September 23, 2022

Dear JOHN,

After a busy few days in Washington, I’m excited to be back home in Rochester! This week I took steps to support our agricultural economy, expand the rights of consumers, and strengthen benefits for families of our brave veterans. Read more below.

Families of our nation’s most decorated heroes should receive the full benefits they are owed, plain and simple. That’s why today, I joined with the family of Sergeant Gary Beikirch to announce that I have authored and introduced the Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act.

This legislation will right a longstanding wrong by ensuring surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients, like Lolly Beikirch, aren’t forced to forfeit any of the benefits they are owed.  Medal of Honor recipients are among the most selfless, courageous, and heroic men and women who serve our armed forces—we have a duty to honor their service and sacrifice by ensuring their families receive the full benefits they deserve, even after they’re gone. I hope this legislation brings piece of mind to Medal of Honor families across the country, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it swiftly into law.

CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES SERGEANT GARY BEIKIRCH MEDAL OF HONOR ACT

Watch Congressman Joe Morelle: Honoring Gary Beikirch

The invasive Spotted Lanternfly continues to spread, posing a direct threat to our community and our agricultural economy. Without action, it could decimate the crops of local farmers, brewers, and wine makers—costing us millions in damage and threatening thousands of jobs. This week, I called on the Department of Agriculture to take immediate action, including a comprehensive strategy to coordinate with state and local governments, before it’s too late. You can read more about my efforts here:

CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CONTINUES PUSH TO ERADICATE THE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

CONGRESSMAN MORELLE CALLS FOR ACTION TO ADDRESS RAPID SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

You would think that if you own something—like a cell phone, laptop, or television—you have the right to make any repairs it might need. Sadly, you don’t. For too long, large corporations have hindered the progress of small business owners and everyday Americans by preventing them from the right to repair their own equipment.

I’m fighting to fix that by establishing a federal right to repair, and this week I led a Rules Committee hearing with experts and advocates to highlight this important topic. We also discussed my legislation, the Fair Repair Act, which would finally level the playing field and allow consumers to repair their own items. This not only gives individuals the autonomy they deserve, it also helps support local small businesses and reduce waste to protect our environment.

Learn More: Congressman Joe Morelle Introduces the Fair Repair Act

Watch Rules Subcommittee Hearing

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich culture and significant contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities. America’s strength has always lied in our diversity, and I’m proud that Rochester is home to a large and vibrant Hispanic population. Local celebrations will be taking place all month. Click here for more information.

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.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle
New York’s 25^th Congressional District