From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

September 12, 2025

Dear JOHN,

We should all be deeply concerned by the rise of political violence, and we must condemn it in every case. There is absolutely no place for violence in this country, and my prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones following the tragic events in Utah.

Read about my work in Washington this week below:

The Commerce, Justice, and Science Funding Bill

As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, this week I joined the markup for the fiscal year 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science funding bill.

The proposed bill makes families and children less safe, defunds federal law enforcement, threatens our national security, and harms our scientific and economic competitiveness. On top of that, it puts women’s health and safety at risk with significant cuts to Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants, proposed just one month before we recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I voted in support of amendments to properly fund the FBI, restore critical VAWA programs, and support the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative. I also introduced an amendment that would protect the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Unfortunately, the Republican majority voted against these amendments, but I’ll keep fighting to support programs that increase public safety and national security

See my full remarks below and catch up on the content of the bill with my live-tweet thread from the markup:

The Labor, Health, and Human Services Funding Bill

This week, we also marked up the Labor, Health, and Human Services funding bill for fiscal year 2026 in the Appropriations Committee. The Republican spending plan puts public education, lifesaving medical research, and women’s healthcare on the chopping block. No part of it helps working families pay their bills, put food on the table, or afford healthcare. I fought back alongside my colleagues to push for programs that actually help American families.

I supported amendments to protect lifesaving vaccine access, defend the scientific process, support Meals on Wheels, protect a woman’s right to choose, and more. These amendments were introduced to restore dramatic cuts Republicans included in their spending bill, but the Republican majority refused to allow them to pass. I also introduced an amendment that would fund the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program to help low-income students who are also parents stay in school.

See my full remarks below and catch up on the content of the bill with my live-tweet thread from the markup:

Keeping Families Fed

On June 16th, I signed a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture expressing my concerns about their decision to terminate the contract for the National Hunger Clearinghouse and toll-free hotline. The Clearinghouse provides low-income individuals and communities with comprehensive information about food assistance programs and serves as a critical link to resources that promote food security and economic mobility. The need for this infrastructure is only growing, and we cannot leave communities without essential nutrition resources.

I’m proud to report the Hunger Clearinghouse and Hotline contract with Hunger Free America has been restored. This is an important win in the effort to better connect people to the resources they need, reduce food insecurity, and uplift families in crisis.

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