Lawler, Michael RSS Articles

Lawler Introduces Legislation To Support Public Employees Seeking Homeownership

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 8/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Public Service Homeownership Assistance Act, legislation to help eligible public employees afford the cost of purchasing a home by providing down payment and closing cost assistance.

This legislation would authorize, beginning January 1, 2027, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue loans of between $10,000 and $20,000 to eligible public employees to use toward a down payment or closing costs when purchasing a home.

“The Hudson Valley has some of the highest costs of living in the country, and homeownership is no exception. Our district is home to countless public employees, including teachers, first responders, and government workers, who deserve every opportunity to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. This legislation will help make that dream more of a reality by providing the support needed to help public employees purchase a home and build a future in the communities they serve,” said Congressman Lawler.

Under the legislation, eligible public employees who receive assistance must move into the home within 60 days and live there for at least 182 days each year. The loan would be repaid over 10 years beginning after certain events, including the sale of the home, failure to meet occupancy requirements, or completion of a cash-out refinance.

The full bill text 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 Bills to Rename Post Offices to Honor Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson & Paul Piperato Pass Senate Committee

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 8/6/26… Today, two bipartisan bills introduced by Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) to honor the legacies of Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson and Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato advanced through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, clearing the way for consideration by the full Senate.

H.R. 1008 would designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 298 Route 292 in Holmes as the Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson Post Office Building.

H.R. 1009 would designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 86 Main Street in Haverstraw as the Paul Piperato Post Office Building.

Both bills passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support in December 2025.

“Paul Piperato and Butch Anderson both dedicated their lives to serving the people of the Hudson Valley with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to their communities. Paul modernized county government and left a lasting impact on Rockland County through decades of public service,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

“Butch spent more than fifty years protecting the people of Dutchess County and leading with courage and compassion. I'm grateful to see these bipartisan bills advance through committee, bringing us one step closer to permanently honoring two extraordinary public servants whose legacies continue to inspire generations of New Yorkers,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

Paul Piperato served more than 30 years in public service, including 15 years as Rockland County Clerk. During his tenure, he modernized county operations, expanded online access to county records, launched the RETURN THE F.A.V.O.R. veterans initiative, and championed naturalization ceremonies celebrating new American citizens. Beyond his official duties, he was deeply involved with numerous community organizations throughout Rockland County.

Butch Anderson devoted more than five decades to public service in Dutchess County. Beginning his career as a Deputy Sheriff in 1970, he served as a detective, Mayor of the Village of Pawling, and Dutchess County Sheriff from 1999 until his passing in 2021. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues and residents alike through his steadfast leadership, integrity, and dedication to public safety.

With today’s committee approval, both measures now advance to the full Senate for consideration.

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 Bills to Rename Post Offices to Honor Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson & Paul Piperato Pass Senate Committee

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Lawler Hosts Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick At IBM Research To Showcase American Quantum Leadership

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yorktown Heights, N.Y. – 8/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) welcomed Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights for a tour highlighting the groundbreaking work taking place in quantum computing, semiconductor research, and next-generation technologies that are shaping America's economic and national security future.

New York’s 17th District is home to one of the world’s premier research institutions, and the work happening here at IBM is helping ensure America remains the global leader in innovation

Secretary Lutnick joined Congressman Lawler, IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna, IBM Research Director Jay Gambetta, and company leadership for discussions on maintaining America's technological edge, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and expanding the nation’s quantum computing capabilities.

During the visit, the group toured IBM’s quantum research facilities, received demonstrations of the company's cutting-edge quantum systems, and discussed the growing role quantum technology will play in cybersecurity, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, scientific discovery, artificial intelligence, and national defense.

“I’m grateful Secretary Lutnick took the time to visit Yorktown Heights and see firsthand how public-private partnerships are driving breakthroughs in quantum computing, strengthening our national security, creating high-paying American jobs, and keeping the technologies of the future here in the United States. Quantum computing represents one of the most significant technological advancements of our generation. As Congress works to ensure America remains ahead of our global competitors, we must continue supporting the research, workforce development, and manufacturing capabilities that will define the next century of innovation,” said Congressman Lawler.

“We appreciated the opportunity to host Secretary Lutnick and Congressman Lawler at IBM and discuss the opportunities quantum computing presents for America’s future,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. “Their commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in quantum is vital as the technology moves from scientific promise to practical reality. From developing the world’s first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer to expanding the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to support it, IBM is proud to help build the future of quantum computing.”

VIDEO: B-roll from today’s visit can be found HERE.

PHOTOS: Pictures from today’s visit 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 Provide Tax Relief For Families And Support America’s Educators

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 8/4/26… Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at providing tax relief for hardworking families and supporting educators who use their own funds and resources to help students succeed in the classroom.

The Supporting Students and Families Act creates a new refundable tax credit of up to $200 for families to help offset the cost of books, supplies, and equipment needed for a child’s enrollment or attendance in elementary or secondary school. The credit would apply to eligible expenses incurred at public, private, or religious schools and provide additional support for families during the back-to-school season.

The Supporting Our Educators Act of 2026 increases the above-the-line deduction for K-12 teachers’ classroom expenses from $250 to $600, allowing educators to deduct more of the money they spend on classroom supplies and materials. The legislation recognizes the personal financial contributions teachers make to support their students and ensure classrooms are equipped with the resources needed for learning.

“As families head into the back-to-school season, the cost of books, supplies, and other essential materials can quickly add up. At the same time, too many teachers continue to spend their own hard-earned money to provide their students with the best resources they need in the classroom. These two bills will provide not only meaningful tax relief for families but also support our educators who invest in the future of our children,” said Congressman Lawler.

Full text of the Supporting Students and Families Act HERE.

Full text of the Supporting Our Educators Act of 2026 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 Earns Top Marks For Bipartisanship in the 119th Congress

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Bridge Grades, a nonpartisan project of the Mediators Foundation, evaluates every member of Congress based on objective third-party data measuring whether lawmakers govern collaboratively or divisively. The organization places greater weight on bipartisan legislative action than on public statements, rewarding members who actively work across the aisle to advance legislation.

Congressman Lawler ranked sixth of the 424 House members evaluated in the report, which covers congressional activity from January 2025 through June 2026.

“From my first day in Congress, I’ve believed that the people of the Hudson Valley sent me to Washington to solve problems and to be an effective legislator for the folks I represent. Whether it’s putting dollars back into the pockets of hard-working taxpayers, strengthening public safety for communities our children are safe to grow up in, or supporting our allies abroad, I’ve been proud to work with anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and get results at every level of government. I’m honored to receive this recognition, and I’ll continue putting the interests of New York’s 17th District ahead of arbitrary political games,” said Congressman Lawler.

The latest report continues a record of bipartisan achievement for Congressman Lawler. Bridge Grades’ April 2026 report ranked him seventh in the House after the first 15 months of the 119th Congress.

During the 118th Congress, the Bipartisan Index, published by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, ranked Lawler as the fourth-most bipartisan member of the House. The Center for Effective Lawmaking also recognized him as the most effective freshman lawmaker after seven of his bills passed the House, with one enacted into law as a standalone measure and five additional bills becoming law as part of larger legislative packages.

Throughout his time in Congress, Lawler has built bipartisan coalitions to advance legislation addressing affordability, public safety, infrastructure, national security, mental health, veterans’ services, environmental conservation, and support for law enforcement and first responders.

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Lawler Earns Top Marks For Bipartisanship in the 119th Congress

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 8/4/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) has earned a Bridge Score of 99.2 out of 100, and an “A” grade in the latest Bridge Grades report evaluating the 119th Congress, placing him among the highest-rated members of the U.S. House of Representatives and earning the top score of any member of New York’s congressional delegation.

Bridge Grades, a nonpartisan project of the Mediators Foundation, evaluates every member of Congress based on objective third-party data measuring whether lawmakers govern collaboratively or divisively. The organization places greater weight on bipartisan legislative action than on public statements, rewarding members who actively work across the aisle to advance legislation.

Congressman Lawler ranked sixth of the 424 House members evaluated in the report, which covers congressional activity from January 2025 through June 2026.

“From my first day in Congress, I’ve believed that the people of the Hudson Valley sent me to Washington to solve problems and to be an effective legislator for the folks I represent. Whether it’s putting dollars back into the pockets of hard-working taxpayers, strengthening public safety for communities our children are safe to grow up in, or supporting our allies abroad, I’ve been proud to work with anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and get results at every level of government. I’m honored to receive this recognition, and I’ll continue putting the interests of New York’s 17th District ahead of arbitrary political games,” said Congressman Lawler.

The latest report continues a record of bipartisan achievement for Congressman Lawler. Bridge Grades’ April 2026 report ranked him seventh in the House after the first 15 months of the 119th Congress.

During the 118th Congress, the Bipartisan Index, published by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, ranked Lawler as the fourth-most bipartisan member of the House. The Center for Effective Lawmaking also recognized him as the most effective freshman lawmaker after seven of his bills passed the House, with one enacted into law as a standalone measure and five additional bills becoming law as part of larger legislative packages.

Throughout his time in Congress, Lawler has built bipartisan coalitions to advance legislation addressing affordability, public safety, infrastructure, national security, mental health, veterans’ services, environmental conservation, and support for law enforcement and first responders.

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 To Improve Recycling Data, Expand Access To Recycling Nationwide With New Bill

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/31/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gotthiemer (NJ-05) introduced the Recycling Infrastructure and Data Accountability Act, legislation that would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study the feasibility of establishing a standardized national database to better track recycling infrastructure, recyclable materials, material recovery outcomes, landfill diversion, and communities that lack access to recycling services.

Across the country, communities, municipalities, and businesses face challenges caused by limited recycling infrastructure, inconsistent data collection, and gaps in processing capacity. The legislation would help provide a clearer picture of America’s recycling system and identify where investments and improvements are needed most.

“Recycling is an important part of protecting our environment, supporting local communities, and ensuring we are making the most of valuable materials. But without accurate, comprehensive data, we cannot effectively address the challenges facing our recycling infrastructure. This legislation will help identify where gaps exist, where capacity needs to be expanded, and how we can build a more efficient and accountable recycling system for communities across the country, including right here in the Hudson Valley,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

“Every family in North Jersey deserves a cleaner environment and a recycling system that actually works. But right now, we're flying blind without reliable, nationwide data to tell us what's working and where the gaps are," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "This commonsense, bipartisan bill will give us a clearer picture of where recycling infrastructure exists, where capacity needs to be expanded, and where new investments can make the biggest difference for our communities. I’m proud to team up with my colleague Mike Lawler to build a more efficient, transparent, and effective recycling system for New Jersey and communities across the country.”

Specifically, this legislation would require the EPA to conduct a study examining the feasibility of a national recycling database that would:

Track recyclable materials, recycling infrastructure capacity, material recovery outcomes, and landfill diversion rates;
Identify geographic areas with limited access to recycling collection services and processing facilities;
Catalog major recycling and waste facilities, including facility type, ownership, capacity, materials accepted, and annual throughput;

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler Presses SEC to Prepare America’s Financial Markets for the Quantum Era

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/30/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins requesting information on the agency’s preparedness for the emerging opportunities and risks posed by quantum technologies to America’s financial markets.

While quantum technologies could significantly improve fraud detection, risk modeling, and market surveillance, they also present new cybersecurity challenges. Existing cryptographic systems that protect trading, clearing, settlement, and sensitive investor data could become vulnerable as quantum capabilities mature.

“For decades, the strength of America’s financial system has rested on regulatory frameworks that anticipate technological change while preserving space for responsible innovation. Quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications represent a generational shift, with the potential to reshape financial market infrastructure, operational continuity, and investor protection. We should be preparing now to ensure our markets remain the safest, strongest, and most competitive in the world,” said Congressman Lawler.

The full letter can be found HERE.

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How I’m expanding New York’s healthcare workforce, one victory at a time

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

OPINION:

One of the biggest challenges facing our healthcare system is the shortage of qualified professionals. Across New York, hospitals, community health centers and medical practices are struggling to recruit and retain the nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, audiologists and other healthcare providers our communities rely on. In the Hudson Valley, where I represent, that means longer waiting times, higher costs and fewer options for patients trying to access care close to home.

Solving this problem starts with making sure we have enough qualified healthcare professionals, which is why I’ve made expanding our healthcare workforce a top priority in Congress.

Last December, I introduced the Professional Student Degree Act to permanently expand the federal definition of “professional degree.” My bill would ensure students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, audiology, social work, public health and other critical healthcare fields have access to the same federal student loan limits as students in other professional programs, like medical school. If we want more people entering these professions, we must make it possible for them to afford the education those careers require.

Just last month, we made important progress. On June 30, the Department of Education complied with a federal court order to expand its list of professional degree programs, restoring higher federal loan limits for thousands of future healthcare professionals. That decision followed months of sustained advocacy, including the legislation I introduced, bipartisan letters, formal comments and direct engagement with Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

My Professional Student Degree Act would permanently codify these protections into law, end the uncertainty for students once and for all and strengthen the pipeline of nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other critical healthcare professionals our communities need.

But a stronger workforce means nothing if providers don’t have the funding to hire them and keep the doors open. That’s why I fought for and secured a nine-month extension of New York’s Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax, directing more than $1.2 billion in federal Medicaid funding to hospitals and safety-net providers in New York. I also delivered more than $2 billion in long-overdue FEMA reimbursements for COVID-related healthcare costs, ensuring providers weren’t left footing the bill for services they delivered during the pandemic.

Together, these efforts have brought over $3.2 billion in targeted support to New York’s healthcare system. Core Medicaid and Medicare benefits for eligible recipients remain fully protected, while we pursue responsible reforms that bring accountability and long-term sustainability to our programs.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jul/30/im-expanding-new-yorks-healthcare-workforce-one-victory-time/