From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

September 6, 2024

Dear JOHN,

This week took me all across Rochester as I visited organizations dedicated to protecting our national security, advocated for online protections for children, and toured unique local small businesses. Read more below:

Supporting National Security Work in Rochester

Congressman Morelle meets with members of Rochester's border patrol.

I stopped by the Rochester Border Patrol station to take a tour of their facility and hear about the critical work they do in our community.

As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations I’m committed to ensuring our border patrol agents have the resources they need to keep our community and our country safe.

Congressman Morelle sits in an Air Force Helicopter.

Congressman Morelle stands in front of a U.S. Air Force plane.

The brave men and women of our National Guard are called in response to natural disasters, border missions, and more, and we’re all grateful for their service and sacrifice.

I had the chance to stop by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs facility which is home to the Army and Air National Guard in Rochester to discuss their activities in our community and around the globe.

Congressman Morelle helps cut the ribbon at the Safran expansion.

I joined the team at Safran to cut the ribbon on their latest expansion this week. Safran is a global leader in innovative technologies like GPS, inertial navigation, and even designing and maintaining the system of clocks used throughout the U.S. Capitol.

Their work is critical to our nation’s security and technological advancements. I’m proud to support them as we strive to ensure our competitiveness on the global stage.

Keeping Students Safe Online

Congressman Morelle stands with school administrators at a press conference.

The evidence is clear on the direct harm social media and Big Tech is having on our children. As students go back to school this week, the issue is top of mind for parents and families everywhere.

We must act before things get even worse, which is why I announced bipartisan legislation I support to address the crisis head-on and help protect children from data collection, harmful content, cyberbullying, and other exploitative practices online.

Visiting Rochester's Small Businesses

Congressman Morelle poses in front of a Wells barn.

You may have heard of the Rochester Cobblestone Wedding Barn as one of the most popular wedding venues in our region. This barn isn’t just a stunning venue with soaring open spaces, it’s part of a historic community known as, “Wells Barns.”

I joined the Wells Barn Legacy Team this week for a tour and appreciated the chance to hear about the work they are doing to preserve this impressive local history.

Congressman Morelle presents certificate to Livie's Jamaican Restaurant.

Livie’s Jamaican Restaurant is a shining example of a small business success story—and home to some excellent traditional Jamaican food. It was wonderful to meet their hardworking team and see their new Gates location, which opened last year after moving from the 19^th Ward.

In addition to their restaurant, their space also includes a market with Jamaican groceries. They offer a comforting slice of home for our local Jamaican population, and I’m glad to see their family-owned business thriving.

Delivering on Safety for Streets in our Community

You may remember my announcement from just a few weeks ago when I joined Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in calling for federal funding to make our streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians—especially in underserved neighborhoods.

This week, we were back and proud to say: we delivered. Rochester will receive $23 million to strengthen traffic safety infrastructure, build new dedicated bike lanes, increase accessibility and walkability of streets, and connect bike corridors across our city.

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