Lowering the Cost of Insulin 

I’ve heard from too many members of our community that have had to ration doses or stop taking insulin altogether due to its outrageously high cost. Last year, I voted to pass legislation to lower the cost of insulin to $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries, and thankfully, cost-saving changes are finally starting to take effect.

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Isabella, a resident of Pittsford who was visiting Washington with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She shared with me her experience living with diabetes and underscored the importance of having accessible and affordable insulin available for everyone.

I appreciated hearing her story and her passionate advocacy, and I want Isabella and everyone else in our community battling diabetes to know: you can count on me to continue fighting to lower the cost of insulin for everyone.

 
Read: Congressman Joe Morelle Highlights Final Implementation of Lower Insulin Costs for Families

 Protecting Social Security 

After a lifetime of hard work, every American deserves the promise of financial security and peace of mind in their retirement. But sadly, for too many people, that promise is quickly fading away.

As extremist Republicans continue their efforts to dismantle Social Security and rip away seniors’ hard-earned benefits, it's more important than ever that we fight back and protect this important program. This week, I was proud to co-sponsor the Social Security 2100 Act, important legislation to increase benefits for Social Security beneficiaries, improve cost of living adjustments, and ensure the long-term viability of this essential program.

We can’t allow Social Security to be put on the chopping block. I’ll be working with my colleagues to pass this legislation into law and protect the promise of Social Security for generations to come.

Read: Congressman Joe Morelle Takes Action to Strengthen Social Security

 Walking for a Good Cause 

I had a great time at the Rochester Red Wings’ second annual “International Walk” this weekend! It’s always a pleasure to help support inspiring local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rochester. I’m grateful for everything they do for our community, and I look forward to our continued work together to build a better community for everyone who calls Rochester home.

 Continuing the Fight Against Cancer 

The fight against cancer is one I am deeply and personally invested in, which is why one of my top priorities in Congress is working to expand screening and other early-detection services for women across the country.

On Wednesday, I had the chance to tour Siemens's mobile mammography truck and thank them for their work to make screening and treatment resources more accessible for those battling this devastating disease.

Early diagnosis is key to fighting back against cancer—don’t wait to schedule your mammogram or screening as soon as possible.

 Safeguarding the Right to Vote 

On Thursday, the Republican Majority of the Committee on House Administration held a mark-up of legislation they claim will protect the security and integrity of our elections. In reality, their anti-voter, extremist bill flies in the face of a conclusion reached by elections experts across the country: America’s elections are secure.

During the mark-up, I offered an amendment that would replace the Majority’s bill with the text from the Freedom to Vote Act, legislation named for my late colleague the inimitable John Lewis—and Republicans voted against it.

Make no mistake, as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration I will continue my efforts to protect the sacred right to vote and maintain the security of our elections.

 Assisting Local Families 

I’m proud of the work my office does every day to help members of our community navigate federal agencies, access important resources, and secure money owed to them. Over the past few months, one of the issues we’ve assisted with most frequently is helping constituents overcome paperwork and logistical hurdles to secure passports through the U.S. Department of State.

Thanks to the work of our team, we’ve helped dozens of people in our community obtain appointments with their nearest passport office and secure the necessary documentation in time for their trips. These include individuals reconnecting with far-away family members, families embarking on first-time international journeys with their children, young people participating in church mission trips, and more.

If you or someone you know is considering international travel in the next 12-18 months, it’s important to check the expiration date of your passport! Processing times are longer than usual, so don't wait—reach out to the state department NOW to begin the renewal process. For more information, visit their website here.

Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.

Warmest personal regards, 

Joe Morelle 

New York’s 25th Congressional District