From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

June 24, 2022

Dear JOHN,

This was a tragic week for America. The U.S. Supreme Court delivered two of the most disastrous decisions in history, putting millions of lives in danger. These decisions are unconscionable and underscore why we must redouble our efforts to protect women’s healthcare, reduce gun violence, and keep our communities safe.

An Assault on Women's Rights

Today, the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe v Wade, formally beginning an all-out assault on women’s rights. This decision has reversed over 50 years of progress and will return our nation to a dark and dangerous era where women no longer have control over their own bodies. At this very moment, states around the nation are moving to criminalize a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions and her fundamental right to privacy.

We must turn our anger into action. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting women’s healthcare, and I will work tirelessly to protect the essential rights and freedoms all women deserve. I invite you to join me next week for a Town Hall discussion on the impacts of overturning Roe v Wade and what this means for the future of our community. Register here

Dangerous Weapons in Dangerous Hands

At a time when America is facing an epidemic of gun violence, the Supreme Court is taking deliberate action to put more guns on the streets. This week, they issued a ruling striking down New York’s Proper Cause requirement, which exists to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people. This decision will make it easier for guns to fall into the hands of those who intend to do harm.

This ruling will only lead to more violence—and underscores why it is essential that Congress takes immediate action. I have never wavered in my commitment to reducing gun violence, which is why I’ve voted to strengthen background checks, ban assault weapons, implement comprehensive red flag laws, and more.

Taking Action on Gun Reform

The Supreme Court decision underscores that, now more than ever, we must come together to enact common-sense gun reforms that we know will save innocent lives. Each day that we fail to act, we are allowing hundreds of innocent people to die. These are our children, our neighbors, our friends and loved ones—and to stand idly by while the carnage continues is shameful. This week, my colleagues and I in the House and Senate passed bipartisan legislation that marks the first gun reform package to be signed into law in nearly 30 years.

While this legislation certainly doesn’t go far enough, it is a vital step in the right direction and demonstrates our commitment to working across the aisle to deliver on one of the most important issues facing our communities. I’m proud to vote for this landmark legislation, and I will continue fighting for even stronger reforms like banning assault weapons and enacting universal background checks on every single gun sale.

Watch Congressman Morelle Speaking on Gun Reform

Providing Hope

Breaking the cycle of violence means more than just enacting gun reforms—we must also take steps to get young people off the streets and provide them with healthy, productive outlets. I was proud to deliver $2 million in federal funding for the Urban League of Rochester. This funding will allow them to create an environment for success by providing job training and mentorship opportunities to at-risk youth—but more than that, it offers hope and sets participants on the path to a brighter future. I’m grateful to the Department of Labor for taking these steps to invest in our community and reduce the poverty and violence that hold too many people back from reaching their full potential.

Congressman Joe Morelle Announces $2 Million Federal Grant to the Urban League of Rochester

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