, and celebrating the achievements of our outstanding local businesses. Read more about my week below.

Fighting for Women's Reproductive Rights

Rep. Morelle stands with leaders from Planned Parenthood at a press conference

On May 2, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs was leaked to the public. In the year since, I have repeatedly warned that this was the start of an Extreme Republican agenda to enact a national abortion ban. Now, it’s coming to fruition.

With more than 50% of abortions performed using medication, a suspension of mifepristone IS a national abortion ban—one that would affect every woman in every state, even here in New York. We cannot—and will not—stand for it.

On Tuesday, I held a press conference with Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York to reiterate the importance of fighting back against this assault on women’s rights and taking action to protect women’s healthcare. In Congress, I’m proud to co-sponsor the Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine the provisions of Roe v Wade into federal law and ensure abortion remains accessible nationwide. It’s more important than ever to enact this vital legislation and secure what must be essential and inalienable rights to reproductive freedom.

Combatting the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

Graphic depiction of artificial intelligence

The spread of “deepfakes” and other digitally-altered intimate images can cause irrevocable emotional, financial, and reputational harm—and unfortunately, women are disproportionately impacted. As artificial intelligence (A.I.) continues to evolve and permeate our society, I authored and introduced legislation to protect individuals from compromising situations online.

While these videos are fake, their impacts are very real—and until now, little has been done to provide women with protection or recourse from this disturbing phenomenon. I’m proud to have partnered with SAG-AFTRA and other stakeholders to introduce this legislation and take common-sense steps to protect individuals’ privacy online.

Read: Congressman Joe Morelle Authors Legislation to Make AI-Generated Deepfakes Illegal

Supporting Older Americans

Rep. Morelle speaks to members of RIT's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

It was wonderful to join members of RIT’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute as a Guest Lecturer on Thursday! I appreciated the opportunity to hear from so many active and engaged members of our community and discuss my work in Congress to address the challenges facing seniors and aging families. From lowering the cost of prescription drugs to protecting critical programs like Social Security and Medicare, I'm always fighting to support the needs of older Americans.

Joining Together in Prayer

Rep. Morelle joins local leaders to celebrate National Day of Prayer

On Thursday, I was proud to celebrate National Day of Prayer with leaders in our faith community. It was a joyous and important reminder that when we bring our faith to bear and use it as a positive force for good, we can create lasting, positive change in our community. In his inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy instructed us to “go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.”

When we all stand side-by-side and work together, there is no challenge too great for us to overcome.

Uplifting Our Neighbors

Rep. Morelle speaks to members of the Southwest Neighborhood Association at their first annual Black History Dinner

Thursday evening marked the Southwest Neighborhood Association’s first annual Black History Dinner. SWAN has a long and proud history of helping to support, empower, and uplift generations of Black neighbors in Southwest Rochester—and it was an honor to join them for a celebration of that important history. I'm grateful for their continued partnership and tireless work to build a brighter future for our community.

Celebrating Local Small Businesses

Rep. Morelle joins local leaders at JOSH Lawn and Landscape

This week is Small Business Week, a celebration of the important role small businesses play in our local economy. They are truly the lifeblood of our community, providing stable, good-paying jobs for our families and giving our neighborhoods their charm and character.

We all know Rochester’s small businesses are second to none—which is why it’s no surprise to see the New York State Small Business Association choose to recognize a Rochester-area small business as Small Business of the Year for the second year in a row. Congratulations to JOSH Lawn and Landscape on this well-deserved achievement.

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.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle      

New York’s 25th Congressional District