What Michael Lawler said, and what was done

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble on his retirement after more than three decades of public service. Chief Noble's career has been defined by commitment, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carmine Caponigro, a distinguished oral surgeon, veteran, educator, and devoted family man who passed away earlier this month.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great New Yorker, Bill Ritter, whose decades of work in broadcast journalism have earned him the respect and admiration of viewers across our region.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly inspiring young New Yorker from Somers, 5-year-old Watson Padovani, who is showing all of us that you are never too young to make a difference in your community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the Hudson Valley's most historic landmarks, the '76 House in Tappan, New York. Established in 1686 and expanded in 1755, it is widely known as America's oldest tavern.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. We are 8 million units underbuilt nationwide. Under the prior administration, 30-year mortgage rates hit a 30-year high.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Anthony Holdampf, a longtime firefighter, veteran, and public servant who passed away on May 30 at the age of 88.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Pearl River resident Kevin Haugh, a retired FDNY EMS captain, who bravely battled ALS and passed away last Friday.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong and steadfast support of H.R. 1993, the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act. I thank my colleagues from New York, in particular, Congressmen Goldman and Garbarino, as well as 297 other colleagues who have cosponsored this legislation.”

“Mr. Speaker, we have promised never to forget 9/11, and we never will. We are committed to upholding that promise. I know my colleagues in Congress support this legislation, and I look forward to its unanimous adoption.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brett Kelly, owner of La Terrazza restaurant in New City, New York, who passed away peacefully at the age of 58 following a stroke.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John ``Jack'' Coyle, a devoted public servant and pillar of the New City community. Born in Nyack, New York, Jack lived a life defined by service, commitment, and quiet leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Thelma Barlow, a pillar of the Somers community serving as a school crossing guard for the Somers Central School District for nearly 40 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Gebbia from Cross River on his retirement after nearly 30 years of distinguished leadership and service to suicide prevention. Bob has led the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, building it into the Nation's leading new suicide prevention organization.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Clarkstown Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker on his retirement after nearly four decades of service to the town of Clarkstown and Rockland County.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Sheridan Gorman of Yorktown Heights, New York, who was tragically murdered at just 18 years old.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Major Sorffly Davius, a true American hero who passed away following a medical episode while deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Epic Fury.”

“Mr. Speaker, for decades, Presidents and Members of Congress of both parties have talked about peace in the Middle East. Stability in the Middle East and freedoms for all who live there is something that all of us should be able to agree on, and almost everyone also agrees that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and that Iran is the greatest state sponsor of terrorism.”

“Mr. Speaker, the fact is that when we look back, Presidents of both parties have acted under Article II and without the express authorization of Congress. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it best when she said that Barack Obama could conduct the operation in Libya for 7 months and did not require congressional authority.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good friend and a dedicated public servant, Denis Troy, who passed away at the age of 78 from a courageous battle with cancer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true Hudson Valley institution, Sparky's in Garnerville, New York, as it marks its 50th anniversary on February 13, 2026. Since 1976, Sparky's has become more than a place to grab breakfast or lunch.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary service and well-earned retirement of Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, whose leadership has profoundly shaped the Catholic faith in New York and across our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Alfred ``Al'' Magnatta, who passed away just a week before what would have been his 101st birthday. At a young age, Al answered the call to serve his country during World War II, enlisting in the U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary act of courage and public service by Ramapo Town Police Chief Daniel ``Dan'' Hyman, whose quick actions saved the life of a fellow neighbor.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary career of Robi Schlaff, a devoted public servant who has spent her career protecting women, children, and families across Westchester County.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Oliver ``Ollie'' Jenkins, a proud Bronx native whose presence left a lasting mark on his family and community. Born and raised in the Bronx, Ollie came from a close-knit, hardworking family whose small businesses were fixtures in their neighborhood.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lenard Conklin, a devoted son of Stony Point who lived a life defined by service, tradition, and deep community roots.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary milestone for one of our community's most cherished institutions, Helen Hayes Hospital, celebrating over 125 years of service as of last year.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank someone whose impact on my office and on me personally cannot be overstated, my chief of staff, Nate Soule, as he concludes his service to New York's 17th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anthony ``Tony'' DeFeciani, who passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025. Born and raised in Haverstraw, Tony was a proud New Yorker, attending Haverstraw High School and participating in the marching band, where he was voted the most musical in his senior year.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Theodore ``Ted the Great'' Schultz, who passed away peacefully on January 10, surrounded by his family. Born in Nyack, Ted was raised on his grandfather's farm in Pomona and attended Spring Valley High School, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the S.W. Johnson Fire Department in Rockland County on an incredible milestone of 150 years of dedicated service to our community.”

“Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership and bringing this bill forward. I thank Dr. Murphy for his leadership along with our subcommittee chairman, Adrian Smith, as well.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible career of Jim Monaghan, a dedicated public servant who has spent a lifetime serving the people of Stony Point.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anthony Adamo, southern region president of the Civil Service Employees Association who passed away this week at the age of 46.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John ``Spo'' Esposito, a remarkable young man from my district. John passed away peacefully on December 28 at just 25 years old.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Layla Elizabeth So, a remarkable young lady from Pearl River, New York, whose kindness and creativity touched everyone who knew her.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary Orangeburg resident, Pieter Grosbeck, who passed away at the beginning of December due to a 9/11-related illness.”

“Mr. Speaker, after the 43-day Democratic-led shutdown, I agreed to sit down with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to negotiate in good faith to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credit with reforms.”

“Mr. Speaker, insurance companies' profits have increased by 2,000 percent. Republicans and Democrats can agree that our system is broken, and we need to fix it. We need to work in a bipartisan way.”

“Mr. Speaker, for 43 days, the Democrats shut down the government, and they said it was over the issue of the ACA premium tax credits. I went and confronted Leader Jeffries, and I asked him to sign on to a 1-year extension.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2550, Protect America's Workforce Act. Earlier this year, an executive order changed the collective bargaining status of tens of thousands of Federal workers.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of legislation honoring a man whose service and leadership left a lasting mark on Rockland County and the town of Haverstraw.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of legislation honoring a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to his community. Sheriff Adrian ``Butch'' Anderson dedicated more than five decades to public safety and public service in Dutchess County, New York.”

“Rafael dedicated more than 20 years to the community he loved. First elected in 2003, he made history as the first Dominican councilman in Haverstraw. He quickly became a steady and trusted voice on the village board, helping guide decisions on infrastructure, public safety, and community services with a real understanding of what local families needed.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Juan Fernandez, a decorated marine, retired NYPD detective, and 9/11 first responder who passed away after a courageous battle with 9/11-induced pancreatic cancer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Francis ``Frank'' Duffy, a devoted husband, father, and pillar of his community, who passed away on November 4 at the age of 102.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the Honorable John Sweeny, Jr., a true steward of justice, integrity, and service in Putnam County and across New York State.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Vincent Altieri, a dedicated community leader and longtime public servant. Before joining Rockland County, Vince worked with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, advocating for environmental policy.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Donna Breen Clarke, who passed away peacefully on October 25, surrounded by her beloved family. A proud graduate of Marymount Academy and Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, Donna dedicated her life to the education and enrichment of the young minds of our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sidney Davidoff, a towering figure in New York's political life and a true son of the great city of New York, who passed away Sunday at the age of 86.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the outstanding career of George Gaine, a dedicated educator, mentor, and longtime boys' basketball coach at Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg, who recently announced his retirement after an extraordinary 22 years of leading the Dutchmen.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tim Idoni of New Rochelle on his retirement after more than 40 years of extraordinary public service to Westchester County.”

“As mayor of New Rochelle, he led the city in revitalization projects, creating thousands of jobs and breathing new life into the downtown. Over the last two decades as Westchester County clerk, Tim modernized the office in ways that have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, made local government more efficient, and improved services for countless families.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Terry Martin Hekker, who passed away in her home on October 20, just weeks before her 93rd birthday.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Farley of Pearl River, who passed away this summer at the age of 84. John grew up in Rockland County.”

“Mr. Speaker, the reason we know this is a Democratic shutdown is because of how angry they are that we are about to reopen the government, period. That is all you need to know.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Kenneth John Bermudez, Jr., of North Rockland, who passed away earlier this year at just 15 years old from hypoplastic coronary artery disease.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Larry Brissing, a lifelong North Rockland resident who passed away on September 13 surrounded by his loving family.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Joanne M. Rosamond, of Bedford Hills, who passed away on September 6. For over 50 years, Joanne dedicated herself to her family, her community, and the people of Westchester County.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome to the United States His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of more than 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, including my wife, and the head of the second largest Christian church in the world.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize firefighter Kenny Beck, who has retired after 25 years of dedicated service to the Lake Mohegan Fire District. Kenny spent his entire career on shift three, beginning at headquarters and later serving at Station 2 in Jefferson Valley.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of two remarkable constituents from Pearl River, May and Bob Kreider, who passed away this summer just weeks apart after 67 years of marriage.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wesley LePatner, a remarkable New Yorker who was senselessly murdered in late July. Her passing is a tremendous loss to all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Desmond ``Desi'' Patrick Flaherty of Stony Point who passed away last week at the age of 86. Born in the Bronx, Desi dedicated his life to service, spending 20 years with the NYPD's 44th Precinct, where he helped found the 44 Forever Club.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lance Corporal Ryan James Barnard, of Valley Cottage, New York, who died on July 2 while serving our country at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Halpin of Pearl River, New York, who passed away on July 9 at the age of 88.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John ``Jackie'' Sullivan, a Navy veteran, FDNY EMS deputy chief, and longtime volunteer firefighter in Spring Valley and Yorktown Heights. Jack gave his entire adult life to serving others.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor of the CLARITY Act and voted YEA when it was marked up in the House Financial Services Committee. I would have voted YEA on this bill, which will foster investment and job creation in the rapidly growing digital economy.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of little Golda Eisenbach, who was tragically taken from the Monsey community in June. Golda was the beloved 4-year-old daughter of Spring Valley Trustee Yisroel Eisenbach, a dedicated public servant from a cherished Rockland County family.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Herman S. Geist, a Westchester County legend and a true public servant. Herman was the first-ever chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and he helped build the foundation of local government in our region for years to come.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary Putnam County resident, Patricia ``Patty'' Rathschmidt, who passed away this week surrounded by the family she so deeply loved.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true Hudson Valley hero, Ron Tocci, for his lifelong service to our veterans, our State, and our Nation. A proud son of New Rochelle and a U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of FDNY Captain Frederick Simms, Jr., a proud son of Rockland County, a devoted husband, and a true public servant.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the 150th anniversary of the village of Mount Kisco, an extraordinary community in New York's Hudson Valley with a proud past and a bright future.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my good friend and longtime Orangetown leader, Denis Troy. A proud Bronx native, Denis built his life in Pearl River alongside his wife, Bea, raising a wonderful family and giving back every step of the way.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Kevin McConville, a lifelong resident of Putnam County and a true public servant. For over 30 years, Kevin served with distinction in the MTA Police Department, rising from patrol to become the department's first internal appointee as chief.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Roberta Doremus of Rockland County, who passed away on June 5. Roberta was the definition of service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Wagner for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3352, the HALOS Act, a bill I reintroduced this Congress with my colleague, Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a good man and an exceptional leader in my district, David Kirschtel, the chief executive officer of JCC Rockland. Marking 25 years in June of this year, David has poured his heart into building the JCC into what it is today: a thriving center for fitness, early childhood education, summer camps, and cultural life.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of my pastor and dear friend, Father Bob Stagg of the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William Vincent Motto, a lifelong resident of Nyack, New York, who passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 87.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank ``Butch'' Hagen, a proud veteran, a devoted public servant, and a beloved resident of Rockland County. Born in the Bronx in 1950, Frank spent his life in service to others, first in the National Guard and the Army, and later as a village trustee and deputy mayor in Suffern.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable man from my district, Officer Joseph Gravino of Orangeburg, New York, who passed away suddenly on May 23 at just 37 years old.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bill Layton, a devoted father, a sharp political mind, and a respected leader in New Jersey Republican politics. Having served as a strategist before coming to Congress, I understand firsthand how demanding yet rewarding the work was that Bill dedicated his life to.”

“Mr. Speaker, when I ran for Congress, I said that I would never support a tax bill that did not adequately lift the cap on SALT. This bill does that.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Vincent C. McMahon, a proud son of New City, a veteran of the United States Army, and a decorated lieutenant of the FDNY.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent and community leader Allan Seebach, Sr., of Tappan, New York. Allan is a lifelong resident of Tappan and a U.S.”

“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.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the remarkable career and lasting legacy of Congresswoman Nita Lowey. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, she shattered barriers and paved the way for so many others during her 32 years in the House of Representatives.”

“Mr. Speaker, as the great George Costanza said: ``It's not a lie if you believe it.'' That is what we have heard today from my Democratic colleagues, a bunch of lies that maybe they sincerely believe.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would note that the gentleman from Massachusetts is talking about the Prime Minister. What about the President of the United States? We have seven Americans still being held hostage; four deceased, three presumed living.”

“Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical measure and ensure that the U.S. remains steadfast in defending our allies, protecting our existence, and upholding the tenets that have long defined our leadership on the world stage.”