From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

May 23, 2025

Dear JOHN,

This week, House Republicans passed a budget proposal that slashed Medicaid, Medicare, and food assistance programs by over a trillion dollars and will eliminate health insurance coverage for 13 million Americans.

The bill saddles American taxpayers with $5 trillion in new debt, all to pay for the largest tax cut for millionaires and billionaires in our nation’s history. This is cruel, irresponsible, and un-American. I will do everything I can to fight to stop it.

Read more about my work this week below:

How We're Fighting Back

We recently recognized Police Week on Capitol Hill, but Speaker Johnson and House Republicans still refuse to honor those who protected our U.S. Capitol on January 6th. Instead, the congressionally approved plaque honoring these officers remains in the basement, collecting dust, rather than being properly displayed—as the law states. I introduced a resolution to direct the Architect of the Capitol to install the plaque.

This week, the Department of Justice doubled down on the insult to these brave officers with a $5 million settlement to be paid to the family of January 6th rioter Ashli Babbitt. These officers risked—and in some cases lost—their lives to defend the Congress and our democracy on January 6, 2021. Republicans frequently call themselves the ‘party of law enforcement,’ but actions speak louder than words.

Getting Results for our Community

This week, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to dismantle the Department of Education — ordering wrongfully terminated staff to be reinstated and affirming that presidents cannot eliminate federal agencies without congressional approval.

As a member of the House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force, I joined nearly 200 colleagues in filing an amicus brief that helped secure this decision.

This is a major win for students, educators, and the rule of law — and proof that we’re getting results. 

Jewish American Heritage Month

Congressman Morelle stands with honorees at his Jewish American Heritage Awards Event

As we come to the end of Jewish American Heritage Month, we had planned a celebration to recognize some special individuals who have had a profound impact on our Jewish community.

Instead, this celebration became a somber time to mourn the lives we lost in the horrific tragedy that occurred in our nation’s capital this week. This senseless act of violence says so much about where we are in America in this moment, and it conjures up horrific images of Jews being persecuted over the ages.

Together, we must speak out against violence and root out antisemitism wherever it exists. May the memories of these victims be a blessing, and our gathering be a testament to the enduring strength of the Jewish community in America and around the world.

Answering Your Questions

Since the start of the Trump administration, my office has received thousands of calls regarding Trump’s actions. I know people in our community are scared and angry, and I want to hear your concerns.

This week’s question comes from Linda in Hamlin, who asks, “Do you see any indication that enough Republicans in Congress are starting to see how dangerous President Trump’s policies have gotten and the serious impact they are having on our country?” Hear my answer:

If you have a question for my office, please share it with us through the form linked here. I’ll be answering these questions on social media and in this newsletter.

Celebrating our Service Academy Nominations

Each year, my office has the opportunity to nominate exceptional students for a U.S. Service Academy appointment. This year, we proudly nominated William Morgan, Christopher Gargan, Caroline Montemaro, and Lorenzo Vinci, all of whom received an appointment to one of our Military Academies.

Congratulations to these outstanding students. If you or a student you know if interested in applying, please visit my website.

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