Press Releases

 Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after a press conference with Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) that announced the reintroduction of the Anti-Congestion Tax Act, a measure aimed at stopping the MTA’s ridiculous congestion pricing cash grab.

“For too long, Hudson Valley commuters have gotten the short end of the stick,” said Congressman Lawler. “With reduced service, no one-seat ride for Rockland County residents, and subways that have become increasingly dangerous, it’s no wonder that ridership is down as more folks commute into the city by car or by telecommuting.”

“Which is why congestion pricing, a ludicrous tax grab by the country’s most mis-managed authority, should be stopped dead in its tracks,” continued Lawler. “Today, I’m proud to stand with Congressman Gottheimer as we reintroduce this bipartisan piece of legislation to prevent the MTA from taking any more money out of the pockets of commuters who have no choice but to travel by car.”

“Billions of dollars of waste, fraud, and abuse exists at the MTA,” concluded Lawler. “And until they get their house in order and stop the corruption, they shouldn’t get another dime in capital grant money.”

“New York City and the MTA are playing Russian roulette with their economy, and are willing to stick it to all of those hard-working commuters from Jersey, the outer boroughs, and the New York City suburbs, like my friend Congressman Lawler represents, with their absurd $23 a day Congestion Tax plan. A plan that, by the MTA’s own admission, won’t reduce congestion or pollution – in fact, it will increase both, including right here in Fort Lee, and, as the MTA put it, will disproportionately impact low-income drivers.” said Congressman Gottheimer. “Just read MTA spelled backwards and it tells you exactly how the MTA looks at New Jersey, outer borough, and other suburban New York drivers right now: as their personal ATM. Enough is enough.”

New York’s 17th District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, is a suburban district located just north of New York City.