From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

January 10, 2025

Dear JOHN,

This week marked the start of the 119^th Congress. In Washington, I fulfilled my duties on the Committee on House Administration to certify the 2024 election and served as a teller during the first Speaker election of this Congress. Today, I was excited to return home to Rochester to meet with local businesses and community organizations. Read more below:

Ensuring a Peaceful Transfer of Power

Congressman Morelle serves as a teller for the presidential election certification

As top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, I worked to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power during the presidential election certification on Monday. For 250 years, we protected the sanctity of our elections, regardless of party, and I proudly helped demonstrate what respect for our democracy should look like—the January 6, 2021 deadly insurrection was an anomaly that cannot be repeated.

This week, I released a report debunking the lies told about what happened at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Four years ago, a violent mob attacked the Capitol attempting to stop the peaceful transfer of power. I won’t let my Republican colleagues continue their path of denialism and lies. We must never forget what happened on that day.

Read my full report here.

Delivering Full Benefits to our Nation’s Public Servants

Social Security Fairness Act signed into law

For over 40 years, public servants have seen their earned retirement benefits slashed—despite paying into the system like everyone else. These are teachers, firefighters, and police officers, among others who have been restricted from receiving full benefits.

On Sunday, President Biden signed into law the Social Security Fairness Act, which will deliver the benefits these workers earned. I’m proud to have helped pass this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it implemented to bring fairness to public servants in our community.

Meeting with Key Community Organizations

Congressman Morelle sits with the Urban League of Rochester

This week, I was glad to join the Urban League of Rochester to discuss our shared vision to make Rochester a better home for all.

As Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said: “If you can’t fly then run; if you can’t run then walk; if you can’t walk then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Together with community-led organizations like the Urban League of Rochester, we’re going to keep moving forward toward a brighter future for Rochester.

Visiting Local Businesses

Congressman Morelle stands with staff at the Irondequoit Pharmacy

I was grateful for the chance to tour Irondequoit Pharmacy this week and see firsthand how this local business is helping more people in Irondequoit—and across our community—get the healthcare support they need.

Community pharmacies are a key component in bridging the gap between residents and the medical care they need. I’m grateful to the entire team for all they do and for meeting with me to discuss how we can best support them.

Congressman Morelle tours the Accurate Tools Facility

I was also excited to join the Accurate Tools Shop team for a visit this week to discuss their innovative work.

The Accurate Tools Shop is a major precision manufacturing facility run right here in Rochester. They’re helping contribute to our growing optics and semiconductor community and creating stable, well-paying jobs for our local skilled workforce.

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