Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for what he described as a refusal to negotiate on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and for contributing to a government shutdown. Lawler confronted Jeffries after a press conference at the Capitol, urging bipartisan action to maintain healthcare subsidies and reopen federal operations. A video of their exchange has circulated widely on social media.
“Leader Jeffries has once again chosen partisanship over governance,” said Congressman Lawler. “Instead of coming to the table to work out a bipartisan compromise that extends ACA credits, he’s playing political games with people’s livelihoods. It’s disgraceful and it’s hurting families across New York and the country.”
Lawler further stated, “Shutting down the government is cowardice to radicals in the Democratic Party, like AOC and the Squad. I’m in Congress to deliver results for the people of the Hudson Valley. That’s what the American people expect, and they are tired of this nonsense. The only reason we’re in this situation today is because Hakeem Jeffries would rather force a shutdown than let Republicans share in a bipartisan win. That’s shameful.”
Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes areas north of New York City such as Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was recognized as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and was rated as the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.
