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Newsweek: Student Loan Update: Republicans Fight To Save Borrowers Thousands

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

A group of mostly Republican lawmakers is pushing a proposal in the House that could dramatically reduce the cost of federal student loans by capping interest rates at 2 percent.

This would save borrowers thousands of dollars over the life of their loans. But despite backing from both Republicans and one Democrat, the effort is facing resistance from an unexpected source: Democrats who say their own competing plan would provide even greater relief.

The debate comes as millions of borrowers adjust to a rapidly changing student loan landscape after the end of the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan and major changes enacted by Republicans last year.

This fight is a rare split in student loan politics.

Republicans are advancing one of the most aggressive interest-rate reduction proposals introduced in Congress, while Democrats argue borrowers deserve even greater relief through complete interest elimination.

For the roughly 43 million Americans with federal student loans, this could determine whether future student debt costs fall modestly or disappear entirely.

What To Know

H.R. 2003, the Affordable Loans for Students Act, would reduce federal student loan interest rates to 2 percent.

So far, the bill has been championed by Representative Michael Lawler, a New York Republican, alongside Florida Representatives Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican, and Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat.

“Democrats have spent years talking about making college more affordable, but in an election year, they refuse to prioritize [a] commonsense solution because they don’t want to give Congressman Lawler any credit for delivering for borrowers," Scott Waters, Lawler's communications director, told Newsweek.

"No one should have to put off buying a home, starting a family, saving for retirement, or building a business because they’re being crushed by student loan interest," Waters said.

Newsweek reached out to Luna and Moskowitz for comment.

Democratic support has been minimal as the party instead chooses to back the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act, which would bring interest rates on federal student loans entirely to 0 percent while allowing refinancing for current borrowers.

“No one's defending 8 or 9 percent on a grad loan,” Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek. “But Democrats are still fighting the borrowing caps that took effect July 1, and the death of SAVE. A bipartisan rate bill in August looks like Republicans score the win while Democrats lose on the bigger fight.”

Ryan said timing is “everything.”

“Once a 2 percent cap passes, the rate conversation is closed for the next decade. The borrowing limits stay in place. That's the real tension, not whether lower rates sound good,” he added.

Both the Republican and Democratic proposals aim to lower borrowing costs, but they take different approaches to paying for the changes.

“Some lawmakers are beginning to separate lowering the cost of student loans from forgiving them altogether,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek.

“Reducing interest rates can help the argument that they are helping borrowers while still maintaining that the underlying debt should be repaid.”

Republican Bill Would Slash Interest Rates

The Affordable Loans for Students Act (H.R. 2003) would amend federal law to lower interest rates on federal student loans to 2 percent and automatically modify many existing federal loans to reflect the lower rate.

The legislation has become the focus of a discharge petition effort led by Luna, who is attempting to force a House floor vote by gathering signatures from a majority of House members. Under House rules, 218 signatures are required.

Luna has argued that borrowers should not have to "spend their whole lives trying to pay off their debts." The proposal would reduce rates currently ranging from roughly 6.5 percent to 9 percent, depending on loan type.

Critics have largely pointed to the potential cost, with the American Enterprise Institute estimating the measure could cost at least $30 billion annually. However, Democrats have their own reasons for refusing to support the bill.

“The hesitation some Democrats have shown is more surprising given how central student-debt relief became to the party, but part of the problem may be political ownership,” Beene said.

“Republicans have spent the past year rewriting the repayment system around lower federal spending, borrowing limits, and accountability, while Democrats have focused much of their energy on opposing those changes rather than finding areas where they can actually negotiate improvements. Lower interest rates could become one of the rare areas where a bipartisan compromise eventually comes to fruition.”

Full List of Sponsors and Cosponsors: H.R. 2003

Based on Congress and government legislative records, the bill's sponsors include:

Representative Michael Lawler
Representative Anna Paulina Luna
Representative Jared Moskowitz
Representative Jefferson Van Drew
Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Moskowitz is the sole Democratic supporter.

Democrats Push an Alternative

Many Democrats have declined to support the Republican-backed effort because they prefer a competing proposal from Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut and Senator Peter Welch of Vermont.

Their legislation, the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act, would:

Refinance existing federal student loans to 0 percent interest.
Set future federal student loan interest rates at zero.
Create an Education Affordability Trust Fund intended to offset costs.
Increase certain borrowing limits for students.

Courtney told Politico that his proposal is "actually fiscally more responsible," and said that Democrats should support the 0 percent approach instead of the Republican measure.

“Democrats are not interested in playing politics, especially as Republicans have made the problem far worse by decapitating the Department of Education and forcing higher payments among many current borrowers,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek.

“Secondly, this is utterly fiscally irresponsible. Providing 2 percent loan caps could cost the government more than $30 billion a year. What economics teaches us is that when you place caps on prices, you also have to account for the consequences.”

Full List of Sponsors: Student Loan Interest Elimination Act

The sponsors and cosponsors of the Student Loan Interest Elimination Act are all Democrats and include:

Senator Peter Welch
Senator John Fetterman
Representative Joe Courtney
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton
Representative Dwight Evans
Representative Ted Lieu
Representative Mike Levin
Representative Chellie Pingree
Representative Bobby Scott
Representative Frederica Wilson
Representative Shomari Figures

How Much Could Borrowers Save?

The exact savings would depend on loan size and repayment term, but both proposals could reduce interest costs significantly. For example, a borrower with a $40,000 federal student loan balance, roughly the average balance cited by supporters of the Democratic bill, could save many thousands of dollars in total interest payments if rates were reduced from the current levels of 7 to 9 percent.

The Democratic plan would generally provide larger savings because it would eliminate interest entirely, while the Republican plan would leave borrowers paying 2 percent interest.

“I think both parties want a political win when it comes to education reform,” Thompson said. “Republicans are taking major hits right now with all of the court challenges and major Department of Education reforms, forcing people into new repayment plans that, quite often, may result in higher monthly payments.”

What Is the Likelihood It Will Pass?

At this stage, the odds appear low for either bill.

Several factors are working against H.R. 2003:

It remains stuck in committee more than a year after introduction.
House leaders have not scheduled a vote.
Democrats are divided, with many preferring Courtney's competing measure.
Budget concerns remain significant because of the potential federal cost.

GovTrack estimates only about a 2 percent chance of enactment for H.R. 2003, and the Democratic bill faces similar obstacles.

What Happens Next

Luna's discharge petition must attract enough House support to force a vote.

However, that is a difficult threshold and would require substantial Democratic backing.

Meanwhile, Courtney and Welch are continuing to build support for their competing 0 percent interest proposal.

But without broader bipartisan agreement, both bills face a steep uphill climb despite lawmakers’ growing concern about student debt affordability.

“I don't think this gets through unless Republicans can push it through on their own,” Thompson said. “I also don't think it is fiscally responsible in its current form, and the unintended consequence could be reduced access to student loans moving forward.”

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon, Cristina Diciu, Sam Wilson.

https://www.newsweek.com/student-loan-update-republicans-fight-to-save-borrowers-thousands-12314835

Family of NY teen killed by illegal immigrant knows the horror of ‘sanctuary’ laws — but Gov. Hochul backed one anyway

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

On the morning of March 19, three police officers knocked on a door in Yorktown Heights and delivered the worst news any parent can receive.

Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Yorktown High School graduate and a freshman at Loyola University Chicago, was shot and killed while walking with friends.

The man charged with her murder was an illegal immigrant who was detained at the border and then released.

He was then arrested in Chicago and released again. Then he failed to appear in court.

Sheridan’s mother, Jessica, put it plainly: a 10-second phone call from local police to ICE could have saved her daughter’s life.

After a tragedy like this, you’d think Democrats in Albany would ask what went wrong and how we can prevent it from happening again.

Instead, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Democrats in the Legislature doubled down.

Their new “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act” prohibits police from cooperating with federal immigration authorities and strips state law enforcement funding from any department that refuses to comply.

In plain English: Albany is now punishing police departments for simply doing their jobs and, in doing so, creating the conditions that will lead to another set of parents getting the same life-changing knock on the door the Gormans did.

Look at the numbers. Per data from ICE, the agency has lodged 21,730 detainers in New York State since Jan. 20, 2025.

New York refused to honor 13,621 of them, nearly two out of every three.

The people behind those ignored detainers carried a combined 41,780 criminal charges and convictions, an average of more than three apiece.

In New York City, 12,787 of 15,206 detainers were ignored, a refusal rate of 84%.

So much for Hochul’s dishonest claim that “nothing in our laws prevents violent criminals from being turned over to ICE.”

Consider what happened recently in Nassau County, where local police on routine patrol observed three men in a Home Depot parking lot unloading a wooden crate into their vehicles.

That crate contained rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition, three machetes, assorted knives, suspected cocaine and a forged Social Security card.

All three men were arrested on state charges. Two were determined to be in the country illegally and turned over to ICE. The third was released on an appearance ticket.

The only reason two of those men will see an immigration judge is that, at the time, Nassau County still had a working relationship with federal authorities when those arrests were made.

But on Aug. 25, Hochul and Albany Democrats voided that relationship, which means if an identical case came up in September, those men would escape ICE’s grip.

Minneapolis showed us where this leads. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January were tragic, but they were avoidable.

City leaders barred their own police department from cooperating with ICE, even for traffic and crowd control.

So when federal agents moved through those neighborhoods, no local cops were managing the crowds or the traffic around them, and the situation spun out of control.

That does not mean federal agents get a pass. I have said repeatedly that ICE should adopt common-sense reforms: Agents should wear body cameras, and should not be masked.

Americans deserve to know who is policing them, and transparency protects good agents as much as it protects the public.

But improving ICE and cooperating with ICE are not competing ideas. We need both, and right now New York is refusing to do either.

We should all remember why ICE has to be out there at all: Joe Biden let millions of illegal immigrants into this country without adequate vetting.

You cannot throw open the border, tie the hands of law enforcement and then act shocked at the consequences.

No one here is attacking legal immigration. Lawful immigrants waited, applied, were vetted and followed the rules.

The problem is our state has chosen, as official policy, to shield people who broke our laws and then committed crimes against New Yorkers.

When Jessica and Tom Gorman stood in front of the Yorktown Police Department and begged the governor to change course, she dismissed their plea and suggested the family was being “exploited.”

She saved her outrage for federal law enforcement and could not spare one word of accountability for the man who murdered an 18-year-old New Yorker.

That tells you everything about whose side Hochul’s administration is on.

Gov. Hochul should immediately call the Legislature back into session and repeal this disastrous law.

Let police officers do the jobs we trust them to do. In Congress, I will keep fighting to end sanctuary policies nationwide.

Jessica Gorman said it best: Enough is enough.

Rep. Mike Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District.

https://nypost.com/2026/08/11/opinion/sheridan-gormans-family-knows-the-horror-of-sanctuary-laws-but-hochul-backed-one-anyway/

Lawler Introduces Bill to Ensure Continuity of Operations at Export-Import Bank

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 8/27/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the EXIM Bank Continuity in Competitiveness Act, legislation that would permanently reform requirements for the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to ensure the continuity of operations and strengthen the bank's ability to support American businesses and workers.

EXIM plays an important role in supporting American exporters and helping U.S. businesses compete in the global economy. This legislation would ensure a permanent framework for maintaining the continuity of operations when the Board of Directors does not have a quorum, while ensuring the temporary board authority ends when a permanent quorum is restored, or when a new President takes office.

“American businesses should have every opportunity to compete and win on a level playing field. The Export-Import Bank plays an important role in supporting American workers, businesses, and exporters as they compete in the global economy. We need to make sure the Bank can continue doing its job without unnecessary disruptions, and this legislation will provide the certainty needed to keep it operating effectively,” said Congressman Lawler.

“American businesses should never be put at a competitive disadvantage because the Export-Import Bank is unable to function due to vacancies on its board. Making the quorum solution permanent is a commonsense step that will provide greater certainty for U.S. exporters and ensure they have access to the financing tools they need to compete against foreign companies backed by their own governments. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce supports this effort to prevent unnecessary disruptions, strengthen American competitiveness and support businesses, workers and supply chains here in New Jersey and across the country,” said the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

“It's imperative that businesses across the State of New York have reliable access to financing tools that allow them to be competitive in a global marketplace. To accomplish that, the EXIM Bank must be able to operate responsibly and uninterrupted. We commend Reps. Lawler and Gottheimer for their leadership on this important issue and for advancing legislation that will end future delays,” said Heather Mulligan, President and CEO of The Business Council of New York, Inc.

“Businesses across Ohio and around the country utilize important financing mechanisms like the Export-Import Bank to help ensure they can sell their products to consumers overseas. It is essential to build on investments made by leaders in Washington to support re-industrialization and reshoring by ensuring that the United States does not unilaterally disarm in a global marketplace. Reauthorizing the EXIM Bank is a critical step needed to keep American businesses competing on a level playing field,” said Ohio Chamber President & CEO Steve Stivers.

“Political gridlock left the Export Import Bank of the United States functionally paralyzed for nearly four years, costing American exporters billions of dollars in lost deals while foreign competitors rushed in to fill the void. Freeing the EXIM Bank from this legislative logjam is a bipartisan concern and a pillar of American competitiveness, which is why the EXIM Bank Continuity in Competitiveness Act permanently fixes the quorum requirement and keeps EXIM Bank fully operational. American workers, manufacturers, and small businesses cannot afford to lose another deal simply because Washington failed to staff a board, and the Chamber thanks Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer for their leadership in introducing this commonsense legislation,” said Foxhall Parker, Senior Director, Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Reps. Lawler and Gottheimer's bipartisan legislation delivers an important fix manufacturers have long sought to improve the operations and efficiency of the EXIM Bank and ensure it can use its full authorities to support U.S. manufacturers competing around the world. A strong, efficient EXIM Bank helps level the playing field, giving manufacturers and their customers greater access to critical financing that supports growth, investment and job creation here at home,” said Jay Timmons, CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers.

This bill is also endorsed by the Rockland Business Association.

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 Fights For Tariff Exemption To Keep Rock Salt Affordable Ahead Of New York Winter Months

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 8/25/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urging him to exempt rock salt imported from Chile from Section 301 tariffs, as higher costs put additional financial pressure on Hudson Valley municipalities and threaten their ability to safely maintain roads and sidewalks during winter storm months.

The Hudson Valley relies on imported Chilean rock salt to clear and treat roads, highways, and sidewalks during snow and ice storms.

“Unfortunately, the imposition of these tariffs could significantly increase the cost of imported Chilean rock salt, placing additional financial pressure on municipalities that already operate under limited budgets. Most Hudson Valley communities depend on imported Chilean rock salt for winter maintenance. Under the new tariffs, these costs will skyrocket, forcing local governments to make difficult decisions about how to allocate already limited resources. Municipalities should not have to choose between maintaining essential safety measures and funding other critical public services,” wrote the lawmaker.

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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ICYMI: Lawler Welcomes Labor Secretary Sonderling to NY-17 for Discussions with Building Trades and Law Enforcement

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Valhalla, N.Y. – 8/21/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) welcomed Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling to New York’s 17th Congressional District for meetings with local building trades and law enforcement labor organizations, allowing union members to raise their priorities directly with the Administration.

Rep. Lawler and Secretary Sonderling first joined the Westchester-Putnam Building Trades Council general meeting, and then convened a roundtable with representatives from police benevolent associations and other law enforcement labor organizations from across the Hudson Valley.

“Today was about listening to the men and women who keep our communities running and keep our families safe. The building trades are providing people across the Hudson Valley with a pathway to a good-paying career without taking on a mountain of student debt, and we need to do everything we can to expand those opportunities. At the same time, our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they deserve our support and respect,” said Congressman Lawler.

“Having Secretary Sonderling here in the Hudson Valley gave our union members a direct opportunity to tell the Administration what they need from Washington. That means expanding apprenticeships, addressing workforce shortages, making sure projects actually get built, and protecting hardworking men and women on the job. Recruitment and retention, fair pay, strong pensions, safe working conditions, and respect for the profession all matter. I appreciate Secretary Sonderling for coming to NY-17 to listen directly to the people doing this work,” concluded Congressman Lawler.

“I greatly appreciate Congressman Lawler’s invitation to meet with local labor leaders and law enforcement. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and champions for American workers like Congressman Lawler, the Working Families Tax Cuts are driving investment and job creation in the Hudson Valley. No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and pro-investment tax provisions are revitalizing local industries and creating more high-paying opportunities throughout the region,” said Secretary Sonderling.

Rep. Lawler has been a strong advocate for workers and their families in Congress. He was an original cosponsor of the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would restore collective bargaining rights for federal employees. He was also the 218th member to sign the discharge petition for this bill and voted for it on the floor. He is also an original cosponsor of the Faster Labor Contracts Act and also signed the discharge petition to force this bill to a vote. Both of these key pieces of legislation are awaiting consideration in the Senate.

Rep. Lawler also co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Warehouse Worker Protection Act to promote transparency, safety, and basic protections for warehouse workers. He is a proud Davis-Bacon Republican and will continue to fight for our hardworking men and women in the halls of Congress.

Rep. Lawler has likewise made supporting law enforcement a priority, securing federal funding for Hudson Valley police departments, dispatch systems, and other public safety needs. He has supported legislation to expand housing and childcare opportunities for law enforcement officers and firefighters and has consistently opposed efforts to defund or weaken law enforcement.

PHOTOS: Pictures from this week’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, Peters Introduce Bill Examining How Affordable Housing Can Strengthen Federal Programs, Improve Outcomes

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – 8/13/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) introduced the Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act to establish a federal task force examining how the lack of affordable housing affects other government programs, the economy, and Americans’ quality of life.

The bipartisan task force would evaluate and quantify the broader cost associated with the nation’s affordable housing shortage and develop recommendations for Congress on how investments in affordable housing can improve the effectiveness of other federal programs and produce better outcomes for Americans.

“Affordable housing is about far more than putting a roof over someone’s head. It has a direct impact on whether families can succeed. When people are struggling to afford housing, it can affect their ability to work, their health, their children’s education, and their financial stability. At the same time, government programs often bear the costs of these downstream challenges. This bipartisan task force will help us understand those connections, identify where we can improve outcomes, and make smarter use of taxpayer dollars. ,” said Congressman Lawler.

“In 2019, I introduced this bill because Congress needed a real roadmap to bring down the cost of housing, which is a serious crisis for American families. That crisis still persists today, especially in San Diego, where housing expenses are 136% higher than the national average. I'm glad to relaunch this bipartisan effort with Congressman Lawler to give Congress an evidence-based response to an urgent problem,” said Congressman Peters.

Specifically, the Task Force will:

Evaluate and quantify the impact of a lack of affordable housing on education, employment, income, health, nutrition, transportation access, poverty, regional economic growth, and the stability and revitalization of neighborhoods and rural communities;
Evaluate and quantify costs incurred by federal, state, and local programs as a result of a lack of affordable housing; and
Recommend policies to Congress on how affordable housing can improve the effectiveness of federal programs and improve life outcomes for Americans.

Endorsing organizations include the Mortgage Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, Up for Growth, National Association of REALTORS®, and the National NeighborWorks Association.

“Housing is one of the four biggest and fastest-growing drivers of affordability challenges facing families across the country, and America’s leading Main Street banks know firsthand how critical access to affordable housing is to families’ financial well-being. The Consumer Bankers Association strongly supports the introduction of Representative Lawler’s Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act. By comprehensively evaluating how housing access impacts everything from regional economic growth to the effectiveness of other government programs, this legislation will provide policymakers with the vital data needed to address the root causes of the affordability crisis,” said CBA President and CEO Lindsey Johnson.

“MBA supports the introduction of this bill to better understand the nation’s affordable housing challenges and identify effective solutions. A comprehensive assessment should examine both access to credit and the specific drivers of rising mortgage origination costs, which can create barriers to homeownership. We appreciate the bipartisan effort to develop a clearer picture of these challenges and look forward to working with Congress to advance policies that expand access to affordable housing,” said Bill Killmer, SVP of Legislative and Political Affairs.

“The National NeighborWorks Association commends Representatives Lawler and Peters for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act. NeighborWorks organizations see every day how the lack of affordable housing ripples outward, driving up costs and undermining outcomes in education, health, employment, and economic stability. This legislation takes an important step toward quantifying that impact and equipping Congress with the data needed to make affordable housing a more effective tool across federal programs,” said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of the National NeighborWorks Association.

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 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.

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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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