Rockland Reporter

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has appointed Congressman Mike Lawler as Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. This subcommittee oversees matters related to the Middle East and North Africa, including oversight of State Department activities.

“It is a great honor to receive the gavel of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa,” said Congressman Lawler. He emphasized his past efforts in strengthening ties with Israel, countering Iranian influence, and reducing Chinese presence in these regions. “I look forward to continuing that important work as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.”

Lawler expressed gratitude towards House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast for entrusting him with this role. “I’m encouraged by the trust placed in me by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and I am excited to work with him on the critical issues that lie before us in the 119th Congress,” he stated. He expressed confidence in Mast's leadership, anticipating continued American leadership globally.

Chairman Brian Mast commended Lawler’s understanding of challenges and opportunities in America’s relations with Israel. “Mike Lawler understands with tremendous clarity the challenges and opportunities facing America, and our greatest ally Israel in the Middle East,” he remarked.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee handles a wide range of diplomatic and national security issues such as foreign assistance, strategic planning, treaties, arms control, disarmament issues, international law enforcement matters like narcotics control programs, public diplomacy initiatives including international communication policy, education programs among others.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District known for its large Jewish population. The district includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties located just north of New York City.