From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

July 26, 2024

Dear JOHN,

This past weekend, President Biden did what every true leader ought to: put the needs of our country ahead of himself. The difficult decision he made is an act of true patriotism for the good of our democracy.

I am deeply grateful for all he has done to create a better America over the past four years as President and throughout his lifetime of public service. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him and his Administration to build better lives for every American.

This week, I was back in Washington to continue that work by fighting for our community’s innovative, economic, and environmental resources. Read more below.

Supporting our Innovation Economy

Congressman Morelle Speaks on a Panel at the Tech Hubs Event

On Tuesday, I was excited to join Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo at the Innovative Capital Summit to discuss the Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology-Hubs Program.

The Rochester-Buffalo-Syracuse region’s recent Tech Hub designation highlights global centers of innovation like the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, which includes our community. The recently announced $40 million in funding coming to our Tech Hub will have a historic impact on our community, empowering our semiconductor and sensing industries and revitalizing the entire region for years to come.

Protecting our Great Lakes

In 2022 I proudly voted to pass legislation to create the Great Lakes Authority to address the long-term protection and development of the largest freshwater system anywhere on Earth. The Great Lakes Authority is set to promote economic development, create jobs, and foster innovation to restore and protect the Great Lakes.

This week, Republicans proposed cutting funding for the Great Lakes Authority in half, ripping away resources Great Lakes communities like ours need to flourish and prosper. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I am committed to defending the principal source of surface freshwater in North America, and I voted against these cuts.

Fighting Back Against Harmful AI-Generated Deepfakes

Deepfake pornography is sickening. These AI-generated images are being created at an alarming frequency, and they disproportionately impact young people. Those who create and distribute these images deserve to face the strongest possible consequences.

This week, I spoke on the floor in support of my legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, which would install criminal and civil penalties for this abhorrent trend. I’m fighting to pass this legislation and stop this abuse before more lives are destroyed.

Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs for Everyone

Congressman Morelle Stands with Healthcare Leaders in Support of Lowering the cost of Prescription Drugs

Today, I was joined by leaders in our healthcare community to voice our support for legislation to help lower the cost of prescription drugs and make quality healthcare more accessible for everyone. The high cost of healthcare is placing an undue burden on many in our community and forcing individuals to choose between refilling a potentially life-saving prescription and putting food on their family’s table.

To help ease this burden, I’m proud to cosponsor the Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act. This common-sense legislation would extend the historic drug price negotiation program for Medicare recipients I helped pass in 2022 to include individuals on private insurance plans—lowering the price of lifesaving medication for everyone. 

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.

Until next week,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District