Committee on House Administration - Democrats

Trump’s threats to take over our elections are just the latest in a series of extremely alarming and increasingly brazen attempts to subvert the will of the of the American people and hold on to power. While these efforts are clearly intended to disrupt the upcoming midterm elections, the damage to our democracy—if they are successful—will be long-lasting and potentially irreversible.

The ability of voters to elect candidates of our choice is foundational to the American experiment. It is a freedom that generations of Americans fought, bled, and died for—many in my hometown of Selma, Alabama. It is what sets us apart from despotic and oppressive regimes across the globe. And it is what safeguards the liberties that we as Americans hold dear. And yet, it has never been in so much danger.

This is a five-alarm fire for our democracy. It is once again time for principled Republican leaders to muster the courage to say publicly what they say in private. This moment demands that Republicans forcefully and unequivocally condemn Trump's attacks on our elections—just as they did in the aftermath of the January 6th attack—before it is too late.

American democracy will not survive if only one party is committed to upholding the ideals that allow it to function. Its future will depend upon what happens right now.

Just over a year ago, SCOTUS handed down a disastrous ruling giving presidents absolute immunity from criminal prosecution.

Today, I reintroduced my constitutional amendment to make sure presidents are held accountable under the law.

Read more: https://democrats-cha.house.gov/media/press-releases/top-dem-reintroduces-presidential-accountability-amendment-130-original

Today, Ranking Members Joe Morelle, Jamie Raskin, and Gerry Connolly the top Democrats on the Committees on House Administration, Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, respectively, sent a letter to DOJ requesting confirmation that the Department will zealously represent the Government Accountability Office, which is a Legislative Branch agency, in a lawsuit filed by America First Legal Foundation. America First preposterously alleges that GAO is part of the Executive Branch. The courts have repeatedly affirmed DOJ’s authority and responsibility to represent GAO in court. Accordingly, the lawmakers called on DOJ to commit to full, vigorous representation of GAO for the duration of the case in writing by no later than April 23, 2025.

Full text of the letter is available below⬇️

Morelle, Raskin, Connolly Call on DOJ to Fulfill Duty to Defend Legislative Branch Authority Today, Reps. Joe Morelle (NY-25), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Gerry Connolly (VA-11), the top Democrats on the Committees on House Administration, Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform, respectively, sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting confirmation that the Department of Ju...

Non-citizen voting in federal elections is already illegal in American elections. The Republicans’ so-called “SAVE” Act masquerades as a solution to this non-existent problem and instead would restrict voting for millions of eligible American citizens and collectively cost them billions. This bill does not create new requirements for non-citizens. Instead, it imposes absurd new barriers and obstacles for every single American citizen. Ultimately, Americans will have to pay the price, and these communities will suffer the burden: married women, rural communities, military service members and their families, people of color, low-income people, students, Native peoples, and older Americans.

Ranking Member Joe Morelle joined Ali Vitali on MSNBC's Way Too Early to highlight the expansive damage the so-called "SAVE" Act would have on voting rights, if enacted. The bill would restrict voter registration for millions of eligible Americans. Watch the full interview here⬇️

Ranking Member Joe Morelle Joins MSNBC Way Too Early with Ali Vitali on the So-called "SAVE" Act

Ranking Member Morelle issued a statement thanking Capitol Police Chief Manger for “his service and his friendship” following his retirement announcement earlier today.

“Chief Manger’s decision to come out of retirement and lead the Capitol Police after the January 6th attack demonstrates both his character and patriotism. Since taking over at the Department’s hour of greatest need, he professionalized a force in need of steady leadership. I am eternally grateful for his service and his friendship,” said Ranking Member Morelle.

Chief J. Thomas Manger was appointed as the Chief of the United States Capitol Police in July 2021. Chief Manger previously served as chief of police in Montgomery County, Maryland from 2004 to 2019 and the police chief in Fairfax County, Virginia from 1998 to 2004.

Ranking Member Joe Morelle sent a letter with Senator Alex Padilla on the Trump Admin’s plan to recklessly sell federal buildings w/ congressional offices across the country.

“This is yet another example of the reckless incompetence from this Administration’s haphazard attempts to cut government spending,” wrote the lawmakers. “GSA and DOGE must pause any planned cancellations of federal leases for facilities or divestment of federally owned buildings that host Congressional offices or legislative branch agencies. In cases of buildings with Congressional or legislative branch tenants, GSA needs to consult with these tenants and reach appropriate agreements that ensure Members of Congress and legislative branch offices and agencies can fulfill their constitutional and legislative duties safely and securely.”

Read the full letter here:

Ranking Members Morelle, Padilla Slam Trump Administration’s Plan to Recklessly Sell Federal Buildings with Congressional Offices Across the Country Today, U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (N.Y.-25), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, slammed the Trump General Services Administration’s (GSA) ongoing efforts to sell...

Last week, Ranking Member Joe Morelle celebrated the new ADA pick up & drop off zone on the Capitol Campus with Paralyzed Veterans of America, Chair Bryan Steil and Subcommittee of Modernization & Innovation Chair Stephanie Bice. This addition helps increase accessibility of the Capitol, so every American is able to petition their government.

Ranking Member Joe Morelle marked the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday by delivering remarks during the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Jubilee Dinner.

"We know the struggle for voting rights for Black Americans has been a long one. In 1848, Frederick Douglass chose my hometown—Rochester, New York—to make his life...From Douglass in the 19th century, we turn to Selma, in the 20th. Among the marchers was another titan, and personal hero of mine—a man I am truly humbled to have been able to call a colleague—Congressman John Lewis."

Read his full remarks here:

Ranking Member Morelle Marks 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday at The Southern Poverty Law Center Jubilee Dinner Rep. Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, marked the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday by delivering remarks during the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Jubilee Dinner. The following remarks were prepared for delivery.

Today we remember those who came before us and paid with their blood, and some their lives, to fight for the right to vote. The late Congressman John Lewis, was one of those foot soldiers who was brutally beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge that day. He carried the fight for voting rights from Bloody Sunday to the halls of Congress, reminding us that the struggle for the right to vote remains vital today.