Lawler, Michael RSS Articles

Lawler Applauds Court Victory Expanding Professional Degree Status for Nursing and Healthcare Students

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/30/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) welcomed the Department of Education's decision to comply with a federal court’s order to expand its list of professional degree programs, a move that restores access to higher federal student loan limits for students pursuing graduate degrees in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, audiology, and other critical healthcare fields. This is a direct result of Rep. Lawler’s persistent advocacy.

“After months of pushing the Department of Education through legislation, formal comments, bipartisan letters, and direct meetings with Secretary McMahon, the Department finally acknowledged what we’ve been saying all along- that these programs are professional degrees and should be treated as such.

While this decision will provide immediate relief by restoring access to higher federal student loan limits for thousands of future healthcare professionals, it remains an administrative action that could be reversed by a future administration. That’s why Congress must act.

My Professional Student Degree Act would permanently codify these protections into law, end the uncertainty once and for all, and ensure that no unelected bureaucrat can again jeopardize the pipeline of nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, audiologists, social workers, and other critical healthcare professionals our communities depend on.

We have won this battle, but the job isn’t finished until these protections are permanently written into law,” said Congressman Lawler.

In December 2025, Congressman Lawler introduced the Professional Student Degree Act (H.R. 6718) to statutorily expand the definition of “professional degree.” The bill explicitly lists critical fields including: Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Social Work, Audiology, Public Health, and many others.

In February 2026, Congressman Lawler submitted a public comment to the Department of Education during the rulemaking process, arguing that these programs meet the statutory criteria for professional degrees and warning that excluding them would worsen healthcare workforce shortages. He also sent numerous solo and bipartisan letters to the Department and even met with Secretary McMahon directly to advocate for this change.

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 Introduces War Hazards Compensation Reform Act To Modernize The Reimbursement System

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/29/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the War Hazards Compensation Reform Act, legislation to modernize the War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA) by improving the reimbursement process for insurance carriers.

The WHCA provided a process for the government to provide workers’ compensation to civilian contractors directly supporting U.S. war efforts overseas. Private insurance companies work with the U.S. Department of Labor to cover injuries on the front end, and then they are supposed to get reimbursed. Unfortunately, DOL has not been issuing reimbursements in a timely manner, with some claims outstanding for multiple years.

This legislation would create incentives for DOL to issue claims more quickly, ensuring the sustainability of WHCA programs. Specifically, it would require DOL to pay interest on late reimbursements for eligible claims, establish clear timelines for acknowledging reimbursement submissions, and require regulations to improve accountability.

It also directs the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation to hire at least 15 full-time employees to help reduce the backlog of WHCA claims and eliminates unnecessary collateral requirements that hinder program effectiveness.

“When private insurers step up to fulfill the federal government’s obligations under the War Hazards Compensation Act, they should not be left waiting for years to be reimbursed. This legislation brings accountability to the process by requiring timely reimbursements, reducing unnecessary related costs, and strengthening a program that supports our civilian employees abroad,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Programs such as the WHCA must be prepared to meet the growing needs of U.S. personnel on hardship assignments overseas. American companies that support these missions in partnership with the U.S. Government should be treated reasonably, predictably, and fairly when their work supports American personnel and national security interests,” said Neil Bradley, Chief Policy Officer and Head of Strategic Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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.

###

Lawler Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on Squatting and Protect Homeowners

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/26/26… Today, Congressman Lawler (NY-17) introduced The Protecting Homeowners from Squatters Act, legislation to prohibit Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and federal mortgage support in municipalities that allow squatting.

This legislation defines squatting as unlawfully entering a property and residing there for more than 14 consecutive days without the property owner’s permission, without paying rent, and without a rental agreement. It directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to withhold CDBG funding from any jurisdiction that permits squatting or grants tenant-like protections to individuals unlawfully occupying property.

“Across the country, we are seeing jurisdictions blur the line between lawful tenants and individuals who have entered properties illegally, leaving homeowners and small landlords stuck in costly, drawn-out legal battles just to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Homeowners and small landlords deserve clear, enforceable protections and the ability to recover their property without unnecessary delays or burdensome litigation. This legislation ensures that federal taxpayer dollars are not incentivizing or subsidizing squatting,” said Congressman Lawler.

The legislation also bars federal mortgage support, including FHA, VA, USDA, and Federal Housing Finance Agency programs, as well as government-backed mortgage activity, for properties in jurisdictions that allow squatting. It also requires HUD, FHFA, VA, and USDA to issue joint regulations within 90 days to carry out the policy.

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.

###

Lawler Issues Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/25/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after the most recent Supreme Court decision allowing the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for the Haitian community:

“Conditions in Haiti remain extremely dangerous due to rampant gang violence, political instability, and a severe humanitarian crisis. That is why I co-led bipartisan legislation to extend TPS for Haiti, repeatedly urged the Administration to maintain these protections, worked directly with local leaders in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley, as well across the aisle with my colleagues in Congress, and fought to bring this measure to a vote in the House.

The State Department has Haiti at a Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest warning possible, due to gang activity, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and other life-threatening conditions. Just like it is not safe for Americans to go to Haiti, it is not safe to force Haitians to return at this current moment in time.

With our southern border now secure, we have the ability, and the responsibility, to pursue practical, targeted solutions that uphold the rule of law and recognize the harsh realities on the ground in Haiti.”

Congressman Lawler has consistently advocated for extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals. He co-led H.R. 1689 with Rep. Laura Gillen, urged the Administration on multiple occasions to extend TPS protections, led a bipartisan effort with local officials in support of Haitian TPS recipients, issued an open letter to the Haitian community, and voted in favor of legislation after signing the discharge petition to bring the legislation to the House floor.

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 & Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Demanding Hezbollah Disarm and Cease All Attacks

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - 6/23/25… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced a bipartisan House resolution condemning Hezbollah for its repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and calling on the Lebanese government to ensure Hezbollah immediately ceases all attacks and disarms in accordance with the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

The resolution establishes that Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel advance Iran’s strategic interests and reflect Tehran's commitment to destroying America’s ally Israel. It also reaffirms that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two governments, not terrorists.

The resolution is consistent with the June 3, 2026, Joint Statement between Israel and Lebanon and pushes back on outside efforts by Iran to determine Lebanon’s future, a criticism that has been raised in the context of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.

“Lebanese Hezbollah is a ruthless terrorist organization that has repeatedly violated ceasefire agreements, launching rockets, missiles, and drones at Israeli communities in clear defiance of negotiated terms. The Trump Administration has made it a priority to work alongside Lebanon's government to ensure they are doing everything in their authority to disarm Hezbollah, and I commend this cooperation. And we should all reject any attempt by Iran or Hezbollah to undermine peace,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

“Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that takes its orders from Tehran, and its relentless attacks against Israel are a direct threat to the ceasefire, to the region, and to the Lebanese people themselves,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “The Lebanese people have made it crystal clear they do not want to live under the boot of the Iranian regime. This resolution stands with them and demands that Hezbollah put down its weapons and stop acting as Iran’s proxy. Iran does not get to determine Lebanon’s future. The Lebanese people do.”

The resolution calls on the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to enforce the ceasefire brokered by the United States and ensure Hezbollah’s disarmament. It also reaffirms U.S. support for a sovereign, stable, and peaceful Lebanon free from Iranian interference.

The full text of the resolution 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.

###

Lawler Advances Six Bipartisan Housing Bills to President's Desk

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. - 6/23/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) voted in favor of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which contains text from six bipartisan housing bills he authored, and is now headed to the President's desk to be signed into law.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents one of the most significant bipartisan housing reform packages in more than three decades. The package passed the House with a vote of 357 to 32.

WATCH: REP LAWLER DEBATES IN FAVOR OF 21ST CENTURY ROAD TO HOUSING ACT ON HOUSE FLOOR

“By expanding housing opportunities, removing unnecessary barriers, and making government work better, we're helping restore the promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can build a future, put down roots, and own a home in the community you love,” said Congressman Lawler.

“The American Dream shouldn’t be reserved for a select few. It should be well within the reach of every hardworking family. I’m proud to have worked across the aisle and through the House Financial Services Committee to deliver meaningful reforms that will strengthen our communities, create more housing, and help make that dream a reality for generations to come,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

The package includes the following legislation authored by Congressman Lawler:

Community Investment and Prosperity Act, which expands banks' ability to make community investments that promote public welfare and support local economic development.
HUD Accountability Act of 2025, which requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to testify before Congress annually, strengthening transparency and accountability as the nation continues to face a housing affordability crisis.
Housing for America’s Middle Class Act, which directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study income parameters for workforce housing and provide recommendations on how federal housing policy can better serve middle-income families.
Improving Public Housing Agency Accountability Act, which requires annual reporting on troubled public housing agencies, including compliance with federal law, the physical and financial condition of properties, and recommendations to improve oversight and better serve residents.
Improving Housing Access Act, which directs the Comptroller General to study barriers to housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities and identify opportunities to improve access.
Superfund Area Facts and Exposure (SAFE) Act, which directs the Comptroller General to study the number of residential units, including public housing units, located within one mile of a Superfund site to understand potential impacts on nearby communities better.

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 Introduces Legislation to Help Preserve the Legacy of America's Veterans

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/18/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Veteran Headstone Honor Act, legislation that creates a federal tax credit to help cemeteries cover the cost of installing official veteran medallions on veterans’ headstones.

This legislation would allow taxpayers who own and operate private cemeteries to receive a federal tax credit for qualified expenses associated with attaching veteran headstone medallions to the graves of deceased service members.

“Our veterans answered the call to serve and have made tremendous sacrifices in defending our country. We owe them more than just our gratitude; we owe them the respect of ensuring their service is remembered for generations to come,” said Congressman Lawler.

Cemetery owners can claim a credit equal to the total qualified expenditures incurred for attaching medallions to headstones or markers located within their facilities. To ensure accountability, the credit requires cemetery owners to certify that the medallions have been installed and provide an itemized statement of the associated costs.

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.

###

Reps. Lawler & Ryan Introduce Legislation to Strengthen America’s Quantum Computing Advantage

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/17/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-18) announced the introduction of the National Security Commission on Quantum Computing Act of 2026, legislation establishing an independent commission to evaluate advancements in quantum computing and develop recommendations to ensure the United States maintains its technological advantage in this critical field.

The legislation would create an 11-member bipartisan national security commission tasked with studying quantum computing and assessing its implications for national security, economic competitiveness, scientific research, workforce development, and military applications.

“Quantum computing has the potential to transform our economy, strengthen our national defense, and reshape the future of technological innovation. Creating a commission focused on this emerging technology will help ensure the U.S. has a comprehensive strategy to maintain America’s technological edge, protect our security interests, and prepare our workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” said Congressman Lawler.

“I've seen firsthand how quickly technological superiority can determine the outcome of a conflict,” said Congressman Ryan. “The United States has always led the world in transformative technology, helping us bolster a competitive edge in defense and economic development. I’m proud to introduce this critical legislation to build on my work on the Armed Services Committee, and ensure the US continues to lead and define the next era of quantum computing.”

The commission would examine foreign investments and developments in quantum technologies, identify opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships and research initiatives, evaluate workforce and education needs, and appropriately provide recommendations to Congress and the executive branch on how best to advance U.S. leadership in quantum computing.

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.

###

Lawler Rebukes Hochul in New DOJ Lawsuit Against Her Medicaid Homecare Scandal

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/16/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration:

“This is a damning indictment of the cronyism and incompetence that have defined Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership in Albany. Her administration rigged an $11 billion Medicaid contract for New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), hand-picking Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) while sidelining qualified bidders. Emails detailed in the complaint show pressure from the Governor’s Office, a refusal to extend timelines despite clear warnings, and a deliberate effort to downplay the chaos that left thousands of disabled New Yorkers and their caregivers in limbo.

Who exactly pressured officials to favor PPL? Why were qualified bidders sidelined? Why was the rushed timeline forced despite warnings from PPL itself? And how much taxpayer money was lost in this fiasco?

If Kathy Hochul can’t answer these questions, then she should vacate her office immediately. New York cannot continue under leadership that refuses to take responsibility for a scandal this egregious.”

Congressman Lawler has been sounding the alarm on this issue for years. In December 2024, he led a group of New York Republican lawmakers in urging House leadership to block federal Medicaid funding unless the state submitted a proper State Plan Amendment to CMS and received approval. He specifically highlighted serious concerns about bid rigging in the sole-source contract awarded to PPL. Then in March 2025, Lawler called for immediate HHS intervention and a DOJ investigation into the credible allegations of bid rigging.

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, Stanton Unveil Bipartisan Package to Strengthen America’s Response to Extreme Heat

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 6/12/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Greg Stanton, co-Chairs of the Congressional Extreme Heat Caucus, unveiled a bipartisan legislative package to combat the growing and deadly threat of extreme heat to public health, national security, infrastructure, and communities nationwide.

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in America, killing more people every year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined. This spring, Phoenix recorded its hottest spring on record. Communities from the Southwest to the Northeast are facing temperatures that infrastructure, agriculture, and human bodies were never built to withstand.

“Extreme heat is not a future challenge; it is a present-day reality affecting communities in New York, Arizona, and across the country. This bipartisan package will help us better understand the scope of the problem, improve public awareness and preparedness, and ensure policymakers have the information needed to protect public health, strengthen resilience, and save lives,” said Congressman Lawler.

"In Phoenix, we just lived through our hottest spring on record, and we know this is only getting worse. This package gives Congress the awareness tools, the data, and the serious policy infrastructure to get ahead of a crisis that is already here. I'm grateful for Congressman Lawler's leadership and partnership in getting this done,” said Congressman Stanton.

Full text of the bills can be found hyperlinked below:

The National Extreme Heat Awareness Week resolution designates July 3–10, 2026, as National Extreme Heat Awareness Week, supporting a nationwide effort to educate Americans on the risks extreme heat poses to public health, infrastructure, agriculture, energy systems, and economic productivity.

The Extreme Heat Congressional Advisory Commission Act establishes a bipartisan commission to examine extreme heat through national and global security lenses, evaluating its impacts on critical infrastructure, military readiness, economic stability, public health, and emergency preparedness. The commission would be tasked with delivering Congress both short- and long-term policy recommendations.

The HEAT AI Act establishes a pilot program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to deploy artificial intelligence tools to improve the accuracy and consistency of heat-related mortality reporting, so public health officials, researchers, and policymakers finally have the data they need to understand the true toll of extreme heat and respond effectively.

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.

###