Rockland Reporter

The text of the negotiated year-end Continuing Resolution (CR) was released earlier this week, including a solution to the funding shortfall affecting the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). This resolution was negotiated by Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) with House and Senate leadership. However, the CR was pulled from consideration before receiving a floor vote in either Chamber.

Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) joined his colleagues Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-04), and Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ-07) in releasing a statement emphasizing their commitment to the WTCHP. They stated:

“The widespread, bipartisan, and bicameral support for preventing impending cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) remains unwavering."

They further noted that "the successful inclusion of the provision to fix the WTCHP funding formula and address its funding shortfall in the CR—with strong support from Speaker Mike Johnson, Northeast Republicans, and Democratic leaders like Senators Gillibrand and Schumer—underscores the popularity and viability of a long-term fix for the program." Despite setbacks in funding negotiations, they are committed to protecting this vital program for 9/11 responders and survivors.

"The failure of the CR due to unrelated provisions does not alter our ultimate goal or diminish our resolve. We remain confident in our ability to secure a path forward,” they concluded.

Congressman Lawler is recognized as one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress. He represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.