In the News

Pearl River, NY – 11/06/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) called on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to stop holding the American people hostage and to immediately vote to reopen the government and fully fund essential programs, including SNAP and WIC. 

Congressman Lawler, who voted in September to fund the government and ensure full funding for SNAP, noted that Senate Democrats have now voted against these measures fourteen separate times, prolonging the shutdown and jeopardizing support for families, seniors, and service members.

“Enough is enough,” said Congressman Lawler. “I voted to fund the government and fully fund SNAP weeks ago. The House did its job. It’s disgraceful that Senate Democrats, including our own senators from New York, have repeatedly voted to block funding bills that would reopen the government, pay our troops, and protect programs that feed children, seniors, and vulnerable families. It’s time they stop playing politics and do their jobs.”

Lawler highlighted his continued bipartisan work to strengthen food assistance programs. He is a cosponsor of the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 (H.R. 5822), which ensures the SNAP program remains fully funded even during government shutdowns, and a cosponsor of the Increasing Nutrition Access for Seniors Act of 2025 (H.R. 5055), a bipartisan measure that simplifies access to nutrition benefits for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“These programs are lifelines for millions of Americans, including seniors and working families right here in the Hudson Valley,” Lawler continued. “I’ve worked across the aisle to protect them, and I’ll keep doing so. For SNAP and WIC recipients worried about their next meal, for the families of unpaid service members, and for communities feeling the effects of this shutdown, the message is simple: let Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand know it’s time to reopen the government. They must stop holding the American people hostage and end this unnecessary and damaging shutdown.”

Lawler’s office continues to assist constituents affected by the shutdown, including those seeking help with delayed benefits, veterans’ services, and federal program support. For any constituents seeking assistance, visit lawler.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency or call (845) 201 -2060. 

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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