Lawler Confronts Hakeem Jeffries for Shutting Down the Government, Refusing to Engage on ACA Credit Extension

Washington, D.C. - 10/8/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) blasted House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for his role in forcing a government shutdown and refusing to engage in bipartisan negotiations to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. This effort would have protected millions of working- and middle-class families from higher healthcare costs.

Lawler confronted Jeffries as he left a press conference at the Capitol, urging him to work across the aisle on bipartisan legislation to preserve vital healthcare subsidies and reopen the government. The exchange-captured in a video widely shared on social media-underscores the growing frustration among lawmakers with the Democratic leadership's refusal to negotiate in good faith.

"Leader Jeffries has once again chosen partisanship over governance," said Congressman Lawler. "Instead of coming to the table to work out a bipartisan compromise that extends ACA credits, he's playing political games with people's livelihoods. It's disgraceful and it's hurting families across New York and the country."

"Shutting down the government is cowardice to radicals in the Democratic Party, like AOC and the Squad. I'm in Congress to deliver results for the people of the Hudson Valley. That's what the American people expect, and they are tired of this nonsense. The only reason we're in this situation today is because Hakeem Jeffries would rather force a shutdown than let Republicans share in a bipartisan win. That's shameful," concluded Congressman Lawler.

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Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.