This week I joined the National Organization for Women at a virtual roundtable discussion on AI-generated pornographic deepfake images and their devastating impacts, particularly on women. Explicit deepfakes are dangerous, abusive, and all too common—and right now, there are no laws on the books to stop them.

Our laws must catch up to the ever-evolving threats of AI. That’s why I authored legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, to establish both criminal and civil penalties for producing non-consensual deepfakes. By holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, we can create a strong deterrent to this horrific practice and prevent further abuse.

For far too many children, the joy of summer break is often overshadowed by the dread of food insecurity and learning loss. Summer learning loss is an issue for youth everywhere, but particularly in underserved communities without access to extracurricular activities or year-round support for students. 

No child should ever have to go hungry or be left behind in their education, which is why I was proud to introduce my Summer Meals and Learning Act. This common-sense legislation will keep school libraries open during summer break, ensure children have reliable access to healthy meals, and help to close the achievement gap. 

Read More: Congressman Joe Morelle Introduces Legislation to Close Summer Learning Gap 

My office works every day to assist members of our community as they navigate federal agencies, seek access to important resources, and secure money owed to them. Since the start of this year, we have successfully resolved over 350 constituent cases and returned more than $725,000 owed to local businesses and members of our community. 

One of the issues we assist with frequently, especially during the summer months, is paperwork and logistical hurdles to secure passports through the U.S. Department of State. We’ve helped hundreds in our community obtain appointments with their nearest passport office and secure necessary documentation in time for their travel. If you have international travel planned this summer, be sure to research your destination’s entry requirements. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months to enter. If your passport is expiring in the next 12-18 months, don’t wait to start the renewal process! Visit the U.S. Department of State website here for more information.  

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