From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

June 20, 2025

Dear JOHN,

In the wake of the horrifying killing of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, I am grateful to our law enforcement officers for their service in communities across the country.

As top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, which is responsible for member safety, I have been in close contact with the House Sergeant at Arms and the U.S. Capitol Police to proactively ensure the safety of Minnesota’s congressional delegation. Hear more about how I’m supporting my colleagues here.

Lawmakers shouldn't have to worry about the safety of their families while they carry out their elected duties, and violence of any kind has no place in our democracy. I joined Leader Jeffries in writing a letter to Speaker Johnson urging him to increase the Member Representational Allowance to support additional safety and security measures in every office.

Read more about my work this week below:

How We're Fighting Back

I proudly joined 151 of my House Democratic colleagues in signing onto an amicus brief defending critical medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) against unlawful cuts by the Trump Administration. These cuts threaten the very foundation of lifesaving biomedical and public health research that millions of Americans depend on.

Congressman Morelle meets with seniors at the Jewish Home.

This week, I met with seniors at the Jewish Home to talk about the Trump administration’s dangerous proposed budget and how its cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare could affect them. While the Trump administration targets these essential programs, I’m fighting for our seniors’ right to age comfortably.

This is not an easy time—but we all have a responsibility to do right by our neighbors, especially the older Americans who have worked their entire lives to support our communities.

Rep Morelle signs a letter in response to the mistreatment of Senator Padilla.

I joined my colleagues in signing a letter strongly condemning the forceful and unacceptable physical restraint of Senator Alex Padilla while attempting to lawfully exercise his constitutional and congressional authority to question a senior official of the current administration.

Senator Padilla clearly identified himself and was acting within his rights as a Member of Congress. The use of force against a sitting senator—in a federal building, during official business—is a grave breach of protocol. We’ve requested swift and decisive action to uphold the dignity and authority of Congress.

Read the full letter here.

Bringing Healthcare Where It's Needed Most

Rep Morelle cuts the ribbon on the new mobile outreach vehicle.

I was glad to join County Executive Bello this week to cut the ribbon on the Saint Joseph’s Neighborhood Center’s new Medical Outreach and Engagement Vehicle. This vehicle will bring critical services to the neighborhoods that need them most—places where reliable transportation and access have too often been barriers to care.

This is a pivotal time to invest in the health of our neighbors, and while we’re advancing this mission here in Rochester, I’m fighting for the same goal in Washington. I’m proud to represent a community that believes healthcare is a human right and backs that belief with action.

Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month

Rep. Morelle stands with recipients of a Caribbean American Heritage Month Award.

This month, we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the vibrant culture and rich history of the Caribbean American community here in Rochester.

Together, we reflected on their immeasurable contributions to our community and the nation as a whole and honored five local leaders whose lives and careers exemplify the very best of the Caribbean American tradition in Rochester. I’m grateful for these individuals’ work, their voices, and their leadership, which enriches not just our city but the fabric of our society.

Honoring our Vietnam Veterans

Congressman Morelle stands with local Vietnam Veterans.

As a member of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, I had the honor of presenting local Vietnam War veterans with honorary lapel pins and Certificates of Congressional Recognition this week. It is my hope that these pins serve as a constant reminder to our courageous veterans that we will never forget their service, sacrifice, and heroism.

This is the latest in a series of Pinning Ceremonies my office has had the privilege of hosting, and we look forward to honoring more of our local veterans in the future. If you know of a Vietnam War veteran who should receive this commemorative pin, please reach out to our office.

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