Lawler, Michael RSS Articles

Lawler, Levin Introduce Bill Targeting Long-Term Effects Of Radiation On Women And Girls

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 5/15/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Radiation Health Research Act, legislation that directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to design and implement a program to study the health effects of nuclear radiation on women and girls.

The legislation requires the NIH to specifically examine the effects of nuclear radiation on pregnant women, adolescent girls, and pre-adolescent girls, while providing for long-term monitoring of participants over a period of not less than 10 years.

“Radiation exposure is a serious public health concern, and we have a responsibility to better understand its long-term effects on women and young girls. This commonsense legislation ensures the NIH takes a focused, coordinated approach to studying these risks, closes existing gaps in our knowledge, and strengthens collaboration across federal agencies so we can improve research and accountability. By investing in research now, we can help prevent gaps in care and avoid greater health challenges down the road,” said Congressman Lawler.

“We need more research to better understand the disproportionate impact of nuclear radiation on women’s health and we need to develop the tools to prevent exposure. This bipartisan bill invests in important research that will help us understand the long-term effects of radiation so we can track and tackle health challenges early on. I thank Rep. Lawler for his partnership on this bill and look forward to it moving through the legislative process,” said Congressman Levin.

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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Chairman Lawler Pushes UK to Designate IRGC as a Terrorist Organization

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 5/13/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, joined Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Brad Sherman (CA-32) in sending a bipartisan letter urging the United Kingdom to immediately proscribe Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

Under President Donald Trump’s first term, the United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization due to its role in orchestrating terrorism abroad, supporting proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and carrying out plots targeting Americans and U.S. officials. The letter calls on the UK government to join the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union in applying maximum pressure on the IRGC and the Iranian regime.

“The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in standing up to a brutal regime that uses the IRGC to suppress dissent at home and export terror abroad. The United Kingdom should move without further delay to formally proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization and stand in solidarity with the thousands of innocent Iranians who have risked and, in many cases, lost their lives in pursuit of freedom,” said Congressman Lawler.

“The United States and our allies must remain united in applying maximum pressure on the Iranian regime and holding the IRGC accountable for its violence, repression, and destabilizing activities around the world,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

In the letter, the lawmakers cite growing evidence of Iranian-backed hostile activity across Europe and the United Kingdom, including alleged links to anti-Semitic firebomb attacks, cyber operations, assassination plots, and intimidation campaigns targeting dissidents and critics of the Iranian regime.

“The IRGC is one of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations and has the blood of innocent civilians, Americans, and dissidents on its hands. The Iranian regime continues to export terrorism, threaten our allies, and brutally suppress its own people through the IRGC and its proxy networks. The United Kingdom should immediately join the United States and our allies in formally designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization and send a clear message that the free world will not tolerate terrorism, political violence, or antisemitic attacks,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

“Every day the British Parliament fails to vote on this legislation is another day that the IRGC evades the full impact of our nations’ combined sanctions,” said Congressman Sherman.

“For years, American Jewish Committee (AJC) and our Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) interparliamentary group have called on governments to recognize the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for what it is: a terrorist organization. The IRGC has repeatedly targeted Jewish communities on European soil and beyond, posing a direct and ongoing security threat. Recent actions by an increasing number of countries to blacklist the IRGC have created renewed momentum, and the United Kingdom (UK) should urgently align with the United States, the European Union, and other transatlantic partners. We welcome the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Brad Sherman, Claudia Tenney, and Michael Lawler in pressing the UK to act swiftly and follow suit,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC).

The full letter can be found HERE.

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Lawler, Gottheimer Press for Accountability From AI Companies Ahead of 2026 Elections

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 5/13/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler and Congressman Josh Gottheimer sent a bipartisan letter to the CEOs of leading artificial intelligence companies, raising concerns about the role AI platforms will play in the 2026 midterm elections and the need to ensure voters receive accurate, unbiased information.

The letter, sent to executives at OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, Meta, Perplexity, and X Corp., requests information on how companies are addressing political bias, misinformation, transparency, and source reliability in large language models ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

“AI is going to play a defining role in this election cycle, whether the industry is ready for it or not. The question is whether companies in this space will get ahead of the problem or be forced to address it after the damage is done. We stand ready to work with you and your teams to get this right,” wrote the lawmakers.

The full letter can be found HERE.

ICYMI: Lawler Highlights Landmark Caregiver Legislation, Honoring Dream Shepherd’s Legacy

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Ossining, N.Y. – 5/8/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler joined community leaders, caregivers, and advocates at the Dreams Legacy Center in Ossining to highlight the introduction of the Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act, legislation designed to strengthen support for caregivers.

The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish grants for nonprofit organizations to provide practical support services for caregivers, including mental health resources, transportation assistance, meals, and other wellness supports.

The bill is inspired by the life and legacy of Dream Ioni Shepherd and the advocacy of her mother, Hudson Valley resident Diana Lemon.

“Caregivers are the backbone of our health care system, but too often they are left to carry enormous responsibilities without the support they need. Dream’s story and Diana’s advocacy helped expose gaps in our system and drive real change here in New York. This legislation builds on that work by ensuring caregivers have access to practical resources and support services that help them continue caring for their loved ones without sacrificing their own well-being,” said Congressman Lawler.

Dream was born with sickle cell disease and spent much of her childhood battling chronic illness, enduring years of treatments, hospitalizations, and a stroke at just five years old. At age ten, she underwent a stem cell transplant after Diana donated her own stem cells in an effort to save her daughter’s life.

“My daughter Dream lived with sickle cell disease, survived a stroke, underwent a stem cell transplant, and later developed osteosarcoma, and through that journey I learned how deeply caregivers sacrifice to keep the people they love alive. Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act is about recognition, restoration, and healing justice because caregivers deserve real support.,” Diana E. Lemon, Dream’s Mother and Advocate, Co-Founder and CEO of OCGDLC.

Following the stem cell transplant, Dream required intensive at-home medical care, including up to 14 hours of daily infusions. After insurance companies denied requests for skilled in-home nursing support, Diana fought for change, ultimately helping secure passage of New York’s Dream’s Law, which expanded access to professional home care services for medically fragile patients following transplant procedures.

“Care is ancestral, relational, and at its core, an act of love — and today, through the Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act and the release of our white paper, we are calling for a new way forward that recognizes caregivers as whole human beings worthy of care themselves. Because if just 1 million of the more than 63 million caregivers in this country — alongside the practitioners, organizations, and communities supporting them — rose together in resonance, advocacy, and shared care, the ripple effect could transform this nation through collective healing and restoration,” said Lauren Green, Co-Founder, Executive Director, & Resident Master Healing Practitioner.

Photos from today’s event can be found HERE.

Video from today’s event can be found HERE.

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ICYMI: Lawler Announces $1 Million Relief Fund For Small Businesses Impacted By CHPE Construction

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Stony Point, N.Y. – 5/5/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler announced a $1 million relief fund to support small businesses in North Rockland impacted by construction along Route 9W tied to the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project.

Following months of advocacy and negotiations led by Lawler in coordination with local officials and the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, the funding will provide direct assistance to businesses that experienced financial hardship due to prolonged construction disruptions.

“I want to thank the Champlain Hudson Power Express project, including Blackstone, Inc., the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland, as well as our town supervisors from Stony Point and Haverstraw, our state and local officials, and most importantly, our small business owners, who never stopped speaking up and advocating for their communities. Small businesses aren’t just storefronts. They’re family livelihoods, they’re community anchors, and they deserve to be supported,” said Congressman Lawler.

The North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, in coordination with the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties and the Office of Congressman Mike Lawler, will establish an application process for impacted businesses. The Community Foundation will oversee the fund, with an independent review to ensure a fair and transparent distribution.

“The Champlain Hudson Power Express team is incredibly proud of the significant support that we have provided to New York’s communities along the entire 339-mile project route including sponsorship of local community events, purchasing from small businesses along the route, and supporting local nonprofits. The Good Neighbor Fund is a further reflection of that commitment. We are grateful to all of the community leaders, elected officials and local stakeholders who supported us during our construction and are pleased that CHPE is set to begin commercial operation later this month,” said Jen Laird-White, SVP/External Affairs, Transmission Developers.

“The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, & Rockland looks forward to playing a role in helping the local businesses that were affected by the pipeline project. We are able to help manage an open and transparent application process for the funds, and support the review committee with collection and organization of appropriate documentation and backup,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland.

“Thank you Congressman Lawler for delivering this critical support to our community. This $1 million commitment from the CHPE is a meaningful step in helping our local businesses move forward after the challenges brought on by construction. Our businesses are the backbone of Stony Point and a vital part of what makes our town such a great place to live,” said Stony Point Town Supervisor Amy Stamm.

Photos from today’s announcement can be found HERE.

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Lawler Votes in Favor of Farm Bill to Support SNAP, Conservation, and New York Farmers

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 4/30/26… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) voted in favor of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, known as the Farm Bill. This legislation passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 224-200 and now heads to the Senate.

This legislation reauthorizes and improves programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through 2031. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes SNAP and related nutrition programs, enhances land conservation programs for U.S. agricultural lands and forests, and advances agricultural research and innovation. It also includes provisions to strengthen broadband access, the farm safety net, and specialty crop research programs.

“I was proud to vote for a Farm Bill that keeps food on the table for New Yorkers. This legislation delivers real support for our state’s specialty crop industry, including the fruits and vegetables grown right here in the Hudson Valley. In a region where orchards, nurseries, and small family farms rely on those crops for their livelihoods, this being one of the most pro-specialty crop Farm Bills in history is especially meaningful for our district,” said Congressman Lawler, a member of the Specialty Crops Caucus.

“The Farm Bill strengthens our agri-food supply chain while investing critical USDA resources in environmental protection. I was glad to work with Chairman Thompson to ensure New Yorkers will see the benefits of this bill in their daily lives,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

This year’s Farm Bill includes language from five of Rep. Lawler’s bills.

H.R. 4296, CROP for Farming Act, which ensures USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds prioritize farming efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote carbon storage.
H.R. 3979, LEAPS Act, which provides information and education tools to farmers on the cost savings, energy savings, water conservation, and carbon emissions reductions that can be realized through the use of energy-efficient pumping systems.
H.R. 2883, NO TIME TO Waste Act, which authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out activities to reduce food loss and waste
H.R. 7585, Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act, which requires the USDA to update cybersecurity measures that secure SNAP benefit cards.
H.R. 2812, Youth Lead Act, which authorizes grants to the Scouts, 4-H, and the Future Farmers of America to establish pilot projects to expand the programs carried out by the organizations in rural areas and small towns.

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Lawler Applauds House Passage of DHS Funding Bill, Ending Shutdown

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 4/30/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) the House passed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through September. Lawler released the following statement after President Trump signed the measure into law, ending the 76-day funding lapse.

“The Department of Homeland Security should never have been allowed to sit in limbo. Our first responsibility is to the men and women who keep this country safe, and that includes our TSA officers, Coast Guard service members, FEMA teams, and Secret Service personnel.

At the end of the day, any government shutdown that impacts federal employees’ paychecks and critical government operations is unacceptable. I moved this measure forward to restore stability, ensure our national security operations continue uninterrupted, and provide certainty to the workforce.

This funding bill came to the floor after the House advanced a budget resolution yesterday to separately fund ICE and border security. I look forward to further supporting full DHS funding that equips our law enforcement agencies, secures our border, and reflects the seriousness of the threats we face.”

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.

Lawler Condemns Antisemitic Rhetoric From Candace Owens and Hasan Piker with New Resolution

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 4/29/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the rise of antisemitic, hate-filled rhetoric disseminated by prominent online personalities, including Hasan Piker and Candace Owens, and calling on social media platforms and public leaders to take stronger action against hate.

The resolution highlights the growing influence of online personalities and the alarming surge in antisemitism driven, in part, by disinformation and extremist rhetoric.

“Piker has openly applauded Hamas’ terrorism, downplayed the mass rape of civilians on October 7th, and dehumanized Orthodox Jews as ‘inbred.’ Owens has trafficked in vile conspiracy theories, promoted blood libels, and platformed Holocaust deniers. With an audience of millions, they have a responsibility to confront hatred and bigotry in every form, not to amplify it to the masses. So if they won’t call it out, I will,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

“Hatred is hatred, period. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from the far right or the far left. We cannot be selective in calling out antisemitism. When influential voices spread conspiracy theories, promote terrorism, or dehumanize Jewish people, it fuels real-world violence and intimidation. We must stand up and speak out. I get that speaking up is not easy. But, our constituents didn’t elect us to always take the easy path. That’s what principled leadership is all about," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

The full resolution can be found HERE.

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Lawler Introduces Bill to Expand Breast Cancer Screenings During Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 4/27/26… In recognition of National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Early Access to Screening Act, legislation to lower the age for women to receive free annual breast cancer screenings through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. While women aged 40 and over currently qualify for no-cost coverage for annual screening mammography, this bill extends this critical benefit to women aged 30 and over.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among American women. In 2026, an estimated 321,910 women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease, and approximately 42,670 Americans are expected to lose their lives to it. Early detection continues to be one of the most effective tools for improving outcomes and saving lives, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Survival rates have improved significantly over time, but disparities persist. The current five-year relative survival rate is 92 percent for white women and 83 percent for Black women, with later-stage diagnoses contributing to this gap. Expanding access to earlier screenings is a critical step toward closing these disparities and improving outcomes for all women.

“We know that early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to change patient outcomes. By expanding access to screenings at a younger age, we’re giving women a better chance to catch cancer early, when it is most treatable, and significantly improving the odds of survival. This is about making sure more families get more time, more options, and more hope,” said Congressman Lawler.

The full bill text can be found HERE.

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Lawler, Fitzpatrick Introduces NABTU-Built Energy Tax Credit Bill to Lower Costs and Power American Growth

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 4/23/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in introducing the American Energy Dominance Act, legislation developed in direct partnership with the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) to restore key energy and efficiency tax incentives that help lower costs, strengthen domestic supply chains, drive long-term investment in American energy infrastructure, and support good-paying union jobs. Reps. Max Miller (OH-7) and Mike Carey (OH-15) are original cosponsors.

Under current law, key incentives such as 179D and 45L are scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026. For capital-intensive sectors, a shortened policy horizon does more than disrupt planning; it raises the risk that critical projects are delayed, scaled back, or never built at all.

When that happens, it is American workers, American employers, and American families who pay the price through slower growth, tighter energy supply, and continued cost pressure. This legislation restores the certainty needed to move projects forward and help deliver a more affordable, secure, and American-made energy future.

“No one knows the rising cost of living better than a New Yorker. That’s why we’re giving homeowners, builders, and businesses the certainty they need to invest in energy efficiency, lowering utility bills, and supporting good-paying jobs. By extending key tax incentives, including the 179D commercial buildings deduction, the 45L new home credit, and investments in hydrogen production, we’re helping deliver more reliable energy here at home,” said Congressman Lawler.

“If America wants to lower costs, strengthen its energy supply, and build with confidence for the future, then we need a policy framework strong enough to support the scale of that work,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “That means certainty. When the rules are unstable, projects stall, hiring slows, investment hesitates, and the people counting on progress pay the price. The men and women of NABTU understand that better than anyone because they are the ones building America’s future with their hands, skill, and grit. This bill is a pro-worker, pro-growth, pro-America solution that will help drive investment, strengthen domestic energy production, expand affordability, and ensure the next chapter of American growth is built here at home by American workers.”

"We thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for his continued dedication to providing America with the power it desperately needs. This legislation, reinforces a commitment to an all-of-the-above energy approach and will aid in building our nation’s energy dominance in a way that supports hard working Americans with middle-class sustaining jobs,” said NABTU President Sean McGarvey.

"Providing long-term certainty in our tax code is essential for American energy dominance,” said Congressman Miller. “By extending these critical credits, we are ensuring that businesses and families have the stability they need to invest in lower-cost energy solutions, strengthening our domestic supply chains and keeping the United States competitive on the global stage.”

Key provisions include:

Restoring the 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction without a scheduled expiration.
Extending the 45L New Energy Efficient Home Credit through December 31, 2032.
Extending the 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Credit construction deadline from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2033.
Preserving long-term certainty for the 45Y Clean Electricity Production Credit and 48E Clean Electricity Investment Credit to help bring more affordable power online, support job creation, and strengthen domestic energy supply.

The full bill text can be found HERE.

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