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Mike Lawler's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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On The Ballot: Running, Conservative, Republican for U.S. House (NY) - District 17

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
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Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • Voted against S 9079 "Expands Legal Protections for Abortion Providers" (votesmart.org)
  • "As I have said, based on the court ruling, it now falls to the states. I do not support a nationwide ban on abortion." (x.com)
  • "Simply put, we cannot continue to borrow and print new money at the levels this administration has. Republicans and Democrats must come together to rein in spending, protect vital programs like Social Security and Medicare, reduce inflation, and avoid default." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I am fully committed not only to protecting Social Security and Medicare for current and near retirees but also strengthening and preserving these programs for future generations. I was proud to sign on to H. Res. 109, which reaffirms this commitment, and to cosponsor H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, another important measure." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Never supporting any cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or veterans services that violate the sacred promises made to the hard working men and women who built this country, nor those who wore the uniform in defense of our freedoms." (www.lawlerforcongress.com)
  • Rated 10% by Alliance for Retired Americans. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by Americans for Prosperity. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Introducing both the "Middle Class Tax Relief Act" and "SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act" in an ongoing effort to provide tax relief to middle-class Hudson Valley families who have been negatively impacted by the SALT cap." (www.lawlerforcongress.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Fight the radical "defund the police" agenda that endangers the lives of our brave police officers and fuels a growing disrespect and disregard for law and order." (www.lawlerforcongress.com)
  • "The politicians took away qualified immunity from law enforcement, while giving it to themselves. NYers should be allowed to sue every elected official for the idiotic decisions made at the state and city level every day." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2494 "POLICE Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2670 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Congressman Lawler understands that the federal government needs to live within its means, just like the Hudson Valley’s working families, retirees, and small businesses do each day. That’s why Congressman Lawler helped lead the charge in supporting the bipartisan "Fiscal Responsibility Act’, which: Saves taxpayers $2.1 trillion over the next ten years [and] Caps spending at 1% growth." (www.lawlerforcongress.com)
  • "This bill, the Limit, Save, Grow Act, is a beginning and puts the President and Senate majority leader on notice: The days of one-party rule are over. The American people elected a House Republican majority to serve as a check and balance on the reckless, out-of-control spending that was the hallmark of the last 2 years: $5 trillion in new spending, $10 trillion total, a 41-year record high on inflation, skyrocketing energy costs, America saddled with over $31 trillion in debt and counting." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2811 "Limit, Save, Grow Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7024 "Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act will help ensure first responders can acquire affordable housing. Taking care of our first responders should always be bipartisan and I’m proud of the broad bipartisan support for this important measure." (x.com)
  • "If by "rescue the economy" you mean downgrading our credit because of your trillion dollar spending sprees, producing record inflation, and increasing taxes, then heckuva job. Your policies were so bad, even Dems in Brooklyn rejected you after you ran away from the Hudson Valley." (x.com)
  • "Bidenomics isn’t working and Hudson Valley families need relief asap. That’s why I’m fighting like hell to lift the SALT cap, unleash affordable American energy, and reduce our inflation-inducing spending." (x.com)
  • "Simply put, we cannot continue to borrow and print new money at the levels this administration has. Republicans and Democrats must come together to rein in spending, protect vital programs like Social Security and Medicare, reduce inflation, and avoid default." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "I am proud to support H.R. 1, which will restore our Nation's energy independence by increasing the production and export of domestic energy while reducing the regulatory burdens that stifle American energy. We need an all-of-the-above approach that includes gas, nuclear, and renewables. That has been emphatically clear for years. Making America more dependent on foreign energy adds more pollution, not less, to our climate. H.R. 1 unleashes American energy and will drive down inflation, providing Hudson Valley families with the real relief they so desperately need." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We need a comprehensive energy plan and portfolio that is an all-of- the-above approach. We need clean, cheap, reliable energy. Natural gas plays a critical role in doing that. To try and ban natural gas and force homeowners to convert their home from gas to electric, the average homeowner will pay $35,000 to do that." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1 "Lower Energy Costs Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of S 9113 "Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals" (votesmart.org)
  • "Supporting red flag laws, so long as they mandate due process, to keep guns out of the hands of those likely to harm themselves or others." (www.lawlerforcongress.com)
  • "if we are going to combat gun violence, we need to enforce our laws and stop with this woke nonsense. Those who use guns in furtherance of crimes, need to be prosecuted, not coddled. Bring back the anti-crime unit today and strike a balance with stop, question, and frisk." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Gun Owners of America (GOA). (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Voted in favor of HR 5525 "Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "With title 42 having expired, we are seeing a surge of migrants approaching our border that will add to a crisis in New York State that has seen New York City take in over 60,000 migrants so far. Now, Mayor Eric Adams has resorted to busing migrants into the Hudson Valley, despite previously decrying southern States from doing that to New York City. This is a completely untenable situation and demands immediate Federal action, which is why the House Republican majority passed H.R. 2." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2 "Secure the Border Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Helped pass the "Secure the Border Act" (H.R.2) through the House of Representatives in an attempt to end President Biden’s open border policies, while also proposing a measure named the "Dignity Act", which is the first serious, bipartisan immigration reform effort in decades." (www.lawlerforcongress.com)
  • Rated 89% by NumbersUSA. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Immigrants do more than pick vegetables, Jerry — they contribute to our economy, our culture, our community. They are doctors, nurses, home health aides, lawyers, professionals, and yes, ag workers. No one is against immigration — but there must be a process. What is happening at the border is a catastrophe and cannot continue. Secure the border and fix our broken immigration system so that those who want to come here and contribute to our economy can do so, and do so legally." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of H Res 1112 "Denouncing the Biden Administration's immigration policies" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 3033 "Solidify Iran Sanctions Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Therefore, my bill expands the law's definition to ensure that any dealings they have with Iran's sanctioned financial institutions, including the Iranian Central Bank, will lead to the closure of their corresponding accounts in our country. These secondary sanctions complement the SHIP Act, a bill I sponsored that would impose sanctions on ports and refineries that take in petroleum from Iran." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We must crack down on the illicit Iranian oil trade that is bankrolling their regime of terror. That’s why I introduced the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act, my bill which the House just passed in a broad, bipartisan margin targeting the financial institutions that process Iranian petroleum transactions. This legislation is also included in the package we are passing this week to support our democratic allies and deter foreign aggression." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4691 "Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2023" (votesmart.org)
  • "Taking on members of his own party to support funding of Ukraine’s military operations to combat Vladimir Putin’s unjustified and illegal invasion of Ukraine, which threatens to spill over into neighboring countries in an effort to bring other former Soviet territories and neighboring nations like Moldova back under Russian control." (www.lawlerforcongress.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 8035 "Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "We're not banning TikTok. We're protecting the data privacy and security of Americans on apps tied to governments of foreign adversaries?" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7521 "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" (votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-life a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes b) Do you support legalizing abortion when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
c) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
Access to abortion rights has been legal in the state of New York for several decades. I would not have supported the expansion of late-term abortion up to the day of birth or the allowance of non-doctors to perform abortions, endangering the safety of both the mother and the child. Finally, I would not have eliminated the criminal penalties associated with the murder or assault of a pregnant woman who loses their child as a result of violence.
No a) In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions?
No b) In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
New York state needs to reduce taxes and spending in order to balance their budget and make New York a more affordable place to live, work, and retire.
No a) Do you support a limit on campaign contributions to state candidates?
No b) Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
Yes c) Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
Yes d) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
No e) Do you support automatic voter registration?
We need a truly independent commission for redistricting. We should be making it easier for New Yorkers to vote, I would support a vote-by-mail system, which includes no-excuse absentee balloting - however, an individual should still be required to register of their own accord and apply to vote by mail.
Yes a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes b) Should an individual under 18 accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
Yes c) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
d) Do you support the use of private prisons in New York?
No e) Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders?
No f) Do you support eliminating cash bail for all crimes?
The disastrous cashless bail law should be rolled back and done over with law enforcement's input and allow for judicial discretion. We should be seeking to reduce prison sentences for non-violent offenders, and non-violent drug offenders should be pushed towards rehabilitation. If an individual under 18, within reason, commits a violent crime, they should be tried as an adult.
Yes a) Do you support state government spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes b) Do you support lowering state income taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes c) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
d) Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
e) Do you support an increase of the minimum wage of New York?
f) Do you support requiring employers to provide paid family leave?
Yes g) Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
Yes h) Do you support the legalization of mobile sports betting and wagering?
As Assemblyman I will seek to lower taxes, cut red tape, invest in critical infrastructure and make it easier for businesses and taxpayers alike to succeed in our state.
a) Do you support adopting federal education standards in New York?
Yes b) Do you support state funding for charter schools?
c) Do you support increasing teacher salaries AND/OR benefits in New York?
No d) Should immigrants unlawfully present in the United States who graduate from New York high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
I support providing each and every child in my district with access to a quality, affordable education. I do not support using taxpayer money to provide free college tuition to illegal immigrants.
Yes a) Do you support state funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Yes b) Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes c) Do you support increasing state funding for clean drinking water initiatives?
I am in favor of renewable energy and support efforts to preserve open space and ensure clean air and clean water for all New Yorkers. However, I believe more must be done to ensure access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy, which includes natural gas.
No a) Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Yes b) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
No c) Should teachers be allowed to bring guns into the classroom after passing gun safety training?
No d) Should a license be required for gun ownership?
I support law-abiding citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. However, I do support background checks, increased penalties for the use of illegal guns, and measures to address mental health and domestic violence.
Yes a) Should the state government increase funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse?
No b) Do you support Medicaid expansion through New York's health care programs?
No c) Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
No d) Do you support legislation that grants citizens the right to choose to die through euthanasia?
No e) Do you support eliminating religious exemptions for vaccinations?
f) Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
g) Do you support suspending rent payments for at least 90 days during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
h) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in New York's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes b) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in New York's anti-discrimination laws?
c) Do you support greater efforts by New York state government in closing the pay gap between men and women?
d) Do you support requiring all public female-designated restrooms to provide free feminine hygiene products?
e) Other or expanded principles:
As Assemblyman, I'll fight to ensure that our local schools receive the full funding they deserve, and unlike my opponent, I'll never vote to cut state aid to OUR schools. I will also fight to fix the unfair state aid formula that has short-changed Rockland County schools for years. Rockland County pays the second-highest property taxes in America and that has to end. By fixing the state aid formula, we can lower property taxes and make our county affordable again.
My top legislative priority is to repeal the reckless cashless bail law that my opponent co-sponsored. It has put our public safety at risk and removed any safeguards our criminal justice system had in place to prevent repeat offenders from hurting innocent victims again and again. We must work to ensure equality and justice for all New Yorkers, but we cannot do that without close coordination with law enforcement, who make sacrifices every day to keep our communities safe.

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