Mr. Speaker, I share with Chairman Steil many things we agree on. He is a good friend, but his suggestion that this is about the concentration of power--concentration of power? What we have seen in the last 2 years is the concentration of power at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue and a Congress that has done little to nothing about establishing our Article I prerogatives.
2026 MidtermsLikely SeatD+22D shift +14$1.1M raised
Joe Morelle
Representative · New York · Democrat
Joe Morelle
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, as if we didn't waste enough time participating in yesterday's purely performative exercise at the Rules Committee, here we are again. After zero floor activity for the last 5 weeks, House Republicans have brought to the floor a nonbinding resolution calling for enactment of the SAVE America Act. I was recently asked by a constituent: ``What is a nonbinding resolution?'' And I effectively said: A nonbinding resolution is a statement of how Congress feels, but it does nothing. So here we are taking up a nonbinding resolution of how we feel.
Mr. Speaker, on this floor this afternoon, we should be debating legislation to lower gas prices. We should be debating legislation to lower the cost of groceries. We should be debating legislation to rein in the most corrupt administration in the history of this country. That is what I heard when I went back home in Rochester and spent the last several weeks talking to people who are fearing for the futures of their families, who are fearing not being able to pay their medical bills, who fear not being able to pay their mortgage, who fear having to make tough decisions about childcare and…
Biography
Joe Morelle began his public service career as a small business owner, bringing a pragmatic perspective to policymaking. Elected to represent New York’s 25th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, he focuses on strengthening healthcare access, improving public safety, and supporting economic development. Morelle authored legislation to lower prescription drug costs and serves on the House Rules Committee, where he shapes key legislative debates. He is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with local leaders to address the specific needs of his Rochester-area constituents.
Education
- B.A. in Political Science,1986
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2018-PresentRepresenting New York's 25th district
Member, New York Assembly
1990–2018(Majority Leader, 2013–18)
Member, Monroe County Legislature
1984–90
Policy Focus
Crime and Law Enforcement13%
Health13%
Congress11%
Education10%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Joe Morelle's record in Congress.
Gun Violence Research Funding
Helped secure federal funding for CDC and NIH to research gun violence prevention for the first time in decades.
COVID-19 Relief for Local Governments
Advocated for and helped pass provisions in the American Rescue Plan providing direct aid to local governments during the pandemic.
ALS Disability Insurance Access Act
Co-sponsored legislation eliminating the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance for ALS patients.
Postal Service Protection
Supported and helped pass the Postal Service Reform Act to ensure long-term financial stability of the USPS.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on House AdministrationRanking Member
- Joint Committee on Printing
- Joint Committee of Congress on the Library
- House Committee on Appropriations
Rep. Joe Morelle FAQ
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