Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement regarding an update to his press policy at town halls:

During my first year in Congress, I have accepted more interview requests from the press than many of my colleagues in the state of New York, and have regularly granted television, radio, podcast, and print interviews on a wide range of topics.

I’ve also hosted thousands of constituents of the 17th Congressional District at public town hall meetings and mobile office hours in all four counties of my district.  In doing so, I have been sought to be more open and accessible than my predecessors.

In an effort to make those town halls as hospitable and welcoming as possible to my constituents, our office put in place a policy that prohibited members of the press, who were not constituents, from attending, and requested that no cameras be used during the town hall.

The goal was to prevent these town halls from being hijacked by out-of-district political grandstanders desperately searching for a viral video clip, and instead geared towards hearing directly from constituents with serious questions or concerns.

Upon reflection, while well-intentioned, these rules could have been explained and implemented in a better way.  To that end, effective immediately, I am making the following changes:

• Officially credentialed members of the press will be allowed regardless of their residency, so long as they register with my staff ahead of time.  
• Cameras and recording devices operated by members of the credentialed press will also be allowed without restriction.
• At the conclusion of each town hall, and after I have had an opportunity to engage with all constituents seeking to speak with me, I will hold a press gaggle and take questions.
• Our rule allowing only 17th District constituents to attend will still be enforced.

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.