Press Releases
Congressman Mike Lawler Joins Constituents Highlighting Districtwide Casework Success
Upper Nyack, N.Y.,
October 20, 2025
Upper Nyack, N.Y. – 10/20/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) hosted a press conference at the Upper Nyack V.F.W. Post 9215 to highlight the work his office continues to do for Hudson Valley residents during the ongoing government shutdown, ensuring that families, seniors, and small businesses can still get help from federal agencies when they need it most. Congressman Lawler brought together a group of constituents from NY-17 who shared their personal experiences working with his office to resolve challenges with federal agencies. WATCH: Congressman Mike Lawler Joins Constituents Highlighting Districtwide Casework Success Since taking office in January 2023, Congressman Lawler’s team has closed more than 7,400 constituent cases and returned over $37.8 million to residents through the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, the VA, and other federal agencies. “Even in the middle of this shutdown, my team and I are continuing to fight for the Hudson Valley and to make sure our neighbors can still get the help they need from federal agencies,” said Congressman Lawler. “Whether it’s securing funding for our local communities, expanding access to federal help through mobile office hours, or just picking up the phone when a constituent calls, that’s what this job is all about.” “I’d been waiting on a decision from the VA since 2015, and thanks to Congressman Lawler and his team, I finally got my claim approved and settled after all those years. I received my disability benefits, and I’m very thankful and grateful to him. As an aging veteran, I can’t say thank you enough. I tried to get this resolved through many different avenues, but once I contacted Congressman Lawler’s office, it was taken care of in a very reasonable amount of time. I truly appreciate their help,” Guy Gebbia, a former commander of the VFW Post 9215, Vietnam US Navy veteran, and a 2025 Rockland Veteran of the Year. “I needed to travel to attend my son’s graduation from Drill Instructor School in the United States Marine Corps, one of the proudest moments of my life, but I couldn’t do so without a valid Real ID. Congressman Lawler’s team immediately took my case, worked with the appropriate federal agency, and helped move the process forward in time for me to be there for my son’s big day. I’m very thankful to the Congressman and his staff for their dedication and responsiveness,” said Luis Brocano, a military dad and small business owner from Garnerville. “Rockland Community College plays a vital role in strengthening our region, preparing students for careers, supporting local employers, and helping families build better lives. Our work is only possible through strong partnerships with community and government leaders who share that commitment,” said Rockland Community College President Dr. William P. Mullaney. “Team Lawler not only helped move my case forward quickly, they also went above and beyond to help my five-year-old son, Liam, get his visa appointment expedited in the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to their help, Liam is now here with me, starting school and adjusting to his new life in our community,” wrote Maria Esther Pineda Reyes of Monsey in a statement read at the press conference. “Last January, I was notified by Social Security Disability Insurance that my PTSD claim, which I’ve relied on for the past eight years, was being denied because they said there wasn’t enough medical documentation to support it. We later found out the Social Security office hadn’t properly investigated the case and made a cold decision to deny my benefits. I reached out to State Senator Bill Weber’s office, who connected me with Congressman Lawler’s team. Thanks to their help, and the hard work of Francesca Kearns in the Congressman’s office, my SSDI was reinstated by the end of February, without any lapse in coverage,” said Scott Nappi of Valley Cottage, who worked with Congressman Lawler’s team to have his Social Security Disability benefits reinstated. “I recently needed to get a Social Security card so I could obtain a valid ID and travel. When I called the Social Security office, I learned they were temporarily closed for repairs. I decided to reach out to Congressman Lawler’s office, and fortunately, Donna answered the phone. She was so personable and efficient, she took my information and said she’d see what she could do. Within a day or two, Donna called me back to let me know that I had an appointment scheduled for the very first day the Social Security office reopened,” said Rita Kelly of New City, who received assistance navigating a complex Social Security issue. “I had reached out to several offices for help with my immigration case, but Congressman Lawler’s office was the only one that got back to me right away. They were incredibly helpful, and a decision that had been pending for two years was finally made within just one week, thanks to Congressman Lawler and his team. I’m very grateful for their support,” said Ilir Zeka who needed help with his immigration case. “My legal documents are tied to the Good Friday Agreement, and renewing them each year can be a complicated process. In recent years, those renewals have been delayed, last year by two months, and this year by nearly six, which meant my Social Security and Medicare benefits were stopped. That was extremely concerning for me and my family. When we reached out to Congressman Lawler’s office, Donna, Sema, and Julie were tremendously helpful and reassuring every step of the way. Thanks to their persistence, my paperwork has been processed, I have my documentation in hand, and I’m on track to be fully reinstated.,” said Brian Pearson, a constituent who need assistance with the Social Security Administration. Constituents in need of assistance with a federal agency can contact Congressman Lawler’s district office at 845-201-2060 or visit lawler.house.gov for more information.
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