Joseph Morelle — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026

Joseph Morelle voted against federal funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2026, which included funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated this was to oppose efforts that enable the administration's immigration policies and prevent further abuse of the system. Morelle criticized ICE actions as "immoral and cruel," citing poor agent training and the death of Renee Good, calling for greater accountability.

““This bill is wrong and deeply disrespectful to the memory of Renee Nicole Good, her family, and everyone whose life has been upended by the chaos and of this administration’s immigration policies. I voted ‘NO,’ and I will continue to oppose efforts that give Donald Trump more power to abuse the system.” Joseph Morelle, Statement from Congressman Joe Morelle on Vote Against Federal Funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

Joseph Morelle voted "Nay" on H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act." He supports restoring Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, advocating for greater healthcare accessibility and affordability to prevent financial hardship for families. Morelle also co-sponsored HR 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Cost Now Act, aiming to lower prescription drug costs, and promotes expanding telehealth services, protecting those with pre-existing conditions, and eliminating surprise medical bills.

““This isn’t about politics or policy, it’s about people whose lives are forever changed without access to affordable healthcare,” continued Morelle. “We owe it to every family to make sure a visit to the hospital never means going broke.” (Congressman Joe Morelle, Press Release, Undated)”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Joseph Morelle voted to establish a federally-protected right to reproductive healthcare, supporting legislation like the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade. He advocates for women's health freedom, stating that reproductive rights are fundamental human rights. Morelle also co-sponsored bills such as the Right to Contraception Act and the EACH Act, aiming to protect access to family planning and abortion coverage in government health plans. He opposes a nationwide ban on abortion.

“"If the extremists now in charge of congress if those republicans have their way they will pass a nationwide ban and that will end all of the protection in women in pro choice state have come to rely on." Said Morelle (13wham.com).”

Joseph Morelle opposed military strikes against Iran, expressing skepticism about the necessity of renewed military action and stating that Americans should not bear the burden of another unending war in the Middle East. He voted against federal funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns over the administration's "immoral and cruel actions" related to immigration and demanding accountability. Morelle also collaborated on letters to CISA leadership regarding election security work, particularly concerning misinformation and disinformation issues.

“If Iran’s nuclear capabilities were truly ‘obliterated,’ as the President claimed last year, renewed military action should be unnecessary. The American people do not support and should not be asked to bear the burden of another unending war in the Middle East.” — Congressman Joe Morelle, Statement from Congressman Joe Morelle, http://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-joe-morelle-7”

Joseph Morelle is an original cosponsor of the Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026. This legislation proposes to invest over $130 billion in the physical and digital infrastructure of public schools. The resources are specifically targeted at high-poverty schools with facilities that pose health and safety risks to students and staff.

Joseph Morelle advocates for meaningful gun reform, supporting measures such as banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, enacting universal background checks, and reducing gun theft and trafficking. He has introduced legislation to strengthen regulations on gun shops and co-sponsored bills like the Assault Weapons Ban (H.R. 1808) and Ethan’s Law (H.R. 748), citing public safety and protecting families as his goals.

“Mass shootings and neighborhood violence have become all too common in our communities, and we cannot stand idly by as senseless gun violence continues to claim innocent lives. I have made my position clear: meaningful, common-sense gun reform is an absolute necessity." - Joseph Morelle, morelle.house.gov (undated)”