Friday, March 7, 2025

This week, I continued the fight for NY-17, delivering results on key issues that matter to our community. Here's the Legislative Lowdown of all we've been up to in Washington this week!

Fighting to Keep the White Plains Social Security Office Open
Seniors and those relying on Social Security benefits in the Hudson Valley shouldn’t have to travel hours for hearings. That’s why I urged the SSA to reverse its decision to close the White Plains Hearing Office—the only one left in our region. With plenty of alternative office space available in White Plains and the surrounding towns, shutting it down without seeking other options is unacceptable, and I will keep fighting to keep it open.

Protecting Afghan Allies
America made a promise to those who risked their lives to support our military efforts in Afghanistan. I called on President Trump to preserve the CARE and Enduring Welcome programs, which help resettle Afghan allies who face ongoing threats from the Taliban. These programs involve extensive vetting and are critical to keeping our commitments to our allies who stood by us in a warzone.

Expanding IVF Access
Too many families struggling with infertility find the cost of treatment a major obstacle. That’s why I reintroduced the IVF Access and Affordability Act, which provides tax credits to help offset the high costs of fertility treatments. Every family should have the opportunity to pursue parenthood without financial barriers standing in the way.

Demanding Nursing Home Accountability
New Yorkers deserve answers about the devastating consequences of former Governor Cuomo’s reckless COVID-era nursing home directive, which forced COVID-positive patients into facilities unequipped to handle them—resulting in over 15,000 deaths. I joined my NY Republican colleagues in demanding a response from the CDC and CMS about whether this directive complied with federal guidelines. This is about accountability, not politics, and I won’t stop pushing for the truth.

Honoring James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones was more than an iconic voice—he was a trailblazer in American arts and culture. I introduced bipartisan legislation to award him the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing his legendary career, his service to our country, and his impact on generations of Americans. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose work transcended entertainment and inspired millions.

Strengthening Transatlantic Partnerships

I had the pleasure of celebrating Mărțișor with CEPA and the Embassies of Moldova and Romania. As co-chair of the Moldova Caucus, I’m committed to strengthening our transatlantic alliance and supporting Moldova’s path to a free and prosperous future.

Bolstering U.S.-Morocco Relations

I had a productive meeting with Ambassador Youssef Amrani to discuss the U.S.-Morocco alliance and the ongoing impact of the Abraham Accords. Morocco has long been a key strategic partner, and I look forward to working together to promote regional stability and economic growth.

Fighting Antisemitism

At the ADL’s National Leadership Summit, I had the opportunity to discuss my leadership in combating antisemitism. Standing up against hate remains one of my top priorities, and I will continue working to ensure Jewish communities in the U.S. and around the world are safe and secure.

Restoring Fiscal Sanity

Washington’s reckless spending is driving up inflation, taxes, and costs for New York families. We need to rein in our out-of-control debt and get our economy back on track. I recently wrote an op-ed outlining why I’m fighting to restore fiscal responsibility—because hardworking New Yorkers deserve better.

Addressing Housing Affordability

One of the most common refrains I hear when discussing housing with residents across my district is their concern about the affordability of housing. During this week’s House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance hearing, I had the opportunity to address these concerns.

With mortgage rates at their highest levels since the turn of the millennium, combined with a limited housing supply in many communities, ongoing supply chain issues, and construction challenges, it’s arguably one of the toughest times in history to purchase a home in our region.

You can watch my full remarks on this critical issue here.

Engaging with Students at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School

It was also a pleasure to speak with students at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School in Nanuet. I thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtful questions and lively discussions with the next generation of leaders. Whether through government, policy, or community service, there are many ways to make a lasting difference.

NYSEG Community Pop Up Events - March 12 & 13, 2025

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is working with New York State Assemblyman Matt Slater and New York State Senator Peter Harckham to host a Community Connection Event on March 12th & 13th. The Company will offer an afternoon and evening session at which customers will have the opportunity to connect directly with customer service representatives in person. We thank the Town of Carmel and Yorktown for offering their space to host these events. 

Customer service representatives will be available to answer billing questions and help customers understand their usage during the winter heating months and provide resources and services that can help customers manage their monthly energy use. 

Details of the event are below:

Wednesday March 12th

Yorktown Town Hall: 363 Underhill Ave, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

a. Session 1: 1-3 PM 

b. Session 2: 5-7 PM 

Thursday March 13th 

Carmel Town Hall: 60 McAlpin Ave, Mahopac, NY 10541

c. Session 1: 1-3 PM

d. Session 2: 5-7 PM

If a customer is unavailable to attend any of these sessions, they can go to our local Brewster office for customer service assistance located at Terravest Corporate Park, 35 Milan Road, Monday - Friday, 9 AM- 3 PM or they can contact NYSEG customer service by phone Monday through Friday, 7 AM–7 PM, excluding holidays at (800) 572-1111.

Honoring Heritage at the 27th Annual Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Dinner

It was an honor to attend the 27th Annual Dinner for the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick in Rockland County this evening. As an Irish-American, I am always proud to celebrate the rich heritage and traditions that have shaped our community. Thank you for the warm welcome – right in time for St. Patrick’s Day later this month!

Rep. Lawler joins CNN ahead of President Trump’s Joint Session Address

Erin Burnett OutFront | CNN | March 4 2025

Lawler joins Rob Finnerty to react to Democrat member’s behavior during yesterday’s Joint Session

Finnerty | NEWSMAX | March 6, 2025

If you have any questions about the above information, or if there is anything we can do for you or your family, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 845-201-2060 or reach out through my website at lawler.house.gov. Additionally, you can keep up with the latest news on my efforts by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and opting into periodic updates from my office by CLICKING HERE.

Sincerely,

Michael V. Lawler

Member of Congress

17th District, New York