Press Releases

Montrose, N.Y. – 4/13/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) hosted Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins for a visit to the Montrose VA Medical Center and a roundtable discussion with local veterans at VFW Post 8328 in Yorktown.

The visit focused on strengthening access to care, improving coordination with community providers, and hearing directly from veterans about their experiences with VA services.

At Montrose, Secretary Collins and Congressman Lawler received a leadership briefing, toured the facility, and participated in a coin recognition ceremony honoring staff and service. They then traveled to Yorktown, where they met with veterans and local leaders for a candid, open roundtable discussion.

During the discussion, veterans raised key issues including appointment wait times, access to mental health services, transportation challenges, and navigating the VA benefits system. 

“It matters when leadership shows up, listens, and engages directly with the men and women who served our country. Today was about hearing from Hudson Valley veterans, what’s working, what’s not, and where we need to do better. Whether it’s access to care, mental health services, or navigating benefits, our responsibility is simple: deliver results and keep our promises,” said Congressman Lawler.

The visit also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve access to care in suburban and rural communities like the Hudson Valley, where many veterans face long travel distances to VA facilities or community providers.

“Under President Trump, VA is back to putting Veterans at the center of everything we do. Our mission is clear: cut the red tape and make it easier for heroes to get the world class care AND benefits they’ve earned. We won’t stop until every Veteran in the Hudson Valley and across the country has a VA that works for them, not against them,” said Secretary Collins. 

Rep. Lawler has been a leading advocate for Hudson Valley veterans, including introducing the HEAL Act to ensure fair mileage reimbursement and expand transportation support for those traveling to VA care. He has also championed mental health initiatives like the Dwyer Peer Support Program and continues working to streamline the VA claims and benefits process so veterans can access the care and support they’ve earned without unnecessary delays.

That work is reflected in real results for constituents. To date, Rep. Lawler’s office has returned nearly $3 million in VA-related casework to the district and closed 272 cases on behalf of veterans and their families. This includes helping veterans secure disability benefits and serving as a liaison between veterans, local VSOs, and county offices to cut through delays and deliver answers.

PHOTOS: Pictures from today’s event 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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