In the News
Lohud: Op-Ed – Rep. Mike Lawler is delivering for the Hudson Valley despite Washington gridlock | Opinion
By Brendan Martin,
April 16, 2025
Regarding "Mike Lawler said he 'secured' $33M for Hudson Valley community projects. What happened?," lohud.com, April 1: As someone born and raised in Rockland County — and after spending nearly 20 years working in Washington, D.C. — I’ve seen plenty of politicians talk a good game. But Rep. Mike Lawler is different. He doesn’t just talk — he delivers. I’m a lifelong Democrat. I didn’t vote for Mike Lawler in 2022. But I’ve never seen a member of Congress — from either party — show up for the lower Hudson Valley the way he has. In just his first term, Mike helped secure over $70 million in federal investment for our region — including $33 million in vital community project funding announced last fall. These weren’t flashy headlines. They were real, tangible improvements: better sewers, safer streets, stronger infrastructure across Rockland, Westchester and Putnam Counties.Lately, some have tried to twist the facts about how that funding process played out. Let’s be clear: every member of Congress knows community project funding must pass the full appropriations process. Lawler never claimed otherwise. He said — clearly and repeatedly — that the funding passed the House but still required Senate approval. That’s not “false advertising” — that’s transparency. That’s how Congress works. And when the Senate failed to act? That wasn’t Lawler's fault. That was classic Washington dysfunction. When the choice was shutting down the government or moving forward, Mike did the right thing. He voted to keep the government open — knowing full well it might delay funding for his own district. That’s leadership — not politics. Let’s not forget — Lawler is one of the very few freshman Republicans to navigate the complex appropriations process and get real results. That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes work, relationships, and relentless advocacy for the people back home. While others point fingers and play games, Lawler's already resubmitted the same critical projects for FY 2026. That’s steady, no-nonsense leadership — and it’s exactly what New York needs. It’s not only the leadership that New York and the Hudson Valley want — it’s what we deserve. In a Congress paralyzed by partisan bickering, Lawler is doing the job — cutting through the chaos and making sure our communities are seen, heard and funded. I may not have voted for Lawler from the start — but after seeing what he’s accomplished, I’m proud to support him now. Brendan Martin is a resident of Stony Point. |