From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

June 17, 2022

Dear JOHN,

This week in Congress, I remained focused on addressing the issues that are top of mind for so many in our community, including delivering action on comprehensive gun reform. I took steps in Washington and here at home to crack down on gun trafficking, get illegal weapons off our streets, and keep our neighborhoods safe. Read more below.

Taking on Illegal Guns

This week I chaired a Rules Committee hearing that outlined comprehensive actions we can take to address gun trafficking, strengthen regulations on gun shops, and better protect our neighborhoods from the devastation of gun violence. Our discussion further builds on steps my colleagues and I have taken to keep guns out of the hands of those who intend to do harm, like enacting universal background checks and banning assault weapons.

I'm especially grateful for the powerful testimony of partners like Everytown for Gun Safety, Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter, and Dr. Lois Lee, who participated in the hearing. I look forward to working with my colleagues to adopt the measures we discussed and take long-overdue action to keep our communities safe.

Read: Rep. Morelle, Sheriff Baxter Spoke at Congressional Hearing on Gun Trafficking

Calling for Federal Intervention

Mass shootings capture the nation’s attention, but every day there is deadly gun violence right here in our community: a ten-year-old child shot in her home. A sixteen-year-old killed at her friend’s birthday party. Neighbors struck by stray bullets. Young people gunned down on our streets.

This is a moment that requires a comprehensive, all-hands-on deck approach between federal law enforcement, local law enforcement, elected officials, community organizations, and our neighbors who are being directly impacted. That’s why I’m calling for immediate action by the Department of Justice and Attorney General Merrick Garland to step in and to help stop the violence, using every tool at their disposal to protect our community—including prioritizing firearm prosecutions, enhancing federal prosecutions, and working collaboratively with their state and local counterparts.

Nothing is more important than keeping our families safe, and I remain committed to the work that lies ahead.

Protecting Women's Health

Overturning Roe v Wade will have catastrophic consequences, rolling back centuries of hard-fought progress in the fight for women's rights. We must stand together to defend women’s health freedom and the essential reproductive rights all women deserve. I hope you will join me on June 30th for a Town Hall discussion on the importance of protecting women's healthcare, featuring a panel of experts including Planned Parenthood, National Organization of Women, and Willow Domestic Violence Center.

Seating is limited, register today!

Celebrating Juneteenth

For 156 years, Juneteenth has served as both an acknowledgement of our nation's shameful history and celebration of our commitment to achieving equality, equity, and opportunity for Black Americans. Last year, I proudly voted to make this holiday a federally recognized National Independence Day to honor its profound significance in the course of American history and further highlight the experiences of Black Americans in our national culture. I encourage everyone to take time this Sunday to reflect on the significance of this anniversary and recommit to carrying on the fight against racial injustice everywhere.

Please know that my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York's 25th Congressional District