Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement commending Speaker Mike Johnson for putting forward a robust foreign aid package with support for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

“I commend Speaker Johnson for putting forth this robust foreign aid package which will help our allies in need,” said Congressman Lawler. “Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan are facing existential threats from Iran, Russia, and China, and they need our support now more than ever.”

“We cannot shy away from our responsibility as leader of the free world, lest we let China, Russia, or Iran take the baton,” continued Congressman Lawler. “The events of the past two years make it clear now more than ever that we must lead on the international stage - this foreign aid package will enable the United States to do just that.”

“The inclusion of both the SHIP Act and the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act in this foreign aid package is also critical to cut off Iran’s funding at its source - its illicit oil trade,” stated Lawler. “The more than $88 billion the regime’s taken in since President Biden took office has enabled them to wage a campaign of terror against our troops and allies like Israel - the SHIP Act and the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act will start to undo some of that damage.”

“In addition, I was frustrated to see that a bill that would secure our Southern Border was shot down by selfish individuals acting against the will of the Conference on the Rules Committee,” concluded Lawler. “Make no mistake - we must secure our own border and help sovereign democracies protect their own at the same time - and any member of our conference who wants to subvert the will of the majority should stand aside.”

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.