Michael Lawler
Representative for New York · Republican · United States
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 9086, the Foreign Service Modernization Act.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“In 1980, no one had a cell phone, and the internet didn't exist. The geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since the Foreign Service Act was originally signed into law. Yet the basic framework governing our Foreign Service has not been adapted to meet any of these changes.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“It also creates a pilot program for a diplomatic reserve corps modeled after the reserves of armed services to expand response time and capacity when diplomatic resources are urgently needed. These are targeted and commonsense reforms, and, yes, they are bipartisan reforms.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“As we work to bring new investments and jobs to New York and, indeed, America, we need to make sure that the costs of growth do not fall on the families and small businesses already struggling to pay their utility bills. That is why I support the Ratepayer Protection Act. This legislation simply establishes a basic principle of fairness.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act. New York families and businesses face some of the highest electricity costs in the country.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“A graduate of Tappan Zee High School, he earned 13 varsity letters in four sports before playing baseball at Manhattan College and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies. After serving in the United States Army, Howard returned home and spent more than three decades educating and mentoring young people in Rockland County.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
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“I thank Chairman Mast for his leadership and his willingness to have me lead in this effort as we modernize America's Foreign Service. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“It also creates a pilot program for a diplomatic reserve corps modeled after the reserves of armed services to expand response time and capacity when diplomatic resources are urgently needed. These are targeted and commonsense reforms, and, yes, they are bipartisan reforms. This is what happens when you sit in a room with your colleagues, Mr. Speaker, when you listen to their thoughts and concerns, instead of heeding to the folks who just want to scream and yell. The result is a Foreign Service that will be better equipped for the 21st century and better prepared to serve and advance American interests around the globe. I am proud to be one of the most active and bipartisan Members of Congress, and I am just as proud to lead this comprehensive bill that showcases how far dialogue can get you, Madam Speaker.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“In 1980, no one had a cell phone, and the internet didn't exist. The geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since the Foreign Service Act was originally signed into law. Yet the basic framework governing our Foreign Service has not been adapted to meet any of these changes. My bill gives diplomats the tools, authorities, and flexibility they need to succeed in the 21st century and beyond. It provides for new expeditionary diplomacy authorities to enhance on-the-ground presence where it is needed most. It ensures diplomats with language skills are matched at posts where they can have the greatest impact. It requires a review of the five career tracks Foreign Service officers can take and updates training requirements so our diplomats are prepared for the challenges they will actually face in the field.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 9086, the Foreign Service Modernization Act. This bill is a strong example of what Congress can accomplish when Republicans and Democrats are willing to sit down together, listen to one another, and focus on solving problems, and now we have a final product that delivers for American Foreign Service officers and their families. The modern U.S. Foreign Service, which governs how our diplomats operate overseas, has not undergone a comprehensive overhaul in 46 years. Madam Speaker, think about how much the world has changed since 1980. The Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union dissolved. 9/11 transformed our national security priorities, and our allies stood alongside us as we confronted the threat of global terrorism.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York. General Leave”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 9086) to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to modify and improve that Act, as amended.”
House of Representatives16 September 2026Source ↗
“A graduate of Tappan Zee High School, he earned 13 varsity letters in four sports before playing baseball at Manhattan College and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies. After serving in the United States Army, Howard returned home and spent more than three decades educating and mentoring young people in Rockland County. At Rockland Community College, he taught, coached, and served as athletic director for 15 years. His golf teams won 21 conference championships, and in 1980, Howard became the first African American to win the Metropolitan Golf Association's Amateur Championship. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dorothea; his family; and all who knew and loved him. Mr. Speaker, may he rest in peace. ____________________”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Howard Pierson, a beloved lifelong resident of Nyack, who passed away peacefully at the end of July at the age of 91. For decades, Howard was a cherished member of our community, dedicating his life to his faith, family, and inspiring those around him.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“We need one that respects the role of local communities while ensuring that companies driving new demand are responsible for the costs that they create. We need a policy that looks ahead, builds the infrastructure we need, and protects ratepayers at the same time. I will continue working to ensure that New Yorkers have access to reliable and affordable energy while making sure that large energy users pay their fair share. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“As we work to bring new investments and jobs to New York and, indeed, America, we need to make sure that the costs of growth do not fall on the families and small businesses already struggling to pay their utility bills. That is why I support the Ratepayer Protection Act. This legislation simply establishes a basic principle of fairness. It is about making sure that the companies driving new demand for electricity are responsible for the costs associated with that demand. We are already seeing communities and policymakers grappling with how to manage the rapid growth of large-scale data centers and the demands that they place on our energy infrastructure. This is something that the Federal Government needs to work together on to create regulations and protect the people because we need a better approach.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act. New York families and businesses face some of the highest electricity costs in the country. In February, the average residential electricity price in New York reached about 70 percent higher than the national average, and it is up 58 percent in the last 6 years. At the same time, data centers seeking to connect to New York's electric grid are reportedly requesting more than 9,000 megawatts of additional electricity. Years of failed energy policies out of Albany, including shutting down nuclear, banning natural gas, blocking pipelines, and other crazy ideas, have already driven up costs for New Yorkers. We cannot afford to make the problem worse.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“Known for his integrity, professionalism, and investigative skill, he was widely regarded as a detective's detective. After retiring from the NYPD, John continued his commitment to justice as an investigator with the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, earning the respect of prosecutors, agents, and investigators alike. But above all, John was a devoted family man. He and his wife, Annie, built their life in Pearl River, where they raised their children. My thoughts and prayers are with Annie; his sons; and especially his beloved grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. John will be remembered for his honor, humility, humor, and unwavering dedication to his country, community, friends, and family. May he rest in peace. ____________________”
House of Representatives2 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John P. O'Malley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected law enforcement investigator, who passed away peacefully on July 16 at age 73. Born and raised in the Bronx, John spent more than 20 years with the New York City Police Department, becoming one of the Bronx's most respected homicide detectives.”
House of Representatives2 September 2026Source ↗
“I will also say that I refuse to be intimidated by the activists and organizations, like the NRDC, which is threatening to spend millions of dollars in political spending right now--”
House of Representatives1 September 2026Source ↗
“This legislation is about giving American fishermen the certainty they need to keep their businesses operating while also giving scientists and the industry the time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. {time} 1540 We all have industries back home that shape our communities. I am not from Maine, but I know the importance of local economies and the individual people who work hard for their families. I will always fight for small businesses and for the New Yorkers back home who show up every day to keep them going. This is a perfect example of bipartisanship and the willingness to work together for our constituents, for our communities, and to support commonsense legislation that protects the very people we were sent here to represent.”
House of Representatives1 September 2026Source ↗
“My bill would simply extend the current regulatory pause through 2035, giving the scientific community more than enough additional time to develop durable science-driven solutions that protect the North Atlantic right whale while ensuring American fishermen can continue to do their jobs. The Northeast lobster fishery is an important part of our coastal economy, supporting not only fishermen but also the processors, restaurants, and local businesses. Fishermen have spent years adapting to changing conservation requirements and implementing measures to reduce the risk of whale entanglements. They deserve regulatory stability and certainty rather than constantly shifting requirements that threaten their ability to operate and plan for the future.”
House of Representatives1 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. I want to thank Chairman Westerman for working with me to bring this bill to the floor, as well as my colleague from Maine who has fought tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, Jared Golden. In Maine alone, the lobster industry generates approximately $2 billion in economic activity each year and supports more than 17,500 jobs. Local industries like this one are a lifeline for families and communities that have been in business for generations. In New York, the fishing industry generates more than $2 billion in economic activity and supports over 10,000 jobs.”
House of Representatives1 September 2026Source ↗
“They don't get to benefit from the power the people have loaned them. This reform is about fairness--for the teacher saving for retirement, the nurse investing in her future, the small business owner trying to build something that lasts. They play by the rules. They deserve a Congress that does the same. Mr. Speaker, this is our chance to say clearly: Public service is a public trust. Let us honor it. The fact is this bill bans stock trading. And, yes, it requires photo ID, something 80 percent of Americans agree with. People just saw what came out yesterday by one of our former colleagues, the Governor of New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill, announcing that 6,600 non-U.S. citizens were added to the voter rolls in New Jersey and nearly 400 of them voted in the election.”
House of Representatives22 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, to end stock trading by Members of Congress, because trust in our democracy cannot be a luxury item. It must be the everyday expectation of every American. For too long, the public has watched the headlines that read like a civic lesson gone wrong: elected officials buying and selling stocks in industries they regulate, profiting from information the public will never see. That is not merely unseemly, it is corrosive. It eats away at confidence in this institution, and confidence once lost is not easily rebuilt. Banning congressional stock trading is a simple proposition. If someone serves the public, they serve only the public. They don't get to play the market with one hand while writing the rules with the other.”
House of Representatives22 July 2026Source ↗
“I thank Izzy for his extraordinary service to our veterans, community, and country. I wish my friend the very best in his retirement. ____________________”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program (Vet to Vet), he has dedicated himself to helping veterans in crisis, connecting them with critical resources and ensuring they never face their struggles alone. Drawing on his military and law enforcement experience, Izzy has trained police recruits to respond to veterans in crisis while helping veterans find housing, navigate difficult circumstances, and access support. His volunteer work with The American Legion, his church's food pantry, and other local organizations embodies what it truly means to put service above self. This year Izzy received the New York State Suicide Prevention Center Pair-Up Award. I am proud to recognize him as one of New York's 17th District Veterans of the Year. Mr. Speaker, his selfless service is an example to us all.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary veteran, public servant, and advocate, Ismael ``Izzy'' Quintana, and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. After serving our Nation as a major in the United States Army Reserve, Izzy never stopped answering the call to serve. As the veteran outreach coordinator for BRIDGES PFC Joseph P.”
House of Representatives15 July 2026Source ↗
“As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: It is not length of life, but depth of life. In her short life, Lauren made the Hudson Valley and our country a better place. May she rest in peace. ____________________”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“A proud graduate of Albertus Magnus High School and Dominican University, Lauren became a tireless advocate for organ donation, helping pass Lauren's Law, which expanded New York's organ donor registry, before serving as a community and government affairs liaison at LiveOnNY. I had the privilege of knowing Lauren. I was proud to call her a friend. Even in passing, Lauren gave hope to others as a tissue donor. Today, thousands of Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Lauren's legacy reminds us that one decision can save lives and give families more time. I urge all of my colleagues and all Americans to consider registering as organ donors. My deepest condolences go out to Lauren's parents, Jeanne and David; her brother, Brandon; and all of her loved ones.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary legacy and life of Lauren Shields, who recently passed away at just 26 years old. Lauren was the definition of a fighter. After receiving a lifesaving heart transplant as a child and a kidney transplant from her mother in 2020, she chose to dedicate her life to serving others.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gia Deborah Gentile, a remarkable young woman from Hawthorne, New York, who tragically passed away on March 9 at just 14 years old after a brave and tireless battle with neuroblastoma. Though her life was far too short, Gia's legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and selfless service.”
House of Representatives27 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Alice Roker, a dedicated public servant and a beloved pillar of the Yorktown community. Alice made history as the first Black woman elected to office in Yorktown, serving as town clerk and a longtime member of the town board. She left an indelible mark, serving with grace, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to the people she represented.”
House of Representatives10 March 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Sergeant Gregory E. Walz of the Town of Pound Ridge Police Department. Greg dedicated his life to serving others. Before his career in law enforcement, he worked as an EMT and paramedic, providing lifesaving care across Westchester County. In 2008, he joined the Pound Ridge Police Department, where his skill, dedication, and leadership left a lasting impact.”
House of Representatives27 February 2025Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Christopher Katz, a young man of extraordinary dedication, courage, and service. At just 22 years old, Christopher had already built a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and commitment to his community and country before he was tragically taken too soon.”
House of Representatives12 February 2025Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.”
House of Representatives12 February 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the life of Alfred ``Al'' Magnatta, who will turn 100 years old on January 27. Al's legacy is one of unwavering dedication and service to his country and community, a true embodiment of the American spirit. Al served as a B-17 aerial gunner in the United States Army's 8th Air Force Division during World War II, completing 25 missions while stationed in England.”
House of Representatives22 January 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Miles Taylor, a cherished leader and beloved member of the Nyack community, who passed away suddenly at the age of 60. A 1982 graduate of Nyack High School, Miles dedicated over 25 years as the school's track and cross country coach, mentoring countless student athletes, and leaving an enduring mark on their lives.”
House of Representatives21 January 2025Source ↗
“{time} 1015 The ICC's actions amount to a little more than a political smear campaign cloaked in a veneer of international law. This pattern of behavior from the ICC is not new. This is the same body that has repeatedly targeted the United States and our servicemembers, attempting to investigate and prosecute Americans who have risked their lives to defend our freedom around the world.”
House of Representatives9 January 2025Source ↗