July 29, 2022

Dear JOHN,

Throughout my time in Congress, I have been focused on uplifting families and protecting our community—and this week, we delivered on that promise by passing comprehensive legislation that will ban deadly assault weapons, strengthen our economy, and set our community on a path toward a brighter future. Read more about what this will mean for Rochester below.

Assault weapons have only one purpose: to kill as many people as quickly and as brutally as possible. There is no place for them anywhere outside of a battlefield. That’s why today, I voted to ban them.

Eight of the ten deadliest mass shootings in recent American history have involved guns that would have been outlawed under the previous assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004. Since the ban ended, mass shooting deaths have tripled. According to estimates, had this ban remained in place, there would be 70 percent fewer mass shooting deaths. I have repeatedly called on Congress to reinstate a ban on assault weapons, and I’m proud of the action we took today to keep our communities safe. I will continue to fight for the necessary gun reforms we need to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of dangerous people.

Congressman Joe Morelle Acts to Ban Assault Weapons

America has always been known as the land of opportunity, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We’re the nation that took to the stars and landed a man on the moon, the birthplace of transformational inventions like the internet, and home to some of the world’s greatest scientists. Technological advancement is in our DNA, and we need to continue fostering its long-term growth.

That’s why I was proud to lead the debate on the House floor and cast my vote in favor of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act. This historic investment will deliver real job opportunities and lower costs on essential items, easing the burden on families. It also supports the creation of regional innovation hubs to uplift communities that are already leading the way in high-tech advancements—communities just like ours. Experts agree Rochester has the framework in place to excel as a hi-tech hub, and now we can make it happen. This legislation has the power to transform cities like ours into crucibles of America’s global competitiveness, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

Congressman Joe Morelle Votes to Bolster American Competitiveness

Congressman Morelle Takes Action to Strengthen Regional Innovation

Watch: Congressman Joe Morelle Leads Debate on CHIPS and Science Act

Many of you have contacted my office in support of H.R. 6929, the Susan Muffley Act. This week I was proud to advance this long-overdue legislation to restore pensions for Delphi retirees, including over 2,000 New Yorkers, whose benefits were wrongly terminated over a decade ago. Everyone deserves a safe, stable, secure retirement, and I'll always fight to protect that promise.

Watch: Congressman Joe Morelle Speaks on the Susan Muffley Act

I have always fought to ensure quality, affordable healthcare is accessible to everyone—and telehealth is an important part of reaching that goal. This week, I proudly voted for legislation to strengthen telehealth opportunities, particularly for older Americans. Telehealth rose in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic—now, as we recover, we must continue to expand this critical tool that will help ensure healthcare services are accessible to more families. 

Throughout my work in Congress, I am guided by a fundamental question—how can we leave the world a better place for our children? Our grandchildren? Nothing drives that question home for me more than spending time with my family, and this week I was lucky enough to have my grandson Gabriel join me in Washington. It was with great pride and hope for the future that I showed him around the Capitol and accompanied him on his first trip to the White House. I am a proud Papa in every way but having him there really emphasized the importance of fighting to leave this world a better place for the next generation. For Gabriel and children everywhere, I will never give up that fight.

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