Michael Lawler

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

Position: Congressman Lawler supports legislation establishing federal grants to nonprofit organizations to provide support services for family caregivers, including mental health resources, transportation assistance, and meals.

Ossining, N.Y. – 5/8/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler joined community leaders, caregivers, and advocates at the Dreams Legacy Center in Ossining to highlight the introduction of the Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act, legislation designed to strengthen support for caregivers. The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish grants for nonprofit organizations to provide practical support services for caregivers, including mental health resources, transportation assistance, meals, and other wellness supports. The bill is inspired by the life and legacy of Dream Ioni Shepherd and the advocacy of her mother, Hudson Valley resident Diana Lemon. “Caregivers are the backbone of our health care system, but too often they are left to carry enormous responsibilities without the support they need. Dream’s story and Diana’s advocacy helped expose gaps in our system and drive real change here in New York. This legislation builds on that work by ensuring caregivers have access to practical resources and support services that help them continue caring for their loved ones without sacrificing their own well-being,” said Congressman Lawler. Dream was born with sickle cell disease and spent much of her childhood battling chronic illness, enduring years of treatments, hospitalizations, and a stroke at just five years old. At age ten, she underwent a stem cell transplant after Diana donated her own stem cells in an effort to save her daughter’s life. “My daughter Dream lived with sickle cell disease, survived a stroke, underwent a stem cell transplant, and later developed osteosarcoma, and through that journey I learned how deeply caregivers sacrifice to keep the people they love alive. Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act is about recognition, restoration, and healing justice because caregivers deserve real support.,” Diana E. Lemon, Dream’s Mother and Advocate, Co-Founder and CEO of OCGDLC. Following the stem cell transplant, Dream required intensive at-home medical care, including up to 14 hours of daily infusions. After insurance companies denied requests for skilled in-home nursing support, Diana fought for change, ultimately helping secure passage of New York’s Dream’s Law, which expanded access to professional home care services for medically fragile patients following transplant procedures. “Care is ancestral, relational, and at its core, an act of love — and today, through the Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act and the release of our white paper, we are calling for a new way forward that recognizes caregivers as whole human beings worthy of care themselves. Because if just 1 million of the more than 63 million caregivers in this country — alongside the practitioners, organizations, and communities supporting them — rose together in resonance, advocacy, and shared care, the ripple effect could transform this nation through collective healing and restoration,” said Lauren Green, Co-Founder, Executive Director, & Resident Master Healing Practitioner. Photos from today’s event can be found HERE. Video from today’s event can be found HERE. 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 Applauds House Passage of DHS Funding Bill, Ending Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – 4/30/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) the House passed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through September. Lawler released the following statement after President Trump signed the measure into law, ending the 76-day funding lapse. “The Department of Homeland Security should never have been allowed to sit in limbo. Our first responsibility is to the men and women who keep this country safe, and that includes our TSA officers, Coast Guard service members, FEMA teams, and Secret Service personnel. At the end of the day, any government shutdown that impacts federal employees’ paychecks and critical government operations is unacceptable. I moved this measure forward to restore stability, ensure our national security operations continue uninterrupted, and provide certainty to the workforce. This funding bill came to the floor after the House advanced a budget resolution yesterday to separately fund ICE and border security. I look forward to further supporting full DHS funding that equips our law enforcement agencies, secures our border, and reflects the seriousness of the threats we face.” Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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

Position: Congressman Lawler voted in favor of the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567), which reauthorizes SNAP and nutrition programs, enhances conservation programs, and supports specialty crop research and broadband access for agricultural regions.

Washington, D.C. – 4/30/26… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) voted in favor of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, known as the Farm Bill. This legislation passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 224-200 and now heads to the Senate. This legislation reauthorizes and improves programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through 2031. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes SNAP and related nutrition programs, enhances land conservation programs for U.S. agricultural lands and forests, and advances agricultural research and innovation. It also includes provisions to strengthen broadband access, the farm safety net, and specialty crop research programs. “I was proud to vote for a Farm Bill that keeps food on the table for New Yorkers. This legislation delivers real support for our state’s specialty crop industry, including the fruits and vegetables grown right here in the Hudson Valley. In a region where orchards, nurseries, and small family farms rely on those crops for their livelihoods, this being one of the most pro-specialty crop Farm Bills in history is especially meaningful for our district,” said Congressman Lawler, a member of the Specialty Crops Caucus. “The Farm Bill strengthens our agri-food supply chain while investing critical USDA resources in environmental protection. I was glad to work with Chairman Thompson to ensure New Yorkers will see the benefits of this bill in their daily lives,” concluded Congressman Lawler. This year’s Farm Bill includes language from five of Rep. Lawler’s bills. Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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

Washington, D.C. – 4/29/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning the rise of antisemitic, hate-filled rhetoric disseminated by prominent online personalities, including Hasan Piker and Candace Owens, and calling on social media platforms and public leaders to take stronger action against hate. The resolution highlights the growing influence of online personalities and the alarming surge in antisemitism driven, in part, by disinformation and extremist rhetoric. “Piker has openly applauded Hamas’ terrorism, downplayed the mass rape of civilians on October 7th, and dehumanized Orthodox Jews as ‘inbred.’ Owens has trafficked in vile conspiracy theories, promoted blood libels, and platformed Holocaust deniers. With an audience of millions, they have a responsibility to confront hatred and bigotry in every form, not to amplify it to the masses. So if they won’t call it out, I will,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “Hatred is hatred, period. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from the far right or the far left. We cannot be selective in calling out antisemitism. When influential voices spread conspiracy theories, promote terrorism, or dehumanize Jewish people, it fuels real-world violence and intimidation. We must stand up and speak out. I get that speaking up is not easy. But, our constituents didn’t elect us to always take the easy path. That’s what principled leadership is all about," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). The full resolution can be found HERE. 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 Bill to Expand Breast Cancer Screenings During Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month

Position: Congressman Lawler introduced legislation to expand Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage for free annual breast cancer screenings to women aged 30 and over, lowering the current eligibility age of 40, to improve early detection and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

Washington, D.C. – 4/27/26… In recognition of National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Early Access to Screening Act, legislation to lower the age for women to receive free annual breast cancer screenings through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. While women aged 40 and over currently qualify for no-cost coverage for annual screening mammography, this bill extends this critical benefit to women aged 30 and over. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among American women. In 2026, an estimated 321,910 women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease, and approximately 42,670 Americans are expected to lose their lives to it. Early detection continues to be one of the most effective tools for improving outcomes and saving lives, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Survival rates have improved significantly over time, but disparities persist. The current five-year relative survival rate is 92 percent for white women and 83 percent for Black women, with later-stage diagnoses contributing to this gap. Expanding access to earlier screenings is a critical step toward closing these disparities and improving outcomes for all women. “We know that early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to change patient outcomes. By expanding access to screenings at a younger age, we’re giving women a better chance to catch cancer early, when it is most treatable, and significantly improving the odds of survival. This is about making sure more families get more time, more options, and more hope,” said Congressman Lawler. The full bill text can be found HERE. 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, Fitzpatrick Introduces NABTU-Built Energy Tax Credit Bill to Lower Costs and Power American Growth

Position: The release advocates for extending expiring energy and efficiency tax incentives (179D and 45L) to provide policy certainty, lower costs, support domestic energy production, and sustain union jobs in the construction and energy sectors.

Washington, D.C. – 4/23/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in introducing the American Energy Dominance Act, legislation developed in direct partnership with the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) to restore key energy and efficiency tax incentives that help lower costs, strengthen domestic supply chains, drive long-term investment in American energy infrastructure, and support good-paying union jobs. Reps. Max Miller (OH-7) and Mike Carey (OH-15) are original cosponsors. Under current law, key incentives such as 179D and 45L are scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026. For capital-intensive sectors, a shortened policy horizon does more than disrupt planning; it raises the risk that critical projects are delayed, scaled back, or never built at all. When that happens, it is American workers, American employers, and American families who pay the price through slower growth, tighter energy supply, and continued cost pressure. This legislation restores the certainty needed to move projects forward and help deliver a more affordable, secure, and American-made energy future. “No one knows the rising cost of living better than a New Yorker. That’s why we’re giving homeowners, builders, and businesses the certainty they need to invest in energy efficiency, lowering utility bills, and supporting good-paying jobs. By extending key tax incentives, including the 179D commercial buildings deduction, the 45L new home credit, and investments in hydrogen production, we’re helping deliver more reliable energy here at home,” said Congressman Lawler. “If America wants to lower costs, strengthen its energy supply, and build with confidence for the future, then we need a policy framework strong enough to support the scale of that work,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “That means certainty. When the rules are unstable, projects stall, hiring slows, investment hesitates, and the people counting on progress pay the price. The men and women of NABTU understand that better than anyone because they are the ones building America’s future with their hands, skill, and grit. This bill is a pro-worker, pro-growth, pro-America solution that will help drive investment, strengthen domestic energy production, expand affordability, and ensure the next chapter of American growth is built here at home by American workers.” "We thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for his continued dedication to providing America with the power it desperately needs. This legislation, reinforces a commitment to an all-of-the-above energy approach and will aid in building our nation’s energy dominance in a way that supports hard working Americans with middle-class sustaining jobs,” said NABTU President Sean McGarvey. "Providing long-term certainty in our tax code is essential for American energy dominance,” said Congressman Miller. “By extending these critical credits, we are ensuring that businesses and families have the stability they need to invest in lower-cost energy solutions, strengthening our domestic supply chains and keeping the United States competitive on the global stage.” 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.

We promised tax relief for New York — and delivered | Opinion

Position: The representative supports the recently passed tax law that raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 and includes provisions for senior tax deductions, child tax credits, and small business deductions, arguing these measures deliver tax relief to middle-income families and workers.

Another April 15 has come and gone, which means this year’s dreaded Tax Week is now in our collective rear-view mirror. As residents of New York State, we’ve been forced to endure absurdly high taxes, spiking energy bills and crushing cost-of-living increases for years resulting from the excessive spending in Albany. While Gov. Kathy Hochul tries to blame that — and everything else — on President Donald Trump, the true facts here are indisputable. The blame for New York being an unaffordable mess rests squarely on the Democratic politicians who overwhelmingly control state government. But instead of just complaining about it — I took decisive action. We delivered on SALT and other tax cuts In Washington, I challenged members of both parties – and even the president – to deliver a significant tax cut this year that eases the burden on Hudson Valley families, seniors, small businesses and workers. In particular, I made a promise during my first campaign to raise the cap on state and local tax deductions — SALT — and I delivered on that promise. The result? In recent weeks, news outlets on the right (“Blue-State Residents Are Reaping Big Refunds From Trump Tax Law’s SALT Cap,” Wall Street Journal, March 28) and the left (Bloomberg News, “SALT Cap Boost in Trump Tax Bill Supersizes New Yorkers’ Refunds,” Feb. 13, 2026) have highlighted how the historic tax law passed by House Republicans is delivering significant tax relief to blue state residents, including in New York. The reason is simple: A coalition of common sense, pragmatic Republicans like me fought leadership in both parties to quadruple the SALT deduction, raising the cap to $40,000 for taxpayers earning less than $500,000 a year. The income cap also guaranteed that this was no giveaway to the uber-wealthy. On the contrary, the savings are squarely benefitting middle-income earners. As a result, my constituents are averaging a tax cut of over 3,000 this year, with many seeing double and triple that amount. In fact, 90% of Hudson Valley residents can now fully deduct their state and local taxes.Don’t believe me? Visit my website at https://www.lawlerforcongress.com/taxrelief/, plug-in your own numbers to the independent, non-partisan Tax Foundation tax calculator and see for yourself. In addition to quadrupling the SALT cap, the new tax law will also: Increase senior citizen tax deductions on Social Security benefits Virtually eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay for millions of workers Boost the child tax credit to $2,200 per child for nearly 90,000 local families Allow a new tax deduction on auto loans for American-made vehicles Keep lower tax brackets in place to prevent a massive tax increase Enhance deductions for small businesses in order to reduce costs Let's reopen Indian Point to lower electricity costs These taxpayer-friendly policies are leading to sizable tax refunds and — even better — less of your hard-earned money going to the government in the first place. Better yet, I don’t plan to stop at just lowering your taxes. Next, I will tackle the energy crisis and the rising cost of electricity. To that end, I recently announced my support for responsibly reopening Indian Point Energy Center. Predictably, my opponents and Hochul attacked me for it, but the reality is that the decision to shut the plant down in the first place was a mistake. It’s what happens when policy is driven by extreme, far-left ideology, not science. Residents across the Hudson Valley are suffocating under rising energy prices thanks to the unaffordable and unrealistic electrification mandates put in place by Hochul and Albany politicians. Moreover, the connection between higher costs and the closure of Indian Point cannot be disputed. Since its closure was announced, New York has seen a nation-leading 58% increase in electricity costs. To make matters worse, these unconscionable increases hit lower income families and those on a fixed income harder than anyone. As for the predictable accusations from Hochul and others that I am somehow anti-environment for wanting to expand natural gas and nuclear — nonsense. Look no further than our neighbor, Pennsylvania, where electricity costs are 40% lower than New York’s because their Democratic governor has steadfastly supported an aggressive all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes natural gas pipeline construction. While in Michigan, their Democratic governor is on the verge of making her state the first in the country to open a previously shuttered nuclear plant, and is working to return energy diversity to the state — resulting in her residents paying 45% less than we do for energy. Folks, Democrats and Republicans in other states are working together to lower costs and get things done. I am doing the same in Congress. Maybe New York Democrats will give it a try. https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/2026/04/22/ny-salt-deduction-mike-lawler/89718572007/

Lawler, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Create New DOE Office of Energy Affordability

Position: The representatives introduce legislation to establish an Office of Energy Affordability within the Department of Energy to evaluate federal energy policies for their impact on consumer costs and energy reliability, with emphasis on protecting affordability during energy transitions.

Washington, D.C. – 4/22/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) introduced the Energy Affordability and Reliability Act of 2026, legislation to establish a new Office of Energy Affordability within the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure federal energy policy is rigorously evaluated for its impact on consumer costs and energy reliability. The legislation creates the Office of Energy Affordability within DOE’s Office of Policy, tasking it with reviewing proposed regulations and policies that involve energy transitions or shifts in energy sources. The Office would assess whether actions include transparent analysis of both short-term and long-term impacts on energy costs, incorporate strategies to protect affordability, and promote reliable, cost-effective energy access for consumers. “Energy affordability and reliability are fundamental to the strength of our economy and the well-being of Hudson Valley families. In the midst of an energy affordability crisis that the State of New York is more than happy to exacerbate with fad green energy policies, an Office of Energy Affordability within the Department of Energy ensures that every major energy policy is evaluated for its real-world impact on costs, access, and long-term stability for the region and nation it serves,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). “Jersey families are getting crushed by sky-high utility bills — and enough is enough. This bipartisan bill is about putting affordability front and center, and making sure every energy decision in Washington is focused on bringing costs down for hardworking families,” said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m fighting to deliver reliable, affordable energy and real relief for Jersey.” 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, Crow Introduce Bill to Expand Protections to Keep Families and Pets Together in Public Housing

Position: The release advocates for legislation that would prohibit breed-based restrictions on dogs in public housing while allowing reasonable limits on pet deposits, enabling low-income families to keep pets without sacrificing housing access.

Washington, D.C. – 4/20/26… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Jason Crow (CO-06) introduced the Pets Belong With Families Act, legislation that would prohibit overly broad restrictions against dogs based on breed, size, or weight, allowing families to keep their beloved pets in public housing. This bill would also make it more affordable for families to have pets by placing reasonable limits on housing deposits for pets. The Pets Belong with Families Act would amend Section 31 of the Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit restrictions based exclusively on the breed in public housing, while still allowing for discretion with regard to potentially dangerous individual animals. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. “For a lot of families, mine included, pets are part of the family. It shouldn’t come down to choosing between a place to live and keeping your dog or cat. This bipartisan, bicameral bill takes a more practical approach, cutting out those blanket restrictions while still holding owners accountable. It’ll help more families find housing, keep pets out of overcrowded shelters, and bring a little more common sense back into the process,” said Congressman Lawler. “Pets are our family. No one should have to choose between their pet and a roof over their head, but some housing currently requires them to. Our bipartisan bill will prevent needless restrictions on animal breeds in public housing so Coloradans and their pets can stay together, no matter where they call home,” said Congressman Crow. More than 25 million U.S. pet owners are renters, including public housing residents. Many rental property owners and operators face restrictions on pets, rules that often include blanket bans on dog breeds that are considered “dangerous,” such as pit bulls and rottweilers, or dogs that simply resemble these breeds, regardless of more than 20 years of data showing that calculating bite rates for specific breeds is virtually impossible. At their worst, such bans can exacerbate housing insecurity for low-income pet owners who understandably don’t want to part with their companions. “No family should have to choose between keeping their beloved pet or having a roof over their head. But too often, families are forced to make this difficult decision due to restrictions limiting the kinds of dogs allowed in their homes. This bipartisan bill would remove these unfair barriers to ensure that Americans and their pets can stay together,” said Senator Schiff. “Families struggling with housing insecurity should not be forced to make the impossible choice between keeping a roof over their heads and staying with their beloved pets. Pets provide joy, comfort, and companionship — and no one should be denied that because of their income or housing status. The Pets Belong with Families Act will ensure lower-income families can access stable, affordable housing without fear of being separated from a cherished member of the family. The ASPCA is proud to support this critical legislation,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. This legislation is endorsed by the American Bar Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Welfare Institute, Best Friends Animal Society, Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, Michelson Center for Public Policy, and the National Housing Law Project. 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.