From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

May 3, 2024

Dear JOHN,

This week, I was back in Washington fighting to advance legislation to support our families. Read more below.

Fighting the Spread of Deepfakes

Graphic depiction of artificial intelligence

This Sunday marks one year since I introduced my Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act. Since then, we've seen numerous incidents where explicit, non-consensual deepfakes have gone viral—yet perpetrators have faced no consequences.

The time to enact change is now, and passing my bill into law, would make the sharing of these images a criminal offense and create a right of private action for victims to seek relief.

I’m particularly proud my legislation was recently endorsed by a slate of new advocacy organizations: the National Organization for Women (NOW), Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), and the Joyful Heart Foundation. Each of these groups does vital work to fight back against sexual assault and exploitation, and I’m grateful to have their support. The legislation continues to gain bipartisan support from my colleagues in Congress—and I won’t give up until it’s passed into law.

Combatting the Climate Crisis Here at Home

Congressman Morelle stands with local leaders and members of Reconnect Rochester at their Rally for the Bike Spine.

Every day, we’re seeing more extreme weather events that tear our planet apart and an increasing number of species move closer to complete extinction as a result of our worsening climate crisis. We know it’s going to take serious, prolonged action to reverse these impacts—but thanks to the work of groups like Reconnect Rochester, our community is already well on the way to doing our part.

Today, I joined Reconnect Rochester and local leaders to voice my strong support for dedicated bike lanes across our community through their “Bike Spine” project. Not only is cycling instead of driving good for your waistline, but it also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and keeps harmful chemicals from seeping into our environment. I was proud to help secure $3.2 million in federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awards to help support this project, and it’s truly inspiring to see the good that will come from this investment.

I’m grateful for the work of groups like Reconnect Rochester for leading the charge to combat the climate crisis and create a safe, reliable, and robust transportation system for our cyclists, and I look forward to continuing my support for their efforts.

Around the Community

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time with local groups who are doing incredible work in our community.

Congressman Morelle stands with Bill Whitney and the Daffodil Project to present a certificate of Congressional Recognition.

I was delighted to join volunteers at Mount Hope Cemetery for the second annual Daffodil Celebration. Bill Whitney and the Daffodil Project have planted over 35,000 daffodil bulbs and are continuing to work to beautify this historical landmark for all to enjoy.

Congressman Morelle watches a presentation by students at the Imagine RIT Festival

Imagine RIT: the Creativity and Innovation Festival is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse at the creative spirit of tomorrow’s leaders. It was great to hear from students about the unique intersection of technology, the arts, and design taking place at RIT.

Congressman Morelle Speaks at the Dogra Art Foundation Art Lecture at the Memorial Art Gallery

I joined artistic experts and curators from around the world at the Memorial Art Gallery for their inaugural lecture on South Asian art in Rochester. Thank you to the Dogra Art Foundation for their support of this event and their continued work to bring people together through creative mediums.

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