From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

April 12, 2024

Dear JOHN,

This was an historic week for our community, and it was an honor to spend it both in Rochester witnessing the eclipse with our neighbors and in Washington delivering results for our families. Read more below.

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.

Rep. Morelle stands with Astronaut Lee Morin

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.

Rep. Morelle and Astronaut Morin get a behind-the-scenes look at RMSC's eclipse day programming

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!

A selfie with County Executive Bello, Rep. Morelle, and Senator Brouk at RMSC

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!

Rep. Morelle presents a Certificate of Congressional Recognition to RMSC

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

Rep. Morelle speaks at the celebration of the Strong Museum of Play's new expansion

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.

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

Rep. Morelle meets with Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden

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.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District