Rockland Reporter

Representative Mike Lawler has expressed approval for the inclusion of a directive in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that mandates the Department of Defense to purchase only cleaning products certified by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice program. This program ensures products are free from hazardous chemicals like PFAS, opting instead for safer alternatives. The legislation was signed into law by President Biden on Monday evening.

Lawler has been active in introducing bills aimed at reducing forever chemicals, including the PFAS-Free Procurement Act, which seeks to ban agencies from buying products containing PFAS. The inclusion in the FY25 NDAA marks an initial step towards enacting this broader legislation.

"Protecting the health and safety of our citizens is a fundamental duty of governance," stated Congressman Lawler. He highlighted PFAS contamination as a significant concern, particularly in Hudson Valley and other communities nationwide. "The language included in this year's NDAA will protect our communities from harmful chemicals by significantly curtailing the federal use of products containing them."

In addition to his efforts against forever chemicals, Congressman Lawler has successfully had six bills signed into law during the 118th Congress. These include acts focused on international relations and security measures such as the Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act and the Enhanced Presidential Security Act.

Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.