From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

September 15, 2023

Dear JOHN,

After over a month and a half at home in Rochester, it was great to be back in Washington this week to continue my efforts to secure results for our families. Read more about my work below.

Advancing Our Interests Across the Globe

Rep. Morelle and Rep. Bice meet with a representative from NATO

Rep. Morelle, Rep. Bice, and officials from the European Union stand together

During the first week of September, I was honored with the opportunity to represent the United States of America and the House of Representatives in a Congressional Delegation visit to our allies in Europe. Alongside my colleague Representative Stephanie Bice, we visited with leaders from NATO and the European Union to discuss our country’s commitment to supporting our allies around the world, especially the brave people of Ukraine.

I enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about the United States’ position on the global stage and how I can leverage my work in Congress to help support this critical work. I’m grateful for the kindness and hospitality shown to myself, Representative Bice, and our staff, and I cannot wait for the next opportunity to continue building these relationships and honoring our national commitment to build a better world for us all.

Meeting with Local Advocates

Every week I welcome local businesses, organizations, and advocates to Washington to learn more about their causes and discuss how I can support them in Congress. Here are a few of the groups I had the pleasure of meeting with this week:

Community-based health centers like Trillium are critical to expanding the high-quality healthcare people in our community deserve. I’m proud to stand with them and continue our work together to expand access to high-quality healthcare services in our community.

September is Hunger Action Month, an important time to recommit to ending hunger and food insecurity in our community. Foodlink is one of my steadfast partners in this effort, and their work is vital to help ensure people can put healthy food on their tables. I'm grateful for our long-standing partnership, and I look forward to future opportunities to continue our efforts.

Rep. Morelle meets with Teamsters Local 118 President Tim Barbeto

Always great to see my friend Tim Barbeto from Teamsters Local 118! I'm grateful for his team's continued work to provide high-quality, well-paying jobs for people in our community. As the son and husband of proud, lifelong union members, I will always continue my efforts to support unions and protect our fundamental right to organize.

Putting Our Community First

My top responsibility as an elected official is to ensure our federal government continues to meet the needs of our community, and I’m always spending time meeting with my partners in government to find new ways to make this goal a reality for Rochester.

Rep. Morelle meets with the Director of NIFA

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Manjit Misra, Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to learn more about how we can work together to protect our farmers and growers. From the invasive spotted lanternfly to early, severe frosts, I’m committed to doing everything possible to safeguard our state's agricultural economy from these unique threats.

Rep. Morelle meets with Dr. Evelyn Wang, Director of ARPA-E

I was glad to meet with Dr. Evelyn Wang, Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, to discuss our continued efforts to advance research and development opportunities right here in our community. I look forward to our continued work together!

Reflecting on the Anniversary of September 11th

Flag at half-staff at a 9/11 Memorial Event hosted by the Veterans Outreach Center

On Monday, I joined the Veterans Outreach Center, my partners in government, and members of our community in solemn remembrance of the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country. While it’s difficult to believe it’s been over two decades since 9/11, the profound and lasting impacts of this horrific event continue to reverberate far and wide.

As we reflect on the anniversary of September 11th and honor those we lost, may we also find solace in remembering the limitless potential of the human spirit to persevere, come together, and uplift one another in times of tragedy. This spirit of unity, compassion, and solidarity can—and must—inspire us all as we rise to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. It’s what we’ve always done, and it is what we must continue to do.

An Important Reminder!

Is your passport expiring in the next 12-18 months? Processing times are longer than usual, so don't wait—reach out to the state department NOW to begin the renewal process. Visit their website here for more information.

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