[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H9499-H9500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       WELCOMING THE HONORABLE JOSEPH D. MORELLE TO THE HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Engel) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, as co-dean of the New York delegation, along 
with my colleague Congresswoman Lowey, the New York delegation is 
pleased to welcome our newest colleague, Joe Morelle, representing New 
York's 25th District in upstate New York.
  Joe has been elected to the seat of our beloved and departed 
colleague Louise Slaughter. Joe hails from Irondequoit and, like 
myself, served in the New York State Assembly. He was elected to that 
body in 1990 and became majority leader in 2013.
  He graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor's degree in political 
science and began his political career at age 28 as a Monroe County 
legislator. Congressman Morelle and his wife, Mary Beth, are well known 
and well loved, and we are so happy to have Joe Morelle as one of our 
colleagues.
  Congratulations, Joe.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Morelle).
  Mr. MORELLE. I thank the Speaker and his staff for the courtesies 
they have extended to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank, first of all, my wife, Mary Beth; my 
entire family; and many dear friends who have traveled to be with us 
today and those at home watching for their unwavering love and support. 
I would also like to thank my long-time friend, Congressman Eliot 
Engel, for that

[[Page H9500]]

kind introduction and the warm welcome all my colleagues in the New 
York delegation have extended to me.
  I am humbled to take the oath of office. It is truly the honor of a 
lifetime to serve New York's 25th District as a Member of the House of 
Representatives.
  Indeed, I have very big shoes to fill. Congresswoman Slaughter was 
truly a remarkable individual who shattered ceilings and blazed trails. 
More than that, she was a dear friend to me for over 30 years, and I 
will be forever grateful for her guidance, devotion, and friendship. It 
is a special privilege to be able to carry on her vital and important 
work.
  I look forward to the days ahead and our work together to support our 
neighbors in need, to advance society for future generations, and to 
build a stronger, more vibrant America.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

                          ____________________