Lawler, Michael RSS Articles

Lawler Introduces Public Service Retirement Tax Relief Act to Cap Federal Taxes on State and Local Government Pensions

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/17/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Public Service Retirement Tax Relief Act, legislation to cap federal income taxes for retirees’ government pensions. The tax cap would provide up to $10,000 in relief for individual filers and up to $20,000 for qualifying joint filers in which both spouses receive a State or local government pension. All other income would continue to be taxed under current law, and the cap would apply only to eligible State and local government pension income.

“After a lifetime of serving their communities, retired teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants deserve to keep more of the pensions they worked so hard to earn. Our retirees on fixed incomes are burdened by high federal tax bills. I'm proud to introduce this legislation to provide relief, help retirees keep more of their hard-earned retirement income, and better afford everyday expenses,” said Congressman Lawler.

Currently, state and local government pensions are taxed as ordinary income under federal law. This legislation establishes a cap on the amount of federal income tax retirees can owe on those pensions, helping provide greater financial certainty while allowing public servants to keep more of the retirement benefits they earned.

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 Strengthens Food Supply Oversight Of Imported Foods To Protect America’s Supply

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/16/26… Today, Congressman Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Protecting America’s Food Supply Act, legislation to improve oversight of imported food products by ensuring the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) foreign food inspection program is effectively protecting public health.

Specifically, this legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of imported food products to evaluate public health risks, including safety violations, recalls, import volumes, and coordination between the U.S. and foreign regulators.

“The safety of our nation’s food supply should never be taken for granted. As more food products are imported into the United States, we must ensure our oversight keeps pace to make sure that Americans have confidence in the food that they are feeding their families. This legislation will not only increase transparency and accountability, but it will help ensure our food system is addressing potential risks before they impact public health,” said Congressman Lawler.

The legislation also requires HHS to publicly report key information on imported food safety, including FDA inspection targets, the number of inspections completed, inspection trends by commodity and country of origin, and whether the FDA’s foreign food inspection program is meeting the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act and risk-based inspection standards.

The 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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Lohud: Congress promised action on the housing crisis. We delivered | Opinion

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now the law of the land. It is the most significant piece of housing legislation to pass Congress since 1990 — and it includes six bills I wrote.

If you live in the Hudson Valley, you don't need me to tell you why it was necessary. You see it every single day.

In early 2019, the median single-family home in Westchester sold for $605,000. Last year, it topped $1.1 million. In Rockland, the median went from $445,000 to $780,000 over the same stretch. In six years, the price of a home in the two largest counties in my district rose by hundreds of thousands of dollars, far outpacing rising wages.

Then add in the cost of borrowing. Under the Biden administration, mortgage interest rates reached 30-year highs, topping 7.7%. They have come down, but not fast enough, which means families are paying far more every month for far less house.

The results are predictable and heartbreaking. The typical first-time homebuyer in America is now 40 years old, the oldest ever recorded. A generation ago, that buyer was in their late 20s. First-time buyers have fallen to just 21% of the market, the lowest share ever measured. Young families aren't choosing to rent into their 40s; instead they've been priced out of homeownership.

Here in the Hudson Valley, the squeeze hits everyone. Young couples can't buy a starter home in the towns where they grew up and want to set roots down. Seniors can't afford to downsize. Volunteer firefighters, who staff nearly all of our fire departments, struggle to live in the very communities they protect.

Why did this happen? Housing is a basic supply-and-demand issue, and by some estimates America is as many as 8 million homes short of what our people need. For decades, this country has not built enough, and government at every level made the problem worse with red tape, duplicative reviews and outdated mandates that add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of construction.

What does the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act do?

Our new law attacks that problem head-on, with dozens of provisions written by Republicans and Democrats alike.

It streamlines the environmental reviews that can delay a housing project for years. It helps communities adopt “pattern books” of pre-approved home designs, so builders spend less time and money on permitting. It scraps the outdated federal mandate that every manufactured home sit on a permanent steel chassis, a rule that adds $5,000 to $10,000 to the cost of some of the most affordable homes in America. It stops the largest institutional investors, those holding 350 or more single-family homes, from buying up more of them and outbidding young families who can't compete with all-cash offers. And it rewards communities that actually build by steering existing federal dollars their way, without adding a dime of new spending.

Six pieces of this law began as bills I authored:

The Community Investment and Prosperity Act raises the cap on community banks' public-welfare investments from 15% to 20%, freeing up private capital for affordable housing and small-business lending.
The HUD Accountability Act requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to testify before Congress every single year; if Washington is going to spend billions on housing, the person running the department should answer for the results.
The Housing for America's Middle Class Act directs the Government Accountability Office to finally define “workforce housing” so that federal policy no longer ignores families who earn too much to qualify for assistance but too little to afford market rents.
The Improving Public Housing Agency Accountability Act requires annual reporting on troubled public housing agencies, including chronically mismanaged systems like NYCHA, to protect residents living in deteriorating conditions.
The Improving Housing Access Act examines the barriers keeping seniors and Americans with disabilities from housing that meets their needs.
The SAFE Act will tell us, for the first time, how many families live within a mile of a Superfund site.

I also cosponsored other measures included in the package, from allowing modern single-staircase apartment buildings to giving localities a real roadmap for zoning reform to helping veterans access the home loan benefits they earned.

Compromise should not be a dirty word in Washington

None of this happened overnight. In October 2024, during my first term in Congress, I stood with local officials and realtors in New City and rolled out the Revitalizing America's Housing Act, a comprehensive plan to boost construction, cut red tape, and strengthen oversight of the agencies responsible for our housing stock. We had worked on that plan for most of my first term, and it was over 200 pages long.

Plenty of people in Washington will tell you a freshman member's housing overhaul is going nowhere. But compare that 2024 plan to the law on the books today. The workforce housing study? In the plan. The Superfund review? In the plan. Repealing the chassis mandate? In the plan. Good ideas that I pushed relentlessly and that my colleagues in both parties improved become law.

And that is worth dwelling on. This bill passed the House 358-32 and the Senate 85-5. In one of the most polarized moments in modern American politics, nearly every Republican and nearly every Democrat voted for the same major piece of legislation. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Compromise is not a dirty word. It's how you govern.

Washington has now done its part, but the federal government doesn't control local zoning, and no act of Congress can force Albany to confront the taxes and energy costs driving New Yorkers out of the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature should treat this law as a challenge. The tools are on the table to lower housing costs. Use them, and stop hiking our freaking taxes.

The American Dream should be well within reach of every family willing to work hard and play by the rules, including the young couple in their 20’s looking at their first starter home and our seniors trying to find a place to retire within the communities they love and have helped build. With this law on the books, we've taken a real step toward putting it back within reach.

Now let's build.

https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/2026/07/15/ny-housing-crisis-mike-lawler/90920258007/

Chairman Lawler Introduces Bill to Replace UNRWA with Accountable Humanitarian Assistance

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to work alongside our international partners to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) while ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian assistance for civilians in need.

Specifically, this bill requires the State Department to submit to Congress a plan to dismantle UNRWA operations throughout the Middle East, identify qualified governments and international or non-governmental organizations to assume responsibility for the services UNRWA currently provides, and outline a detailed proposal for transitioning those services while ensuring continuity of critical humanitarian assistance. The plan must also include oversight measures to ensure successor organizations meet strict standards for neutrality, transparency, and accountability.

“UNRWA has repeatedly failed to meet the basic standards of accountability and neutrality that the international community should expect from any humanitarian organization. Credible reports have exposed serious failures within the agency, including employees with ties to terrorist organizations and educational materials that promote antisemitism and incite violence. Humanitarian aid must reach those who need it, not strengthen organizations that undermine peace and security. This legislation provides a responsible path to replace UNRWA with trustworthy partners while ensuring critical humanitarian assistance continues uninterrupted,” said Chairman Lawler.

“Democrats and Republicans agree: we can’t keep funneling money through an organization that teaches kids to hate and employs Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7th attack. That’s why our bill requires a responsible, phased transition to replace UNRWA with accountable partners and makes sure aid reaches the people who need it. Aid should feed families, not fund terror,” said Rep. Gottheimer.

“For decades, UNRWA has failed in its mission, and the status quo is simply not working. Following conversations with regional stakeholders, including the Christian Patriarchs in Jerusalem and Jordanian officials, regarding the stability of the region, I am convinced we need a new approach. Aid responsibilities need to be given to trusted partners who effectively deliver health care, education, and food, without lining the pockets of terrorist groups like Hamas. This legislation protects taxpayer dollars, advances our national security interests, and strengthens humanitarian efforts in the region,” said Rep. French Hill (AR-02).

“UNRWA is a deeply compromised organization that is beyond any capability for reform. It’s time for the U.S. to implement a serious plan to eliminate and replace UNRWA once and for all,” said Deryn Sousa, Spokeswoman for AIPAC.

“JINSA is proud to endorse the "Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act." After decades of documented terror ties, radicalization, and corruption, UNRWA has forfeited any claim to serve as a credible humanitarian partner in the Middle East. Israeli intelligence assessments estimate over 10 percent of UNRWA's Gaza staff have ties to terror groups and roughly half have close family ties to them, underscoring UNRWA does not in good faith fulfill its goal of ameliorating the humanitarian situation of Gazans. As JINSA’s Gaza Futures Task Force concluded in The Day After: A Plan for Gaza, UNRWA should be dismantled and replaced by alternative mechanisms that can accomplish that goal and facilitate a more stable and secure future for Gaza. This legislation takes the necessary step of requiring the State Department to chart that transition,” said Matt Kenney, Vice President, Government Affairs, JINSA.

“UNRWA does not resettle refugees; UNRWA recruits refugees. How an organization continues to exist for over half a century, despite receiving billions of dollars from the American taxpayer, yet has not managed to resettle one single refugee is beyond me. Even if one were to pretend that UNRWA wasn't overrun with terrorists, many of whom had a direct hand in 10/7, by any metric UNRWA is an institutional failure and deserves to lie in the dustbin of history,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Hagee Parker.

"UNWRA has failed to achieve meaningful refugee assistance and resettlement as an organization. UNRWA has allowed itself to be coopted by terrorist groups that only seek the continuation of conflict and the destruction of Israel. UNRWA is beyond repair and the UN as a body is incapable of providing services and staff that are free from terrorist influence. FDD Action supports the Lawler/Gottheimer bill along with the dismantlement of UNRWA and the creation of alternative service providers for the Palestinian people that will meet the humanitarian needs of the moment and help build a civil society free of Hamas,” said Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action.

In May 2026, Lawler led more than 90 Members of Congress in urging the Administration to dismantle UNRWA’s operations and transition its responsibilities to credible, transparent organizations that are free of ties to terrorism while ensuring humanitarian assistance continues uninterrupted. The Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act codifies that effort by requiring the State Department to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve that transition.

The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Michael McCaul (TX-10), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Don Bacon (NE-02), Randy Fine (FL-06), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Nick LaLota (NY-01), August Pfluger (TX-11), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Julie Fedorchak (ND-At large), Max Miller (OH-07), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Young Kim (CA-40), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), French Hill (AR-02), Darrell Issa (CA-48), and Craig Goldman (TX-12).

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’s Legislation Protecting Northeast Lobster Industry Advances Through Natural Resources Committee

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) applauded the House Natural Resources Committee’s passage of the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to extend critical relief for Northeast fisheries by maintaining the current regulatory framework that governs American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries in the Northeast.

This bill provides stability for these fisheries and prevents unnecessary disruptions that could lead to closures, while allowing additional time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. The Trump Administration has expressed strong support for this policy, stating that it aligns with Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and offering strong support for its passage through Congress.

This legislation passed in the House Natural Resources Committee and now will advance to the House floor.

“Protecting the North Atlantic right whale and supporting America’s fishing communities are goals that can and must go hand in hand. By extending the current regulatory framework through 2035, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act provides the time needed to develop durable, science-driven solutions that protect this endangered species without imposing unnecessary burdens on fishermen. I’m grateful to Chairman Bruce Westerman for advancing this legislation through Committee and to Rep. Jared Golden for his partnership on this bipartisan effort,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Lobster fishing contributes billions of dollars to Maine’s economy and employs thousands of Mainers, yet it has dealt with extreme regulatory uncertainty. Rep. Lawler’s bill extends the timeline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act from 2028 to 2035. This allows the regulations to be based on the most up-to-date, complete scientific information available without placing undue burdens on lobstermen. I thank Rep. Lawler for supporting this vital industry,” said Chairman Bruce Westerman, House Committee on Natural Resources.

“I’m grateful to Rep. Lawler and my colleagues on the committee for a strong show of bipartisan support for Maine lobstermen. In 2022, Congress enacted this regulatory pause and funded new efforts to gather information to support a data-driven process to establish rules that made sense for both the fishermen and the whales. But today the rulemaking process is behind schedule for reasons that have nothing to do with Maine fishermen. At the same time, those charged with gathering the necessary data say more time is needed to ensure regulations can incorporate the best available science. Maine fishermen are not asking for much. We just need more time,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02).

This legislation amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 to maintain the existing moratorium on certain federal regulations affecting the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries through 2035. This extension supports the development of innovative gear technologies, such as ropeless/on-demand systems and whale deterrents.

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 Continues to Call on Administration to Restore LGBTQ+ 988 Youth Crisis Services

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/15/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) stood alongside leaders from the Trevor Project and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for a bipartisan press conference calling for the swift restoration of specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis services within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and welcoming the Administration’s commitment to restore them.

WATCH: LAWLER CONTINUES TO CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO RESTORE LGBTQ+ 988 YOUTH CRISIS SERVICES

“When the decision was made to eliminate the ‘Press 3’ option, I spoke out because I believed it was the wrong decision. I said then, and I believe now, that if a young person is scared, alone, and thinking about taking their own life, they shouldn't have to wonder whether the help they need will be there. That’s also why I was proud to help introduce the bipartisan 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act. Our bill would protect these specialized services within the 988 Lifeline and provide dedicated funding to help ensure they're there for every young person who needs them. We need to move quickly, provide the resources necessary to fully restore these services, and make sure no young person in crisis is left without someone to answer the call,” said Congressman Lawler.

Rep. Lawler has been engaged on this issue from the beginning. Last year, he led a letter to Secretary Kennedy urging the Administration to preserve the specialized LGBTQ+ youth services within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. He also introduced H.R.5434, the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025 alongside Rep. Krishnamoorthi. He also worked to ensure funding for the restoration of these services through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, securing $33.1 million.

With the Administration’s recent decision to restore the LGBTQ+ youth services, he is committed to working with the Administration to make this happen as quickly as possible.

PHOTOS: Pictures from the event can be found HERE.

VIDEO: Remarks 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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Lawler Applauds 21st Century Road to Housing Act Being Made Law

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/11/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) celebrated the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark bipartisan legislation that will help address the nation’s severe housing shortage and lower costs for American families.

The United States faces a shortage of as many as 8 million housing units. Regulatory delays and outdated zoning have worsened the crisis, while small and midsize banks that finance new construction have struggled under heavy regulatory burdens.

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

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes real solutions that empower homeowners and renters and strengthen communities and will lead to more affordable choices for all Americans.

“When Republicans set the agenda and focus on results, we can deliver meaningful reforms that lower costs and expand opportunity. By modernizing outdated programs, supporting community banks, and keeping large institutional investors from crowding out families, we’re making the American Dream more attainable,” said Congressman Lawler.

“I’m proud of the work House Republicans did on the Financial Services Committee to get this done, and I want to thank Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters as well as Subcommittee Chair Mike Flood for their leadership in advancing this critical legislation,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

Putting Families First in the Housing Market
This bill curbs large-scale institutional investor purchases to ensure that American families aren’t forced to compete with Wall Street for a home.

Removing Unnecessary Regulatory Barriers
This bill speeds up homebuilding, including allowing ready-to-use, pre-approved home designs for faster permitting, modernizing federal and local processes, and strengthening community capacity to build more affordable homes in both rural and urban areas.

Modernizing HUD Programs
This bill accelerates development, including updating rules for manufactured homes with HUD as the lead authority, reforming the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (the largest federal block grant for affordable housing), and exempting small-scale projects from burdensome environmental reviews while giving local governments more flexibility.

Enhancing Community Banking Operations
This bill cuts red tape by streamlining exams, expanding access to stable deposits for local lending, and supporting rural banks so they can better serve small businesses, farmers, and families.

Additionally, 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.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate 85-5 and the House 358-32 with strong bipartisan support.

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 Congratulates The New York Knicks’ Historic 2026 NBA Championship With Resolution

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/10/26… Today, Congressman Lawler (NY-17) introduced a resolution congratulating the New York Knicks, the 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals Champions, securing the team’s first NBA title since 1973 after winning in five games against the San Antonio Spurs.

The resolution recognizes the Knicks’ historic championship run and the team’s remarkable postseason performance, including a 16-3 playoff record, historic comeback victories, and the leadership of Jalen Brunson, the 2026 NBA Finals' Captain and Most Valuable Player.

“For generations of New Yorkers, we’ve waited for this moment. Our team never quit, never backed down, and reminded all of us of what it means to be a New Yorker and what makes our state special: grit, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible. After more than 50 years, the Larry O’Brien Trophy is finally back where it belongs. Congratulations to Jalen Brunson, the Captain and 2026 NBA Finals' Most Valuable Player, Coach Mike Brown, owner James Dolan, the entire Knicks organization, and every fan who has been waiting for this championship win. It will always be New York or nowhere,” said Congressman Lawler.

The resolution also recognizes the team for uniting New Yorkers of all backgrounds, igniting excitement among basketball fans around the world, and inspiring millions to believe in themselves and never give up.

The resolution was co-signed by Reps. Laura Gillen (NY-04), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Josh Riley (NY-19), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14).

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 Secures Extension of Work Authorization for Haitian TPS Beneficiaries

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Pearl River, N.Y. – 7/10/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced guidance extending the validity of employment authorization documents for eligible Haitian TPS beneficiaries. Instead of expiring today, documents will remain valid until July 24, 2026.

This decision comes after Rep. Lawler advocated for an extension directly with the Trump Administration, highlighting the importance of an orderly transition for Haitians on TPS, many of whom serve as essential healthcare workers and other critical members of the workforce in New York’s 17th Congressional District.

“Following my conversations with President Trump and Secretary Mullin, I am grateful they took this important step to temporarily extend work authorizations for Haitian beneficiaries.

This extension provides more time for Haitian TPS holders to continue serving their communities and supporting their families, while figuring out their next steps, whether that includes pursuing additional work authorizations, green cards, or otherwise. It reflects the practical, commonsense approach I have been advocating for, one that recognizes the President’s ability to terminate TPS while supporting the folks who want to stay in the U.S. legally.

I will continue working with the Administration to ensure any future transition is orderly and does not unnecessarily disrupt our communities or healthcare system,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

Securing an extension of Haiti TPS has been one of Rep. Lawler’s top legislative and constituent priorities. During his time in Congress, he has consistently worked across the aisle and directly with the Administration to ensure an orderly path forward for Haitian families, healthcare workers, employers, and communities.

His efforts have included co-leading H.R. 1689 to extend Haiti TPS, repeatedly urging President Trump to extend the designation through letters and direct conversations, leading a bipartisan coalition of elected officials and community leaders in support of an extension, issuing multiple public statements and an open letter to the Haitian community, signing a discharge petition to force consideration of H.R. 1689, and ultimately voting for the legislation when it passed the House. Most recently, he urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to immediately bring H.R. 1689 to the Senate floor following the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Administration to terminate this designation.

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, Gottheimer Urge Federal Agencies to Coordinate Against AI Threats Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 7/9/26… This week, Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Co-Chair of the Democratic AI Commission, are continuing their bipartisan effort to strengthen safeguards around artificial intelligence and protect the integrity of the 2026 elections, this week urging federal agencies to coordinate their response to emerging AI-related risks.

In a letter sent to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the lawmakers called on the agencies to work together to ensure AI-driven technologies do not undermine voters' access to accurate, neutral, and reliable election information.

Millions of Americans increasingly rely on AI-powered tools to research candidates, policies, and voting information; protecting the accuracy and integrity of those systems is critical to maintaining public confidence in America's elections.

“Providing voters with accurate, neutral, and verifiable information is not optional, but a democratic imperative. For two hundred and fifty years, the American experiment has rested on a simple but powerful idea: that free people, when given the facts, can be trusted to choose their own path. Today, the way our fellow citizens receive those facts is changing rapidly. As we approach the midterms, this transformation must not undermine the public’s confidence in the democratic process,” wrote the lawmakers.

The full letter 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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