Lawler, Michael RSS Articles

ICYMI: Lawler, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Expand Organ Donor Registration

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Valhalla, N.Y. – 10/23/26… Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act during a press conference at Westchester Medical Center. The legislation aims to make organ donor registration more accessible by allowing Americans to register through a wider range of federal and state applications and improving how donor registration information is shared across registries.

The bill is named in honor of Lauren Shields of Stony Point, New York, whose experience as a transplant recipient inspired a lifelong commitment to organ donation advocacy. At just eight years old, Lauren received a life-saving heart transplant after a viral infection caused heart failure. She later received a kidney transplant from her mother in 2020.

The Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act would expand opportunities for Americans to register as organ donors through applications they already complete, including those for Social Security benefits, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, passports, and federal individual income tax returns. The legislation would also direct the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a secure, automated electronic system to help update donor status across state and national registries.

Additionally, the bill would establish a grant program to help states incorporate donor registration into more applications and programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and voter registration to make donor registration more accessible nationwide and help connect more patients with potentially life-saving transplants.

“Lauren Shields dedicated her life to giving others hope, and her legacy will continue to save lives for generations to come. I was proud to call Lauren a friend, and I know firsthand the impact she had on our community and her advocacy of organ donation. This legislation not only honors her life by making it easier for Americans to register as organ donors but it also helps ensure their wishes are reflected across all donor registries. At a time when thousands of Americans are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, this bipartisan legislation is an important step toward expanding access to organ donation and carrying forward Lauren’s extraordinary legacy,” said Congressman Lawler.

“When my mother was battling sarcoidosis, a rare lung disease, she tried valiantly to get a new lung – perhaps the only chance at saving her life. She never received one," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "The bipartisan Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act will build on Lauren’s legacy and make it easier for Americans to register as organ donors, say yes across our country – just as Lauren would have wanted.”

“Waitlist Zero is proud to support the Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act. This legislation will make it easier for Americans who want to give the gift of life to register as organ donors. Lauren understood the extraordinary power of organ donation personally. After receiving a heart transplant at just eight years old, Lauren devoted her life to advocating for organ donation. Tragically, Lauren died at just 26 while waiting for a kidney transplant. We can think of no more fitting tribute to her life than legislation that helps more Americans become organ donors and allows more patients to receive the lifesaving transplants they need. We are grateful to Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer for honoring Lauren’s remarkable legacy and championing lifesaving organ donation,” said Elaine Perlman, Executive Director, Waitlist Zero.

“Congressman Mike Lawler’s sponsorship of the Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act is a meaningful step toward increasing organ donor registration and expanding access to lifesaving transplants. It is especially fitting that this legislation honors Lauren Shields, a Rockland County resident whose life exemplified the extraordinary impact of organ donation. After receiving a heart transplant at age eight and a kidney transplant from her mother in 2020, Lauren became a passionate advocate who helped inspire New York’s Lauren’s Law and devoted her career at LiveOnNY to supporting organ donation and transplantation. Her legacy lives on through this important effort to provide hope to the thousands of Americans awaiting a lifesaving transplant. We commend Congressman Lawler for his leadership and commitment to advancing this vital cause,” said Mark E. Geller, MD, FACR, President and CEO, Montefiore Nyack Hospital, A member of the Montefiore Health System.

“For New York’s hospitals and transplant programs, every additional donor represents another opportunity to save a life. The Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act is a commonsense measure that makes it easier to register as a donor and expands access to lifesaving transplants. The hospital community thanks Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) for their leadership and advancing efforts to increase organ donation. We also applaud the legacy of Lauren Shields, whose tireless advocacy helped advance organ donation in New York and continues to inspire this important work nationwide,” said Kenneth E. Raske, President, Greater New York Hospital Association.

“The Healthcare Association of New York State has long supported efforts to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and encourage donor enrollment,” said Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., PhD, president and CEO, HANYS. “The Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act will create more opportunities for individuals to easily register as organ donors, helping the more than 8,000 New Yorkers awaiting lifesaving transplants. I thank Rep. Lawler for his leadership on this critical legislation that will ultimately save lives.”

“As physicians, we see the profound impact transplantation can have on patients and families. Lauren Shields was a powerful example of that. After receiving a transplant as a child, she became a leading advocate for organ donation, helping shape policy in New York State,” said Julia Iyasere, M.D., MBA, Senior Vice President, System Chief Medical Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian. “This legislation builds on that progress by bringing the same approach to communities across the country. We commend Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) for championing this bipartisan effort," said John Jurenko Senior Director of New York- Presbyterian.

“As physicians, we see firsthand how a transplant can change a patient’s life, enabling them to regain their strength, return to school, and make plans that once felt out of reach,” said David Lubarsky, MD, Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. “None of this is possible without organ donors and their families, and this legislation is a remarkable way to honor Lauren’s legacy and expand the number of patients who benefit from the gift of organ transplantation. Thank you to Congressman Lawler and Congressman Gottheimer for highlighting this critical need, to Lauren’s family for carrying in her advocacy, and all the physicians and organizations across the country that save lives every day.”

Additional endorsing organizations include NYP, GNYHA, HANYS, American Heart Association, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Photos from the 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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ICYMI: Lawler, FHWA Administrator McMaster Highlight Safety Improvements Near Putnam Hospital

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Carmel, N.Y. – 10/15/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) welcomed Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Sean McMaster to Putnam County to highlight progress on critical safety improvements at the intersection of Stoneleigh Avenue and Drewville Road near Putnam Hospital.

WATCH: LAWLER, FHWA ADMINISTRATOR MCMASTER HIGHLIGHT SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS NEAR PUTNAM HOSPITAL

The approximately $10 million project will include a new roundabout, improved sightlines, upgraded drainage, and other roadway safety enhancements. With the intersection serving thousands of motorists daily and providing access to Putnam Hospital, the improvements will help make travel safer for residents, hospital staff, patients, and first responders.

“Getting this project to the construction phase has taken years of work from our local, state, and federal partners. I’ve worked to help advance this project and secure the federal investment needed to get it done. These improvements are about making our roads safer and ensuring patients, families, and first responders can get to Putnam Hospital safely. I appreciate Administrator McMaster and our local partners for working together to move this project forward,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Every day, patients, families, hospital staff and emergency responders rely on these roads to reach Putnam Hospital, which is less than a quarter mile from this intersection,” said Derek Anderson, president of Northwell’s Putnam Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. “That's why this project matters. The planned improvements will help enhance safety, improve traffic flow and make access to the hospital more reliable. In health care, that matters because during an emergency, every second counts.”

“Bringing the first roundabout to Putnam County is an exciting milestone and an important investment in the future of our transportation infrastructure,” said Assemblyman Matt Slater, (R-C-Yorktown). “As a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I understand how critical it is to secure funding for projects that directly impact the safety of our communities. I was proud to secure $1.5 million in state funding to help make this $10 million project possible, especially at an intersection that serves as such an important access point to Putnam Hospital.”

The project is funded through a combination of federal, state, and county resources, with the federal government covering 80 percent of the total cost. Lawler continues to work with local officials and federal partners to advance critical infrastructure investments throughout the Hudson Valley.

PHOTO: A picture from the event can be found HERE.

Lawler to Introduce Bill Cracking Down on Candidate Coordination With Super PACs

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D. C. – 10/14/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced the Stop Illegal Super PAC Coordination Act, legislation to crack down on coordination between congressional candidates and super PACs to prohibit joint fundraising committees (JFC) from placing political advertising expenditures disguised as solicitations.

Under current Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules, joint fundraising committees can bring together candidates and certain political committees that accept unlimited contributions. While the FEC has permitted these arrangements for fundraising solicitations and event announcements, its guidance has not specifically addressed political advertising expenditures by these committees, allowing candidates to spend almost unlimited amounts on media buys. This legislation would stop this unfair practice by prohibiting these joint fundraising committees from purchasing broadcast, cable, satellite, or paid digital advertising, while allowing them to continue traditional fundraising activities.

“Coordination of this kind between political campaigns and super PACs allows candidates to skirt campaign finance laws and funnel unlimited money into their campaigns. Americans deserve transparency and accountability in our elections. We need clear rules that prevent candidates from using these arrangements to get around campaign finance limits and protect the integrity of our elections,” said Congressman Lawler.

Jewish Insider: Rep. Lawler urges Treasury to reopen investigation into Swiss bank’s Nazi ties

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) wrote to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week urging him to reopen an investigation into the Swiss bank Credit Suisse over its ties to the Nazi regime.

Credit Suisse, now a subsidiary of UBS, was part of a $1.25 billion restitution settlement between several Swiss Banks and Holocaust survivors and victims’ families in 1999, after the banks were accused of accepting and profiting from Nazi assets and seizing accounts from Holocaust victims. But recent investigations have found more Nazi-linked accounts that weren’t disclosed at the time of the 1999 settlement.

“Recent findings have identified hundreds of previously undisclosed accounts with potential ties to Nazi entities like, the German Foreign Office, and the SS,” Lawler said in the letter to Bessent. “These discoveries raise serious questions about the completeness of past investigations that led to the 1999 settlement and whether full justice and transparency have been achieved for victims. We now have a moral responsibility to ensure that the settlement reached in 1999 does not serve as a barrier to real accountability.”

Lawler urged Bessent to reopen the 1999 settlement and work with Swiss authorities, UBS, courts and other stakeholders to ensure that all relevant documents are produced.

“This includes supporting efforts that would allow independent investigators full access to pertinent materials so that the American people, victims’ and survivors’ families, and the broader international community can have confidence that the truth has been fully confronted,” Lawler continued.

https://jewishinsider.com/2026/10/lawler-treasury-reopen-investigation-credit-suisse-nazi-ties/

Lawler Leads Bill To Improve Airbag Safety For Car Buyers In Honor Of Local Crash Victim

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 10/7/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler introduced the Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act, legislation that would require auto dealerships and other resale channels that sell used vehicles to have a functional airbag system, or require the seller to clearly disclose if an airbag is missing or disabled. Anthony Amoros was a Rockland County native who tragically died in a car crash in a vehicle that was sold to him without airbags and without Amoros’ knowledge.

“Every driver and passenger deserves to know that the vehicle they are getting into is safe, and this bill will help protect consumers by making sure they have the information they need to make informed decisions. This legislation will ensure dealerships and third-party sellers cannot sell these vehicles without clearly informing consumers of the safety risks,” said Congressman Lawler.

Full bill text can be found HERE.

Chairman Lawler Remembers October 7 Attacks, Reaffirms Commitment to Jewish Security and Israel

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Pearl River, N.Y. – 10/7/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, released the following statement marking the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel:

“Three years ago today, the world witnessed the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists murdered more than 1,000 people, committed horrific acts of sexual violence, and took hundreds hostage, including American citizens. I will never forget what I saw when I traveled to Israel shortly after the attack. I met with families whose loved ones had been murdered or taken hostage, spoke with Israeli officials, and saw firsthand the brutality Hamas unleashed on innocent civilians. The barbarity of October 7 must never be forgotten, minimized, or justified,” said Congressman Lawler.

“The rise in antisemitism we have witnessed in the United States since that day has made clear that Jewish Americans are under threat. No one should have to fear going to synagogue, sending their children to school, or openly practicing their faith. Three years later, our commitment must remain unwavering. We must fully disarm and dismantle Hamas. We must stand with Israel. And we must ensure that never again is not simply a slogan, but a commitment we live by every single day,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

Since October 7, Lawler has made combating antisemitism, strengthening Jewish security, and supporting Israel a central focus of his work in Congress. This agenda has included:

Leading the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act: Lawler was the lead House sponsor of the bipartisan legislation with Rep. Josh Gottheimer to require the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Fighting antisemitism on college campuses: Lawler has repeatedly challenged universities, including Columbia University, over their failure to protect Jewish students from harassment and intimidation. He has argued that calls for the eradication of Jews are not protected speech and that universities must enforce their own policies against antisemitic threats and violence.
Supporting Jewish security funding and legislation: Lawler has co-led and supported legislation including the Jewish American Security Act, aimed at strengthening security for Jewish institutions and communities.
Standing with Israel: Lawler co-sponsored the Stand With Israel Act with Rep. Jared Moskowitz, legislation designed to hold international organizations accountable when they target or penalize Israel.
Calling for the release of all hostages: Lawler has consistently demanded that Hamas release every remaining hostage and has made clear that lasting peace requires Hamas to surrender and no longer pose a threat to Israel.
Calling out antisemitism across the political spectrum: Lawler has repeatedly said antisemitism must be confronted regardless of where it comes from, including publicly criticizing prominent voices on both the political right and left.
Fighting for Jewish Americans’ right to live without fear: Lawler has warned that Jewish Americans are under attack and has emphasized that no American should be afraid to attend synagogue or openly practice their faith.

As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Lawler has continued to make Israel’s security, the defeat of Hamas, the release of hostages, and the fight against antisemitism central priorities of his work in Congress.

Lawler Releases Statement on Restoration of 988 Press 3 Option for LGBTQ+ Youth

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 10/1/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement regarding the restoration of the Press 3 option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which allows LGBTQ+ youth experiencing a mental health crisis to connect with counselors trained to address their specific needs. The Press 3 option resumed service on September 30, 2026.

Lawler has been a leading advocate for reinstating the service after it was discontinued in July 2025. He worked across the aisle to introduce legislation codifying specialized 988 services for LGBTQ+ youth and helped secure $33.1 million in federal funding for the restoration.

“At the heels of National Suicide Prevention Month, I am grateful for the official restoration of the Press 3 option on the 988 Lifeline. Young people in crisis deserve access to counselors trained to meet their specific needs. When a young person is brave enough to reach out for help, we need to make sure someone is there to answer. Now that Press 3 is back, I’ll continue working to ensure 988 and other mental health resources are there for every person who needs them,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

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Lawler Urges Administration to Strengthen Head Start in New Rule

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 9/28/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) submitted a public comment on the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Proposed Rule titled “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Program, Inc.” In this letter, he strongly urged the Administration to revise the proposal to ensure the sustainability, financial security, and success of Head Start programs nationwide.

On August 7, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and ACF proposed sweeping new regulations that would undermine and weaken Head Start, one of our most substantial and successful government programs. This proposal would require English-only education, lower the cap on federal funding for administrative expenses, lower the quality of the program’s performance standards, remove training requirements for staff, adjust the required staff-to-child ratios, and remove regulations governing parent committees.

“[T]he Proposed Rule, as currently written, would weaken the Head Start program as a whole and result in the reduction of quality services offered to low-income children and families in New York and across the country. We can reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and be responsible stewards of federal dollars without compromising sound care for children. Health and safety should not be where we seek savings or efficiencies,” wrote the lawmaker.

While some of the proposed changes include waiver provisions to provide exceptions to impacted programs or allow for programs to continue following prior guidance without enforcement or include waiver provisions to provide exceptions to impacted programs, that is not enough. Oversight and community investment often vary, and they often do not meet the high-quality standards required in existing federal regulation.

Rep. Lawler has been a longtime partner with and advocate for Head Start of Rockland, Inc. Over the last 62 years, this program has provided high-quality services to tens of thousands of children across the county. He has advocated for increased funding to Head Start programs and supported additional funding opportunities for Head Start of Rockland specifically.

The full letter can be found HERE.

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Lawler Introduces Legislation to Update Tax Code for Widows and Widowers

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 9/25/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses Act, legislation that would update the federal tax code so widows or widowers can claim surviving spouse status for up to two years after their spouse’s death, regardless of whether they have a dependent child.

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 2(a), only surviving‑spouse filing status requires that the widow or widower have a dependent child, which does not always reflect in modern household structures. Many married couples have no children, adult children, or children who are no longer dependents, yet the financial disruption of losing a spouse is the same.

“Losing a spouse is an unimaginable loss, and I believe we should be doing everything we can to make the aftermath of a tragedy as manageable as possible for the American people. This small, targeted fix will deliver meaningful relief that eliminates an arbitrary distinction which has no connection to the financial need of a widow or widower,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

"No one should get hit with a bigger tax bill just because they lost their husband or wife. But, that's exactly what our current tax code does to surviving spouses who don't have a child at home — pushing them into higher single-filer rates at the most financially fragile moment of their lives," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "Our bipartisan bill ends this unfair 'widow's penalty' and gives every recent widow and widower the breathing room they need. This is commonsense, and it's long overdue.”

Full text of the bill 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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Lawler Introduces Legislation to Update Home Safety Design Features for HUD Housing

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 9/24/26… This week Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Home Accessibility Improvements Inclusion Act, legislation that directs the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to update its options for universal design features and to train appraisers on how to properly value universal‑design and accessibility improvements, which can be financed through the FHA’s 203(k) rehab mortgage program.

Universal design features include zero‑step entrances, wider doorways and hallways, accessible bathrooms, lever‑style handles, and walls reinforced for grab bars.

“We’re making it easier for people to update their homes so they’re safer, easier to move around in, and usable for everyone, senior people with disabilities, families with kids, or anyone who wants a home that works for them throughout their life. This legislation will not only create safety updates to home infrastructure, but it will make homes more accessible for years to come for Hudson Valley families,” said Congressman Lawler.

Full text of the bill 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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