Press Releases

Washington, D.C.– 11/12/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) issued the following statement after the House advanced a bipartisan deal to reopen the federal government following the longest shutdown in American history, a legislative measure that funds the government, guarantees back pay for federal employees, and restores essential nutrition programs.

“This shutdown never should have happened in the first place. From day one, it was clear that Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries were more interested in political games to appease their radical left base than in governing. But I want to recognize and thank the few Democrats in both the House and Senate who did the right thing and voted to get federal workers paid, support our military, and restore services that millions of Americans rely on every single day,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Governance requires cooperation, and the members who crossed the aisle to end this mess exemplified the leadership that the American people deserve. Now it’s time to finish the appropriations process and stay focused on delivering real results. The American people expect action, not theatrics, and we can now get back to work,” concluded Congressman Lawler. 

Congressman Lawler, one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, has consistently voted to keep the government open during his tenure in Congress and has pushed back against both parties when shutdown threats were used as leverage at the expense of the American people.

The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) includes:

• A clean continuing resolution (CR) for nine appropriations bills, funding the government at current levels through January 30th, 2026;
• Back pay for furloughed and essential federal workers, and a reversal of any reductions in force (RIFs) initiated during the shutdown;
• Full funding for SNAP, WIC, and other low-income nutrition programs, totaling more than $150 billion in support for American Families;
• Full and increased funding for the VA, totaling $451.1 billion for veterans benefits and healthcare;
• Investments in food safety, FDA enhancement, and agricultural resilience to protect consumers and farmers; 
• Enhanced security funding for Members of Congress and Capitol Police under the Legislative branch title.

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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.