Chairman Lawler Wraps Bipartisan CODEL to Deepen Engagement in North Africa and the Mediterranean

Washington, D.C. - 9/5/5 - Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, concluded a bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Italy, Tunisia, and Morocco, where he and fellow members worked to solidify alliances, advance regional resilience, and reinforce the United States' presence in North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Joining Congressman Lawler on the delegation were Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2).

In Italy, the delegation visited the U.S. Naval Forces Europe headquarters in Naples, where they discussed Mediterranean and North African challenges and the U.S. Navy's role in safeguarding peace and stability abroad. Congressman Lawler and his colleagues also met with service members from New York stationed in Naples, thanking them for their service. In Rome, the delegation met with Ambassador Tilman Fertitta and visited Vatican City for a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

In Tunisia, the delegation met with Defense Minister Imed Memmich and Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali Nafti to address terrorism, border control, and the growing threat of foreign influence. Congressman Lawler and Congressman Torres also had the unique opportunity of laying a wreath at the North Africa American Cemetery in Tunis, honoring the sacrifice of American service members in World War II.

In Morocco, the delegation held meetings with dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Minister Delegate Abdeltif Loudyi, to deepen bilateral cooperation and reaffirm support for the Abraham Accords. Discussions also centered on the Western Sahara autonomy plan, which Congressman Lawler has strongly supported as a pragmatic framework for lasting safety and progress, recognizing Morocco as one of the United States' most enduring partners in North Africa.

"From bolstering counterterrorism cooperation with our allies, to pushing back against authoritarian influence, to advancing the promise of the Abraham Accords, our delegation reaffirmed America's commitment to fortifying partnerships in this critical region," said Chairman Lawler. "As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I will continue working to ensure U.S. leadership remains strong and bipartisan in the Middle East and North Africa."

"These opportunities are a distinct privilege, and they serve as an important reminder that the safety of our allies abroad directly affects the well-being and prosperity of families here at home. Whether it's safeguarding trade routes, combating terrorism, or ensuring our service members have the resources they need, this work elevates America's role in the world," concluded Chairman Lawler.

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.

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Official Photos from the congressional delegation can be found HERE.