From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

April 11, 2025

Dear JOHN,

This week, House Republicans voted to pass a budget that will rip healthcare from millions, slash food assistance for families in need, and deliver even more tax breaks to billionaires.

It’s a cash grab working families will pay the bill for and I voted against it. I stand with my Democratic colleagues against this betrayal of hardworking Americans, and I won’t stop fighting to protect the essential services being targeted.

Read more about my week and the work we are doing to fight back below:

How We're Fighting Back

Congressman Morelle speaks at Delphi Rise

Just three weeks ago, RFK Jr. renewed the public health emergency for our country’s opioid epidemic. Now, alongside President Trump, he’s slashed $11 billion in funding for addiction and mental health programs. These cuts will shutter life-saving resources families depend on.

This week, I stood with County Executive Bello and the incredible team at Delphi Rise—our community’s only 24-hour, open-access addiction treatment center—to speak out against these harmful cuts. Without action, Delphi Rise is at risk of closing its doors.

In response, Monroe County is stepping up. Plans are underway to direct $405,000 from its opioid settlement fund to keep this critical facility open.

I’m deeply grateful to County Executive Bello and all our community partners as we move quickly to protect access to treatment. No one facing addiction should be left alone in their darkest moments.

Defending the American Right to Vote

This week House Republicans voted to pass the disastrous so-called SAVE Act. This legislation will make it harder for millions of American citizens to register to vote and is yet another example of the Trump administration’s move towards authoritarianism.

I led the debate on the house floor against this legislation where I outlined how it will place costly and confusing new hurdles in front of everyday voters—including married women, active-duty military members, and more—while doing nothing to address real issues in our elections. As the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, which oversees federal elections, I’m committed to fighting this legislation every step of the way and protecting every American’s right to vote.

Protecting the Critical LIHEAP Program

Congressman Morelle signs a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services

No one should ever be forced to choose between heating their home and affording food or medication. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has helped thousands of families in our community stay warm through harsh winters.

Despite how essential this program is, the Trump administration recently fired the entire 25-person team responsible for administering LIHEAP—putting billions in federal assistance at risk.

This week, I joined my colleagues in urging RFK Jr. to immediately reverse this decision. Families across the country are counting on this support.

Read the full letter here.

Supporting our Hardworking Students

Congressman Morelle introduces the Pell Grant Flexibility Act

Nearly 1 in 5 undergraduate students lives with a disability, and too many are forced to leave school because of financial roadblocks. At a time when the Trump administration is trying to dismantle our education system, I’m committed to finding bipartisan solutions that give every student the opportunity to thrive.

This week, I reintroduced my legislation, the Pell Grant Flexibility Act, which would lower the number of credit hours required for Pell Grants for students with disabilities and allow for adjustments that give them the support necessary to earn their degree at the pace that works for them.

Connecting With Our Community

Thank you to everyone who joined my virtual town hall this week to discuss how we’re fighting back against the dangerous actions of the Trump administration. Your participation is key, and I am incredibly grateful for the engagement from our community.

My office has received thousands of calls regarding the Trump administration’s actions. If you have a question or concern, I want to hear from you. Use this form to submit your questions, and I’ll be answering them on social media and in future newsletters.

If you missed the event, you can view a full recording here:

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. Due to ongoing actions by the Trump administration affecting federal agencies, case processing may be slightly delayed. We appreciate your patience and remain committed to resolving your cases promptly.

Until next week,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District