This week, I stood with local advocates to call attention to the urgent need to uphold the promises our nation made to our Afghan allies. The Trump administration has chosen to dismantle Operation Enduring Welcome and the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE), both essential lifelines for Afghan allies entering the U.S. through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. 

These are brave individuals who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops during the war in Afghanistan. To abandon these individuals is to betray our word, our credibility, and the very ideals we claim to uphold. 

My office continues to assist families navigating the SIV process, and I won’t stop advocating for a stronger, more humane immigration policy that honors our commitments and safeguards our standing as a global leader. 

This week marked the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, two of the most impactful and enduring achievements in our nation’s history. Since their creation in 1965, these programs have served as a critical safety net for millions of Americans, ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare. 

Yet, despite their success, Medicare and Medicaid are under attack. The recently passed budget bill includes deep and damaging cuts to these vital programs that would reduce benefits, increase costs for families, and put essential care out of reach for those who need it most. 

I remain committed to the fight to protect these programs and ensure they remain strong for generations to come. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and I won’t stop working to defend that promise. 

It was an honor to spend time with our vibrant Latino senior community this week when I stopped by Centro de Oro, a center dedicated to the wellness, health, and socialization of our Latino seniors. 

During my visit, I shared an update on the issues most effecting older adults in our community, including devastating cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP from the harmful budget bill. I’m grateful to all the seniors who welcomed me. Their voices matter, and I remain committed to advocating for policies in Washington that protect their dignity, health, and security. 

I had the opportunity to visit the EnCompass summer learning program at Nazareth University—a shining example of how we can invest in our children’s future through education and opportunity. 

Hosted in the Golisano Academic Cetner, this initiative provides rigorous academic support, hands-on enrichment experiences, nutritious meals, and safe transportation, all working to prevent summer learning loss and empower families in our community. 

I look forward to our continued work together to ensure every child has access to the opportunities that build a successful life. 

I am excited to announce a unique opportunity for residents of the 25th Congressional District to give input on the critical issues facing our communities. My office is teaming up with Civic Genius, a program of the National Civic League, to host a new kind of town hall—one designed to bring more voices to the table for a thoughtful and productive conversation. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Residents will discuss issues in small groups and give feedback on different policy ideas—both with each other and with me. This format will allow us to engage in deeper dialogue than at a traditional town hall. 

1. To ensure that constituents from all corners of our district have a voice in the discussion, we will select participants by lottery and create a panel of residents that reflects our district’s demographics. Every resident of the 25th Congressional District is eligible to register. 

Ours will be one of the very first congressional districts in the country to use this innovative town hall format developed by the National Civic League. My goal is to have a real conversation about what people in our district are experiencing, what is most important to you, and how I can best represent you in Congress. Visit the FAQ to learn more. 

Enter the civic lottery here by August 31 at 11:59pm. If you are randomly selected to participate, we will notify you by September 5. 

Even if you are not selected in the lottery, you can give your input here. 

Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family. Due to ongoing actions by the Trump administration affecting federal agencies, case processing may be slightly delayed. We appreciate your patience and remain committed to resolving your cases promptly. 

Until next week, 

Joe Morelle 

New York’s 25th Congressional District