Member of Congress

Michael Lawler

Role
Current Representative
State
NY
Party
Republican

Speeches

ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT OF 20232024-05-01

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, never again is now, and we must act. That is our responsibility. I would remind everyone, when you cosponsor a bill that accomplishes the same thing, nothing has changed, and yet now we need to backtrack all because of politics.

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I respond to my colleague from New York and his misguided remarks. In 2018, the gentleman was a cosponsor of the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, which adopted the very definition that he just objected to. As a cosponsor of H.R. 5924, the definition that would be adopted is: ``Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti- Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.'' He was a cosponsor of that bill. H.R. 6090, which I introduced, which has 59 cosponsors, adopts the IHRA working definition and its contemporary examples. The definition is: ``Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.'' It is the same definition, and, yet, now, somehow he is opposed to it. Fundamentally, some of my colleagues on the left are allowing electoral politics to get in the way of doing what is right. The gentleman from New York is a graduate of Columbia University, and yet couldn't muster the courage to take the subway north to stop by and call out the anti-Semitism that is running rampant at Columbia University. It is exactly why this bill is necessary today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, and I thank my colleague, Congressman Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey, for his courage in leading on this issue. In every generation, the Jewish people have been scapegoated, harassed, evicted from their homeland, and murdered. Many of us remember the Holocaust as the most recent large-scale instance of this, but it was hardly the first in the Jewish people's long history of persecution. Prior to October 7, it may have seemed like we were making progress in fighting anti-Semitism, especially in the United States. A prime example: Jewish students weren't afraid to attend classes on their college campuses. And yet today, we hear calls for intifada ring out on school grounds. We see Jewish students being physically prevented from going to class, rioters chanting ``death to Israel'' and ``death to America,'' and so much more. In the U.S., Jews account for only 2.4 percent of the population, and globally they make up 0.2 percent of the world's population. The Jewish people need our support now. They need action now. They need to know they have a place in our country now. They cannot fight anti-Semitism alone, and they shouldn't have to either. The Antisemitism Awareness Act requires the Department of Education to use the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism and its contemporary examples when enforcing title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Codifying a single definition of anti-Semitism will help the Department of Education and school administrators, who have been feckless, clearly identify instances of anti-Semitism and protect the safety of all students, including Jewish students. Now, some opponents may try to make the argument that this imposes restrictions on our constitutional right to free speech. It is not true. First of all, a constitutional protection is in the bill. It clearly states: ``Nothing in this act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.'' Additionally, speech is already protected under the Civil Rights Act, but when the speech turns into harassment or other prohibited action and the action is motivated by anti-Semitism, that is when it becomes illegal conduct. Right now, without a clear definition of anti-Semitism, the Department of Education and college administrators are having trouble discerning whether conduct is anti-Semitic or not, whether the activity we are seeing crosses the line to anti-Semitic harassment. Other opponents to the bill say they would rather see a different bill tackling this.

Mr. LAWLER. That is no reason, and no ``political cover'' to vote against another helpful measure. I ask my colleagues who would prefer other solutions to consider the good it will do for the Jewish students and, yes, keep pushing for more change in the future. We need to hold these institutions accountable. My bill has bipartisan support: 59 cosponsors, dozens of Jewish advocacy groups, including the ADL, the AJC, and Agudath Israel. It is absurd to oppose this on the grounds that it somehow limits free speech. Calling for death to Jews is not protected speech. It is anti- Semitic, and the fact that we have some of the highest-ranking Jewish officials in America refusing to defend the Jewish community because of politics is a disgrace, it is shameful, and it is pathetic. Anyone who votes against this bill because they would rather put political expediency and electoral politics ahead of anything else has no business being a Member of Congress.

Mr. LAWLER. Sure. I think any legislation that we can bring forward to combat anti-Semitism is critical, and I think Ms. Manning and Mr. Smith have done a great job working to bring a piece of legislation forward. I have introduced a number. This is but one of them. I think the objective is to clearly define anti-Semitism and force accountability on these administrators and make sure the Department of Education has the teeth to enforce the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

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PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 615, PROTECTING ACCESS FOR HUNTERS AND ANGLERS ACT OF 2023; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2925, MINING REGULATORY CLARITY ACT OF 2024; PROVIDING FOR...2024-04-30

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Madam Speaker, it is good to know that my Democratic colleague would rather children in Congo mine for cobalt than to create American jobs here and put in place environmental safeguards. I thank my colleague for putting that on the record. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in support of the rule to bring my Antisemitism Awareness Act to the floor. I thank Chairman Burgess, Chairman Jordan, Leader Scalise, and Speaker Johnson for their support for consideration of this bill and their leadership in combating anti- Semitism on college campuses. What is happening on college campuses right now is horrifying. We have seen folks at these encampments telling Jews to go back to Poland, as if they weren't kicked out of their homes, murdered in cold blood, and sent to death camps less than a century ago. The leader of the protest at Columbia called for death to Zionists. There was a sign at George Washington calling for a final solution, which was the name of Hitler's plan to exterminate Jews. People are shouting that they are Hamas and calling for the burning of Tel Aviv to the ground. They chant for intifada and ``from the river to the sea.'' These are not peaceful protesters expressing their constitutional right to free speech. These are illegal encampments where demonstrators engage in harassment and urge violence against Jewish students, Jewish Americans, the U.S. Government, the Israeli Government, and more. I unequivocally condemn the college administrators who haven't acted to quell these encampments and who have enabled their campuses to become unsafe environments for Jewish students. At the Federal level, we must give the Department of Education the tools to identify and prosecute any anti-Semitic hate crimes committed and hold college administrators accountable for refusing to address anti-Semitism on their campuses. This legislation defines anti-Semitism using the IHRA working definition and its contemporary examples so that there can be no confusion or interpretation when it comes to the heinous act of discrimination and violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It has broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate and 59 cosponsors in the House, including over a dozen Democrats. This is not about dividing Democrats. This has broad bipartisan support. If there are people in your Conference who embrace anti- Semitism, that is not our fault. That is something you should be rooting out. When people engage in harassment or bullying of Jewish individuals, where they justify the killing of Jews or use blood libel or hold Jews collectively responsible for actions of the Israeli Government, that is anti-Semitic. There is no question about it. It is unfortunate that we need to clarify that these actions are anti-Semitic, but it makes this bill that much more necessary. What is happening at Columbia, Yale, UCLA, and so many other schools is reprehensible and alarming, but it cannot be discouraging. We must act so that the anti-Semitism on college campuses stops immediately. Our country's antidiscrimination laws must work for all of us, including Jewish students. My Democratic colleagues are tripping all over themselves because of electoral politics. They are worried about votes in Michigan and Minnesota and trying to placate a pro-Hamas element of their party, people who are parroting Hamas talking points. Literally, when I was at Columbia University last Wednesday with Speaker Johnson, Hamas endorsed the protesters on the campus grounds, saying that they are the future leaders of America. If those are the future leaders of America, God help us.

Mr. LAWLER. Madam Speaker, we should be very clear: Charlottesville was wrong. January 6 was wrong. Taking over a courthouse in Portland was wrong. Burning down a police station in Minneapolis was wrong. Breaking in and seizing control of the library at Columbia University is wrong. Let's call it all out and stop being a bunch of cowards. Anti- Semitism needs to be rooted out, and any Member who votes against this bill should hang their head in shame.

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REMEMBERING ANTHONY J. SCALA, JR.2024-04-30

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Anthony J. Scala, Jr. Anthony's unwavering commitment to excellence was evident in every facet of his life. From his distinguished career in electrical construction as president of Lowy & Donnath, to his dedicated service on so many advisory 0boards, including as a longtime member of the board of trustees at Manhattan College, my alma mater, Anthony's expertise and leadership left an indelible mark. He was a proud Jasper. Beyond his professional endeavors, Anthony's true joy emanated from his cherished moments with family, his passion for boating, restoring his Jeep, and his craftsmanship as a builder. His love knew no bounds, evident in his role as a devoted husband to Mary Ellen; father to Anthony, Christopher, and Victoria; grandfather to Jackson, Ali May, Annaleigh, Anthony, and Evelyn; and as a good friend. As we honor Anthony's memory, let us remember his kindness, generosity, and steadfast dedication to his loved ones and community. Though he may have left us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him. May we carry forward his legacy of compassion and service as we bid farewell to a beloved friend. I will miss Anthony, as I know so many others will, too.

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21ST CENTURY PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH ACT2024-04-20

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act. This bill reverses the Biden administration's relaxed stance toward Iran and China and starts to hold these bad actors accountable. Two of my bills, the SHIP Act and the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act, are included in this package. Both of these bills target the illicit oil trade between Iran and China. One of my bills imposes sanctions on foreign ports and refineries that process Iranian oil, many of which are located in China. My other bill imposes sanctions on Chinese financial institutions that process transactions involving Iranian oil as well as anyone involved in Iran's missile and drone program. Iran is exporting millions of barrels of petroleum every day. Eighty percent of these exports go to China. Iran has taken in over $88 billion from their illicit oil trade since President Biden took office, and they must not earn a cent more. To be clear, these illicit funds are used to fund Iran's regime of terror, including backing Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups, as well as their direct assault on Israel last weekend.

Mr. LAWLER. Madam Chair, now is the time for America to lead, to support our allies, to combat our adversaries, and to continue our role as leader of the free world.

Mr. LAWLER. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of Representative Nunn's legislation, the Revoke Iranian Funding Act, that this came out of. In the wake of the appalling terrorist attack against Israel, it is clear that we must work to confront Iran and its surrogates in the region with a strong sanctions regime. Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, spending its money on terror, on developing nuclear capabilities, on taking hostages to use for bargaining purposes, and on funding the criminal IRGC. Among other provisions, this commonsense measure would provide transparency on which sanctions authorities the President is failing to exercise and where we can continue to cut off Iran's funding. Madam Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment.

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ISRAEL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20242024-04-20

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, our country is at a most critical juncture. Do we take a step back, watch our allies fall, and allow terror to spread? Or do we stand strong as the leader of the free world and stand up for our allies and take on our adversaries? To me, the answer is clear. The legislation we are debating today has the potential to turn the tide in Ukraine, protect our ally Israel, and deter China from attacking Taiwan. There is no question that under the Biden administration the world has become a tinderbox. Conflict is erupting across the globe. Our allies are under attack. China, Russia, and Iran are engaged in an unholy alliance seeking to undermine and destabilize the U.S., Israel, and the free world. We are the leader of the free world. It requires us to lead. We cannot abdicate the responsibilities that come along with it. The time for choosing is here. The time for action is now. I choose to act in defense of freedom, democracy, and America's role in the world. I support aid to our allies. I support holding our adversaries accountable. I support America being that shining city upon a hill. We cannot give in. Victory at all costs.

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HONORING THE LEGACY OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE, RABBI MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON2024-04-19

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Education and Sharing Day where we honor the enduring legacy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Rebbe was not only a spiritual leader but also a beacon of hope and resilience. Escaping the horrors of Nazi Europe, he found refuge in our great Nation where he revitalized a community shattered by the Holocaust. Under his guidance, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement flourished, advocating for education and moral integrity as the cornerstones of a just society. Chabad's vision is clear: Education is a fundamental pillar in cultivating a compassionate society. The work of Chabad groups across the country, especially in Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York, is critical. In today's tumultuous times, Chabad's message is more relevant than ever. We face a resurgence of anti-Semitism here in the United States, which we see playing out daily on college campuses. In response, we must recommit ourselves to fighting for dignity, honesty, and justice for all. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Rebbe's passing, let's never cease working to create a Nation that truly serves as a beacon of hope and freedom to the world.

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A SHAMEFUL DISPLAY2024-04-10

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, we have seen a shameful display by Members of the Democratic Party, including the Senate majority leader, who attacked and undermined the State of Israel and the special relationship that we have. The United States recognized Israel 11 minutes after its founding. They are our closest ally in the world, and at a time of war the Senate majority leader, the Senator from New York, took the opportunity to call for a regime change. At a time when the Democratic Party talks about protecting democracy, rails against foreign interference in elections, the Senator from New York thought it was his opportunity and in his interest politically to undermine the State of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas is a terrorist state. The fastest way for a cease-fire to occur is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages. That is the only thing that members of the United States Government should be demanding from the President to the Senate majority leader to the former Speaker of the House. It is shameful what is happening in the Democratic Party today.

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HONORING JOHN KRYGER, REVERED FDNY VETERAN2024-03-21

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor John Kryger, a revered FDNY veteran and stalwart of Rockland County, who passed away on March 18, 2024, at the age of 81. John's work to improve fire safety and his service to our community exemplify a life dedicated to protecting others. Serving with distinction in the FDNY from 1965 to 1986, he later became deputy fire coordinator for Rockland County, passionately advocating for fire safety and prevention since 2004. John's impactful journalism, notably the ``Fire's Deadly Rage'' series, sparked significant community action, leading to a surge in smoke alarm installations across Rockland County. His dedication extended into education as a fire instructor and his leadership with the Rockland County Illegal Housing Task Force, tirelessly working to enforce fire safety and building codes. Beyond his professional achievements, John's involvement in the West Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department and numerous fire service associations highlighted his commitment to his community. His legacy as a firefighter, educator, and advocate leaves a lasting impact on Rockland County. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his many friends, and his beloved colleagues in the fire service and remember John Kryger for the profound impact he had on making our community safer. His legacy of dedication and service will continue to inspire future generations.

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RECOGNIZING THOMAS CONG2024-03-11

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today I'm proud to recognize a remarkable young constituent, Thomas Cong from Ossining, New York, for becoming a top 40 finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Nation's premier science competition for high school seniors. This achievement places Thomas among the brightest young minds in our country, continuing a tradition of excellence that has propelled alumni to the highest echelons of scientific honor, including Nobel Prizes and National Medals of Science. Thomas's success is a testament to his hard work, our community's supportive educational environment, and the potential of our youth to lead us into a better future. Let's celebrate Thomas's achievement as an inspiration and a reminder of the critical role education plays in unlocking the immense potential of our youth. Congratulations to Thomas for making Ossining and our Nation proud.

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EXPANDING ACCESS TO CAPITAL ACT OF 20232024-03-06

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chair, today I rise to urge the House to adopt my amendment, which would include the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act, otherwise known as the HALOS Act, into the underlying bill. The HALOS Act will promote access to investment capital for small companies and ensure that startups can continue to generate interest and connect with investors. It will do this by ensuring that demo days, pitch competitions, and community economic development events where there is no specific investment offering are not considered general solicitation under Reg D. In doing so, companies will be able to engage with a wider audience of investors and spread word of the products and services that they can offer to help develop a thriving and diverse economy. Small businesses are facing turbulent economic times. After surviving COVID, they are still dealing with the impacts of inflation, low confidence in the economy, and having to contend with many regulations which can stifle economic growth, prevent entrepreneurs from achieving their full potential, and frankly, prevent folks from living out their American Dream. Entrepreneurs and small businesses drive the American economy. In 2019, the SBA calculated that close to 44 percent of our GDP was the result of small businesses. Barriers like the general compliance requirements on general solicitations can reduce opportunities for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and everyday investors as they both soak up the amount of time and resources needed but also deter small businesses who are afraid of unintentionally violating these laws. We have seen many successes from and since the passing of the bipartisan JOBS Act over a decade ago that helped reduce barriers to investment. The HALOS Act is a logical next step on the road of clarifying and modernizing rules that will enable startups to find the resources they need to grow and thrive. Angel investors who are defined by this bill not only play a major role in financing individual efforts to pursue their dream and start a business, but also often provide a wealth of advice and support for tens of thousands of startups. Long-term impact can be seen as companies such as Amazon, Costco, Facebook, Google, and Starbucks all initially were funded by angel investors. By alleviating burdens on businesses, cutting red tape, and making capital in our public markets easier and less costly for emerging companies, we will be helping to build a more diverse and inclusive universe of entrepreneurs and founders by expanding opportunities to underrepresented entrepreneurs and communities facing capital formation challenges. The HALOS Act will simply allow folks to get eyes on their businesses and potentially find the vital investor they need to succeed. Once again, I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense and bipartisan amendment to help our small businesses and startups. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chair, I would just remind the ranking member that you need to be an accredited investor to invest. Many of the examples that the gentlewoman highlights are frankly null and void. Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), the chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee.

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Chair, I rise again to urge the House to adopt my amendment, the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act, otherwise known as the HALOS Act, into the underlying bill. Ensuring that folks have access to capital is critical, and this amendment will help ensure that our small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy, have greater access to capital and that accredited investors will be able to invest in these small startup businesses. Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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PAYING TRIBUTE TO ALEX DAVID WOLFSIE2024-02-29

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise before you to pay tribute to a remarkable young man, Alex David Wolfsie, whose life was tragically cut short almost 10 years ago on March 10, 2014. Alex's commitment to our Nation, demonstrated by his service in the United States Navy, exemplifies the best of American valor and dedication. A Mahopac resident who graduated from Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers and SUNY Cortland, he felt the call to service and enlisted on September 25, 2012. He traveled from the training grounds at Great Lakes Naval Station north of Chicago to Pensacola, Florida, to San Diego, California, to his final post in Guam. His mission was clear: serving our country. He was preparing for deployment aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard in Japan before a tragic accident cut his life short. He came from a family of service--his father was a member of the NYPD--and sought to carry on that service to our State and Nation. I know the Carmel Town Board is gathering next week to honor Alex for his service. We will never forget his service and his sacrifice. May God bless the Wolfsie family.

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RECOGNIZING JOHN MURPHY2024-02-28

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize an individual who has been a beacon of service and steadfast advocate for those in need, John Murphy. John's service began in the Marine Corps before he ran for county legislature and served there for over 40 years. John has also committed himself to helping veterans and the developmentally disabled community, serving on the board of Camp Venture in support of the Venture Foundation for over 40 years, as well. His work in this space led to many services being provided for the I/ DD community in the Hudson Valley, and his efforts remind us that the true measure of a society is found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. In late 2023, John's other venture, Homes for Heroes, unveiled its new Phase II residences at Camp Shanks. This organization, headed by John, houses homeless veterans, something all of us in this body must continue to focus on. I applaud John Murphy, a true hero for heroes, for his decades of service and his undying commitment to improving lives. His legacy is built on the lives he has changed and the futures he has secured. I thank him for his service.

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HONORING JOSEPH CHARLES MARTIN2024-02-15

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Joseph Charles Martin, a man whose dedication and service left an incredible legacy in Haverstraw, Stony Point, and beyond. Joe's service began as Navy corpsman and continued with his decades- long career at Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River. In his own community, in Thiells, he helped found both the St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish and the David B. Roche Fire Company, which have had a lasting impact on North Rockland. Joe's impact extended beyond this, though. His coaching with the Haverstraw Little League and volunteering at St. Peter's People to People showcased his commitment to improving the lives of the residents of North Rockland. His legacy of service and compassion will forever inspire us. As we mourn Joe's passing, let us honor his memory by carrying forward his spirit of generosity and commitment to others, as his family has. To Joe, I say: May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 7160, SALT MARRIAGE PENALTY ELIMINATION ACT; AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 987, DENOUNCING THE HARMFUL, ANTI-AMERICAN ENERGY POLICIES OF THE BIDEN...2024-02-14

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, in a time when middle-class families are increasingly squeezed by the rising cost of living, providing real tax relief is imperative. That is why I introduced the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, which is designed to correct an inequity that has burdened married couples across New York and the United States since 2017. The current tax code unfairly caps State and local tax deductions, otherwise known as SALT, at $10,000 for married couples filing jointly, essentially penalizing them for their marital status and depriving them of the full $20,000 deduction they would rightly deserve. This arbitrary threshold does not reflect the economic realities faced by dual-income households, especially in high-cost areas like New York's 17th District. It is an issue that transcends tax policy. It is about fairness and supporting the backbone of our communities--our families. The implications of the SALT cap are significant. Since its implementation, we have witnessed a dramatic decline in taxpayers claiming the SALT deduction, a drop from nearly 50 percent in my district to 19, or nationwide, from 31 percent to 9. This stark decrease has disproportionately impacted high-cost States like New York where the cost of living far exceeds the national average. In my district alone, the percentage of filers itemizing taxes have halved since the cap's introduction, underscoring the urgent need for reform. The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, my first bill introduced in the House, seeks to address this issue head-on by eliminating the marriage penalty and reinstating a fair deduction limit. During the Rules Committee hearing, there was some insinuation that this legislation was hurried and rushed in the dead of night. I am here to tell you that this legislation has been available for people to review for over 13 months and is less than 2 pages long. This isn't some thousand-page omnibus deal. It is something that we have worked on with Republican leadership and our Democrat colleagues to address for over a year. Passage of the SALT Marriage Penalty Implementation Act would represent a significant step toward alleviating the financial burden faced by countless families in my district and across the country, offering relief from the double taxation that has unjustly impacted them. Additionally, with housing costs reaching near record highs and inflation continuing to erode purchasing power, the need for this bill is all the more necessary. For instance, in Rockland and Westchester Counties in my district, the monthly cost of a mortgage surged by $1,000 in the past year alone, thanks to rate increases brought about by the trillions in new spending from this administration and the prior Congress. These spikes in housing costs, coupled with rising grocery prices, are unsustainable for the average family, making tax relief essential. This House Republican majority was built by the contributions of New Yorkers, and this legislation would help those same New Yorkers see immediate tax relief. Some critics might balk at the cost of this measure. The fact is that relief provided to families across the country would spur additional economic growth that would outpace the minor cost. This bill is a compromise that fixes an unfair penalty and stands to revitalize communities, stimulate economic activity, and most importantly, support the hardworking families who are the lifeblood of our Nation. It provides immediate tax relief. SALT is expected to expire in 2025, but these families can't wait that long. I urge all of my colleagues to support this profamily measure that corrects this unfair penalty, and I encourage my Democratic colleagues to support it, as well. They talk a good game, but when they had complete control in the prior Congress, they failed to provide a fix. They failed to enact legislation that would provide immediate tax relief. Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Leader Jeffries have been silent. They should embrace this. They should be championing it. They should be supporting our efforts. This is about providing real, tangible support to those who need it. As we move forward, I am hopeful that this can be a moment of unity amongst my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, reflecting the bipartisan understanding that when it comes to supporting our families, fairness is critical. Together, we can ensure that unfair tax policies that penalize families are a thing of the past, putting the well-being of American families above all.

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IGO ANTI-BOYCOTT ACT2024-02-13

Mr. LAWLER

Mr. LAWLER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3016) to amend the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 to apply the provisions of that Act to international governmental organizations, as amended.

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