Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) has announced his support for a bipartisan agreement that ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The House of Representatives advanced legislation to reopen the federal government, which includes funding for essential services, guarantees back pay for federal employees, and restores nutrition programs.
“This shutdown never should have happened in the first place. From day one, it was clear that Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries were more interested in political games to appease their radical left base than in governing. But I want to recognize and thank the few Democrats in both the House and Senate who did the right thing and voted to get federal workers paid, support our military, and restore services that millions of Americans rely on every single day,” said Congressman Lawler.
“Governance requires cooperation, and the members who crossed the aisle to end this mess exemplified the leadership that the American people deserve. Now it’s time to finish the appropriations process and stay focused on delivering real results. The American people expect action, not theatrics, and we can now get back to work,” concluded Congressman Lawler.
Lawler has emphasized his record as a bipartisan legislator who has consistently supported measures to keep the government open throughout his tenure. He has also opposed using shutdown threats as leverage by either party.
The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371), provides a continuing resolution for nine appropriations bills through January 30th, 2026. It ensures back pay for furloughed or essential federal workers and reverses any reductions in force made during the shutdown period. The act allocates over $150 billion for SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs aimed at supporting low-income families. Funding for veterans’ benefits and healthcare is set at $451.1 billion under this measure.
Other provisions include investments intended to strengthen food safety standards, enhance FDA operations, improve agricultural resilience for farmers, as well as increased security funding for Members of Congress and Capitol Police.
Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City—covering Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties—and was rated as one of Congress’s most effective lawmakers during his freshman term.
