From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

February 7, 2025

Dear JOHN,

This week, President Trump launched a reckless trade war against our allies—one that everyday Americans will pay for at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and around the kitchen table. The American people have made it clear: they want lower costs, not higher bills. Yet instead of delivering relief, the President’s policies will drive up prices while his billionaire friends continue to enjoy tax breaks.

It’s clear President Trump isn't serious about tackling the the high cost of living for hardworking Americans. That is why I’m fighting back against these misguided policies and working to advance real solutions that help families make ends meet.

Alongside my Democratic colleagues, I’m developing legislative and policy solutions to put an end to the President’s reckless and unconstitutional actions and restore balance and accountability to our government.

Beyond legislation, I remain in constant contact with local agencies and organizations impacted by these harmful policies. This week, my office continued to work side by side with these groups to protect critical services and ensure our community doesn’t bear the brunt of the President’s overreach.

Read more below:

How We're Fighting Back

Congressman Morelle Supports the Taxpayer Data Protection Act

This week, I proudly cosponsored the Taxpayer Data Protection Act to stop people without a security clearance from accessing the highly sensitive Treasury Department payment system—which is responsible for Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Unelected billionaires with zero accountability should not be allowed to rifle through the private data of hardworking Americans. This legislation will protect the Treasury Department's highly confidential systems.

Ensuring Access to a High-Quality Educationn

Congressman Morelle stands with members of the NYS School Boards Association

Congressman Morelle stands with members of local colleges and universities

We owe it to every child and young adult to provide them with the opportunities, skills, and tools necessary to succeed in today’s world, and that starts with a quality education. As our education system comes under attack from the new administration, I’m working to ensure our educators, and parents have the resources they need to set children and young adults on the path to success.

This week, I met with the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the NYS School Board Association to discuss how we can ensure students at every level have access to a high-quality education.

Protecting Access to Healthcare in our Community

Congressman Morelle stands with members of federally qualified health centers in Rochester

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in our community provide essential healthcare services our neighbors rely on. President Trump’s reckless funding freeze puts these critical organizations directly in jeopardy.

We’re not going to back down in the fight against this illegal overreach of presidential powers. I met with a group of FQHCs in Washington this week to reaffirm my commitment to securing the resources they need and discuss how we can best support them in these uncertain times.

Supporting our Local Unions

Congressman Morelle stands with members of 1199 SEIU

I was excited to welcome my brothers and sisters in labor from SEIU Local 1199 to Washington this week to discuss their role on the frontlines of our community’s healthcare services. I’m proud to support unions and their mission to support and protect workers and families everywhere.

Strengthening Accessibility for Blind Americans

Congressman Morelle stands with members of the National Federation of the Blind

Congressman Morelle Speaks at the National Federation of the Blind Event

The National Federation of the Blind plays a vital role in supporting and uplifting blind Americans. It was great to join them for their Congressional Reception and meet with a group of members in my Washington office this week.

Together, we’ll keep working to strengthen accessibility and inclusivity despite the new threats they face.

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