Press Releases

Pearl River, N.Y. – 2/26/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), released the following statement regarding the long-overdue disbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under its Public Assistance program related to the federally declared COVID-19 disaster. This comes after sustained oversight efforts led by Reps. Mike Lawler and Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) and the New York Republican delegation.

“More than $2 Billion for New York State had been delayed under the Biden administration, leaving hospitals and local governments waiting years for reimbursement of eligible pandemic-related expenses.

These funds were promised to New York years ago, and at the persistent requests of Chairman Garbarino and myself, we pushed FEMA to cut through the delays and finally release this long-overdue funding. New York stepped up during COVID. Our hospitals stepped up during the darkest days of the pandemic. Local governments stepped up. Taxpayers stepped up. They should not have been forced to wait years for reimbursement because of delays in Washington.

This is what effective oversight looks like. We identified the problem, pressed for answers, and delivered results. The New York Republican delegation fought to make sure our state wasn’t shortchanged, and today, we’re seeing that effort pay off with the release of over $2 Billion in FEMA funds,” said Congressman Lawler. 

“Following my oversight efforts, I am thankful for Secretary Noem's response to my request and am grateful for President Trump and FEMA Office of Response and Recovery Associate Administrator Gregg Phillips’ help in beginning the delivery of much-needed and long-promised COVID-19 pandemic relief to states. FEMA’s decision to approve the obligation of outstanding COVID-19 reimbursement claims that had been delayed under the Biden administration, including more than $2 billion for New York State, will help restore the resilience of our nation’s health infrastructure and ensure our communities are prepared to face the emergencies of tomorrow, rather than being burdened by those of yesterday. I look forward to continued communication with the Department to ensure the expeditious review of remaining reimbursement claims that will further support our nation’s hospitals,” said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Garbarino. 

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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