Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday evening, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) voted to advance a federal budget resolution that paves the way for massive, unprecedented cuts to fundamental food, clean water and public health programs that protect the well-being of millions of New Yorkers — all to accommodate $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for corporations and the country’s wealthiest individuals. By voting yes, Lawler folded to the hard-right Trump/Musk agenda and abandoned the needs of his constituents, who depend on government programs for their lives and livelihoods.

The Republican Budget resolution directs major cuts to several essential programs, including:

• $230 billion from programs under the Agricultural Committee, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provides food assistance to nearly 3 million New Yorkers annually;
• $330 billion from the Education and Workforce Committee, which oversees school lunches and more;
• $880 billion from the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees healthcare, environmental and water programs, while endangering local financing for water projects through potential tax changes in Ways & Means.

In response, Laura Shindell, New York State Director at Food & Water Watch, issued the following statement:

“Lawler’s support for the Trump/Musk budget is a slap in the face to every single voter who elected him as their representative last fall while he campaigned on a lie that he’d be a sensible moderate. New Yorkers are already struggling to afford their most basic needs, and this budget will eliminate funds that help his constituents access clean food and water. Rather than fighting for working families, Lawler’s vote ensures that billionaires and corporations can hoard more and more wealth while the rest of us suffer the consequences. As Lawler continues to flirt with a run for statewide office, he should know New Yorkers won’t forget his broken promises to protect the environment and his constituents’ basic needs.”