Press Releases

Pearl River, N.Y. – 12/1/25… Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon encouraging the Department of Education to maintain a broader definition of “professional degrees” consistent with federal law and workforce needs as it implements the Working Families Tax Cut legislation. 

Following the letter, the U.S. Department of Education published new public guidance clarifying “myths vs. facts” regarding the definition of professional degrees, reiterating that the regulatory list is not exhaustive and the proposed rule is not final, a recognition of the concerns Congressman Lawler raised. 

Lawler stressed that too many hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities are already struggling to recruit skilled workers, and any ambiguity or restrictive interpretation from the Department risks worsening national workforce shortages.

“While I’m glad the Department publicly acknowledged what federal statute already makes clear, this clarification is only a first step,” said Congressman Lawler. “The Department must update its proposed rule so that students in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other critical workforce fields will not be squeezed out of the graduate loan support Congress intended for them.”

“At a time when our healthcare system is strained, and communities desperately need qualified professionals, the Department must make this critical change before finalizing the rule. I expect the Department to follow congressional intent and make it crystal clear that every program meeting the regulatory criteria will be fully eligible. I will be watching closely, and I will not hesitate to push for further action and legislation if the Department backtracks or delays,” Lawler concluded. 

The letter to Secretary Linda McMahon can be found HERE.

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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