CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE LEADS EFFORT TO SAFEGUARD CRITICAL SERVICES DURING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

(Washington, D.C.)— Today, Congressman Joe Morelle called on the Trump Administration to immediately implement contingency measures to preserve essential constituent services amid the ongoing government shutdown.

“When people call our office about delayed checks or other resources they’re rightfully owed, they’re not calling as Democrats or Republicans—they’re calling as Americans who need help,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Rochester families, veterans, and seniors have earned these benefits, and they should not be forced to pay the price of Donald Trump’s political games.”

During a federal government shutdown, many agencies are forced to furlough large portions of their workforce or operate with unpaid personnel, creating severe backlogs and delays. However, President Trump and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, in accordance with a memo Vought issued in the days leading up to October 1, have made plans that go above and beyond standard furloughs and include the permanent elimination of some jobs.

The shutdown is significantly limiting congressional offices’ ability to assist constituents with issues such as Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and immigration services. Just this year, Congressman Morelle’s office has returned over $12.3 million in rightfully-owed benefits to our community.

In a letter—authored by Morelle—to President Donald Trump and OMB Director Russ Vought, a group of House Democrats called for an “immediate solution” to address the lack of operational capacity within federal agencies that has left congressional offices unable to assist constituents seeking help with urgent federal matters.

A copy of the full letter can be found here.

For more information on the current government shutdown and its impacts on federal agencies and services, visit Congressman Morelle’s website here.

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