Rockland Reporter

On September 13, 2024, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Don Bacon (NE-2) launched a bipartisan "Unity Commitment" which commits Members to respecting the results of the 2024 presidential election, attending the inauguration, and serving as a voice for calm, regardless of who wins.

The full “Unity Commitment” can be found here, which 32 members have signed. The signatory list includes Representatives Lawler (NY-17), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Bacon (NE-02), Carbajal (CA-24), Case (HI-01), Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Costa (CA-21), Craig (MN-02), Davis (NC-01), D’Esposito (NY-04), Dingell (MI-06), Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Golden (ME-02), Gonzalez (TX-34), Houlahan (PA-06), LaLota (NY-01), Landsman (OH-01), Lee (NV-03), Manning (NC-06), Moskowitz (FL-23), Mrvan (IN-01), Nickel (NC-13), Norcross (NJ -01 ), Pappas(NH -01 ), Peters(CA -50 ), Pettersen(CO -07 ), Scholten(MI -03 ), Slotkin(MI -07 ), Spanberger(VA -07 ), Stevens(MI -11 ), Suozzi(NY -03 ) and Torres(NY -15 ).

The "Unity Commitment" builds on previous efforts from 2021 when Representatives Gottheimer, Bacon, and Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus released Principles on Elections and the Electoral College.

"In our country, we hash out our ideas at the ballot box and then come together to govern once all votes are counted," said Congressman Mike Lawler. "As the leader of the free world, we must continue to lead by example at home by respecting the will of the people. I'm proud to join alongside colleagues in both parties to reiterate this fundamental commitment that lies at the heart of our democracy."

"It’s a solemn honor to lead the ‘Unity Commitment’ with my friends and colleague, Congressman Bacon. Respect for our democracy cannot — and should not — be a partisan issue," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. "Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have a responsibility to demonstrate true leadership ahead of this critical election and serve as a voice for calm."

"In America we respect election results especially once the courts and appeals work through the process," said Congressman Don Bacon. "We fight hard to win during campaigns and then respect the results when votes are counted."

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District.