Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 6/12/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) slammed Governor Kathy Hochul during a House Committee on Oversight hearing on sanctuary policies, highlighting her previous political messaging and her work to block illegal immigrants from being issued driver's licenses in New York State, which she no longer supports, instead favoring giving illegal immigrants driver’s licenses.

WATCH: CONGRESSMAN LAWLER SLAMS GOVERNOR HOCHUL OVER FAILED SANCTUARY POLICIES

In questioning Governor Hochul, Congressman Lawler emphasized that her sanctuary jurisdiction policies—reissued under her watch—have increased crime and shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities in ways that American Citizens are not protected. 

“Governor Hochul has repeatedly demonstrated that she prioritizes illegal immigrants over hardworking, tax-paying New Yorkers,” said Congressman Lawler. “Her refusal to rescind harmful sanctuary executive orders, despite possessing clear authority to do so, reveals a troubling disregard for the well-being and safety of her constituents.”

“Under Governor Hochul's watch, New Yorkers are being forced to fund an unprecedented crisis with their own hard-earned money, even as resources are diverted from critical needs, such as education in my district,” Lawler added. “The Governor’s policies have been disastrous, and yet she continues to double down rather than admit her administration’s failures.”

Lawler ended by calling on Governor Hochul to clarify whether she supports the NY4All Act, a bill that would codify New York as a sanctuary state. Governor Hochul deflected from answering the question of whether she supports the bill, saying, “You’ll have to wait and see.” 

“Enough is enough,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “New Yorkers deserve a governor who prioritizes their safety and prosperity, not political grandstanding and irresponsible governance. Governor Hochul must act now and rescind these harmful policies.”

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.

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