June 28, 2024

Dear JOHN,

This week, I continued my work championing our community in Congress. Read more below.

On Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor to honor the life of Robert “Al” Persichitti, a World War II veteran and beloved member of our community who passed away during a recent trip to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

I was honored to meet Al a few years ago at his 100th birthday celebration, and we became fast friends. He embodied the very meaning of the word patriot, and at the spry, young age of 102, his commitment to his country and service over self never wavered.

Rest in peace, Al, you’ve certainly earned it.

Funding bills are statements of values, and House Republicans have made theirs clear: they intend to double down on their assault on women.

This week, they unveiled proposals for our country’s Fiscal Year 2025 spending bills, which contain draconian cuts to programs and services like Title X Family planning, Planned Parenthood health centers, Violence Against Women Act grants, and more. These are blatant attacks against women’s freedoms, and I’m committed to using my position on the House Appropriations Committee to fight back. I’ve always stood up to protect women’s rights, and I always will.

Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Condemns Republican Efforts to Cut Funding for Programs that Support and Protect Women

 Celebrating Local Artistic Talent 

I was honored to welcome the winner of this year's Congressional Art Competition, Talia Favitta, to Washington to see her art hanging at the Capitol! It's exciting to see the artistic talent that thrives in our community, especially at such a young age. Congratulations, Talia!

Rochester is home to so many thriving local businesses, including Baldwin Richardson Foods—a family-owned and operated business that is leading the food and beverage industry. I was glad to meet with their team and get a taste of the work they're doing.

Americans for Responsible Innovation is focused on protecting our communities from harm while continuing to foster innovation. I was grateful to sit down with their Co-Founder to discuss the evolving threat artificial intelligence poses, and how we can combat abuse of the technology as it grows.

It was wonderful to welcome my friend State University of New York (SUNY) System Chancellor John King to Washington! Chancellor King has been a steadfast partner in making higher education more affordable and accessible across New York State, and as a proud SUNY alum, I'm particularly grateful for his work.

 Remembering Dan DiClemente