Michael Lawler · TranslatePolitics.com

House of Representatives

Honoring the Life of John P. O'malley

2026-09-02

“I am sad that a man died. He was a good police officer. He had a nice family. I hope people remember him. He is at peace now.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John P. O'Malley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected law enforcement investigator, who passed away peacefully on July 16 at age 73. Born and raised in the Bronx, John spent more than 20 years with the New York City Police Department, becoming one of the Bronx's most respected homicide detectives. Known for his integrity, professionalism, and investigative skill, he was widely regarded as a detective's detective. After retiring from the NYPD, John continued his commitment to justice as an investigator with the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, earning the respect of prosecutors, agents, and investigators alike. But above all, John was a devoted family man. He and his wife, Annie, built their life in Pearl River, where they raised their children. My thoughts and prayers are with Annie; his sons; and especially his beloved grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. John will be remembered for his honor, humility, humor, and unwavering dedication to his country, community, friends, and family. May he rest in peace.

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House of Representatives

Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026

2026-09-01

“I want this bill to pass. It helps the lobster industry in my district. The industry creates many jobs. I want to protect those jobs. I don't want more regulations on the lobster industry. I want to extend the current rules until 2035. That gives us more time to study the whales. Fishermen need stable rules. I want to protect both whales and the fishing industry. Some people don't like this bill. I don't care what they say. I will fight for the lobster industry in my district.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act. I want to thank Chairman Westerman for working with me to bring this bill to the floor, as well as my colleague from Maine who has fought tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, Jared Golden. In Maine alone, the lobster industry generates approximately $2 billion in economic activity each year and supports more than 17,500 jobs. Local industries like this one are a lifeline for families and communities that have been in business for generations. In New York, the fishing industry generates more than $2 billion in economic activity and supports over 10,000 jobs. For decades, the Northeast lobster and commercial fishing industries have faced growing regulatory pressure as Federal efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale have unintentionally impacted fisheries. In 2022, this important industry faced the prospect of even more regulations that would have had devastating consequences on fishermen's livelihoods and their local communities that depend on them. Congress responded by temporarily pausing the regulations and providing funding to improve North Atlantic whale research. That research is already producing better data, but more work remains. My bill would simply extend the current regulatory pause through 2035, giving the scientific community more than enough additional time to develop durable science-driven solutions that protect the North Atlantic right whale while ensuring American fishermen can continue to do their jobs. The Northeast lobster fishery is an important part of our coastal economy, supporting not only fishermen but also the processors, restaurants, and local businesses. Fishermen have spent years adapting to changing conservation requirements and implementing measures to reduce the risk of whale entanglements. They deserve regulatory stability and certainty rather than constantly shifting requirements that threaten their ability to operate and plan for the future. This legislation is about giving American fishermen the certainty they need to keep their businesses operating while also giving scientists and the industry the time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. We all have industries back home that shape our communities. I am not from Maine, but I know the importance of local economies and the individual people who work hard for their families. I will always fight for small businesses and for the New Yorkers back home who show up every day to keep them going. This is a perfect example of bipartisanship and the willingness to work together for our constituents, for our communities, and to support commonsense legislation that protects the very people we were sent here to represent. I will also say that I refuse to be intimidated by the activists and organizations, like the NRDC, which is threatening to spend millions of dollars in political spending right now--

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House of Representatives

Stop Insider Trading Act

2026-07-22

“I want this bill to pass. It would stop politicians from trading stocks. I think politicians should not get rich while they serve. Some politicians made a lot of money from stocks. I think that's bad. I want you to watch who votes yes and who votes no. I want people to trust the government. Insider trading by politicians is bad. It makes people lose trust. I want to stop it.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, to end stock trading by Members of Congress, because trust in our democracy cannot be a luxury item. It must be the everyday expectation of every American. For too long, the public has watched the headlines that read like a civic lesson gone wrong: elected officials buying and selling stocks in industries they regulate, profiting from information the public will never see. That is not merely unseemly, it is corrosive. It eats away at confidence in this institution, and confidence once lost is not easily rebuilt. Banning congressional stock trading is a simple proposition. If someone serves the public, they serve only the public. They don't get to play the market with one hand while writing the rules with the other. They don't get to benefit from the power the people have loaned them. This reform is about fairness--for the teacher saving for retirement, the nurse investing in her future, the small business owner trying to build something that lasts. They play by the rules. They deserve a Congress that does the same. Mr. Speaker, this is our chance to say clearly: Public service is a public trust. Let us honor it. The fact is this bill bans stock trading. And, yes, it requires photo ID, something 80 percent of Americans agree with. People just saw what came out yesterday by one of our former colleagues, the Governor of New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill, announcing that 6,600 non-U.S. citizens were added to the voter rolls in New Jersey and nearly 400 of them voted in the election. Voter ID ensures the sanctity of our elections and ensures confidence by the American people in our elections. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that we pass this legislation, and the American people should watch how every single Member votes on this bill.

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House of Representatives

Honoring Ismael Quintana on His Retirement

2026-07-15

“I'm here to praise a veteran. He did many good things. He helped other veterans. He won an award. He retired. I want people to know I'm on the side of nice veterans.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary veteran, public servant, and advocate, Ismael ``Izzy'' Quintana, and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. After serving our Nation as a major in the United States Army Reserve, Izzy never stopped answering the call to serve. As the veteran outreach coordinator for BRIDGES PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program (Vet to Vet), he has dedicated himself to helping veterans in crisis, connecting them with critical resources and ensuring they never face their struggles alone. Drawing on his military and law enforcement experience, Izzy has trained police recruits to respond to veterans in crisis while helping veterans find housing, navigate difficult circumstances, and access support. His volunteer work with The American Legion, his church's food pantry, and other local organizations embodies what it truly means to put service above self. This year Izzy received the New York State Suicide Prevention Center Pair-Up Award. I am proud to recognize him as one of New York's 17th District Veterans of the Year. Mr. Speaker, his selfless service is an example to us all. I thank Izzy for his extraordinary service to our veterans, community, and country. I wish my friend the very best in his retirement.

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House of Representatives

Honoring the Legacy and Life of Lauren Shields

2026-07-14

“I am sad that my friend Lauren Shields died. She helped pass a law to get more organ donors. I think organ donation is good. I want people to register as organ donors. I hope her family and loved ones feel better.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary legacy and life of Lauren Shields, who recently passed away at just 26 years old. Lauren was the definition of a fighter. After receiving a lifesaving heart transplant as a child and a kidney transplant from her mother in 2020, she chose to dedicate her life to serving others. A proud graduate of Albertus Magnus High School and Dominican University, Lauren became a tireless advocate for organ donation, helping pass Lauren's Law, which expanded New York's organ donor registry, before serving as a community and government affairs liaison at LiveOnNY. I had the privilege of knowing Lauren. I was proud to call her a friend. Even in passing, Lauren gave hope to others as a tissue donor. Today, thousands of Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Lauren's legacy reminds us that one decision can save lives and give families more time. I urge all of my colleagues and all Americans to consider registering as organ donors. My deepest condolences go out to Lauren's parents, Jeanne and David; her brother, Brandon; and all of her loved ones. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: It is not length of life, but depth of life. In her short life, Lauren made the Hudson Valley and our country a better place. May she rest in peace.

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