Rockland Reporter

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the American Relief Act, a continuing resolution that funds the government through March and allocates $110 billion for disaster relief. This measure was approved to avert a potential government shutdown.

Congressman Lawler expressed his views following the vote, stating, "I have said for the entirety of the 118th Congress that shutting down the government was out of the question and would inflict unnecessary pain on the American people." He emphasized his efforts alongside colleagues to ensure completion of their work before the deadline. According to Lawler, "The continuing resolution we just passed keeps the government open and funded through March. It also provides much-needed disaster relief and farm aid that the American people have been counting on."

Lawler acknowledged that while some provisions he advocated for were not included in this resolution, such as changes to the World Trade Center Health Program funding formula, PBM reform, and outbound controls, these issues will be priorities in future legislative sessions. "These bipartisan provisions will be top priorities in the 119th Congress and I will work with my colleagues in both parties to ensure they get done," he added.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes areas north of New York City such as Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. Known for his bipartisan approach within Congress, Lawler reiterated his commitment to avoiding a government shutdown: "Tonight we kept our commitment to the American people and avoided the unnecessary calamity and pain that a government shutdown would inflict on the American people."