Joseph Morelle

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to recognize a trailblazing leader and advocate from Rochester, New York: Norma Thom. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Norma brought to the United States a deep commitment to culture, education, and service. After arriving in Rochester, she transitioned from her role as a schoolteacher to become a prominent voice for the Caribbean American community. Norma is a founding member of The Rochester West Indian Festival Organization, a nonprofit that has celebrated and promoted Caribbean heritage in Rochester for over 42 years. Through her leadership, she has fostered unity, cultural pride, and greater visibility for Caribbean Americans across our region. Beyond her community advocacy, Norma also built a distinguished professional career. She spent 29 years at Eastman Kodak Company, where she worked in the supply chain and logistics department. She retired in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in both her workplace and her community. It is an honor to recognize Norma Thom during Caribbean American Heritage Month. Her enduring legacy continues to uplift Rochester and inspire future generations.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to recognize an exceptional public servant from Rochester, New York: Marlene Henry. As the owner of PeppaPot Catering, Marlene Henry is far more than a business owner--she is a quiet but powerful force for good in our community. Time and again, she has offered her culinary talents in service of others, often at her own expense. Whether providing food at no cost to those in need or offering discounted services for community events, Marlene exemplifies the spirit of generosity that defines Caribbean American heritage. Her commitment to service extends well beyond the kitchen. Marlene is among the first to volunteer for community events, including Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations, Mother's Day initiatives, and cultural festivals. She approaches every act of service with humility, never seeking recognition, but always delivering excellence. Marlene's impact is also felt through her efforts to pass on cultural traditions to the next generation. She devotes time to teaching young people how to prepare and appreciate authentic Caribbean dishes, ensuring that the flavors, stories, and values of our shared heritage endure. It is my distinct honor to recognize Marlene Henry this Caribbean American Heritage Month. Her deep compassion, cultural pride, and unwavering service enrich our community and inspire us all.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to recognize an extraordinary leader from the Rochester community: Roosevelt Mareus. As Executive Director and Dean of the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, or REOC, Roosevelt Mareus has led with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Under his leadership, REOC has continued its vital mission of empowering individuals, helping countless students break the cycle of poverty and reach their utmost potential. Born in Haiti, Roosevelt's journey is one of remarkable resilience and transformation. As a young man overcoming adversity, he found direction and opportunity through the very institution he would one day lead. Beginning his career at REOC as a security guard, he steadily rose through the ranks to become Executive Director. His life story is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Roosevelt's passion for service extends far beyond Rochester. Deeply connected to his Haitian roots, he founded Elevate Haiti Ministries, an organization dedicated to building an orphanage and school in Haiti. Over the past decade, Elevate Haiti has offered critical education and housing for young boys. During Caribbean American Heritage Month, it is my great privilege to recognize Roosevelt Mareus. His leadership and service continues to inspire and uplift communities both here at home and abroad.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to recognize an exceptional public servant from Rochester, New York: Rose Bonnick. Born in Jamaica, Rose is a proud member of the Caribbean American community and a tireless advocate for equity and opportunity. As a Monroe County Legislator and Community Affairs Coordinator for New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, she has dedicated her career to amplifying underrepresented voices and advancing policies that create a lasting impact. Whether championing local initiatives or supporting statewide policy efforts, she brings passion and dedication to every role she undertakes. Rose is known for her unwavering commitment to uplifting her constituents, addressing systemic disparities, and building a stronger, more inclusive Rochester. She embodies the very essence of public service, leading with empathy and an unshakable belief in the power of community. Long before she held public office, Rose was deeply embedded in the Rochester community through her longstanding work helping Jamaican immigrants navigate complex landscapes of services and programs. She became affectionately known among family and friends as a ``community connector''--someone with a unique ability to guide others through the hoops and ladders of life. Her knowledge of local systems and her natural inclination to serve positioned her as a trusted resource and advocate, particularly for new arrivals seeking stability and opportunity. She consistently creates spaces for engagement, education, and empowerment, fostering the next generation of civic leaders. Her vision of a more just and equitable society is not just spoken--it is actively pursued through her daily work and presence in the community. This Caribbean American Heritage Month, it is with deep respect and admiration that I recognize Rose Bonnick. Her advocacy continues to uplift and enrich our community, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary leader, visionary, educator, and friend, David C. Munson, Jr., on his retirement after 8 transformative years as president of the Rochester Institute of Technology and over four decades in higher education. Under President Munson's leadership, RIT soared into the top 100 national universities, doubled global learning opportunities, expanded Ph.D. programs, and guided over $500 million in capital projects that have reimagined the student experience. His visionary work has positioned RIT as a nexus of technology, design, and global impact. Dr. Munson's legacy will continue to inspire generations at RIT. I am grateful for his friendship, unwavering commitment to creativity, and belief in the limitless potential of students and scholars alike. Mr. Speaker, I wish him and his wife, Nancy, all the best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize an extraordinary individual from Rochester, NY, whose commitment to service and leadership continues to uplift our Jewish community: Nathan (Nick) Robfogel. Nick Robfogel has long exemplified civic responsibility, compassion, and tireless devotion to the betterment of our region. As Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Max and Marian Farash Foundation, he has guided philanthropic efforts that have empowered countless individuals and organizations across Rochester. Prior to his retirement, Nick served as a distinguished partner at Harter Secrest & Emery, where he combined his legal acumen with a deep-seated sense of justice. A dedicated member of the Board of Governors for the Jewish Federation, Nick has played a pivotal role in strengthening Jewish life and fostering a culture of generosity and community-mindedness. His decades of service and thoughtful leadership have made him an indispensable figure in our region. During Jewish American Heritage Month, it is my great privilege to recognize Nick Robfogel. His legacy of philanthropy, wisdom, and community-building stands as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month to pay tribute to a remarkable spiritual leader and community advocate from Rochester, NY: Rabbi Alan Katz. Rabbi Katz served with grace and wisdom as the rabbi of Temple Sinai from 1986 to 2020, and now holds the distinguished title of Rabbi Emeritus. Throughout his decades of service, Rabbi Katz has been a moral compass and unifying force in our community, fostering interfaith dialogue, social justice, and compassion. He has held leadership roles with numerous organizations including the Rochester Board of Rabbis, Jewish Community Federation, the Levine Center to End Hate, and the Commission of Christian-Jewish Relations. His commitment to promoting peace and understanding transcends borders, exemplified by his work with the Partnership Together program connecting Rochester and Modi'in, Israel, where he served as co-chair for four years. In 1995, Rabbi Katz was awarded the State of Israel Peace Award, a fitting recognition of his life's work. Today, he continues his service through the National Rabbinic Council of ARZA and World Union for Progressive Judaism, guiding the global Reform Jewish movement. It is with profound respect and admiration that I recognize Rabbi Alan Katz this Jewish American Heritage Month. His legacy of leadership, advocacy, and deep spiritual care continues to bless our community and beyond.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month to recognize a remarkable leader and educator in our Rochester Jewish community: Monica Gurell. Monica Gurell serves as the President of Temple B'rith Kodesh, where she has led with passion, humility, and inclusiveness. She began her journey at TBK by nurturing young minds--teaching a class of four-year- olds--and later, with her husband Dan, advising the youth group for five years. Her sustained commitment and deep sense of purpose led her to the board in 2010 and eventually to her current leadership role. A veteran teacher in the Rochester City School District, Monica has also volunteered extensively throughout the Jewish community, including service on the board of Jewish Family Services. Her experience in the Wexner Heritage Program--a prestigious two-year leadership initiative-- helped her forge deeper bonds across our city and champion unity across diverse Jewish organizations. It is an honor to recognize Monica Gurell during Jewish American Heritage Month. Her unwavering dedication to faith, education, and community has enriched the lives of countless others and continues to serve as a beacon of strength.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the 200th anniversary of the birth of Antoinette Brown Blackwell, a trailblazer born in my district in Henrietta, New York, and the first woman ordained as a mainstream Protestant minister in the United States. Antoinette dedicated her life to justice, equality and faith. She captivated audiences as a lecturer on women's rights and temperance and preached wherever she was welcome. In 1850, she proudly stood at the first National Women's Rights Convention. Committed to voting rights, she lobbied President Theodore Roosevelt for suffrage and remained a steadfast advocate for women. At age 95, she cast her very first vote, proof her decades of advocacy helped transform our Nation. She was a minister, a reformer, a writer, and, above all, a woman of courage and conviction. We remember Antoinette Brown Blackwell not just for what she achieved but for the path she paved for generations to follow. Let us honor her on her 200th birthday and follow in her footsteps as we fight to protect every American's right to vote.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed Roll Call No. 115 and Roll Call No. 116 on May 5, 2025. Had I been present for Roll Call No. 115, I would have voted YEA, and had I been present for Roll Call No. 116, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed Roll Call No. 111 on April 30, 2025. Had I been present for Roll Call No. 111, I would have voted NAY.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable career of Peter Robinson, the Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the University of Rochester, who retired at the end of March after more than 35 years of exceptional service. Throughout his tenure, Peter played a vital role in advancing the University's mission, leading its federal, state, and community relations efforts with great skill and dedication. Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in the University's affiliation with NextCorps, strengthening support for the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, and building lasting partnerships with state and local leaders. Peter's advocacy helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the University and Medical Center including $50 million for the Saunders Research Building and $50 million for the Emergency and Inpatient Tower. He has also secured major funding for the Eastman School of Music expansion, Wegmans Hall, the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the Kornberg and Del Monte Biomedical Research Buildings. Beyond his professional contributions, Peter served for 30 years in the New York Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of colonel. His deep commitment to veterans' issues continued through his work with the University's Veterans Alliance, demonstrating his enduring dedication to service. I have known Peter since the start of my career and have always admired his insightful and strategic approach to complex legislative matters. His numerous contributions to the University and our community are immeasurable. He has built an incredible legacy that will strengthen and inspire future generations. As he embarks on the next chapter, I extend my deepest gratitude for his decades of service and unwavering leadership. On behalf of the University of Rochester community and all those who have benefited from his work, I wish Peter Robinson all the best in his retirement.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, together with President Trump's recent voting- restrictive executive order, the SAVE Act would cripple American elections. It would end voter registration in the United States as we know it. The SAVE Act would end mail-in registration. You heard that right, Mr. Speaker. All those States and all those people who register by mail--not vote by mail--registration by mail, it would end that. American citizens would have to appear in person at an election office and bring with them various documents and forms to register to vote. Think about it, Mr. Speaker. Just to exercise your fundamental, inalienable rights as a citizen of this country, Republicans would force Americans into a paperwork nightmare, burying voter registration under a mountain of bureaucracy and red tape. So what exactly would the SAVE Act do? It would create enormous burdens for every American citizen who seeks to register to vote. Let's dig into the details. As my Republican colleague and friend admitted at the Rules Committee, under the SAVE Act, most Americans would be unable to register to vote using their REAL ID. Further, under the SAVE Act, almost 70 million American women will be unable to register to vote using their birth certificate simply because they changed their name upon marriage. The bill would disenfranchise survivors of domestic abuse who have changed their names for safety purposes, which is truly shocking. The SAVE Act will also have a steep financial cost to American citizens because, yes, the SAVE Act does allow Americans to use their passports to register to vote, but one-half of all Americans do not have a passport, and a passport costs $130 plus additional fees. So the SAVE Act would cost American voters who do not have passports billions of dollars to secure them. Americans are facing rising costs exacerbated by the recent Trump tariffs. Economists are warning about a looming Trump recession. Let's face it. The SAVE Act would force U.S. citizens to spend billions of dollars to register to vote. This includes rural voters, many of whom now register to vote online or by mail, who will be forced to drive hours and cross hundreds of miles to present documentary proof. This includes senior citizens who are particularly likely to lack documentary proof of citizenship, including passports, copies of their birth certificates, or other documents. What about the men and women in uniform who serve our country all over the world? Can a member of our military use their military ID? Surely military IDs should be enough to register to vote, but not according to the SAVE Act. Servicemembers will need to bring their military ID and a copy of their service record showing their place of birth within the United States. However, many servicemembers were born abroad, say to military parents overseas. Many are naturalized citizens. Those servicemembers will be blocked from using their military ID to register to vote. Mr. Speaker, do you remember the SAVE Act's requirement that Americans show their documentation in person at an election office? It will have drastic consequences. The SAVE Act will prevent members of our Armed Forces from registering to vote while deployed overseas. Moreover, the SAVE Act is not actually meant to prevent noncitizens from voting. The SAVE Act is really about silencing Americans. This bill is about disenfranchising Americans, not noncitizens, but Americans, Americans like James Wilson. James Wilson is an Arizona voter whom I met with last week. He was meant to join us in the gallery. He flew all the way to Washington, D.C., last week to watch Congress debate the SAVE Act. He was forced to fly home after the Speaker canceled 3 days of legislative work. Mr. Wilson is an American citizen, born in Japan to a military father during the Vietnam war. Mr. Wilson is also a veteran. He proudly served our Nation overseas, including in Korea and Germany. Like millions of Americans, Mr. Wilson does not have a passport because he does not need a passport. Like millions of Americans, Mr. Wilson does not have access to his birth certificate. When Arizona introduced a restrictive voter registration law, a law just like the SAVE Act, Mr. Wilson's right to vote was imperiled. Mr. Wilson did not have any of the documents required by the Arizona law and required by the SAVE Act to prove his citizenship. But for a last- minute emergency court order, Mr. Wilson, an American citizen, a veteran, and a patriot, would not have been able to vote this past election. If the SAVE Act becomes law, Americans nationwide will face the same bureaucratic nightmare that Mr. Wilson faced in Arizona. The SAVE Act will force Americans like Mr. Wilson to pay billions of dollars to exercise their inviolable right to vote. House Republicans want to increase the burdens and amplify the costs in time, in money, and in effort for American citizens to vote. House Democrats do not. The SAVE Act would cost American citizens something deeply important, something essential to the soul of this Nation, the right to freely and fairly participate in our elections. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge defeat of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I always appreciate the work of my colleagues from the committee. We agree on many things, but this is certainly not one of them. I want to reflect on what the gentlewoman from Florida and others have said several times, that the SAVE Act allows States to create a process to provide additional proof of citizenship. Why not write it in the bill? Why are we making the potential for 50 different standards to be set to prove citizenship? What additional forms would be used, a birth certificate together with an ID, also including a marriage certificate, also including a record of a changed name? What must survivors of domestic abuse provide? Must they provide court orders protecting them from stalkers, restraining orders, divorce records, divorce papers? How much would that cost? How much paperwork do Republicans want Americans to drown in? Further, how long will these new rules take? The SAVE Act takes effect immediately. What if States take months or years to amend their systems? What if they never do it? You might have someone interested in voting, but their State hasn't acted. They have no way of proving that the name on their birth certificate, which differs from the name on their ID, is because they got married. They would be unable to register to vote. Here is what we do know. President Trump's executive order doesn't want any alternative forms of identification, no alternative State processes, no additional avenues for voters. Why would we expect the EAC to disregard the President's clear desire to limit documentary proof of citizenship to a small, exclusive, difficult-to-obtain list of options? I would say in addition to my dear friend--and I mean that sincerely--the gentleman from Wisconsin, I would like to remind him that an estimated 165,000 women in his district in Wisconsin have a different name on their birth certificate than is on their current photo ID. Under the SAVE Act, these women could not register using their birth certificate alone. Roughly 340,000 residents in Wisconsin's First District lack a passport, so the SAVE Act could cost voters in the district $45 million if they chose to comply that way. I would also like to remind my colleague and friend, Representative Lee, an estimated 170,000 women in her district have a different name on their birth certificate than on their photo ID. Likewise, under this bill, these women could not use their birth certificate to register to vote because they have a different name now than at birth. Roughly 368,000 residents of Florida's 15th District lack a passport. It would cost voters in the district at least $47.8 million to secure a passport to register to vote. These are the facts. This is what the bill requires. We should not gloss over it because this is a mountain of bureaucratic red tape. If you can't get it right in the bill, if you don't list marriage license in the Federal bill, and it is left to the States, who knows how and when we resolve these issues. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman from Oregon an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to make note of the point that REAL ID in the United States does not have citizenship in almost all States. A handful have it. You couldn't even use your REAL ID. If we are talking about voter ID and photo ID, it doesn't even allow you to vote under the SAVE Act. The gentlewoman should read the bill. It doesn't allow it, and I think that is part of the problem. I would also note, Mr. Speaker, in Representative Miller's district, an estimated 150,000 women have a different name on their birth certificate than their current photo ID. Under the SAVE Act, these women could not use their birth certificate to register to vote and would not be able to use their ID, their driver's license. Roughly 414,000 residents of Illinois' 15th District lack a passport. The SAVE Act would cost voters in Mrs. Miller's district $53.8 million should they avail themselves of a passport to prove the requirements of the SAVE Act. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Ross).

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I remind the gentleman that, in the United States of America, you have to be a U.S. citizen to vote in a Federal election. If you are not, you are subject to penalties for attempting to register to vote, and you are subject to felonies and deportation if you do vote and are not an American citizen. That is the current law. I also remind my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock), that an estimated 135,000 women in his district have a different name on their birth certificate than they have on their current photo ID, and roughly 290,000 residents of California's Fifth District lack a passport. The cost to those voters would be $37.7 million to get passports. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Williams), my dear friend.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Georgia.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I hate to disagree with my dear friend, the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice), but the words ``marriage certificate'' do not appear anywhere in the SAVE Act. In fact, it could have been written in that way since Republicans are adding all these lists and requirements for people to do. Yet, it actually does make it harder for almost 70 million American women to vote. Eighty-four percent of women choose their husband's name when they get married. That is just a statistic. As we have discussed, under the SAVE Act, most Americans will be unable to use the standard-issued driver's license when registering to vote because most REAL IDs don't include citizenship on them. They don't automatically update if you haven't registered at all. When you go to register, there is nothing to update. You have your birth certificate. In the case of Mary Beth Bauer, that is what it says on her certificate. Her driver's license now says ``Mary Beth Morelle.'' She would not be able to register using those two pieces of information. She would have to get an additional piece of documentation to register, which is not identified in the SAVE Act. Mr. Speaker, I think we have talked about it at length. This is clearly intended to make it much more difficult. According to House Republicans, none of these women should be allowed to register to vote. They are roughly 25 percent of the U.S. citizen voting age population. I also suggest to my friend from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice) that an estimated 179,000 women in her district have a different name on their birth certificate than a current photo ID, and roughly 394,000 residents of Oklahoma's Fifth District lack a passport. The SAVE Act would cost them $51.3 million to secure passports. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Mullin), my dear friend.

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 note that while the previous speaker, Ms. Boebert, has not had to bring all of those documents, she hasn't had to register to vote under the SAVE Act. That is actually the point. Mr. Speaker, I also remind her that an estimated 159,000 women in her district have a different name on their birth certificate than they have on their current photo ID and that roughly 284,000 residents of Colorado's Fourth District lack a passport. The SAVE Act could cost them $36.9 million to secure passports in order to register to vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez), my friend.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I think my colleagues doth protest too much. I have read the bill many times. I have debated the bill. There is nothing in the bill that allows you to bring a marriage license to prove who you are when you register to vote. You will have to do all the things we suggest you will have to do, and that is exactly the problem. I will also remind my colleague and friend from Florida that in Mrs. Cammack's district, an estimated 170,000 women in her congressional district have a different name on their birth certificate than on their current photo ID and that roughly 409,000 residents of Florida's Third Congressional District lack a passport. The cost to those individuals: $53.1 million to secure passports. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell), my dear friend and distinguished member of our committee and the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Elections of House Administration.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman's comments lead me to the question: Do Republicans believe that every attestation under Federal law is rife for subversion? Americans must attest under penalty of perjury that their tax returns contain correct information. Do Republicans want to end this honor system by requiring Americans to provide even more documentation to the Internal Revenue Service? It is a Federal crime to lie on alcohol, tobacco, and firearms Form 4473, the firearms transaction record. That form is filled out under the same honor system that governs voter registrations. Are you telling me that Republicans are open to strengthening gun licensing laws in the United States and no longer accept attestation? Each of us must submit records to the FEC, attesting under penalty of perjury that our campaign committee reports are accurate. Do Republicans now want to provide the American people greater transparency around political spending because if they do, I have a bill they can support, the Freedom to Vote Act. I will also suggest to the gentleman, Representative Bean, that an estimated 170,000 women in his district have a different last name on their birth certificate than is on their current photo ID and roughly 397,000 residents of Florida's Fourth District do not have a passport. It would cost them $51.7 million to secure one. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway).

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

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Figures), my friend.