Joseph Morelle

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 878. While I respect the sponsor of this resolution and appreciate very much her work on behalf of her constituents in southwest Washington, I cannot support this measure. My friend and classmate from the 116th Congress, Representative Chuy Garcia, embodies the highest ideals of the American Dream. Born in Mexico, Representative Garcia moved to the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago in the 1960s and never left. After earning his citizenship in 1977, Representative Garcia graduated from college and began his career in public service with a community-based housing initiative. Since his time as a member of the Chicago City Council, the Illinois State Senate, and Cook County Board of Commissioners, Congressman Chuy Garcia has served his community, the Congress, and our country with great distinction. As it relates to the matter under consideration, in nearly every election he has been a candidate, Representative Garcia has faced opposition in both primary and general elections. Representative Garcia has proven himself unafraid to campaign. He has sought other offices and come up short. During the filing period in Illinois, any qualified citizen and any qualified resident of the State could have filed to challenge Representative Garcia. In fact, Representative Garcia won a competitive primary just last cycle. Throughout his career in public service, Chuy Garcia has demonstrated a broad and deep respect for his constituents. This includes his fierce advocacy for Chicago's immigrant communities, teachers, public employees, and the economically striving and struggling among us. Representative Garcia is a dedicated public servant, and his record of accomplishment is worthy of celebration. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I once again remind the Members that any one of the citizens of this district could have filed petitions. In fact, Mr. Garcia has faced primaries before and general elections before. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Garcia), my very good friend.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat), my friend.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Vermont (Ms. Balint).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Vermont.

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

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Salinas).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), my good friend.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez).

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

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier in the debate, I deeply respect the sponsor of this resolution. We are fellow appropriators, and I observe firsthand the energy and commitment she brings to serving the people of southwest Washington. This resolution is wrong. It shouldn't be before us. The House has so much work we need to do. We need to address the affordability crisis in America, save healthcare, and fight the cost of the actual corruption happening on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. Let's get back to work. I commend my dear friend, Representative Garcia, for his long and distinguished tenure in public life and as a devoted public servant. I wish him and his family the very best as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this ill-conceived resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month to pay tribute to a distinguished community leader from Rochester, New York, Padron-Morales. As co-founder of Hipocampo Children's Bookstore, Henry Padron-Morales has created a space that celebrates culture, diversity, and the power of literacy. Rooted in his Puerto Rican heritage, his vision and leadership have fostered a love of reading while amplifying voices that too often go unheard. Through this work, Henry has become a trusted advocate for inclusivity and cultural pride in our community. Henry's commitment to justice and community leadership began at an early age and has remained a guiding force throughout his life. He helped establish organizations such as the Puerto Rican Youth Development and Resource Center and the Spanish Action Coalition, and he was involved in the first Puerto Rican Festival in Rochester, New York. At the heart of his activism has always been a dedication to ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and that his community has a meaningful seat at the table. Alongside his advocacy, Henry devoted 34 years to the Rochester City School District, most of them as a beloved kindergarten teacher. In his dual-language classrooms, he cultivated environments where children of all backgrounds could learn together, honor one another's cultures, and see themselves reflected in their education. Through his teaching, Henry inspired countless young people to embrace their identities and take pride in their heritage. It is with great pride and admiration that I recognize Henry Padron- Morales this Hispanic American Heritage Month. His steadfast dedication to youth empowerment and cultural celebration uplifts Rochester and serves as an enduring inspiration for future generations.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month to recognize an outstanding business and community leader from Rochester, New York, Orlando Ortiz. Serving as President, Orlando Ortiz has played a pivotal role in shaping and leading the Puerto Rican Festival for over 15 years. He has worked tirelessly to honor Puerto Rican heritage and create a welcoming space where thousands of residents and visitors gather each year. Under his leadership, the festival has become more than an event, it is a unifying force that strengthens community bonds and promotes cultural pride. A native of Cayey, Puerto Rico, Orlando moved to Rochester in 1991 and has carried his heritage with him throughout his life and work. Alongside his leadership of the festival, he has built a distinguished career as Real Estate Investor and Property Manager for RocOn Property Management. In 2019, his impact was recognized when the Rochester Hispanic Business Association named him Hispanic Business Person of the Year. Orlando's commitment to service extends well beyond his professional accomplishments. In 2020, he was honored with the Minett Professorship at the Rochester Institute of Technology, recognizing his leadership and dedication to education and community engagement. The year before, he and his wife, Denishea, were named the NextGen Rochester Young Philanthropists of the Year, a testament to their shared commitment to giving back. Across these roles and recognitions, Orlando has exemplified a steadfast devotion to advancing our community and preserving cultural heritage. It is with great pride and admiration that I recognize Orlando Ortiz during Hispanic American Heritage Month. His professional achievements and civic service have left a lasting mark on both the Hispanic community and the Greater Rochester region.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month to honor an extraordinary advocate from Rochester, New York, Daisy Rivera-Algarin. As a founding member of Latinas Unidas, Daisy Rivera-Algarin has long recognized the vital importance of representation, equity, and cultural pride in community leadership. When she saw that Latina voices were underrepresented in positions of influence, she took bold action, bringing together a group of Latina activists to chart a new path forward by creating Latinas Unidas. Today, the organization stands as a powerful testament to her vision of uplifting Latina women, connecting them with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive, and celebrating the enduring richness of their cultural heritage. Daisy's leadership was also instrumental in creating La Marketa, serving as a vibrant marketplace and community gathering space where food, art, and culture unite. More than just a place to shop, La Marketa serves as a beacon of Rochester's Hispanic community, honoring traditions and offering a cultural home where generations can come together to celebrate their shared identity. It is a living legacy of Daisy's belief that culture is not only to be preserved but to be celebrated openly and proudly. For nearly 25 years, Daisy carried this same commitment into public service through her work with Rochester city government. She began as a Business Development Associate and rose to become Director of Neighborhood Service Centers, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that residents had both a voice and a champion in City Hall. In 2024, her leadership and dedication were recognized with the NYS Women of Distinction Award. Across every role, Daisy combined professional expertise with a cultural perspective and compassion deeply rooted in her heritage. It is a privilege to recognize Daisy Rivera-Algarin during Hispanic American Heritage Month. Her dedication to public service has made an immeasurable impact on our community and will continue to inspire future generations.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month to recognize an outstanding leader from Rochester, New York, Lucia Colindres. Originally from El Salvador, Lucia Colindres came to the United States in 1989, bringing with her a spirit of resilience and service that has defined her life's work. Since that time, she has established herself as a beacon of light in Rochester, devoting her career to championing equity and addressing the most pressing needs of the Latino community. As Chief Program Officer of the Ibero-American Action League, Lucia leads with vision and determination, overseeing vital health initiatives that strengthen families across the region by addressing social determinants such as access to care, nutrition, and housing. Previously, in senior leadership at Rochester Regional Health, she spearheaded innovative pro-Medicaid programs that prioritized prevention and compassion by tackling the root causes of health crises. Through her leadership, Lucia has ensured that Latino families in Rochester are not only supported in times of need but also empowered to build healthier and more fulfilling lives. Lucia's influence extends beyond institutions into the broader community. As a founding member of the Community Health Workers Association of Rochester, she has worked tirelessly to advance and professionalize a workforce that is indispensable to the well-being of families. Through every role she has held, Lucia Colindres has exemplified what it means to lead with both vision and heart by strengthening Rochester, uplifting families, and building a legacy of service that will endure for generations. It is an honor to recognize Lucia Colindres during Hispanic American Heritage Month. Her leadership has strengthened our community, advanced equity, and created opportunities that will endure for generations.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month to recognize an extraordinary artist, educator, and community leader from Rochester, New York, Jason Barber. As a Cuban-American artist and educator, Jason Barber has devoted his creative journey to exploring the intersection of memory and place, weaving together Rochester's histories with the lived experiences of its people. His work reflects on how communities preserve memory, identity, and family history, often drawing inspiration from our city's legacy as the birthplace of modern photography through Kodak Park. Beyond his artistic practice, Jason manages the International Plaza, a vibrant cultural and economic hub that celebrates the diversity of Rochester, New York. Under his leadership, the Plaza has grown into a welcoming space where small businesses, artists, and community members share food and traditions from around the world. His guidance has uplifted local entrepreneurs while fostering stronger connections across the region. Jason's heritage and perspective deeply inform his approach to both art and education. With more than a decade of experience in the arts and nonprofit sectors, he has worked tirelessly to bridge culture and community. His career includes leadership roles as a Creative Consultant and Gallery Director with organizations such as the Rochester Brainery, Oxford Gallery, Memorial Art Gallery, and The Yards Art Collective. Through these roles, Jason has fostered collaborations across disciplines, enriching Rochester's cultural fabric and ensuring that creativity remains a force for connection and inclusion. It is with great pride and admiration that I recognize Jason Barber this Hispanic American Heritage Month. His advocacy continues to uplift and enrich our community, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the gentleman from Massachusetts, the ranking member of the Rules Committee, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as we reach the apparent conclusion of this absurd exercise, it is worth asking: What is the purpose of this bill? This bill will strip away health insurance from nearly 17 million people, devastating communities like mine in Rochester, New York. This bill will recklessly eliminate food assistance for nearly 3 million Americans, including nearly a million senior citizens. This bill will explode the deficit by $3.3 trillion. For what? Well, Mr. Speaker, sometimes the simplest explanation is closest to the truth. We all saw the gaggle of billionaires sitting behind Donald Trump on Inauguration Day earlier this year. The driving force behind this entire legislative effort has been to grant handouts to those same billionaires and special interests all at the expense of hardworking families. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will stop and think again before voting for the worst piece of legislation in generations. But I know one thing for certain, House Democrats will never stop fighting for American families.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to pay tribute to a distinguished community leader from Rochester, New York: Jerome H. Underwood. As Chief Executive Officer of Action for a Better Community and a founding member of the Greater Rochester Black Agenda Group, Jerome Underwood has led with clarity, purpose, and unwavering integrity. Throughout his years of dedicated service, he has been a moral compass and unifying force in our community, championing social justice and equity. Born on the Caribbean island of Antigua, Jerome brought with him to the United States a deep-rooted sense of community and justice. In Rochester, he has emerged as a tireless advocate for racial equity and economic justice, working to expose and dismantle the structural racism that continues to harm communities of color. Jerome's leadership extends far beyond boardrooms and policy tables. He is also a powerful role model for our youth. Merging his love of soccer with a deep passion for mentorship and ``peaceful'' demeanor, he has served as Director of Coaching for the River Flow Soccer Club and President of the Flower City Soccer League. It is with great pride and admiration that I recognize Jerome H. Underwood this Caribbean American Heritage Month. His unwavering commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and community transformation continues to uplift our community here in Rochester and beyond.