From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

June 27, 2025

Dear JOHN,

Over the weekend, U.S. forces launched strikes against Iranian military targets. I remain steadfast in my belief that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. There can be no lasting peace in the Middle East while the regime continues funding extremist groups and threatening the United States and Israel.

At the same time, I am deeply concerned by President Trump’s leadership in this moment. His pattern of erratic, politically motivated decision-making only deepens the fear many Americans are feeling today.

We need steadiness, not chaos. This is a moment that demands diplomacy, discipline, and a serious commitment to securing lasting peace.

As we pursue a path forward grounded in these values, we must not lose sight of those already bearing the greatest burden. I am holding in my heart the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire—and our brave service members risking their lives abroad.

Read more about my work this week below:

How We’re Fighting Back

This week, I joined my colleagues on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for a hearing with United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. A.G. Bondi came before our subcommittee as a part of the annual budget process, where Trump administration officials come before Congress to answer questions about their budget proposals for the following year.

During the hearing, I asked A.G. Bondi about President Trump’s decision to issue Presidential pardons to 1,500 people who participated in the violent riot at our Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Instead of answering this serious question, she pivoted to conspiracy theories about the former president and filibustered from her seat. It’s clear A.G. Bondi was unprepared to answer any sort of policy questions, and her conduct during the hearing was an embarrassment to our justice system.

I’m going to continue to use my voice to push back against this administration and get the answers people deserve.

Safeguarding Healthcare for All

Last Friday, I joined WXXI’s Connections with Evan Dawson to give an update on my work in Washington over the previous months. One of the topics we covered was House Republicans’ recent efforts to strip Medicaid and SNAP away from millions of Americans—a move so unpopular, members of their own party are starting to grow skeptical.

During our discussion, I reaffirmed my commitment to speaking out against this draconian legislation in Washington and here at home—because our families deserve better.

A still from Rep Joe Morelle's appearance on WXXI's Connections with Evan Dawson

Keeping Elected Officials and Their Families Safe

Earlier this month, Mary Beth and I were deeply saddened and disturbed by the apparent targeted political attacks in Minnesota. Violence is never the answer, and all forms of political violence should always be condemned.

In response to these horrific attacks, I’m working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help bolster security for members of Congress and their families. This is literally an issue of life or death for elected officials at all levels, not just in Congress, and it’s critical we do all we can to help keep lawmakers and their families safe and secure.

While we continue to pray for State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as well as the family of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, let’s honor their lives and legacies with action.

Creating Connections For Our Community

Over the past 18 months, I’ve been working alongside Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, and Ogden Supervisor Mike Zale to re-open the Gillett Road bridge. The closure of this bridge was presenting significant challenges for our neighbors in Ogden, but just this week railroad company CSX announced they would begin repairs on this critical piece of infrastructure.

This is an important win for our neighbors in Ogden, whose daily life has been disrupted due to the closure. I’m proud to have joined with our local leaders to hold CSX accountable and push for this long-overdue repair, and I’m grateful CSX is taking action to restore this essential connection for our neighbors.

Continuing the Fight for Reproductive Rights

A graphic marking 3 years since the Dobbs decision

Three years ago this week, the radical conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping away five decades of Constitutionally protected healthcare from millions of women.

I've been fighting tirelessly to restore this right, because health care decisions should be between you, your doctor, and no one else.

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