Investing in the Hudson Valley
|
Bringing federal resources home and delivering real results for the communities I represent are among my top priorities in Congress. From public safety and infrastructure to honoring local heroes and helping individual constituents, my focus is always on strengthening the Hudson Valley. Honoring Local Heroes The Hudson Valley has produced extraordinary individuals whose courage, service, and contributions deserve lasting national recognition. I introduced the bipartisan Welles Remy Crowther Congressional Gold Medal Act to posthumously award one of our nation’s highest civilian honors to the “Man in the Red Bandana.” Welles, a volunteer firefighter from Upper Nyack and a proud son of Rockland County, selflessly returned again and again to the South Tower on September 11, 2001, to guide people to safety. His bravery saved numerous lives before he made the ultimate sacrifice. His story continues to inspire our community and the country, and this legislation will ensure Congress permanently recognizes his legacy. I also reintroduced legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the late James Earl Jones, a longtime resident of the Hudson Valley. His unparalleled talent and contributions to American culture left an enduring mark on our nation, and it is fitting that Congress formally honors his lifetime of achievement. In addition, I have advanced legislation through the House that names local post offices after distinguished public servants from our district:
These tributes are about more than buildings or medals; they ensure the service and sacrifice of local heroes continue to inspire future generations of Hudson Valley residents. Supporting Law Enforcement and First Responders Our police officers, sheriffs, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. They deserve the resources, training, and support necessary to do their jobs effectively. I secured $6.8 million in federal funding for the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office through the annual appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2026. This investment includes resources for crime prevention efforts, essential equipment, and the construction of a modern reality-based training facility that will strengthen law enforcement capacity across Rockland County for years to come. I also introduced the Public Housing Rent Reduction for First Responders Act to make it more affordable for full-time police officers, firefighters, and EMTs to live in the communities they serve. When first responders can afford to live where they work, our entire region is stronger and safer. Delivering Local Infrastructure Investments Strong communities need reliable infrastructure. Through the Community Project Funding process, I have secured $80 million for critical, locally driven projects across New York’s 17th District. These investments support:
These are not Washington-driven mandates. Town supervisors, mayors, and community leaders identify these priorities because they know their towns best. I will continue working to bring federal resources home so our villages, towns, and cities have the tools they need to thrive. Helping Hudson Valley Residents Navigate Federal Agencies One of the most important and personal parts of my job is helping constituents cut through federal bureaucracy. Whether you are dealing with a delayed Social Security or Medicare issue, a veterans' benefits claim, an IRS problem, a passport or visa delay, or any other matter involving a federal agency, my office is here to help. To date, my office has closed over 9,500 cases and delivered more than $52 million back to constituents. My dedicated casework team works directly with federal agencies on your behalf to resolve problems, track down answers, and advocate for the assistance you need. If you are a resident of New York’s 17th Congressional District and are facing a challenge with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to serve you. To get help with a federal agency, please call my office at (845) 201-2060 or visit this webpage: https://lawler.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.htm Whether it is honoring the heroes who have shaped our community, backing the men and women who keep us safe, delivering practical infrastructure investments, or helping individual families solve problems with the federal government, my commitment remains the same. I will continue fighting to make the Hudson Valley stronger, safer, and more resilient for the families who call it home. |