December 15, 2023

Dear JOHN,

This week I’ve taken steps to expand access to warm meals for more families, honored the memory of a fallen airman from our community, and actively promoted Rochester’s priorities at the national level. Read more below.

Last week, we received word of the tragic passing of U.S. Air Force Major Terrell K. Brayman of Pittsford and seven of his fellow airmen in a training exercise off the coast of Japan on November 29. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to all those who knew him—especially Major Brayman’s family, friends, loved ones, and his fellow airman—during this difficult time.

On Wednesday, I had the solemn honor of paying tribute to Major Brayman from the floor of the House of Representatives. He served our country with great distinction, demonstrating a commitment to a cause greater than himself. Our community and our nation will be forever grateful for his profound sense of duty, patriotism, and dedication to our country.

May this forever remain his legacy and may God Bless Major Terrell K. Brayman.

Click the image below to watch my full remarks to the House

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

On Tuesday, I met with Alicka Ampry-Samuel, Region II Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to discuss our ongoing work together to expand affordable housing opportunities here in our community. Administrator Ampry-Samuel has been an important partner as we work together to remove the barriers preventing too many people and families in our community from thriving. Thank you for all you do!

It was great to welcome my friend Lisa Marcello from Episcopal SeniorLife Communities to Washington on Wednesday! Lisa and the entire team from Episcopal SeniorLife have helped ensure so many seniors in our community have well-deserved peace of mind in their later years, and I’m proud to advocate on their behalf here in Washington. Thank you for stopping by!

Just this year, more than 44 million Americans—including 7.3 million children—will have experienced food insecurity, a truly heartbreaking and unacceptable statistic. We have a moral obligation to address this food shortage and ensure no one goes without a warm, healthy meal.

On Monday, Representative Grace Meng and I introduced the Hunger Clearinghouse Enhancement Act of 2023, legislation to help address the root cause of food insecurity, better connect people to key resources, and uplift families who may be struggling.

I’m grateful for her support and look forward to working alongside her and our community partners to put an end to hunger as we know it.

Read more: Representatives Joe Morelle and Grace Meng Introduce Legislation to Increase Access to Critical Food Assistance Programs

Our Rochester District Office is currently in the process of moving locations and will be physically closed until January 2, 2024. Our new address will be updated and shared soon. In the meantime, our staff will continue to assist constituents via phone at 585-232-4850.

You can also reach out to my Washington, D.C. Office at 202-225-3615 or visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can be of assistance to you or your family.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District