Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement after sending a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden requesting that Hochul request a major disaster declaration and that President Biden approve it expeditiously.

“After spending the day touring the district, observing damage, and speaking with local elected officials and impacted homeowners alike, it’s emphatically clear that Governor Hochul must request a major disaster declaration from the federal government,” said Congressman Lawler. “Once requested, President Biden must immediately approve it. Our hard-hit Hudson Valley communities can’t wait a second longer.”

“FEMA is needed on the ground and federal dollars will be needed long after this storm has passed, and that simply to the level required without a major disaster declaration,” continued Congressman Lawler. “We’ve seen entire roads and bridges washed away, homes permanently damaged, and sewer plants underwater - the time for action is now.”

“It is my sincere hope that Governor Hochul and President Biden will hear our concerns and act promptly,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “Anything less could prove catastrophic for those families trying to recover from this storm.”

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.