Joseph Morelle

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month to honor an exceptional and influential leader from Rochester, New York: Myra Henry. As the first Black President and Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County, Myra Henry has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering women and strengthening families. Under her leadership, the YWCA provides critical support and resources to children and families across Monroe County, advancing access to essential services and creating pathways to stability and opportunity. The YWCA plays a vital role in the Rochester community by helping women and families secure safe and affordable housing, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and assisting those experiencing homelessness. Myra's vision centers on equipping individuals with the tools and resources needed to build brighter futures. In 2025, she and her team helped bring this vision to life through the completion of Persimmon Place, an emergency shelter designed to provide critical support to families in need. Mr. Speaker, Myra Henry's leadership reflects a deep and enduring commitment to service, equity, and community. During Women's History Month, it is especially fitting that we honor extraordinary women who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our communities. I am proud to recognize her and extend my deepest gratitude for her continued service.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month to honor an exceptional and influential leader from Rochester, New York: Nija Branca Bilofsky. Nija has devoted her career to education and to inspiring the next generation of students. Over nearly three decades in the classroom, including many years at the School of the Arts, she has taught ninth and tenth grade English with a commitment to both academic excellence and student growth. Her teaching fosters critical thinking, creativity, and confidence, empowering students to find their voice and reach their full potential. Beyond her work with students, Nija is a trusted and supportive colleague who consistently uplifts those around her. Her dedication to her school community, paired with her compassion and professionalism, makes her an invaluable presence both inside and outside the classroom. Mr. Speaker, Nija Branca Bilofsky's career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to education, mentorship, and community. During Women's History Month, it is especially fitting that we honor extraordinary women who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our communities. I am proud to recognize her and extend my deepest gratitude for her continued service.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month to honor an exceptional and influential leader from Rochester, New York: Rachel Petrie. Rachel is a dedicated nurse whose service exemplifies the very best of our healthcare professionals. For more than seven years at Unity Hospital, she has served in the Emergency Department in a variety of critical roles, including Charge Nurse, Triage Nurse, EMS Triage Nurse, Preceptor, and Mentor. In each capacity, she demonstrates exceptional skill, steady leadership, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. Her impact extends beyond clinical excellence. Rachel strengthens her team through mentorship and collaboration, helping to foster confidence, cohesion, and resilience in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Outside of the hospital, she continues her service by volunteering with her local EMS team and Fire Department, further demonstrating her dedication to helping others. Mr. Speaker, Rachel Petrie's work reflects a deep and enduring commitment to service, compassion, and community. During Women's History Month, it is especially fitting that we honor extraordinary women who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our communities. I am proud to recognize her and extend my deepest gratitude for her continued service.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month to honor an exceptional and influential leader from Rochester, New York: Sister Christine Wagner. In 1993, Sister Christine Wagner was among the founding members of the St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center, where she has served as Executive Director for decades. A tireless advocate for community wellbeing, she has dedicated her career to improving access to compassionate, affordable healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured. Under her leadership, the Neighborhood Center has grown into a trusted and essential resource in Rochester, providing comprehensive medical and social services to individuals and families in need. Her work ensures that every person is met with dignity, respect, and high- quality care, regardless of their circumstances. Sister Wagner is equally committed to supporting the staff and volunteers who make this mission possible, fostering a culture rooted in compassion, collaboration, and service. Her leadership continues to shape a stronger, healthier community for all. Mr. Speaker, Sister Christine Wagner's career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to service, compassion, and community. During Women's History Month, it is especially fitting that we honor extraordinary women who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our communities. I am proud to recognize her and extend my deepest gratitude for her continued service.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month to honor an exceptional and influential leader from Rochester, New York: Debbie Evans. For decades, Debbie has been a tireless advocate for individuals and families facing poverty and food insecurity. Her work began in 1995 while volunteering in the Irondequoit School District, where she saw firsthand that many children lacked access to adequate food and warm clothing during Rochester's harsh winters. Determined to help, she organized clothing exchanges to ensure that children in need had the essentials to stay safe and supported. That same spirit of service led Debbie to found the Irondequoit Community Cupboard, which has grown into a vital resource for the community. What began in her home has expanded into a nonprofit organization serving more than 120 families each week. In addition to providing food, the Cupboard offers essential items not typically covered by assistance programs, including hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and school materials, helping families meet their most basic needs with dignity. Mr. Speaker, Debbie Evans' work reflects the very best of Rochester's spirit--one rooted in compassion, resilience, and a shared commitment to caring for others. During Women's History Month, it is especially fitting that we honor extraordinary women who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our communities. I am proud to recognize her and extend my deepest gratitude for her continued service.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month to recognize a remarkable and impactful leader from Rochester, New York: Fran Weisberg. Throughout her distinguished career, Fran has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service, dedicating her professional life to addressing some of our most pressing challenges, including poverty, public health, and the evolving needs of nonprofit organizations. Her leadership has strengthened institutions and improved the lives of countless individuals and families across the Greater Rochester region. Fran served with distinction as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Greater Rochester, where she led the organization to unprecedented success, including record-breaking fundraising campaigns in support of critical community programs. Prior to her tenure at United Way, she served as Executive Director for the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, fostering meaningful collaboration among healthcare providers, businesses, and community leaders to advance regional health outcomes. She also led Lifespan of Greater Rochester for a decade, transforming it into a robust organization dedicated to serving older adults and their caregivers. Through these roles, she has touched countless lives and made profound impacts on members of our community. In addition to her remarkable professional accomplishments, Fran has made lasting contributions to the civic and political fabric of our region. She has served as Chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee, and played a pivotal role in managing one of the most notable congressional campaigns in our area as Campaign Manager for the late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and deep appreciation that I recognize my dear friend, Fran Weisberg, for her exceptional career and enduring contributions to the Rochester community. As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is only fitting that we recognize extraordinary local women who have gone above and beyond to better our community. Fran's legacy of leadership, compassion, and service continues to inspire us all, and her work will continue to benefit our region for years to come.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Julie A. Poole as she retires after more than three decades of distinguished service to the federal government, including 25 years with the U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Inspector General. Julie began her federal career in 1992 as an auditor at the National Science Foundation. She later served as an auditor with the Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, Julie joined the House OIG, where she would spend the next quarter century advancing oversight, accountability, and sound stewardship of public resources. At the House OIG, Julie's expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence earned the respect of colleagues and stakeholders alike. Over the years, her leadership and skills led to her appointment as Assistant Director for Performance and Financial Audits and Investigations. In this role, she guided complex audit and investigative work, strengthened internal controls, and contributed significantly to the effectiveness and credibility of the Office of Inspector General. Julie's legacy is defined not only by her measurable accomplishments, but also by her values of integrity, accountability, and quality, which she cultivated throughout her career. Her dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on the institution and her colleagues. As Julie embarks on this new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes for a fulfilling retirement. Her career stands as a testament to the values that uphold the U.S. House of Representatives and the commitment to serve the American people.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Margaret ``Midge'' Thomas, a lifelong Rochesterian whose passing is deeply felt throughout our community. Ms. Thomas lived a life defined by service and a steadfast commitment to equality. For over fifty years, she served Rochester as a leader, educator, philanthropist, and advocate, leaving an indelible mark on our city. Ms. Thomas devoted her life to uplifting others, particularly members of Rochester's Black community. Alongside her husband, Dr. Freddie Thomas, a respected inventor and geneticist at Eastman Kodak Company and the University of Rochester, she mentored countless young people and emerging leaders. Together, they opened their home to students, scientists, historians, and neighbors, creating a welcoming space for learning and connection. Ms. Thomas was a co-founder of Rochester's chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, an organization dedicated to advancing leadership and economic opportunity through community service and advocacy. As a founding member of the chapter, she played a pivotal role in helping women in Rochester start businesses and advance professionally. Following the passing of her husband, Ms. Thomas established the Freddie L. Thomas Foundation in his honor, continuing her lifelong commitment to service. Through the foundation, she supported numerous local organizations and initiatives, including its most well-known annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that brought hundreds of Rochester residents together for warm meals and a sense of community during the holiday season. Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Midge Thomas and to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Through her generosity, leadership, and devotion to her community, she helped shape a stronger Rochester, and her legacy of service will endure as a lasting source of inspiration.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as National Cancer Prevention Month and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to reducing the burden of cancer in communities across our Nation. Cancer is a devastating disease that has touched far too many families in my district and across the country. Nearly every one of us knows a parent, child, sibling, or friend whose life has been altered by a diagnosis. The grief that follows the loss of a loved one to cancer is profound, and it strengthens our resolve to do everything in our power to prevent this disease wherever possible. This month reminds us that while cancer has affected so many lives, there are meaningful steps we can take to reduce its impact. Research shows that a significant share of cancer cases may be preventable through practical, evidence-based measures. Simple but important actions, such as staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, protecting our skin from excessive sun exposure, and keeping up with recommended screenings, can make a real difference in reducing risk. At the same time, prevention must extend beyond individual choices. Too many families face obstacles to early detection and timely care. Access to screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies can mean the difference between early treatment and a far more difficult journey. We must also confront the persistent disparities in cancer outcomes, as rural communities and communities of color too often face greater barriers to prevention, screening, and care. National Cancer Prevention Month serves as a solemn reminder of both the progress we have made and the work that remains. By strengthening prevention efforts, expanding access to lifesaving screenings, and working to close gaps in care, we can honor those we have lost and help spare other families from the hardship of a cancer diagnosis.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my longtime friend, the distinguished ranking member of the Rules Committee, for his vigorous defense of our position and his encouragement that people vote against the so-called SAVE America Act. Mr. Speaker, the way to enhance Americans' trust in government is by holding ourselves to a higher standard, not by disenfranchising citizens seeking to participate in our democracy. The vast majority of Americans believe that it is time to end the practice of Members of Congress and the President and Vice President from trading stocks, and that is what the Restore Trust in Government Act would do. Speaker Johnson has refused to move any bill to ban Member stock trading. I offered this proposal as an amendment to the SAVE America Act, but it was rejected by the majority. I also have a discharge petition on stock trading that has over 170 signatures, nearing the 218 signatures needed to pass the House. If we want Americans to trust us, to trust our government, we need to root out corruption, real corruption, not imaginary voter fraud. We have an opportunity to do that right here and right now. That is what the Restore Trust in Government Act would do. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to recognize the importance of the moment and to defeat the previous question. Once we do, the House can finally pass a stock trading ban. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I stand here not just in strong opposition to this bill but in strong opposition to recent efforts by this administration to take over, literally take over American elections--but not just any American election, this American election, the one that is happening now. Ballots have already been mailed overseas to military voters for several State primaries. I am opposed to this bill and any effort by the President of the United States to nationalize a Federal election for partisan purposes because I believe in this country. I ardently, fiercely believe that the United States, the shining city on a hill, represents the best humanity has to offer. I believe the United States should, it must, stand in defense of and on behalf of every single American. Our Republic was founded on the simple yet revolutionary idea that our American government derives its power from the consent of the governed, from the votes of the people. Yet achieving that idea has required struggle over generations and generations. With the Reconstruction Amendments, since the 19th Amendment, America expanded its right to vote. Americans have defended this right against efforts to restrict access to the ballot, to pull back from history's progress. Congress has repeatedly affirmed and defended the ability for every American to participate in our elections, including through the passage of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965. The principle of government with the consent of the governed is why we are all here today. The principle is what we swore an oath to defend, but this Republican majority has made a sharp turn away from that sacred principle. This bill which we are considering today represents a betrayal of every representative principle of this country. Passage of this bill, support for it from within this Chamber would be a tacit endorsement of a broader ominous, dangerous agenda. The SAVE America Act is not an isolated piece of policy. It is part of a concerted effort by the Republican Party's leadership and this administration, this President, to centralize partisan power over American elections, to diminish the authority of American States, to once again stoke fear and mistrust of immigrants and in our electoral system, all for the partisan gain of Speaker Johnson and the White House this November. Just days ago, President Trump publicly called on Republicans to take over, to nationalize voting across the country. This is not hyperbole. This is not hysteria. These are his words. It should not surprise anyone that the SAVE America Act would require States to provide sensitive personal voter data to Kristi Noem's Department of Homeland Security, to send your personal data directly to the Federal Government, to directly invade your privacy, your family's privacy. Why does the President want to send your information to DHS? Why does he want to take over this election? Why would he advocate for Republican control of Federal elections, a direct affront to the United States' Constitution? Because he knows that without such drastic action, Republicans will lose the midterm elections in 9 months. Just look at recent election results in Virginia. I know the President has. Look at them in New Jersey. Look at them in Texas. Americans know that everything in this country has gotten more expensive under this administration, so it should be no surprise that this bill would make voting more expensive. Passports, which millions of Americans don't have but would need to register to vote, cost $130. But beyond the cost, these Republican efforts to nationalize how we vote have nothing to do with safeguarding our elections. Instead, they threaten the very fabric of American self-government. Now, ensuring the integrity of elections is not only legitimate, it is American. But integrity is achieved through the rule of law, through adherence to our constitution, through trust in the American people, of the electorate. The security of our elections is not advanced, however, by a Department of Justice under Attorney General Bondi that sends an extraordinarily extortionate letter to Minnesota officials. She suggested violence by Federal agents in the Twin Cities would only end if Minnesota just turned over sensitive voter data to the Federal Government, violating your privacy, demanding your information at the barrel of a Border Patrol rifle, the same data the SAVE America Act would force every State in this Nation to surrender. This letter, the President's rhetoric, their push for Americans' personal voter data, none of this can be divorced from the legislative push we see here today. We all know why. The SAVE America Act is part of a comprehensive Republican strategy to cement power this year. Speaker Johnson wants to make it harder for Americans to vote and easier for Washington Republicans to control how elections are run. Let us not forget that elections in this country are administered by clerks, by secretaries of State, and by commissions and bipartisan boards chosen by citizens in every single community in America. They are not run out of the oval office. They are not dictated by partisan interests. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose the SAVE America Act. I implore them to reject efforts that would centralize control in the hands of Donald Trump, Pam Bondi, or Kristi Noem over how Americans vote, over who is allowed to vote. Most of all, I urge this Chamber to reaffirm its commitment to the fundamental democratic principles that all eligible citizens should have the opportunity to participate in free, fair, and secure elections without unnecessary burdens and without partisan interference. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge defeat of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I would ask Mrs. Miller: Do 80 percent of Americans want the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to have your personal, private information and data? I think not. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell), a member of the House Administration Committee.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I have great respect for the gentleman from Tennessee, but I do want to inform him that actually current Federal law prevents noncitizens from voting in Federal elections, so he may want to look that up. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres), who is a member of the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson), who is a fellow member of the House Administration Committee.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I do want to say my distinguished colleague from Florida conveniently left out one part of what this bill does, which is to share your personal, private data with the Department of Homeland Security. From this point forward, if this bill were to become law, every single person, when they register to vote, all their data will be sent to the Department of Homeland Security--not the department of elections, not some other department that has control over the election process--the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, whose people have now killed American citizens on American streets. If that is what Americans want--I am pretty sure Americans do not want that. Somehow the gentleman forgot to mention that that is what this bill does. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I do think the only people in America who are confused about American citizens being the only people voting in Federal elections are my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I think most Americans get that, which is why we see no evidence of the widespread fraud that they keep talking about, talking about a solution desperately in search of a problem. I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Williams).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will comment that we have heard repeatedly that one person who is a non-U.S. citizen voting is too many. I agree. We have laws to prevent it. How many people is it okay to deny, U.S. citizens, who want to participate in the right to vote? To me, that would be the greater evil. We have 80 million Americans--voter-eligible U.S. citizens--who didn't vote in the last Presidential election. Isn't that astonishing? It is a big number, so it is hard to get your head around it. Eighty million Americans didn't participate. I am not saying that is anyone's fault, but I am saying this: Our committee and our House should be focused on how we increase voter participation. How do we make it so that more people feel as though they should engage? That is the only way we will get to the true promise of American democracy, when all 244 million Americans who are U.S. citizens participate in our elections. We should be doing everything we can to make it easy for those people. It is their God-given right, an inalienable right, as we often say. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Bell).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, one other thing States are required to do is States would be forced to give our personal information to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Mr. Speaker, that creates great, great concern for Members on this side of the aisle and I think the vast majority of American citizens. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I do want to just correct one thing. We certainly care about States' rights. We understand what the Constitution says. What I am really concerned about is people's rights. Every American should understand this. I am going to say this again. The SAVE America Act requires States to surrender to DHS every American's entire information on the voter rolls. This is their private and personal voter information. The SAVE America Act is a clear attempt to nationalize elections by involving Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security, the rogue department, into our elections. I would ask people to go up and down their streets. Knock on doors. Ask how many of their neighbors think that is a good idea. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark), the Democratic whip.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments of the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Hageman), but I guarantee that American women are smart, and we believe that. They will be smart enough to see that the legal hurdles and burdens being put in place in front of them by this legislation are not only unnecessary but incredibly burdensome and are an attempt to make their lives so much more difficult. Mr. Speaker, I do just make a comment. Late last night, the Republicans offered a manager's amendment that would move up several of the effective dates in this bill, which was supposed to take effect in 2027. I think it bears noting that if this bill becomes law, it will now be effective immediately. This amendment was offered initially by our colleague, the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace). Chairman Steil took the mantle of it. I am sure that the members of this committee know that Arkansas, Texas, Illinois, Mississippi, and North Carolina all have March primaries. In fact, many of the UOCAVA ballots for these primaries have already been mailed to Americans overseas. How are election administrators in these States even supposed to begin to comply with a new Federal law that takes effect in the middle of voting? This is, quite frankly, election malpractice. It shouldn't be before us. Yesterday, the Committee on House Administration heard from a former executive director of North Carolina's voting who called this effective date unworkable. I think that sums it up well. This is a mistake. It is a mistake in so many different ways. Mr. Speaker, I just say one other thing because I have heard a lot about this now. There is not one person on this side of the aisle who thinks that non-U.S. citizens should be participating in American elections. Not one. Not one has said it, despite the repeated allegations that that is the case. I do ask: Are congressional Republicans okay with masked Federal agents hiding their faces and hiding their badge numbers from the American public while forcing American citizens to turn over their addresses to Kristi Noem's Department of Homeland Security? I suspect not. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.