Press Releases

Pearl River, N.Y. - 4/17/2025… Today, in response to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s rally in Rockland County, where he falsely - and without evidence - accused Congressman Mike Lawler of cutting Medicaid, Rep. Lawler called Sen. Schumer “an inveterate liar” with a shameful record of putting partisan politics ahead of what’s best for New Yorkers. 

“When Chuck Schumer got to Washington, D.C., our national debt was less than one trillion dollars, and today it’s $36 trillion and climbing with no end in sight. Any New Yorker - including the press - who takes him seriously on budget and spending issues should have their head examined,” said Rep. Lawler. “After 50 years in elected office, I wouldn’t trust Chuck Schumer to run a lemonade stand, let alone the federal government. No wonder he’s petrified of AOC.”

Rep. Lawler specifically refuted bogus claims made by Sen. Schumer related to Medicaid. 

“I have never and will never vote to cut Medicaid benefits for eligible recipients who rely on this program. Period. Full stop. Any accusation to the contrary is a lie and Sen. Schumer knows it,” added Rep. Lawler. “The difference between Sen. Schumer and me is that he wants to continue wasting billions of dollars providing Medicaid to illegal immigrants, who should be cut off immediately, and able-bodied young adults who would rather scam the system than try to find a job. Schumer is the reason our country is going broke, and New Yorkers pay the nation’s highest taxes. Instead of lying about me, he should be forced to answer for that.”

Rep. Lawler also criticized Schumer over a host of other key issues. 

Notably, that Senator Schumer blocked the Antisemitism Awareness Act during the 118th Congress, legislation that garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the House, which combats the alarming rise in antisemitism nationwide. Schumer reportedly caved to pressure from the radical fringe of his party, choosing party politics over protecting Jewish communities.

That Schumer was unable to advance any funding bills last year, forcing the House into repeated Continuing Resolutions for FY2025. As a result, important projects in New York, like clean water upgrades, public safety programs, and infrastructure improvements, have since been delayed.

“When you look up ‘failed career politician’ in the dictionary, Sen. Schumer’s picture should be right next to it,” concluded Rep. Lawler. 

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

###