Joseph Morelle

Mr. MORELLE

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

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Latimer), my dear friend.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I was remiss earlier. I want to remind my colleague, Mr. Roy, that an estimated 150,000 women in his district have a different name on their birth certificate than on their photo ID, and 336,000 residents of Texas' 2lst District lack a passport, a cost of $43.7 million to those who would need to get a passport should they choose that. Also, I would like to remind my colleague, Representative Kiley, an estimated 135,000 women in his district have a different name, and roughly 268,000 residents of California's Third District do not have a passport. The cost to them for getting one is $34.8 million. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson), my friend.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The SAVE Act is, to put it nicely, the most severe voter suppression bill ever considered at the Federal level. Coupled with President Trump's recent antivoter executive order, the SAVE Act would end the voter registration process for all Americans as they know it. Republicans have repeatedly failed to present any evidence that noncitizen voting at the Federal level has ever affected the outcome of any election. The SAVE Act will make it harder for American citizens to vote--for married women to vote, for servicemembers, students, rural Americans, senior citizens, Native voters, survivors of natural disasters, and survivors of domestic abuse to vote. It will make voting more expensive, in fact forcing American families to pay billions of dollars just to register to vote. Democrats want a country where every American citizen can vote. That is why we champion bills like the Freedom to Vote Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act, not the SAVE Act. I fiercely oppose this anti-American bill. I urge every one of my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike, to defeat this extremist, antivoter SAVE Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1234. This bill, as has been indicated, modernizes Congress and improves efficiency by eliminating the requirement that the Congressional Research Service print hardbound versions of its Annotated Constitution. This measure, which I am proud to co-lead, passed by voice vote last Congress, and I am hopeful it will again today. I will take a moment to thank my dear friend, the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Mrs. Bice), who chairs the Committee of House Administration's Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation. I thank her for all of her hard work. It is always a delight to work with her. I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, I didn't bring a physical copy of the Annotated Constitution. I am not sure I could lift it, and I think Mrs. Bice is stronger than I am. This mandate to print the Annotated Constitution does come with significant and unnecessary personnel cost for the Congressional Research Service. As Mrs. Bice indicated, eliminating it would save us an estimated $4 million over the next 4 years. At the Committee on House Administration where I have the privilege of serving as the ranking member, we spent a significant amount of time talking about the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo. That case ended four decades of precedent known as the Chevron deference, which required courts to defer to reasonable agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes. While we may not all agree on the merits of this decision, there is bipartisan consensus that unless we want the courts deciding every single open policy question, then we, Congress, have to draft laws that are far more technical in specificity than we do now. That cannot be done without major assistance from subject matter experts such as those at the Congressional Research Service. To that end, it is my hope that the millions we save from passing this bill will be promptly reinvested in CRS to enhance its capacity, an absolutely essential step as Congress continues to work to maintain our Article I authorities and prerogatives. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this practical, forward- thinking legislation. Again, I thank my colleague, Mrs. Bice, for her leadership, her partnership, and her friendship. Mr. Speaker, I consider this a model of bipartisanship. What a great way to start off the week. I again say, in the interests of modernization, saving important taxpayer dollars, and making sure that we are more responsive to the American people, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation. I thank Mrs. Bice again for her bipartisanship, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rochester Community Players theater group on their 100th season. As the second oldest continually operating community theater in the State of New York and a part of the Little Theatre Movement in America, their rich history dates back to 1925, with their opening performance at the Historic German House in Rochester, New York. Today, the group performs throughout our city, providing opportunities for local professionals to share their talents on the stage and behind the scenes. We are blessed to have a vibrant and ever- growing artistic community in Rochester. The Rochester Community Players have been at the helm for an entire century, a remarkable accomplishment. I congratulate President Michael Krickmire and Vice President Elaine Sauer on this momentous occasion and look forward to their continued work to uplift our local talent and provide high-quality entertainment for years to come.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the distinguished career of Randy Gorbman, the News Director of WXXI, who will retire at the end of March. With over 45 years in journalism, he is leaving an indelible mark on the industry and our community as one of the longest-serving news directors in all of New York State. Randy oversees WXXI's daily news operations across radio and digital platforms, all while reporting on local issues himself. Over his career, his work has covered historic moments including Y2K, the tragedy of 9/11, the changes in Rochester's economy and iconic businesses such as Kodak and Bausch + Lomb, and the local jazz festival every year. A steadfast leader in journalism, he has continually upheld the principle that every story matters. I have had the privilege of knowing Randy since my time in the New York State Assembly, and I have always admired his keen ability to delve into complex legislative issues with both thoughtfulness and precision. Those who know him often describe him as insightful, sharp- witted, and deeply dedicated to his craft. His contributions to journalism and our community have been invaluable, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will be difficult to replicate. As he embarks on this well-earned retirement, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for his many years of service. On behalf of the WXXI community and all those who have benefited from his journalism, I wish Randy Gorbman all the best in his next chapter.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking my dear friend and colleague, the chair of the Committee on House Administration, for bringing these bills to the floor and also for his partnership and all the great cooperation that we enjoy. I rise today in support of H.R. 250. The bipartisan legislation would direct the Joint Committee on the Library, as Mr. Steil said, to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the Capitol to be observed by all those blessed to come and tour the United States Capitol. As my colleague and friend, the sponsor of this bill, along with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Chrissy Houlahan have observed-- and I am quite certain will observe once again in just a few moments-- while there are references to Benjamin Franklin across the Capitol and a statue tucked away in a back hallway, it is black when there are no lights on. There is no statue of one of the most important Founding Fathers accessible to the millions of visitors who have the privilege of touring the Capitol each year. This legislation would change that, honoring one of the greatest minds and patriots in American history. Benjamin Franklin was a statesman, diplomat, scientist, inventor, political philosopher, and businessman. His groundbreaking experiments pushed forward scientific understanding, his role as the first Postmaster General created the foundation of our modern mail system, and he was resolutely committed to freeing the Colonies from British rule. He helped draft both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, and he negotiated the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War. His genius has shaped our Nation in innumerable ways, and he deserves to be prominently displayed and honored in the United States Capitol. Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a new statue of Benjamin Franklin. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan), who is my dear friend and the person who has really led this effort.

Mr. MORELLE. In closing, Madam Speaker, I thank the people who have spoken here on an idea whose time has more than come. I think this is the appropriate way, and particularly, as Ms. Houlahan says, in recognition of our 250th anniversary upcoming, this will be the appropriate way to honor one of our truly great founding members of the American Revolution and our country. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted that we are able to pass both of these bills, hopefully unanimously. I think that shows our work together on this committee on two important pieces of really remembering our legacy and our history. Hopefully this helps us to keep that in mind as we continue to navigate these difficult waters and, hopefully to our posterity, that they will remember these moments of people coming together to honor our Founders and to honor our future. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will begin by thanking my friend and colleague, the chair of the Committee on House Administration, Chairman Steil, for his leadership, his friendship, and for helping us get this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 469. This bipartisan legislation would authorize the Architect of the Capitol to bury a time capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, to be opened on our Nation's 500th anniversary in the year 2276. As my colleague and friend has indicated, the items in the capsule will be determined by bipartisan, bicameral congressional leaders. It will include written materials relating to the anniversary, representations of notable legislative and institutional milestones, and a message from this Congress to future colleagues in the 244th Congress. It seems remarkable. The upcoming anniversary marks a powerful testament to the resilience of the American experiment. Our Nation has faced countless tests to our strength and unity, including a civil war, two world wars, natural disasters, and more. Yet, through each challenge, this country has stood and remains committed to fulfilling the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago. As we navigate a time of deep division, partisanship, and growing threats to the values that sustain our democracy, this anniversary serves as a reminder to our shared responsibility to uphold the values of liberty and equality championed by our Founders. I extend my thanks to the Semiquincentennial Commission for its leadership in planning for this momentous occasion, and I particularly commend my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Watson Coleman, for her introduction of this measure. I also acknowledge the service of a fellow New Yorker, former Representative Joseph Crowley, who has lent his time and talents to the work of the Commission, as well. I look forward to seeing the items chosen for the time capsule, and I commend my colleagues to recommend that they support this measure. Mr. Speaker, I note that, last year on the floor, when we passed the bill in the House, I committed to being here when the capsule is opened, so I hope we pass it this year because I am not getting any younger. It is going to be hard to hold on that long, but I am committed to doing it. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman), who has had the leadership to bring this bill to the floor and who will speak on the measure.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Madam Chair, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Virginia, for yielding me time. I rise today in strong opposition to this budget resolution. As an Appropriations Committee member, thoughtful consideration of government spending is a responsibility I don't take lightly. I believe every hard-earned taxpayer dollar must work for all Americans, not fuel wildly irresponsible economic theory. I would like to think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle believe the same thing, given the rhetoric we have all heard over the last several years. So I encourage the American people to watch what House Republicans do, not what they say. Remarkably, instead of lowering costs, this reckless budget resolution bestows tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans while jeopardizing essential healthcare and nutrition programs. For this reason, I strongly oppose the budget resolution authored by House Republicans. Shockingly, gutting programs our communities rely on isn't harmful enough because this resolution will also require taxpayers to borrow another $1.6 trillion over the next 10 years. Our Nation's Founders vested in the House of Representatives the unique set of powers to make it responsive to the will of the people. The father of our Constitution, James Madison, said that ``the House should have an immediate dependence on, and intimate sympathy with, the people.'' House Republicans demonstrate no dependence on nor sympathy with the American people. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this handout to millionaires and billionaires and work on a budget that instead advances the interests of American families.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the inspiring work being done by the Rochester Museum & Science Center, led by curator Jamie Jacobs, to create a new permanent educational exhibit that showcases contemporary indigenous artists inspired by their ancestors. This exhibit, titled: ``Hodinosyo:nih Continuity/Innovation/ Resilience,'' honors the ingenuity of the indigenous people of North America and explores the role museums have played in preserving indigenous cultural heritage. At the heart of the remarkable project is curator Jamie Jacobs of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. His leadership has honored the enduring legacy of the Hodinosyo:nih people and created a space for learning, reflection, and reconnection. The community of Rochester, New York, celebrates this incredible achievement and extends our deepest gratitude to the Rochester Museum & Science Center and Jamie Jacobs for sharing these essential stories.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, in late 2022, President Biden signed the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act (``ECRA'') into law, establishing new requirements for the counting of Electoral College votes pursuant to the Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution (``Twelfth Amendment''). Congress intended that the ECRA clarify the sometimes-ambiguous existing federal law related to the counting of Electoral College votes, as established by the Electoral Count Act of 1887 (``ECA''). The overwhelming purpose of the ECRA was to prevent another attempt to disrupt or subvert an American presidential election through misrepresentation and obfuscation of the law. The ECRA, like the ECA before and within it, is the result of a valid and constitutional use of power by Congress. Article II of the United States Constitution allows each state to appoint its electors to the Electoral College in ``such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct,'' and designates Congress as the body responsible for setting Election Day and the meeting of the Electoral College. Further, the Twelfth Amendment sets the procedures by which the Electoral College must meet and transmit their votes to Congress. Crucially, the Twelfth Amendment empowers Congress--not the President of the Senate, or any other individual or body--to count the Electoral College votes. Furthermore, the Constitution permits Congress to determine the rules for settling any Electoral College disputes, which it has done through the enactment of the ECA and the ECRA. Today's joint session, during which Congress will certify the Electoral College votes of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, will be the first meeting of its sort since ECRA's enactment. As such, this will be Congress's first time counting Electoral College votes in line with the ECRA's requirements. It appears that Kansas's certificate of ascertainment, submitted to the Archivist of the United States, was signed on December 12, 2024-- one day past the statutorily-required deadline for such certificates set by the ECRA. It seems certain that Kansas's certificate of ascertainment would have been signed and transmitted within the statutory deadline but for a small ministerial error entirely unrelated to the results of the election or the authenticity of the certificate. There is no dispute regarding the outcome of the presidential election in Kansas, nor would the inclusion--or exclusion--of Kansas's Electoral College votes determine the outcome of the recent presidential election. Despite the error, it is right that Kansas's Electoral College votes be opened and counted today. In the infancy of the ECRA's new statutory order, it is not surprising that states may misapprehend or overlook the law's requirements. Such minor lapses do not implicate the behavior that the ECRA intends to prevent--the deliberate misapplication or perversion of state or federal law to alter the outcome of a legitimate American election. In this instance, missing the ECRA's statutory deadline for certificates of ascertainment by a single day--due solely to a ministerial error--without other evidence of election-related irregularities, and in a state that will not be determinative to the overall outcome of the presidential election, is insufficient reason to reject Kansas's Electoral College votes. As such, Congress's consideration of the ECRA deadline is limited to the present circumstances. States are not, however, excused from the requirements of the ECRA, and the parties responsible for their states' certification and ascertainment obligations should, in the future, make every effort to ensure that their duties are timely and suitably discharged.

Mr. MORELLE

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Arkansas seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 6 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 6 votes for Vice President. Senator FISCHER. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of California seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 54 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 54 votes for Vice President.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Delaware seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 3 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 3 votes for Vice President. Senator FISCHER. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the District of Columbia seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 3 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 3 votes for Vice President.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Hawaii seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 4 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 4 votes for Vice President. Senator FISCHER. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Idaho seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 4 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 4 votes for Vice President.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Iowa seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 6 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 6 votes for Vice President. Senator FISCHER. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Kansas seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 6 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 6 votes for Vice President.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Maine seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 3 votes for President and Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 1 vote for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 3 votes for Vice President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 1 vote for Vice President. Senator FISCHER. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Maryland seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 10 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 10 votes for Vice President.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of New Mexico seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 5 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 5 votes for Vice President. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of New York seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 28 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 28 votes for Vice President.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Ohio seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 17 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 17 votes for Vice President. Senator FISCHER. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Oklahoma seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 7 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 7 votes for Vice President.

Mr. MORELLE. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Rhode Island seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Kamala D. Harris of the State of California received 4 votes for President and Tim Walz of the State of Minnesota received 4 votes for Vice President. Senator FISCHER. Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of South Carolina seems to be regular in form and authentic, and it appears therefrom that Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida received 9 votes for President and J.D. Vance of the State of Ohio received 9 votes for Vice President.